Napthens appoints new CEO and sets sights on growth

Leading North West law firm Napthens has today announced the appointment of Alexandra Hatchman as its new chief executive officer.

Alex, who joins on the 28 February, brings a wealth of experience from different sectors, including retail and management consultancy, having held senior roles at Marks & Spencer, Tesco and Accenture in the UK.  She has also worked internationally in a number of countries including Australia, Spain and the US.

After returning to the UK in 2016, Alex joined Fletchers Solicitors, initially as a non-executive director and then shortly after, as the Chief Strategy and Operations Officer.  In her five years with the firm Alex became CEO and was instrumental in driving turnover from £18m to £45m and cementing it as one of the UK’s Top 100 law firms.

Alex, whose achievements were recognised by the Law Society in 2018 when she won the Excellence in Practice Management award, will utilise her management consultancy and legal experience to support Napthens as the firm continues its growth journey. She joins off the back of a successful year for the firm, with Napthens ahead of target and on track to exceed £17m revenue in FY22.

Alex has ambitions to accelerate Napthens’ growth by capitalising on the firm’s reputation for top tier legal expertise and client relationships. The firm will also expand its footprint in Liverpool and build on the recent success of its Corporate team, which in 2021 advised on over £600m value of deals, most notably the sale of Protec Fire and Security Group Ltd on to Bosch Building Technologies.

Alex will be working alongside the partners and Napthens leadership team to help the business accelerate growth in the North West and beyond. 

Alex Hatchman, CEO at Napthens, said: “Napthens strength undoubtedly comes from its people. I have been fortunate to work with the firm previously, and the level of service, access to partners and the willingness of every team member, no matter their seniority, really impressed me. This willingness to work together and the existing company culture is something that really set Napthens apart, and something I’m keen to take to the next level.

“Napthens has huge potential, an incredible pool of talent, clear growth ambitions and a well-established client base which has been nurtured over many years. In the coming months I look forward to getting to know the people that make the business what it is, understanding what they wish to see in Napthens future, and combining this insight with my own experience to collectively drive the business forwards.”

Napthens advises businesses in the North West and across the UK and has offices across Liverpool, Southport, Preston, Blackburn, Cumbria and the Fylde Coast.