Business & Economy
Muckle LLP – A different kind of law firm
November 10, 2023
A record-breaking performance has helped Muckle LLP chalk up a second consecutive year of double-figure growth. Here, Jason Wainwright, managing partner at the Newcastle-headquartered leading regional law firm for businesses, looks at the secrets of its success and explains why it is primed for further expansion.
Leading regional law firm for businesses Muckle LLP has praised the fantastic support of its people, clients and suppliers after reporting another record-breaking year of increased turnover and profitability.
Muckle LLP, which has its headquarters in Newcastle and a regional hub in Penrith, Cumbria, recorded turnover of £16.3 million up to March 2023, which represented 14 per cent growth compared to 2022.
It is the law firm’s second consecutive year of double-digit growth.
Managing partner Jason Wainwright [pictured, right] puts the company’s success down to its open, people-led culture, its focused growth strategy, which began in 2020, its continued expansion in Cumbria, exceptional client service and commitment to its people, clients and communities.
Growth and expansion
Muckle LLP continued its expansion and strong footprint in its agriculture and rural estates team, recording a number of significant client wins, as well as fantastic growth in all teams.
Particularly pleasing was the growth in its banking (45 per cent), construction (44 per cent) and disputes teams (30 per cent), which delivers against the legal firm’s diversification strategy.
When it comes to the bottom line, Muckle LLP delivered increased profits of 15 per cent on the financial year 2022.
Award-winning teams
Muckle LLP’s success is demonstrated by the various awards it has won for its culture, both regionally and nationally.
It is proud to have won ‘Business of the Year’ and ‘Best Place to Work’ at the finals of the North East Business Awards, while national awards include an Investors in People Platinum award in November 2022, ranking second in the world for law firms of its size.
It has also been shortlisted for the UK Employer of the Year (50-249 people): Platinum honour at the Investors In People Awards 2023.
Additionally, the firm has been consistently recognised for its commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG).
Most recently, after being named a regional ‘Community Champion’ winner, it has been shortlisted in the national finals of the British Chambers of Commerce’s awards.
Values-led success
Jason says: “We absolutely believe that our values and culture, which underlie all that we do, helps us to deliver a strong and productive workplace for our people, enables our consistently excellent client experience and underpins our ability to hit our targeted growth trajectory.
“Our business grew in size and capability in 2023, with an additional 15 employees, including some senior investments into some high-growth teams, such as charities, and agriculture and rural estates, as well as our new hub in Cumbria.
“We have also continued to invest in our homegrown talent, with six promotions at the start of 2023, including three to partner level in our agriculture and rural estates, real estate disputes and sports teams, respectively.
“Our investment into the communities in which we live and work continues through our Muckle Community Fund, where we have supported 470 charities with in excess of 692 grants adding up to more than £650,000 since its inception in 2002.
“We were pleased to expand the geographic footprint of our awards, making grants to charities supporting families and young people in Cumbria.
“We continue to encourage our people to support our ESG strategy and, this year, have seen such diverse activities as litter picking in Leazes Park, working at the Newcastle West End Foodbank and taking on the Lakes 3000 challenge, raising in excess of £12,000 with the generosity of our contacts and clients.
“We were honoured to accept a ‘Shared Value’ award from Oasis Community Housing for our continued support of homelessness in the region, as well as our recent win of the North East Chamber of Commerce Award for ‘Community Business of the Year’.”
Exciting plans
Jason adds: “Reflecting on the past 12 months, we are proud of our continued and consistent financial and business achievements, as well as the leadership role we play within the North East and Cumbria, its businesses and communities.
“We are the different kind of law firm that we strive to be.
“Looking forward, we are pleased to report our momentum continues, and our turnover is eight per cent up on quarter one on the same period in 2022.
“We have a strong team with some exciting building blocks for continued growth, innovation and profitability in place for the future, which we look forward to with confidence.”