A FIRM of solicitors firm has announced further long term growth plans, following a successful year of expansion across North Yorkshire in 2014.

Newtons Solicitors, of York, has forecast an income increase of £1.1million this year, after acquiring new offices and hiring 23 new staff in 2014.

Chris Newton, the managing director said: “Our group fee income increased from £1.8 million in 2013 to £2.6 million in 2014, and is expected to leap to £3.7 million in 2015 driven partly by the increased number of multi-million pound property deals and business acquisitions upon which the firm is being asked to advise.”

The firm was founded in 2009 by a husband and wife team of legal entrepreneurs, and now employs 70 people.

The acquisition of long-established practice, Thorp Parker LLP, in Stokesley, and opening of Newtons Solicitors Ilkley office, were among highlights in a year which saw group’s network expand to nine offices across Teesside and North and West Yorkshire.

Mr Newton, said: "Our Ilkley office, led by Victoria Trelease, is a completely new opening for us, our first move into West Yorkshire.

"The Stokesley acquisition introduced significant levels of corporate work to the firm through a team led by Richard Parker and also introduced a new specialism of trusts and tax planning through one of the firm’s principals, Paula Warburton, which is now available group wide.

"Our success in 2014 has already attracted four new solicitors who are signed up to join us in 2015 together with further potential law firm acquisitions. Our medium term goal of reaching a £5 million fee income is now in sight."

Newtons Solicitors also has offices in Harrogate, Ripon, York, Leyburn, Richmond and Darlington.