Reading: Law firm HCR in another merger to drive growth

Law firm Harrison Clark Rickerbys, which has a Thames Valley office in Reading, has extended its reach with another merger.

The latest move brings together the Hereford teams of Harrison Clark Rickerbys (HCR) and Gordon Lutton solicitors, combining strengths to offer clients a breadth and depth of expertise, especially in sectors such as defence and security.

HCR managing partner Rod Thomas said: “Our route to growth has always been guided by client demand, and in Herefordshire that demand has meant this merger is the best step forward to enable both firms to realise their potential.

“As businesses grow, they need the wider resources and greater expertise which we can provide, and while we focus on delivering exceptional client service, our individual offices each have particular sector strengths and service offers which reflect the needs of local business.”

For example, Thomas cited the firm’s defence and security expertise and connections and a recent expo which brought together more than 400 people from across industry at the first Herefordshire Defence and Security Expo in February. The ongoing impact of relationships made at that event is enabling the county’s expertise in defence to be recognised at a national level.

In Worcester, HCR’s strong commercial, private client and health and social care teams are drawing in clients from across the country; the Cheltenham office has especially strong education, corporate and employment teams; in Thames Valley, commercial property and international expertise is drawing clients to HCR’s Green Park offices; and in Birmingham the firm’s insolvency and licensing skills are in demand.

Each office responds to the client demand around it, says HCR, and then draws on other teams to offer the full range of skills needed.