London expansion & record revenues drive next phase of growth at Brabners

We’re delighted to announce the opening of a new office in London. This marks a major milestone for our firm and it comes at the end of a year defined by strong financial performance, continued investment in our people and sustained national growth. 

With revenue surpassing £60m, profits increasing and our team approaching 600 colleagues, the past 12 months have laid the groundwork for this next phase as we prepare to establish a long‑term presence in the capital.

Strategic expansion — London 

Building on this momentum, we’ve confirmed our plans to enter the London market with our new permanent City office opening in mid‑2026 — a landmark step that reflects both our sustained growth and the evolving needs of our clients.

Our move into the capital is a natural progression for us and will amplify our national reach, strengthening the support we offer to clients across the UK and internationally.

This follows our successful entry into the Leeds market in 2022 and further reinforces our position as a leading independent law firm.

Our London office will be anchored by two senior partner appointments:

• Stuart Hatcher, Corporate Partner, bringing extensive experience advising privately‑owned businesses and deep sector expertise in sport, including his role as a director of Brentford FC.
• Russell Strong, Litigation Partner, specialising in high‑value commercial litigation and international arbitration.

They’ll work alongside our existing London‑based real estate and tax partners, Ross Shine and Euri Yoon, establishing a permanent platform in the capital and laying the foundations for us to play an active role in the London market in the years ahead.

Operational excellence & sector highlights 

Our corporate team remained one of the UK’s most active dealmakers, advising on transactions worth more than £500m in the first half of 2025 alone — double the value of the same period last year.

Standout mandates included advising on the sale of a majority stake in the £350m‑turnover engineering firm William Hare Group.

Our litigation practice secured a landmark defamation victory in the Supreme Court while our specialist sports team continued to grow with new mandates for the World Boxing Championships and Wrexham AFC.

Our True North network — bringing together like‑minded businesses, leaders and organisations committed to unlocking the North’s economic potential — continues to thrive, now with more than 580 members. Its influence is growing as it champions the positive role purpose‑led business can play in driving economic growth and inclusive prosperity.

Innovation remains central to our strategy with significant investment planned in AI, technology infrastructure and data analytics to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.

Culture & excellence

At the heart of our performance is our continued investment in our people.

During this period, we were ranked among the best UK law firms and as the sixth best large company to work for nationally — recognition of our long-standing commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive and high-performing workplace.

Social mobility remains a key pillar of our approach. We’re committed to removing barriers for candidates from lower socio-economic backgrounds, ensuring access to a career in law is based on potential, not privilege. As a result, 36% of our current trainee cohort identify as having experienced high levels of socio-economic disadvantage.

This focus is integral to our wider strategic goal to lead on social impact — a commitment that we’ll carry into London as we grow our presence in the capital.

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace has been recognised with Equality, Diversity and Inclusion awards at both the Manchester and Liverpool Legal Awards.

ESG & social impact

We continue to make strong progress against our environmental and social targets and remain proud of our B Corp certification. Over the last financial year, we achieved a 19% reduction in energy consumption across our office estate, supported by our transition to more sustainable, modern workspaces in Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds.

We’re also continuing to support social mobility and community initiatives. This includes the Maurice Watkins Bursary that provides financial support for aspiring lawyers from diverse backgrounds and our ongoing commitment to the peatland restoration project at Kingsdale Head.

The Brabners Foundation continues to reinvest our success into the communities we serve. Since 2019, more than £210,000 has been donated through 86 grants to charitable organisations across the North — including £30,000 donated to eight charities in the last year. Current charity partners include the Wakefield Hospice in Yorkshire, Be Free Campaign in Liverpool and North West Air Ambulance.

Hear from our leadership

Robert White, CEO, said:

“This year’s financial performance provides a fantastic springboard as we begin the next phase of our growth. Most notably marked with our entry into the London market.

What we have achieved in the last year — and in the past eight years — is testament to the quality of our firm, the ambition of our clients and the strength of our relationships with them, as well as the aspiration and commitment of our people. 

Surpassing the £60m revenue mark is a significant milestone. And as we look ahead, our focus remains on delivering client-centred, scalable growth that enhances our ability to invest in exceptional talent, technology and innovation — and above all else that supports and protects our independence.” 

Nik White, Managing Partner, said: 

“Our success is driven by our people, and we are incredibly proud to be approaching 600 colleagues across the firm. Fundamental to who we are — and underpinning our ability to attract and retain outstanding colleagues — is our culture. 

Launching in London is a landmark moment for Brabners. It allows us to build our presence in the capital while staying true to our values, strengthening our offering to clients and playing our part as an engaged and responsible member of the London business community.” 

Talk to us by calling 0333 004 4488 or emailing hello@brabners.com.