Insider Media Limited

Newcastle-under-Lyme-based solicitors Hacking Ashton has revealed plans to expand its office after merging with North Staffordshire firm Bailey, Wain & Curzon (BWC). The two firms said the deal would strengthen both firms in advance of changes to the Legal Services Act, which come into force on 1 October.

The venture will create a practice of 46 employees, Insider has been told.

Jim Hickey, head of private client business at Hacking Ashton, said BWC was "the perfect fit" to join the Newcastle firm.

He said: "Their reputation in North Staffordshire is exemplary and they have a range of expertise that really complements ours.

"Hacking Ashton's experience in the business sector and our depth of infrastructure will undoubtedly give BWC added stability. This is a wonderful opportunity for both firms."

Family solicitor BWC, headed by Anthony Curzon and David Moore, said it would benefit from the Newcastle firm's organisational structure.

Moore, head of family and employment law, said: "With new regulations for solicitors coming in to force as of 1 October and with business confidence building, the merger gives both firms the opportunity to consolidate their strong position and offer customers a wider range of services."

Hickey added that Hacking Ashton would gain from BWC’s expertise in the private client sector and 60 years of experience.

Bailey, Wain & Curzon will continue to work from its Fenton offices, which employ ten people, and Hacking Ashton from their central Newcastle location, which has 36 employees.

Thomas Bailey, who founded the BWC, will continue to assist in the property, probate and wills department with his son Robert Bailey after the merger has completed.

The merger is the latest in a long line of similar deals as established law firms across the UK have sought to combine practices and offices in preparation for the changes to the Legal Services Act.

Under new rules which will be introduced on 1 October, organisations including supermarkets will be allowed to offer legal services for the first time.

Des Hudson, chief executive of the Law Society, recently spoke out against the introduction of the legislation, and declared the changes could mean the departure of many firms from the market.

He said: "A likely consequence is the consolidation of practices into larger and better resourced units, and the exit from the market of some firms. As institutional operators and larger practices move onto their patch, some traditional high street firms will struggle to compete unless they adapt."