North West Christmas convo: Mark Hirst of Bromleys

Christmas is almost upon us and it’s been a well and truly exciting year for the North West business community.

With many of the region’s business people no doubt looking forward to grabbing a glass of wine and putting their feet up, or allowing themselves to slip into a post-roast dinner snooze while pretending to listen to the kids, at Bdaily we thought we’d bring you closer to the personalities behind some of the North West’s most exciting enterprises.

Today’s festive catchup is with Mark Hirst, senior partner at law firm Bromleys.

What did your business achieve in 2015?

“We have increased profitability while maintaining inward investment in the firm and increasing our headcount by nearly 20%.”

What were some of the bigger challenges you faced this year?

A decrease in revenue from Legal Aid and recruitment of great quality staff. We have controlled the former, and fortunately our reputation has enabled us to engage some top-quality staff to help us move forward in 2016.

Does your business have anything exciting planned for 2016?

“We have various marketing initiatives ready to launch which we believe are innovative and will appeal to, and benefit, our clients.”

Do you find any other North West businesses or their owners inspiring? If so, who?

“I am always interested to follow Tim Bacon and his Living Ventures Group. They have a very clear and distinct style which they have rolled out through different brands, and they are very focused on development and continually investing in the business.”

Give us one tip for a budding entrepreneur

“While inspiration is important, there is no substitute for perspiration!”

Where’s your favourite village/town/city in the North West, besides where you live?

“Carlisle – it is an attractive city with its own identity, with fabulous and differing countryside on its doorstep – the Lake District, the Pennines, fabulous beaches on the Solway Coast and, slightly to the north, the Scottish borders.”

What would be your dream job?

“Having just followed the Rugby World Cup around England, it would have to be either a rugby correspondent or leader of international rugby tours.”

Do you have a favourite Christmas song?

“As a throwback to my chorister days, you can’t beat In The Bleak Midwinter.“