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North East legal firm Winn Group has launched a recruitment drive to fill more than 100 jobs as it seeks to grow amid a series of contract wins.

The Newcastle-based business currently has 494 staff across the group and said it plans to top 600 before the year ends, triggering the opening of a new office to accommodate the growing workforce. The organisation has taken over a third office space across the way from its Brinkburn Street base, adding to its existing offices on Heaton Road.

Winn Group CEO Chris Birkett said he is confident the future is looking bright for the company, adding: “Even throughout the pandemic, as a group, we have been working hard in all areas of the business. As a result of new contracts won, our work volumes have more than doubled from before the start of the pandemic. We have recently expanded our premises and located 75 members of staff into a new purpose-built office space. Our sales pipeline opportunities continue to grow and 2022 is proving to be another good year for growth.

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“The group is maintaining its investment in infrastructure, training, recruitment and technology to make sure our clients continue to receive excellent customer service over the coming years. Thanks to our 24/7, 365 days a year first notification of loss operation, together with our unique telematics offering, we continue to attract a number of household names in the insurance sector who wish to partner with us.”

The group has seen growth in the legal, claims and medicolegal areas of the company, driven by notable contract wins by On Medical 24/7, another Winn Group brand.

The expansion comes as the firm publishes accounts for one its companies, Winn Solicitors Ltd, covering the year ended March 31 2022. The company employs around 290 of its overall workforce, and said turnover increased from £13.9m to £17.5m. Operating profit also doubled from £2.64m to £5.46m, and overall profit for the year came in at £4.4m, more than double the previous year’s £2.13m.

In the accounts Mr Birkett said: “Winn Solicitors Limited activity was influenced by the implementation of the new whiplash reform but managed to end the financial year with a 26% increase in legal fees thanks to the courts resuming face to face hearings. The group started the diversification in new law businesses by recruiting expertise in the field and in-house training. We are confident that new cases will continue increasing next financial year.”