Annual turnover at South West law firm Foot Anstey has increased by 13% to £43.3m with growth in its core industry sectors particularly strong.
The firm, which has offices in Bristol, Taunton, Exeter, Plymouth, Truro, Southampton and London, said the latest results means it has grown by 80% over the past five years and more than doubled in size since 2010. 
Revenue from clients its in core industry sectors of banking and financial services; media and technology; property, infrastructure and construction; and retail, leisure, food and drinkgrew by 26% overall, with its work for retail, energy and property businesses enjoying particularly significant growth.
In practice areas the corporate and real estate performed strongly with growth of 18% and 17% respectively. During the year the firm extended its panel appointment with Kingfisher as well as winning new work with Cath Kidston, Flybe and Princess Yachts in the past few months.
It also moved its clinical negligence brand into a separate business entity called Enable Law, which has since grown by 15%.
Six years after opening in Bristol with just 10 employees, it moved into its new showpiece office at 2 Glass Wharf, Temple Quay – where it employs more than 130 people – and also opened a permanent Southampton base.
Managing partner John Westwell said: “This continued growth is the result of our determined focus on our strategy to gain market share through providing a client-centric service and investing in high quality talent.
“We have continued to enhance our client base, working with large well-known brands in all our sectors. We’re also proud of our record of innovation and agility, which has helped us respond to clients’ needs.
“The next year will be an exciting one for the firm as we head towards a new strategic period. Our focus will be on looking ahead to ensure we continue to address all the challenges and opportunities affecting modern law firms and distinguish ourselves from the pack.”
The firm also said that Simon Gregory had decided to step down as chair of the firm but will continue to be a partner and board member.
The new chair is Duncan Ralph, a partner and commercial and financial director, who has been with Foot Anstey since 2009 and already plays a significant role on the management board.
John Westwell added: “We are indebted to Simon for his outstanding leadership as chair.”
