Expansion into new markets has helped national law firm Bevan Brittan, which has an office in Bristol, maintain strong growth, with annual revenue, profits and investment all increasing.
Net profit rose by 4.2% to £9.97m on turnover up 4.5% at £46m for the financial year 2018/19. 
Its Bristol office, where it employs around 230 legal professionals and support staff, including 28 partners, has achieved organic growth of 40% over the past six years.
While the firm has traditionally led in sectors such as local government, the NHS, independent and social care and the wider housing sector, it has widened its approach over recent years.
That has enabled it to successfully enter new markets including energy sustainability, manufacturing, insurance and technology. As a result, the firm – which also has offices in Birmingham, Leeds and London – now advises more than 800 businesses across the country.
Bevan Brittan said it had made “substantial investments” in its capability and capacity in Bristol.
Its office head in the city, Rosemary Jago, pictured, said: “This has been another strong financial year for the firm. 
“Bristol is a fast-developing and dynamic city where a spirit of innovation and forward thinking is driving business confidence and growth. We are committed to playing an active role in the business life of the city and are delighted to be supporting a number of key business events and networks.
“During the year, we have recruited senior legal professionals who have broadened our offering in specialist areas, including corporate and commercial, regeneration and property, information law and the digital economy.
“Seven years of excellent continuous revenue growth has given us the solid financial performance platform to invest in and maintain excellent service delivery for our clients and to begin introducing true agile working across the country and our Bristol office.”
Highlights for the firm in Bristol during the year included:
- A Tier One ranking in sector ‘bible’ the Legal 500 in three practice areas in the South West – local government, health and employment. In the acclaimed Chambers guide, the firm achieved Band One status for social housing in the South West and nationally in clinical negligence, healthcare and local government – for which Bristol teams make a significant contribution
- Last October the firm supported the Bristol Housing Festival in its aims to generate new ideas and thinking to support local government in creating housing, places and thriving new communities in Bristol and elsewhere. The firm is also the primary sponsors of the One Health Tech Bristol membership group
- Ten Bristol lawyers were promoted during the year, including two new partners Carlton Sadler (regulatory and compliance) and Hannah Taylor (medical law)
- Its IT Infrastructure was upgraded with a new practice management system and software to further support agile working.
Looking ahead, the firm is supporting Bristol’s Festival of Sustainable Business in September. The festival is dedicated to promoting, celebrating and helping businesses progress in their sustainability efforts. Bevan Brittan is chairing the sustainable construction seminar to support Bristol’s 2030 carbon neutrality target.
