Kent law firm Thackray Williams open to merger after record results

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Daniel Face

Simon Slater, non-executive chair of Thackray Williams

Thackray Williams has posted its best results yet for the financial year 2023/24, positioning it for potential inclusion among the UK’s top 200 law firms later this year.

The firm was formed in 2004 following the merger of Thackray Wood and Leigh Williams, and is headquartered in Bromley with offices in Kent.

It’s just revealed annual revenues of £12.2 million – up 9.1 per cent on the year prior.

The firm’s private wealth department saw the highest growth (24 per cent), followed by the leasehold department (15 per cent) and both employment and corporate (11 per cent).

The news follows the launch of a new strategy built around six core sectors – private wealth, real estate, sport, retail-hospitality and leisure, financial and professional services, and education.

It also comes alongside expansion in the firm’s corporate/commercial division, which has seen revenues grow 27 per cent over the past three years.

Simon Slater, non-executive chair, said: “Our results are a direct result of continued organic growth from ‘significant’ new client wins.

“Given typical law firm growth rates are between 6 and 8 per cent, delivering 9.1 per cent revenue growth and a net profit margin of 21 per cent shows what an exceptional year our teams have delivered.

“Our performance is in line with expectations as we look to become a £15 million firm by 2027.”

Simon, whose career has included time at Charles Russell Speechlys, Eversheds and Cripps, added that Thackray Williams is focusing on accelerating year-on-year growth.

“While we’re committed to our strategy of further organic growth, we’ll also consider alternative options, such as merger and acquisition, in order to increase our sector exposure, expand geographically and achieve our growth ambitions.

“The year ahead will again see us identify and recruit senior lateral hires to enhance our service to clients and move us forward in our chosen sectors and practice areas.”

With more than 130 staff on the payroll, the firm has seen revenues at its Sevenoaks branch jump to £2 million since the office opened five years ago.

It’s also recently announced the appointment of four new partners to sustain its ongoing growth.

Daniel Face

Born and raised in Berkshire, Dan fell into journalism after completing his bachelor’s degree in English at UCL. Writing for The Business Magazine and local Biz News sites has given him the opportunity to chat with all manner of small business owners and share their success stories with a wider audience. Outside of work, Dan enjoys live music, board games and quiz shows, and is making a slow but persistent effort to learn Spanish.