Bristol’s Ampa reports 16 per cent growth prior to merger
Bristol-based legal and professional services group Ampa, has released its latest end-year results, reporting 16 per cent growth before factoring in its two recent mergers.
The group, which includes full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau, consumer law firm Lime Solicitors, planning consultancy Marrons Planning, uninsured loss recovery experts Corclaim and cyber security consultancy CSS Assure, has also celebrated crossing the £80 million turnover line for the first time, reporting an end-year turnover of £80.4 million.
This is set to increase in the next year following the group’s two most recent mergers – Sussex-based law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter joined the group in May of this year and Bristol’s GL Law will become part of Shakespeare Martineau later this year. The group expects this to bring turnover up to around £105 million, an increase of 50 per cent.
Sarah Walker-Smith, CEO of Ampa, said: “In 2020 we pressed ahead with our plans despite the uncertainty of the pandemic. Our house of brands portfolio provides resilience and sustainability in a volatile and uncertain economic and political landscape. We are looking to change business for good – benefitting our clients, communities and people with a collaborative and conscious approach to commercial strategy.”
Last year, Ampa created more than 190 new roles, hired 17 lateral partners and promoted more than 30 employees across both legal and non-legal teams. It has also avoided creating redundancies as part of its mergers.
Sarah added: “While we are taking our time ensuring that the practicalities of our current mergers work and that our people and clients have room to grow, we are continuing conversations with interested people who are seeking to join one of our existing brands as a ‘bolt on’ or – for bigger brands with unique geographies or different services – to join as a new ‘legal regional anchor’ or ‘other professional services’ brand.
“Our overall approach is different because we don’t combine with flailing businesses, but ones that are ambitious and looking for a fast-track to fuel growth. Culture comes first and if the main objective is to make a quick gain at others’ expense, then we know we’re not a fit.”
Read more - Shakespeare Martineau moves into Bristol as it merges with GL Law
