Brachers chooses Canterbury for its legal expansion

The move, which coincides with the firm’s 125th anniversary, will see it expand into a 24,800ft office in Watling Street, with enough space for 22 private client and commercial lawyers, two meeting rooms and a large boardroom.

The Canterbury office will be led by Lee May, a partner with more than 16 years’ experience advising businesses, developers, landowners and local authorities. Lee will be supported by James Bullock, a partner and head of corporate and commercial; Alexandra Gordon, a private client partner specialising in tax and estate planning; and Antonio Fletcher, an employment partner specialising in education and the SME sector.

Joanna Worby, Managing Partner at Brachers, which has its head office in Maidstone, said: “The time is right for us to make this significant investment to support our growing client base. In today’s highly competitive legal world, firms need to be more aware of their clients’ needs and to be agile to opportunities while remaining focused on delivering the best possible service.

“Operating from Canterbury and Maidstone means we will be perfectly placed to serve our clients across the whole of Kent and Sussex, as well as in London.”

Investing in Canterbury

Brachers’ decision to invest in Canterbury was supported by the city’s strong community of businesses, including accountants, architects, banks and property experts, many of which it already works with. The city’s high-speed rail connection to London was also a factor in the decision.

As well as the increased level of work undertaken for its longstanding rural clients, the firm has seen a rise in demand for its private client advice, and the new offices will make it easier for individuals to arrange their legal affairs.

Joanna added: “We started as a family-run business in 1895, and our ethos has always been to put clients at the heart of everything we do. Legal expertise, combined with significant investment in information technology, means we are able to offer a level of service that is efficient and of the highest quality while retaining a personal touch, which we believe is paramount.

“This is particularly significant because the Canterbury expansion will replace our smaller Discovery Park space but the investment in mobile technology will enable our solicitors to continue to visit and work with businesses on the site.”

The Canterbury office will be located at 20-22 Watling Street, CT1 2AN. It is due to open in 2020.

Lisa Carlson, Chief Executive of Canterbury BID, said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming Brachers and their staff to Canterbury, and to helping them celebrate their 125th anniversary. We admire their community outlook and commitment to the area and wish them all the very best as they settle into this wonderful city.”