Harrison Drury prepares for growth

Law firm Harrison Drury has taken additional office space in Preston as it prepares for further staff growth.

The firm, which has its head office in Chapel Street, Winckley Square, has leased the nearby four-storey 25b Winckley Square.

The firm recently appointed Gavin Wright as its new chief executive officer and announced plans to recruit up to 60 new staff over the next five years.

John Chesworth, executive chairman of Harrison Drury, said: “Winckley Square has enjoyed significant investment and has attracted many new businesses to the area over the last couple of years.

“Taking on this grand Georgian building, in addition to our existing Winckley Square home, allows us to stay at the heart of the Preston’s professional services community. We have created a space that will make it possible for us to continue attracting the best legal talent.”

Harrison Drury has undertaken a significant refurbishment of the Grade II-listed building which provides additional working space for staff, new meeting rooms and communal areas, including a coffee lounge available for use by clients.

In line with the firm’s focus on keeping staff happy and healthy, it is also creating a ‘wellness suite’ in the building which will include a mini-gym, space for exercise and activities like yoga, and shower facilities.

The firm currently employs more than 90 people across five offices in Lancashire and Cumbria. There are plans to recruit between 40 to 60 new people in the next five years as the firm looks to further improve the range and quality of the services it can offer to clients. In 2016, Winckley Square Gardens underwent a £1.2m restoration backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The project saw improvements to the Georgian Square’s entrances, railings, footpaths, lighting and drainage, as well as new tree and shrub planting, new benches and artwork.