Brachers

Brachers’ turnover rose by 5.8 per cent in 2011–12, from £10.3m to £10.9m, marking a return to form for the Maidstone-headquartered firm.

Net profit grew from £2.2m to £2.5m while average profit per equity partner rose slightly to £179,000, up from £178,000 the previous year. Twelve out of Brachers’ 14 partners are full equity, remunerated on an equity spread that ranged from £132,000 to £199,000.

Overall headcount remained steady. Indeed, after cutting the number of fee earners in 2010–11, the team grew from 85 to 97 during 2011–12. Total staff numbers increased from 163 and 172.

The firm saw an increase in commercial property work, according to chief executive officer Philip Cunningham. In 2011, Brachers also decided to reshuffle some of its litigators and planners to form a designated property litigation team, which is now separate from the general dispute resolution practice.

Litigation, which includes dispute resolution, personal injury, medical negligence and contentious construction, contributed 23 per cent of 2011–12’s turnover. The firm also has a growing number of clients in the agriculture, debt recovery and healthcare sectors.

The firm has offices in Maidstone and London and is not averse to a bolt-on or acquiring other firms, but intends to maintain its Kent focus.