Harrison Drury strengthens Manchester team

Northern law firm Harrison Drury has strengthened its Manchester office with the appointment of two legal directors as it continues to expand its presence in the city.

Claire Meyers joins the firm’s commercial and intellectual property team, while Ben Jackson has been appointed to its corporate team.

Claire brings more than 20 years’ experience advising UK and international businesses on intellectual property, commercial and competition matters.

She joins from specialist intellectual property firm Brandsmiths, where she was of counsel, and has represented clients in disputes involving trademarks, copyright, patents and design rights.

Her experience spans sectors including retail, entertainment, healthcare and fashion, with recognition in the Legal 500 and other industry directories.

Claire said: “Harrison Drury gives me the opportunity to bring my specialist IP experience into a full-service law firm where we can support clients across a much broader range of commercial issues.

“I was attracted by the quality of the firm’s clients and its approach to building long-term relationships with them. 

“There’s also a real opportunity to help grow our IP practice and be part of a team that continues to make great strides in the Manchester market.”

Rory O’Hare, commercial and IP partner at Harrison Drury, added: “Claire is a high-calibre senior lawyer whose appointment underlines our ambition to continue adding significant experience and specialist expertise to our Manchester team.

“Her track record in intellectual property adds further depth to our commercial offering and gives us an opportunity to expand our IP work. 

“She also brings the kind of expertise and profile that will help us build our presence in Manchester.”

Meanwhile, Ben joins after more than a decade at Newcastle-based Hay & Kilner, latterly as a senior associate.

He specialises in advising businesses across emerging technology, software, advanced manufacturing and engineering, and also brings expertise in data protection.

Ben added: “Manchester has a thriving and ambitious business community and Harrison Drury is building real momentum in the city.

“The firm has a national reputation for its corporate work supporting entrepreneurs and growing businesses and I’m looking forward to helping develop our corporate presence in the city, supporting more businesses across the region.”

Both will be based at Harrison Drury’s Quay Street offices, which opened in January 2024.

Their appointments come as the firm continues to grow its Manchester operation, which now employs 37 people.

Mark Traynor, partner and head of corporate at Harrison Drury, added: “Ben brings significant corporate experience and a strong understanding of the sectors we work with, including technology, manufacturing and engineering.

“He has joined us with a real appetite to help grow our corporate presence in Manchester and support more businesses across the region. 

“His appointment is another step in developing a team that gives our clients access to industry-leading people.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.