UK’s ‘fastest growing law firm’ expands in Manchester following 450% turnover hike

European law firm Fieldfisher is expanding in Manchester on the back of sustained workforce and turnover growth.

The company has this week (November 1) announced a deal to take additional space at the Free Trade Exchange building on Peter Street.

Fieldfisher, which already occupies the first, fourth and fifth floors of the building, signed up for the 5,700 sq ft third floor after growing its headcount in the city to more than 100.

Fieldfisher Manchester now boasts 13 partners, with the 14th – David Bowcock, former head of corporate at Brabners – soon to join the firm.

In the last three years, the company has seen turnover at its Manchester office rise from £2m to £11m, an increase of 450%.

Globally, Fieldfisher’s revenues hit £165m across its nine offices in 2016/17, up from £145m the year previous, making it the UK’s fastest growing law firm according to Legal Business magazine.

In Manchester, the firm specialises in litigation, real estate, real estate finance, technology, corporate, regulatory, intellectual property, insolvency and employment.

Ian Austin, managing partner of Fieldfisher’s Manchester office, said: “Over the past six to 12 months we have hired the best in class in a number of departments, building on the wealth of experience we already in place.

“Our takeover of another floor in the Free Trade Exchange building is a reflection of this, and growth is only set to continue into next year and beyond.”

He continued: “With the recently announced appointment of real estate partner Krista Powell, we hit the landmark of employing 100 people here in Manchester, which is no mean feat.

“We believe that our ever-expanding office and recent hires will give us an even better platform to expand our presence in the Manchester market during the rest of 2017, into 2018 and beyond.”

Fieldfisher managing partner Michael Chissick commented: “The expansion in Manchester is a reflection of the strength of the firm in the UK as well as the growth of the firm internationally.

“Manchester is recognised as a leading European business destination and Fieldfisher is keen to build on its existing business in the North West and will continue to invest in the team.”

Will Lewis, of real estate consultants OBI Property, advised Fieldfisher on its expansion at the Free Trade Exchange.