Cumbria firm strengthens presence in north east with acquisition

A Carlisle-based firm has announced its growth into the north east with the acquisition of a Northumberland practice.

Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors acquired Nicholson Portnell Solicitors in what Cartmell Shepherd’s managing director Peter Stafford described as a ‘major milestone’.

Nicholson Portnell was formed in 2003 following the merger of Nicholson Wood & Gregg and Portnell Ward & Rose. The firm employs 26 people and will continue to operate from its Hexham, Northumberland, office.

Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors already has one office in Northumberland, in Haltwhistle, as well as five offices across Cumbria, in Carlisle, Cockermouth, Penrith and Brampton.

Stafford said: ‘Nicholson Portnell has been providing trusted legal and advice guidance to North East communities for decades and we are delighted that we have come to an agreement where we can combine the excellent services both legal practices provide for the benefit of our clients and our teams.

‘This deal is a major milestone in both firms’ long histories and will bring many benefits through our shared values and our shared vision for the future. Joining forces with Nicholson Portnell will help strengthen our presence in the Tyne Valley and Northumberland and support and enhance the great work both teams carry out on a daily basis.’

Richard Nelson, who will become senior partner at Cartmell Shepherd, said: ‘This is an exciting development for Nicholson Portnell and we look forward to providing enhanced legal services to our clients from our iconic building in Hexham town centre. We are delighted to be coming together with such a prestigious, well-established firm like Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, with whom our values and ethos are very much aligned.’