London-based firm earned almost £450m in fee income last year and operates in 32 countries and will initially employ 25 people in Liverpool city centre from September. Tony McDonough reports

Leading international law firm Taylor Wessing is to open an office in Liverpool, in a major inward investment coup for the city.

The full-service practice, which has its headquarters in London, will open its base in the city centre in September and is currently looking at options for office space, at first moving into flexible space while long-term accommodation is secured.

Taylor Wessing said the initially it would be employing around 25 people in the first few weeks of its presence in Liverpool – in both legal services and operational support roles – and would base a partner in the city.

The firm is also proposing to move a 12-strong business acceptance team to Liverpool. Over the autumn, the business will continue reviewing its operations to assess how the office should grow to support its ambitions.

Expanding markets

Managing partner Tim Eyles said: “We work with our clients in dynamic, expanding markets and our service delivery must evolve to reflect that. Having enjoyed a period of strong growth, I’m pleased that we can continue our upward curve of investment in future operations.

“This is about providing a catalyst for long-term reinvention to continue to deliver a better service, being smart with our resources and continuing to invest in more people – we will need them.

“Liverpool is a vibrant city that, like Taylor Wessing, provides an environment which enables creativity to thrive.”

Growing confidence

The announcement follows months of discussions between Taylor Wessing and Invest Liverpool, the city council’s inward investment agency.

Mayor Joe Anderson added: “It is fantastic to welcome Taylor Wessing, a successful and expanding international firm to Liverpool. The firm’s decision to locate here, like the Royal College of Physicians and many other prestigious organisations, further underlines the private sector’s growing confidence to invest in our city.

“Taylor Wessing engaged warmly with us during the process of choosing their new operation location, so we have got to know them well and we are looking forward to this union going from strength to strength.”

Global reach

The law firm has more than 400 partners and 1,100 lawyers in 32 countries around the world with combined UK and international fee income of just over £300m.

Ellen Cutler, director of Invest Liverpool, also said: “To attract a major firm such as Taylor Wessing is wonderful news for the city. Invest Liverpool has developed a close working relationship with the firm during the decision-making process, and we look forward to continuing and growing this relationship as it commences its Liverpool operations.”