Knights eyes 'next phase of growth' after funding boost

A national legal and professional services firm says it is set to “pursue high-quality acquisition opportunities” after securing a new £159 million banking facility backed by NatWest.

The new revolving credit facility, provided by a three-bank consortium, includes a £42 million commitment from NatWest and will support Knights as it continues to expand through acquisitions while investing in technology and artificial intelligence.

The funding, which runs until July 2029, replaces the group’s previous £100 million facility and provides additional capacity to grow its presence in existing markets and expand into new locations.

Headquartered in Staffordshire, Knights has built a nationwide network of offices through a combination of acquisitions and organic growth since adopting its corporate structure in 2012.

The firm reported a 28 per cent increase in revenue to £207.7 million for the year ending April 30, 2026, while underlying profit before tax rose 19 per cent to £33.2 million.

Revenues have doubled over the past five years.

Alongside future acquisitions, Knights – which was recently headline sponsor of Bdaily publisher NET’s annual NET 250 event – plans to continue investing in technology, including artificial intelligence, to automate processes, improve productivity and enhance client service across its national network.

Recent acquisitions include IBB Law, in the Thames Valley; Birkett Long, in Essex; and Rix & Kay, in Kent and Sussex.

The group has also expanded organically with the opening of its first office outside England in Cardiff.

David Beech, chief executive of Knights, said: “Our regional markets are changing quickly, creating significant opportunities for a business with the scale, financial strength and operational platform to invest and grow.

“The increased facility gives us additional flexibility to pursue high-quality acquisition opportunities while continuing to invest in our people, technology and services.

“NatWest has been a valued banking partner throughout our growth journey. 

“Its understanding of our business and ability to support our evolving funding requirements have helped us put the right foundations in place for our next phase of growth.”

NatWest increased its participation in the banking facility from £27 million to £42 million, with the transaction led by the bank’s structured finance team alongside its relationship banking specialists.

Will Jones, relationship director at NatWest, added: “Knights has challenged the traditional law-firm model and built one of the most distinctive growth businesses in the UK professional services market.

“Its combination of national scale, strong regional roots and a proven acquisition strategy has driven significant growth. 

“This new facility gives the business the capacity to move decisively on further opportunities while continuing to invest in the technology and infrastructure it needs for its next stage of development.

“We have supported Knights as it has grown, and our increased commitment reflects both the strength of that relationship and our confidence in its strategy.”

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