Merging as a way of expanding services and cover town and country

Renowned for its peaks, puddings and proximity to Chatsworth House, the north Derbyshire market town of Bakewell is as popular with tourists and city dwellers seeking a rural retreat, as it is with those lucky enough to call themselves locals.

Like many businesses serving this farming community, law firm Cockertons has a long association with Bakewell and attracts a loyal following from across the Peak District.

Even in areas that embrace a slower pace of life, standing still isn’t an option for legal firms battling with rapid change. The traditional model no longer works and regardless of size, we have to evolve into ethical companies, serving commercial and private clients who expect value for money, quality advice and services delivered in a manner of their choosing.

This philosophy is at the heart of Taylor & Emmet’s continued prosperity and we recognised a kindred spirit in Cockertons, who we merged with last year. Joining forces with smaller, reputable practices is part of our wider strategy for growth and we saw the merger as an opportunity to open up new geographic markets and disciplines.

Cockertons is well regarded in north Derbyshire and can now offer local residents access to professional advice on a much broader scale. The link has also extended Taylor & Emmet’s services to include specialists in agricultural law.

This is our second merger in two years and follows the addition of Hallam Mediation to our brand. Prior to the legal aid changes, we identified mediation as a gap in our family law provision and although we could have developed the expertise in-house, it would have taken some years. Instead we acquired the largest independent firm in Yorkshire.

Bakewell is only a 30-minute drive from our headquarters in Sheffield and further extends our reach into Derbyshire, complementing the office we opened in Dronfield, just over the border, in 2008.

We have a long-standing association with our home city and we are proud of our heritage. As our size increases, it is important that we do not lose this sense of belonging to the communities in which the majority of our employees and clients live. For this reason, Cockertons will retain its name and simply be recognised as a division of Taylor & Emmet.

Off-the-shelf legal services may serve a purpose, but we find clients still value a personal approach, delivered by able communicators who are experts in their field. We have, therefore, identified talent at every level and the Bakewell team is a welcome addition. No ambitious business can grow if it does not have sound financial foundations. Likewise, it cannot prosper without a strong, lean and agile management structure in place. SJ

John Outram is a partner at Taylor & Emmet