Your otherwise excellent article on the impact of the recession on the north-west legal scene (see [2009] Gazette, 19 March, 14) was marred by an error regarding the alleged lack of legal training providers in the heart of the city. BPP Law School (part of BPP College of Professional Studies) opened its doors to graduate diploma in law and legal practice course students in September 2005.

We have more than 1,000 alumni and our first graduates have since qualified and are working in law firms around the north-west and, indeed, nationally.

As your article makes clear, Manchester is a dynamic commercial and legal centre. Before 2005, law firms and other legal employers had to trawl far and wide for talented new recruits. We have simplified this task by providing first-rate legal training in Oxford Street – a prime location in the heart of Manchester, close to both the university area and city centre law firms.

We have been delighted and grateful to find that lawyers in the city are very keen to pass on their own expertise and wisdom to the new generation coming through.

This year, more than 100 solicitors and trainees have mentored students through the access to practice scheme, and we have had no shortage of participants in our careers fairs, masterclasses, pro bono initiatives and professional advisory panel.

I agree with the upbeat assessment of Tim Newns, the interviewee who concludes your article. Manchester will have to take its share of the impact of the global downturn, but it has the flexibility, diversity and solid base to survive.

Specifically, our experience shows that the legal community remains far-sighted and willing to ensure that the lawyers of the future have the best possible training.

Ann Evans, Senior academic, BPP Law School, Manchester