Leading law firm Howes Percival has confirmed its MK office will move to The Pinnacle on Midsummer Boulevard in April from its existing MK home in Knowlhill.
The move follows a period of sustained growth in the city which has seen the team at Howes Percival outgrow its current MK office, with staff numbers increasing by 44% in the last three years, as it developed a full-service legal offering.
The 40-plus team now provides a comprehensive range of legal services including corporate law; commercial property; planning; employment; commercial; technology and IP; wills, trusts, tax and estates; family law and contentious trusts and probate. The MK office has also developed key sector specialisms including automotive and specifically retail automotive, education, and healthcare.
Simon deMaid, Milton Keynes Managing Partner said: “We are absolutely delighted to have signed the lease and confirm that we will be on the move in April. It is a sign of just how much we have grown and become central to MK’s professional services sector. Our new office puts us right at the heart of the city and close to many of our clients, referrers and fellow professional service firms.
“I think it sends a strong message. The Pinnacle is one of the most prestigious office buildings in Milton Keynes and being located there places us alongside a strong community of professional advisers.
“Firm-wide we are investing in our offices to create the kind of spaces that our people want to work in and also help attract the best talent to join us.”
Marcus Carter, Milton Keynes Partner, added: “The offices are really well connected, with excellent road links and parking, and the train station is just a short walk away. As well as a better location, it is a fantastic environment for our staff with more space and excellent facilities including a café and urban courtyard and close to a host of amenities in terms of food, retail and leisure.
“As a result, we now feel like we have everything we need in MK with a talented, ambitious team, the right sector knowledge and experience, and support services including HR and marketing all based right here in the heart of the city.”
Howes Percival’s clients include international brands, household names and Government departments while the firm also maintains a strong core client base of SMEs and family-owned businesses, plus high-net-worth individuals.
Across the firm, Howes Percival has invested in people, technology and facilities, something that has been independently recognised by Best Companies, whose accreditation represents the highest standard of workplace excellence, and organisations that genuinely put their people first.
In November, Howes Percival was ranked as the Number One Best Law Firm to Work For in the UK and fifth overall in the UK’s Best Large Companies to Work For category.
It was the sixth year running that Howes Percival has been ranked and the firm retained the highest level of accreditation for ‘world class’ workplace engagement.
The list is widely acknowledged as the most searching and extensive research into employee engagement carried out in the UK and the results are based on employee opinions on how the company supports wellbeing in the workplace, gives something back to society, shows strong leadership and teamwork, provides opportunities for personal growth and offers fair pay and benefits.
Jennifer Laskey, Milton Keynes Partner, said: “As a team in MK, we pride ourselves on being good citizens, as well as great lawyers and that means being actively involved in the community.
“We are committed to supporting a wide range of causes in our area and have forged strong relationships with local organisations and charities across Milton Keynes. All staff get a paid day of leave each year to volunteer for a cause of their choice and Howes Percival also matches the amount of funds raised for CSR initiatives up to £3,000, enabling us to make an even bigger impact in our local area.”
An example of this is the firm’s ongoing support of MK Food Bank. In addition to fundraising, staff have given their time to volunteer for the charity, helping to collect, sort and pack food donations, and have taken part in the food bank’s campaigns and provided practical pro-bono legal help.
Other organisations the team has supported with CSR and community outreach include Willen Hospice, the Arthur Ellis Mental Health Foundation and MK College.
Howes Percival was advised by Ian Leather of Bray Fox Smith on the leasehold acquisition for its new office.
Find out more about Howes Percival on 01908 672638 or visit www.howespercival.com
