Brabners acquires employment law firm

Preston-based Brabners has added 15 new staff and specialisms in employment law and recruitment with the acquisition of HRC Law.

HRC Law, which is based in Manchester, was founded by former Brabners partner Simon Whitehead six years ago. The firm acts for a large number of employers and has built a strong specialism in the recruitment sector, acting for many trade organisations such as TEAM, Powerhive and the FCSA as well as recruitment businesses nationwide.

It is the latest acquisition by Brabners which makes up part of its strategic change programme being led by CEO Robert White and managing partner Nik White.

The team from HRC Law joins an employment practice with an international client base whose collective turnover exceeds £15bn.

Nik White, managing partner of Brabners, said: “HRC Law has achieved impressive growth from a standing start so we are very optimistic about our potential as a combined force.

"Having worked closely with Simon in the past, this acquisition is a perfect cultural fit for both practices and will add significant expertise to our already award-winning employment practice. The UK recruitment sector grew to more than £35bn last year and is an area in which we are keen to strengthen."

Simon, who spent eight years at Brabners between 2003 and 2011, said: "We have developed an exceptional client base over the last six years, building partnerships with clients who value our specific legal expertise along with the supportive, entrepreneurial culture that has set us apart from other firms.

"There’s a huge opportunity within the recruitment sector as it faces challenges and opportunities from changes such as the Good Work Plan, workforce challenges from Brexit and the extension of IR35.

“Returning to Brabners certainly feels like a homecoming and provides a fantastic opportunity to enhance our offer to our clients, in an environment where each firm’s approach, outlook and values are aligned.”

HRC Law’s employees have relocated from the firm’s base on Exchange Street to Brabners’ Manchester office on King Street. Brabners, which has more than 380 staff, also has offices in Liverpool and Preston.