Blandy & Blandy LLP celebrates landmark

At its summer garden party on June 14, Blandy & Blandy LLP marked its 285th anniversary, meaning that it is one of the Thames Valley’s longest established firms and among the 25 oldest law firms in the UK

During that time Reading has grown exponentially, from a population of around 5,000 to an estimated 300,000, making the town larger than many UK cities.

1 Friar Street remains the firm’s longstanding home, alongside offices at 33 Blagrave Street and in Henley-on-Thames and London, as the firm continues to grow. With more than 110 staff, half of whom are lawyers, the firm provides a ‘full service’ offering to individuals, families and businesses.

At the garden party, chairman Brenda Long announced Blandy & Blandy’s acquisition of Clarkslegal LLP’s private client business, further reinforcing Blandy’s position as one of the leading firms advising individuals and families in the south of England.

On the commercial side too, Blandy & Blandy is very much a part of Reading’s future as much as it is of its history, advising prominent ‘institutions’ ranging from Reading Borough Council to Reading Transport Group, large and fast growing businesses, well-known charities and leading independent schools based in the area. The firm also continues to advise in relation to high-profile premises ranging from Thames Tower to Green Park and on some of the region’s largest residential and mixed use developments.

Further, Blandy & Blandy advises a growing number of clients based nationally, as well as UK subsidiaries of multinational companies, as Reading and the Thames Valley increasingly become a ‘go to’ destination for those investing in the UK market as well as others relocating from London or elsewhere in the country. The firm is a keen supporter of bodies and initiatives including Reading UK, the Reading 2050 vision, Thames Valley Berkshire LEP and the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Blandy & Blandy also continues to experience a rise in demand from UK clients with legal requirements overseas. It is a member of the Law Firm Network, recognised in Chambers Global Guide as a leading international network of over 50 independent law firms worldwide. In 2016, the firm hosted the Network’s three-day EMEA conference here in Reading, flying the flag for the region.

Long commented: “Reading and Henley continue to be exciting and thriving towns to be a part of and with the advent of Crossrail and ongoing town-centre developments, they look set to continue to grow. There is still a real air of positivity in the region, despite any uncertainty, among businesses and in relation to both the commercial and residential property markets. Having toasted our 285th anniversary and the firm’s history and longevity at our annual summer garden party our focus remains on a bright and exciting future”.