Irwin takes ‘strides forward’ in the region

The profits per equity partner (PEP) also increased, year on year, from £511,000 to £569,000.

John Pickering, the group chief executive at Irwin Mitchell, which has offices in Leeds and Sheffield, said the firm had taken “strides forward” in Yorkshire, after hiring some key personnel.

In April 2011, Irwin Mitchell said that it planned to take advantage of the provisions of the Legal Services Act to restructure as an Alternative Business Structure (ABS). The Act was created to open up the legal services market. It enables organisations such as supermarkets and banks to offer legal services.

Mr Pickering added: “We are continuing to work with the Solicitors Regulation Authority on our ABS application.

“Once licensed, we have an agenda which we will look to push ahead with focused on growing our business, including further internal investment, improving the services we offer to our clients and looking for other opportunities with which to grow, including potential merger and acquisition activity if the right opportunities come along.”

Across Yorkshire, Irwin Mitchell employs more than 1,300 people.