North law firm Ward Hadaway increased its workforce by 78 people in the last year as part of moves to attract and retain talent.

The company, which has based in Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester, announced the new arrivals across its offices as well as 54 promotions, a number which includes retaining all of the 12 qualifying trainees and apprentices within the business when they finished their training contracts.

The company, which launched 35 years ago, now has more than 450 people across its three bases and said that it has seen growth in the North West and Yorkshire, following significant investments in the Leeds and Manchester regions in recent years, as well as expansion of its legal services.

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The firm’s managing partner Martin Hulls said: “Our business is our people. People who appreciate the needs of our clients by living and breathing their challenges with them. Employees who attract the region’s talent to work alongside them because they themselves feel motivated and invested in Ward Hadaway. Our people also challenge us to operate responsibly as we look to the future of our business, our communities and our planet.

“We have an exceptional group of legal experts across our offices supported by a fantastic business support team, and our clients appreciate our full-service offering, delivered with a straightforward, friendly approach, tailored to their needs. We are extremely proud of our committed teams, working for our loyal clients who continually challenge and inspire us. The firm’s consistently strong financial performance demonstrates yet again the results that this powerful combination can deliver.”

The company also said it had chalked up revenue for the financial year of over £45m, representing an eighth consecutive year of growth. Full accounts have yet to be published and they will be filed in January.

Mr Hulls added: “I am delighted with the consistent turnover growth we have achieved over the last eight years. During a time of unprecedented economic and societal turbulence, of a significantly rising cost base, of micro- and macro-economic headwinds both internationally and at home, we have demonstrated the benefit of being committed, consistent and considered. To achieve our highest ever turnover against this backdrop, assisted by the particularly strong growth in Leeds and Manchester as well as continued development in Newcastle, is testament to the clear focus maintained by our teams right across the firm.”