A growing north west firm has snapped up a thriving Manchester practice as it seeks to build its presence in the employment law sector. Brabners confirmed today that it has acquired HRC Law and plans to move a 15-strong team into its Manchester office.

The transfer marks a return to Brabners as senior equity partner for HRC Law founder Simon Whitehead, who spent eight years with the firm before building his own practice from 2013.

In those six years, HRC has become an established presence in the Manchester legal sector, winning a string of awards and developing a specialism in employment and recruitment.

Whitehead said: ‘We have developed an exceptional client base over the last six years, building partnerships with clients who value our specific legal expertise along with the supportive, entrepreneurial culture that has set us apart from other firms.

‘There’s a huge opportunity within the recruitment sector as it faces challenges and opportunities from changes such as the [government's] Good Work Plan, workforce challenges from Brexit and the extension of IR35.

‘Returning to Brabners certainly feels like a homecoming and provides a fantastic opportunity to enhance our offer to our clients, in an environment where each firm’s approach, outlook and values are aligned.’

HRC employees have relocated from the firm’s base on Exchange Street to Brabners’ King Street premises. The firm, which also has offices in Liverpool and Preston, now has more than 380 people, including 69 partners.

Brabners says the acquisition is the latest step in a period of ‘significant growth’ as part of a change programme being led by chief executive Robert White and managing partner Nik White.

Meanwhile, it has also been confirmed that national firm TLT has hired HRC Law’s five-strong corporate team in Manchester, including partners Richard Life and Mark Traynor; plus associates Sherrelle Scott and William Ngan and solicitor Jennifer Kelly.

The team brings experience advising across sectors including childcare/nursery, digital, automotive and retail and consumer goods, and on corporate matters ranging from acquisitions and disposals to company governance and secretarial services.

Partners Richard Life and Mark Traynor said: 'TLT is an ambitious firm offering a quality and depth of legal services that our client base will benefit from.

'We look forward to joining the team and helping to drive TLT's continued growth by delivering the best service and outcomes for clients, and growing our practice regionally and nationally backed by the UK-wide team.'