Fletchers Solicitors reports impressive financial growth

Fletchers Solicitors has reported a remarkable financial performance in its accounts for the year ending April 2026, with revenue surging by 47% to £113.3 million. The firm, headquartered in Manchester, has also seen its underlying EBITDA jump by 156% to £18 million, demonstrating robust growth in a competitive legal market. Alex Lynch, CFO, commented on the impressive results, stating that they tell a “strong story of significant revenue growth, a substantial increase in underlying profitability and continued investment in scaling up the business.”

The 2026 accounts reveal £6.5 million of exceptional costs, contrasting with 2025’s net exceptional credit of £4 million, primarily from a one-off release of an £8.2 million trade creditor balance. Adjusted for these exceptional items, the underlying EBITDA for 2025 was noted as £7 million, while the reported EBITDA stood at £11.5 million for 2026. This financial success is accompanied by a notable increase in average employee numbers, which rose from 791 to 1,160, highlighting both organic growth and strategic acquisitions during this period.

Among Fletchers' most significant moves were the acquisitions of Shoosmiths’ Serious Injury practice, family law specialist Rayden Solicitors, and Court of Protection experts EMG Solicitors and JE Bennett Law. The firm has also bolstered its leadership team, expanding its Executive Committee to include influential women such as Emma Gaudern, CEO of EMG Solicitors, and Katherine Rayden, CEO of Rayden Solicitors, now accounting for two-thirds of the committee's membership.

Further enhancements were announced post-year-end, with Fletchers adding Freeths’ clinical negligence practice to its portfolio. Notably, acquisitions from Moore Barlow for personal injury and clinical negligence teams, along with Aspire Law, are expected to finalise on 1 November, pushing Fletchers' colleague count beyond 1,500.

Lynch mentioned the vital role of investor Sun Capital, which has committed to long-term backing through a continuation fund investment. She expressed optimism about this support, stating, “That backing and support from our investor will enable us to pursue our long-term strategy for organic growth and further M&A, strengthening our core personal injury and clinical negligence practice while also building a stronger presence in family law following the acquisition of Raydens last year.”

Looking forward, Lynch is confident that the momentum generated during the last year will persist, bolstered by ongoing organic growth and selective acquisitions. Fletchers is also keen to lead initiatives that aim to reduce clinical negligence costs, working collaboratively with stakeholders to enhance outcomes for injured individuals.

“Although since 2018/19 the estimated cost of harm has been broadly flat or falling in real terms, despite a 20% increase in NHS activity, we believe it is incumbent on all stakeholders to work together to reduce the incidence of clinical negligence, especially in maternity, and improve the outcomes for families who’ve been harmed.” She cited collaborative efforts between NHS Resolution and Fletchers as a reason for stabilised costs of harm and flat legal fees, expressing pride in the joint initiatives that have significantly improved negligence case outcomes.

Founded in 1987, Fletchers Solicitors now employs more than 1,500 professionals across 18 offices in England and Wales, delivering comprehensive legal services to over 22,000 clients, while emphasising the importance of rehabilitation and wellbeing in conjunction with legal expertise.