HR&K puts its faith in niche team

City firm Harris Rosenblatt & Kramer has absorbed the banking and finance department of Bromley firm Hill Bailey.

Under an unusual arrangement, the department will still operate in Hill Bailey's offices as a satellite of the City firm.

HR&K will gain a new portfolio of clients, mostly mortgage companies, and seven fee earners. None of the Hill Bailey practitioners will be made partners immediately.

Hill Bailey will continue to run as a private client, commercial and conveyancing practice and will benefit from the extra support and back-up of HR&K.

HR&K has been looking to expand its banking and finance department in terms of clients and staff for some time.

Stephen Finch, partner in charge of banking and finance at the firm, said: "The Hill Bailey package looks good.

"It will strengthen our relationship with existing clients as well as provide us with new business. They also have a good IT system."