Neil Hudgell set to take on trio of acquisitions in tough market

A YORKSHIRE-based law firm which has been involved in a number of high profile personal injury and clinical negligence cases is on the brink of securing three acquisitions, it was revealed yesterday.

Hull-based Neil Hudgell Solicitors has bought the personal injury and clinical negligence case load of Carters Solicitors, which is based in Peterborough, for an undisclosed sum.

Neil Hudgell, the firm’s managing director, said he anticipated further consolidation in the sector, because smaller firms were finding it harder to survive.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He added: “Carters decided to close because they were struggling to compete for new work with so much competition in the market place.

“Competition is likely to increases still further as deregulation of the market occurs.

“We have lots of deals pending, with three agreed subject to contract and many other discussions ongoing. We attract interest from other firms who are looking to sell.”

Neil Hudgell Solicitors, which has three offices in Hull and one in Leeds, specialises in brain injury and dental negligence cases.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Hudgell added: “We already have a solid track record of success in personal injury and clinical negligence cases.

“Buying up the case load from Carters will contribute to us achieving our aim of growing by 100 per cent in the next three years.”

Mr Hudgell expects the firm’s turnover to rise from £5m to £7m this year.#

Mr Hudgell added: “In three years’ time, we hope to employ between 120 and 150 staff across England, which is at least double our current staffing levels.”

In 2011, Neil Hudgell bought three other legal practices.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The company has access to capital funds which means it can buy personal injury practices, case loads and individual cases.

Paul Halifax, who was one of two partners at Carters, said: “The offer from Neil Hudgell Solicitors allows us to access costs from claims that would otherwise be inaccessible for months to come.” Last year, Neil Hudgell Solicitors bought the personal injury and clinical negligence practices of fellow Hull law firm MMS Solicitors.

The deal included a legal aid contract for clinical negligence work which enabled Neil Hudgell to broaden its representation of seriously injured and vulnerable clients.

In January, Stuart Hanley, a specialist in medical negligence cases including claims for brain injured children, joined Neil Hudgell Solicitors from Langleys Solicitors in York.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Hudgell established his legal practice in Hull in 1997.

He is a member of the Law Society’s Personal Injury Panel and the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.

Neil Hudgell Solicitors is also a member of the brain injury group; a specialist network of lawyers, and rehabilitation experts.

Neil Hudgell recently represented a Hull-based electrician who suffered a torn bowel due to a workplace accident involving a high pressure hose.

The firm also obtained compensation for a woman whose 92-year-old mother died after a fall at a Manchester care home.