Legal firm Harrison Drury has chosen Stoke-on-Trent as a base for its first office outside of the North West – with a local professional at the helm.
The company opened its new office location at Smithfield Works, in Hanley, on Monday, hailing it as an ‘incredible opportunity’ to support the area’s business and professional community.
Its ninth office will be led by corporate partner Hayley Goodwin, who is originally from Stoke-on-Trent, trained in the city and previously worked at Knights and Grindeys.
She joined Harrison Drury in June last year and has played a key role in the firm’s fast-growing Manchester office.
Hayley said: “Being from Stoke, you’re always aware of this region’s amazing industrial heritage and entrepreneurial mindset. We’re home to a significant number of global companies, as well as a vast array of SMEs and owner-managed businesses.
“We have fast growing tech and advanced manufacturing sectors, while multi-million-pound regeneration schemes like the Etruscan Square and Station Gateway projects are set to bring significant investment to the city.
“We felt there was an incredible opportunity for an independent law firm of our size and capability to thrive here and we’re looking forward immensely to working alongside other professional firms in the region to support businesses and individuals.”
Harrison Drury’s Manchester office opened in January last year with an initial team of two which quickly grew and there are now 30 members of staff in the city.
Rick Life, partner and head of Harrison Drury’s Manchester office, said: “We see our Stoke office developing in a similar way in terms of bringing in talented and dedicated people who can help our clients achieve their goals.
“In Hayley, we have someone leading the office who is passionate about the area and is also well connected with the professional services community.”
Harrison Drury has over 200 employees in eight existing offices.
