Hewitsons, guided by its new managing partner John Dix, has a three-pronged look to its strategy. Public sector work dominates, with the appointment last year to the East Midlands Development Agency being a highlight. The firm's private client practice has spawned a renewed focus on charities work for clients including The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, while the third strand is residential and commercial property.

Whether the strategy will be enough to help the firm rebound after the collapse of its once key technology company market and remain in the top 100 will be seen next year.