Welsh firm sets sights on City

The biggest law firm in Wales is planning a push for fresh business in London with a £1.2 million investment in offices and equipment in the heart of the City.

Cardiff-based Morgan Bruce will launch the expansion with the opening of a £500,000 base in Fleet Street this month.

The company will also spend nearly £700,000 on high-tech computer equipment to link the new branch with headquarters and the second Welsh office in Swansea.

Morgan Bruce merged with London practice Binks Stern last Autumn, and plans to double the number of London-based partners from 11 to 22 over the next five years.

Graham Barber, the firm's vice-chair, says: "We will be drawing on specialists at our Welsh offices to expand our share of the education, health, housing association and personal injury sectors in London."

Bleddyn Rees, marketing partner, says: "We are now able to provide our clients with specialist advice from any of our three offices seamlessly and cost effectively."

Morgan Bruce has 49 partners, 144 fee earners and about 280 other staff.

Among high-profile transactions they have been involved in was the sale of Cardiff Wales Airport.