A RAPIDLY growing solicitors firm is predicting further expansion after a record breaking 2014.

The acquisition of the long-established Thorp Parker practice in Stokesley, and opening a new office in Ilkley ,were among highlights in a year which saw Newtons Solicitors network expand to nine offices across Teesside and North and West Yorkshire.

A total of ten new solicitors and 13 support staff were also recruited by the firm – which also has offices in Darlington and Richmond – taking its total workforce to 70 just five years after it was founded by husband-and-wife legal entrepreneurs, Chris and Sarah Newton, from their Harrogate home in 2009.

Mr Newton, managing director, said: “Our Ilkley office, led by Victoria Trelease, is a completely new opening for us, our first move into West Yorkshire.

"The Stokesley acquisition introduced significant levels of corporate work to the firm through a team led by Richard Parker and also introduced a new specialism of trusts and tax planning through one of the firm’s principals, Paula Warburton, which is now available group wide."

The groups fee income increased from £1.8 million in 2013 to £2.6 million last year and is expected to leap to £3.7 million in 2015 driven partly by the increased number of multi-million pound property deals and business acquisitions upon which the firm is being asked to advise.

"Credit has to go to our superb team that continues to deliver and attract more clients and lawyers who want to work with us," said Mr Newton, "Our success in 2014 has already attracted four new solicitors who are signed up to join us in 2015 together with further potential law firm acquisitions. Our medium term goal of reaching a £5 million fee income is now in sight."

The group also has offices in Harrogate, Ripon, York and Leyburn.