A MAJOR acquisition, a new office launch and continuing recruitment made 2014 another year of substantial expansion for West Yorkshire law firm Newtons Solicitors.

The acquisition of long-established practice Thorp Parker LLP, Stokesley, and opening of Newtons Solicitors Ilkley office, were among highlights in a year which saw group’s network expand to nine offices across Teesside and North and West Yorkshire.

A total of ten new solicitors and 13 support staff were also recruited by the law firm, taking its total workforce to 70 – just five years after it was founded by husband-and-wife legal entrepreneurs, Chris and Sarah Newton, from their Harrogate home in 2009.

Managing director Chris Newton said: “Our Ilkley office, led by Victoria Trelease, is a completely new opening for us, our first move into West Yorkshire.

“Our group fee income increased from £1.8m in 2013 to £2.6m in 2014, and is expected to leap to £3.7m in 2015. Credit has to go to our superb team that continues to deliver and attract more clients and lawyers who want to work with us.

“Our medium term goal of reaching a £5m fee income is now in sight.”

Newtons Solicitors also has offices in Harrogate, Ripon, York, Leyburn, Richmond and Darlington.