Liverpool-based Exchange, which has more than 170 barristers working across the North of England, says turnover soared 7.5% to £33.1m. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool barristers chambers, Exchange Chambers is “actively exploring opportunities in London” after seeing annual turnover rise 7.5% to a record £33.1m.
The figure for the 2018/19 financial year has raised aspirations at the chambers, which has more than 170 barristers working across the North of England. It is also set to invest in a new pupillage academy, set to open in September 2020.
Bill Braithwaite QC, head of chambers, said: “It has been a very positive 12 months with all our departments performing strongly. The multi-disciplinary nature of chambers is driving high quality instructions across the board.
“As we have become more of a national chambers with a national reputation, we have been actively exploring opportunities in London, and we have looked at several potential opportunities.
“Chambers’ strong financial performance positions us well for future growth and expansion into new markets.”
Mr Braithwaite said Exchange’s expansion strategy across the North had delivered strong organic growth. He added: “We are open to discussions with other like-minded chambers in London – but we also have sufficient confidence in our multi-disciplinary business model to go it alone and grow organically.”
Chief executive Tom Handley also said: “The launch of a pupillage academy – in effect, a national centre of excellence for aspiring barristers – marks our commitment to the next generation of talent.”