INDEPENDENT FIRM OF THE YEAR NORTH/SCOTLAND 2018

JMWWINNER

JMW has carved out a superb niche in the North West. In 2017 its results revealed exceptional growth in revenue and profit, up by 25 per cent and 71 per cent respectively. Neither was that year a one-off; since 2010 the firm, led by Joy Kingsley, has posted double-digit growth every year. While JMW has made a habit of making eye-catching laterals, it has also invested in its own people. Of the firm’s 20 trainees, 19 were previously paralegals at the firm. JMW has seen some notable successes in litigation, including a group litigation against Morrisons on a data leak – the first data leak class action in the UK. Clients that instruct the firm include Sale Sharks, London Sport Exchange, Tattu and Silverlane Developments.

The judges decided JMW was the standout entry in a strong category and singled out examples of client-friendly innovation, including 30 minutes free advice for employees of client companies. ‘Its growth and success is driven by its digital and entrepreneurial approach to the legal sector,’ they said, commending its ‘wide-ranging and high profile work portfolio, financial transparency and extremely strong growth figures’.

Highly commended: Shulmans

Shulmans has motored over the last few years, with turnover in 2017 up 20 per cent to £16m. With determined leadership, the firm has distinguished itself by strong investment in operational excellence, including a focus on innovative pricing. That ethos has won it a slew of national clients including Lidl, Greggs, Barrtt Homes and motorway service station operator Extra MSA. Judges praised its ‘impressive organic growth, excellent client wins and people focus’.

Commended: Thorntons

Thorntons has rapidly made a name for itself as a progressive, growing firm in Soctland. 2017-18 saw it revamping its processes and client service delivery and acquiring Pagan Osborne from administration – a deal that accelerated its ambition to be a £30m turnover business by 2020. The judges noted its ‘strong leadership’, ‘smart initiatives’, ‘innovative pricing models’ and clear focused strategy’.