Leading personal injury marketing consortium InjuryLawyers4U (IL4U) is opening its doors to new members after a flood of firms indicated that they wanted to join.

IL4U, set up by Manchester firm Amelans, already has more than 200 members but has been receiving scores of enquiries each week since it closed its panel last summer.

The consortium has so far spent more than 1.3 million on marketing, and now aims to drive up its budget further and reduce case acquisition costs by accepting more firms.

Amelans partner Andrew Twambley said IL4U recognised the merits of a 'strength in numbers' approach, especially as a closed shop could lead to smaller groups setting up in opposition.

'There is a window of opportunity opening where firms can apply to join IL4U,' Mr Twambley said.

IL4U will hold a presentation for interested parties on 23 April and launch the beefed-up panel on 1 July.

Meanwhile, a fledgling consortium with a focus on claims that are commonly turned away - such as those involving accidents abroad and untraced drivers - predicts that it will have 100 firms by the end of this month.

Personal Injury Network (PIN), set up by London firm Caladashins, works though firms referring cases on to other members if they do not have the right expertise.

PIN currently has 27 members, including some 'top 100' firms, although Caladashins sole principal Brian Bluett said it also welcomed smaller firms that wanted to maximise their advertising spend.

'Our role is to match the requirements of solicitors and clients,' he added.

Caroline Thompson, senior personal injury litigation executive at member firm Fox Hayes, in Leeds, said it had already seen good results.

'[We] joined PIN on 13 February and since then we have received in excess of 20 referrals,' she said.

Paula Rohan