Top-50 UK firm Weightmans has stressed that it is not culling its headcount after completing 'the biggest and most ambitious strategic review for decades'.
Following months of consultation, the firm has unveiled a smaller board and replaced its former business line structure with a new ‘client relationships’ arm, covering six key markets: insurance, public bodies, corporate, owner managed business, built environment and private client. Previously Weightmans was structured into three business lines: insurance, public sector and commercial.
Two weeks ago the firm and north of England-based Ward Hadaway called off talks to create a £130m combined practice. Weightmans managing partner John Schorah said at the time that both firms shared many common interests, 'but after discussions it became clear that we each want different things from our respective futures'.
Weightmans confirmed today that, under the revised management structure, some job titles have been removed, some have changed, and some have been replaced with new ones.
However, senior partner Dan Cutts, who also becomes director of client relationships in the revised board, told the Gazette the changes have not resulted in any job losses at the 1400-strong firm.
Cutts said the restructure will 'free up quite a lot of people from internal management [and] more into client services and developing new products, getting to understand the clients' business and needs more'.
The firm has offices in Birmingham, Dartford, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Knutsford, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London and Manchester.
The firm's 'comprehensive' consultation with staff included 'town hall style' meetings and team breakout sessions.
Cutts said the newly established roles 'embrace business development, client focus and efficiency, complemented by logistical upgrades to the company software and greater opportunities such as agile working and a comprehensive bonus structure'.
Subject to individual requirements, the firm will introduce 'hot desking' in some of its offices. Staff are offered the chance to work remotely for part of their week.
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