Watson Burton

Turnover (£m): 13.2
RPL (£k): 189

Newcastle-headquartered Watson Burton reached its 200th birthday in 2011, but the firm continued to struggle after losing a ­number of partners in recent years, including senior partner Rob Langley. Langley ­announced his departure for rival firm Muckle in April 2010 and was replaced as senior ­partner by Gillian Hall two months later.

Departures during 2010-11 included those of insolvency head Andrew Cawkwell, wealth management head Keith Hately, who also joined Muckle, and real estate head Simon Scougall, who went in-house at Bellway.

Estimated turnover dropped to £13.2m, £10m down from the 2007-08 high of £23m. Profitability is also likely to be hit.

On a more positive note, Watson Burton ­retained its place on the Taylor Wimpey and One North East panels, while Scougall’s exit to a key client could help the firm maintain its ­relationship with Bellway. Nevertheless, ­Watson Burton’s declining headcount will not make it easy for the firm to regain the ground it has lost since 2007-08.