Morgan Cole

Following a tough 2010–11, Morgan Cole got growth back on track in 2011–12. The firm achieved a 7 per cent revenue increase during the year taking turnover to £36.6m.

Managing partner Elizabeth Carr regarded it a good year, attributing a large portion of the revenue growth to winning several major public sector tenders. The Welsh government continued to be a major client of Morgan Cole, which was re-elected to its slimmed-down legal panel in 2012. It was also named a partner firm by the South-West Wales Legal Consortium, which expanded its membership from six to 18 public authorities. Fee income from public sector clients totalled £8.3m, up 24 per cent on the prior year.

The NHS remained a key client in 2011–12, and the firm advised NHS Surrey on a £500m five-year contract with healthcare provider Virgin Care. Revenues from the private sector also grew steadily, up 5 per cent to £14.2m. In the insurance sector, Morgan Cole remained an active adviser to several major insurers such as Axa Group, Aviva Group and NFU Mutual. However, fee income generated in this sector saw a 4 per cent dip to £13.9m.

Internally, the firm made changes to its management team to shape the business for sustainable growth. It elected corporate partner Bruce Potter as the new chairman in April 2012, succeeding insurance partner Robin Havard who chaired the firm since 2003. The firm also appointed head of employment and pensions Michael Prior to the newly created role of commercial director to drive up financial efficiency and strengthen client relationships.