Law firm Harrison Drury has opened its first office outside the North West after identifying what it calls an “incredible opportunity” in the West Midlands.
The firm has opened a base in Smithfield Works in Stoke-on-Trent that will be led by corporate partner Hayley Goodwin. Harrison Drury has more than 200 staff across its eight North West offices and now plans to recruit more specialist lawyers in Stoke.
Ms Goodwin joined Harrison Drury’s Manchester office in June 2024. She is originally from Stoke-on-Trent and trained and worked in the city at Knights and Grindeys.
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She said: “Being from Stoke, you’re always aware of this region’s amazing industrial heritage and entrepreneurial mindset. We’re home to a significant number of global companies, as well as a vast array of SMEs and owner managed businesses.
“We felt there was an incredible opportunity for an independent law firm of our size and capability to thrive here and we’re looking forward immensely to working alongside other professional firms in the region to support businesses and individuals.”
Rick Life, partner and head of Harrison Drury’s Manchester office, said: “When we opened our Manchester office in January 2024, we were initially a team of two, but we grew quickly and now have more than 30 staff in the city.
“We see our Stoke office developing in a similar way in terms of bringing in talented and dedicated people who can help our clients achieve their goals. In Hayley, we have someone leading the office who is passionate about the area and is also well connected with the professional services community.
“We want our growth as a firm to be considered and sustainable, expanding into other locations only where opportunities present themselves and it makes sense to do so. Hayley’s knowledge, experience and local connections has made this decision a natural step.”