Year of change for Weightmans

Legal firm Weightmans LLP, which has its Scottish operation based in Glasgow, has posted record turnover and increased operating profit for its latest financial period.

Turnover increased by 3 per cent to £97.1 million while gross profit was up by 5.3 per cent as the firm emerges from its first year following the launch of a new strategy and restructure.

The firm said it had invested heavily over the past financial year in its offices, technology and people. It consolidated three offices in the south east of England and two in Manchester into new, “state-of-theart” London and Manchester bases, triggering a “marked jump” in productivity and bolstering its presence in the regions.

The firm has also reconfigured its lease and footprint for its Birmingham office, which has undergone a full refurbishment, and saw the roll out of new tech and the introduction of “agile working” following successful pilots in Manchester, London and Leicester.

In the last year, 13 partners have joined the firm, including a sports lawyer and an aviation expert. The firm, which has more than 1,400 people working across its offices, said it had also invested heavily in business services, building its data analytics capability and adding new skills.

Managing partner John Schorah said: “I am proud of all we have achieved in the last 12 months and most of all our people, who have not just embraced change but have been the catalysts in our transformation. Whether investing in technology and innovation, embarking on ambitious recruitment drives or moving into premises that will evolve with us, ultimately we are in the strongest position we have ever been in.

“Our vision is to enhance our business by creating an approach which futureproofs what we do and offers a wealth of opportunity to the people who work for us.”