Shropshire law firm aims to build on record-breaking year

FBC Manby Bowdler,  which has offices in Shrewsbury, Telford, Church Stretton, Bridgnorth and across the West Midlands, saw its turnover top £16million in the last 12 months with growth of more than 10 per cent.

Chief Executive Neil Lloyd said the firm was now planning to double in size in the next 18 months after securing a £30million investment from Horizon Capital. It has already opened a new office in Knowle, near Solihull, and expects to create around 20 new jobs as a result of the deal.

Neil said: “This is a tremendously exciting time for FBC Manby Bowdler. This investment will further consolidate our position as one of the key players in the Midlands’ legal sector and allow us to broaden the range of services we can offer.

“As the founding firm of Horizon Capital’s new Adeptio Law Group we are ideally placed to not only maintain growth but accelerate it across the next 18 months. That will open up some very exciting opportunities for both our clients and our people.”

Neil, who is also chief executive of Adeptio, said the investment came towards the end of a landmark year for the firm.

“The last 12 months has been hugely successful for us and our 200-strong team. We’ve continued to shine in the national rankings, such as Chambers and the Legal 500, and delivered the industry-leading service our clients have come to expect. 

“As an example, we have been reviewed more than 2,000 times on the Review Solicitors website and are currently ranked first in every area of legal expertise with an overall score of 4.9/5.

“That’s proof that our fantastic team are unwavering in their commitment to deliver the best support and advice to their clients and develop the sort of trusted relationships which see them come back time and time again.

“We’ve also played a leading role this year in a new national scheme to open up careers in law to a much wider range of people than ever before – something we are hugely passionate about. 

“Our role as founding partners in the Breaking Down Barriers to Law initiative will help pave the way for anyone with the talent and drive to become a lawyer, regardless of their personal circumstances or background.

“We also co-hosted the prestigious Eurojuris International Congress, which brought  more than 100 legal experts from around the world to Birmingham to discuss the region’s industrial strength and growth agenda, and are part of a pioneering research project to assess how Artificial Intelligence (AI) might shape the future of the legal sector.

“We are one of just eight firms across the country working with Lancaster University on the project, using AI software to see if it can help save time and clients’ money during leasehold property deals.”