Paris Smith

Southampton’s Paris Smith is best known for its property practice, which generated more than a third of overall revenue in 2011–12.

Indeed, in the first half of the 2012–13 financial year it scored a notably high-profile mandate when it advised Radisson Blu Hotels and Rose Bowl and its subsidiaries on the £40m redevelopment of Hampshire’s international cricket ground and concert venue, the Ageas Bowl, in a deal led by partner James McNeil.

After an uncertain market in 2010–11, turnover at 29-partner Paris Smith bounced back in 2011–12, from £9.9m to £10.2m.

Excluding partner hires the firm made no significant investments in 2011–12, instead gearing up for a six-figure investment in IT in 2012–13. The money will be used towards creating a ‘paperless office’ that will give staff the option of working from home, with the ultimate aim of saving money on office overheads.

Clients of the firm include University of Southampton Science Park, Hobbycraft Trading, Santander and the Co-operative Group.