Partner Article

Hay & Kilner at 80: Honouring North East heritage, while investing in Teesside’s future

Hay & Kilner
www.hay-kilner.co.uk
LinkedIn: Hay & Kilner
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With a history stretching back 80 years, law firm Hay & Kilner has played a longstanding role in the North East’s business community. That heritage is being matched by fresh ambition, with investment in technology and people development designed to support growth for decades to come.

As Hay & Kilner celebrates its 80th anniversary, the Newcastle-headquartered law firm is looking firmly to the future, combining record financial performance with ambitious plans for growth, investment and regional expansion.

Founded in 1946, the independent firm has spent eight decades supporting businesses, organisations and individuals across the North East.

Today, employing more than 130 people and recording its strongest financial performance to date, it is embarking on the next chapter of its history with a clear ambition: to deepen its presence across the region, while remaining true to the values that have underpinned its success for generations.

Central to that vision is the opening of a new office at Preston Farm, in Stockton-on-Tees, which has created a permanent base in a part of the region where the firm has advised clients for many years.

For managing partner Jonathan Waters, the investment is a natural evolution, rather than a change in direction.

He says: “Reaching our 80th anniversary is a real milestone for everyone at Hay & Kilner.

“It gives us the chance to reflect on how far we’ve come, but also to think about where we’re going next.

“We’ve been part of the North East for eight decades, and we’re enormously proud of that.

“The relationships we’ve built over that time are incredibly important to us and have helped shape the firm we are today.

“Teesside has been part of that story for many years, so opening a permanent office there feels like a very natural step.”

Investing where opportunity is growing

Few parts of the North East have experienced such significant economic transformation in recent years as Teesside.

Major investment in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, offshore industries, logistics and regeneration has helped position the area as one of the UK’s fastest-growing regional economies.

And Hay & Kilner believes long-term investment should mirror that momentum.

Rather than simply servicing clients from its Newcastle base, the firm’s new Stockton-on-Tees office will allow lawyers to work more closely with businesses already operating in the area, while creating opportunities to develop new relationships across the region.

It’s an approach Jonathan says has always been central to the firm.

He says: “Our business is all about people, and I’m a huge believer that the strongest relationships are built by spending time with clients, understanding what matters to them and being there whenever they need us.

“There is huge investment happening across Teesside, but what really excites me are the people behind it.

“There are some fantastic businesses and ambitious individuals, and we’re really looking forward to supporting them and becoming a bigger part of the community.”

Built by people

While the firm’s financial performance provides plenty to celebrate, Jonathan believes Hay & Kilner’s greatest strength remains its people.

Indeed, that people-first approach was recognised when Hay & Kilner received the Employer of the Year title at the North East Chamber of Commerce Inspiring Women in Business Awards.

The recognition reflected the firm’s ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where people can build rewarding and long-term careers.

Over the past 12 months, the firm has welcomed 24 new colleagues, including experienced partners Kate Fenwick, Andrew Steel and Sean Jackson, strengthening expertise across a number of practice areas.

At the same time, Hay & Kilner continues to value the loyalty and experience of colleagues who have helped shape the business over many years.

Among them is David Bradshaw, who has been with the firm for more than 50 years.

His career reflects a culture where people are encouraged to build long-term careers, develop specialist expertise and pass that knowledge to the next generation.

For Jonathan, who joined Hay & Kilner as a trainee more than 28 years ago, the firm’s greatest strength has always been its people.

He says: “One of the things I’ve always loved about Hay & Kilner is that people really enjoy working here, and because of that they choose to stay.

“When I joined as a trainee, I was struck by the culture and the sense of community, and I can honestly say I still feel exactly the same way today.

“People like David have helped build the firm into what it is – you simply cannot put a value on that kind of knowledge, experience and loyalty.

“Equally, it’s about bringing in talented new colleagues with fresh ideas and perspectives.

“Getting the balance between experience and new energy is what makes Hay & Kilner such an exciting and great place to be.”

Looking beyond recruitment

Investment in people extends beyond experienced hires.

Hay & Kilner has continued to strengthen its trainee programme, recognising that developing talent is essential to the firm’s future and the wider legal profession.

Maryam Ahmed recently qualified into Hay & Kilner’s commercial property team after completing her training contract with the firm.

Maryam says the opportunity to train at an independent North East firm gave her the chance to gain experience across a broad range of work, while learning from colleagues with decades of expertise.

She says: “From the moment I joined Hay & Kilner, I felt part of the team.

“Throughout my training, I was trusted with meaningful work and encouraged to learn from experienced colleagues, who were genuinely invested in my development.

“Knowing I’m building my career at a firm that is continuing to grow and invest in the North East is really exciting.

“It shows there are fantastic opportunities here for graduates who want to develop their careers without leaving the region.”

Supporting early careers is a longstanding priority for the firm, which continues to invest in trainee solicitors and professional development across every stage of a legal career.

Culture through growth

As Hay & Kilner has expanded, maintaining its culture has become just as important as increasing turnover.

Jonathan believes sustainable growth depends on creating an environment where people enjoy coming to work, collaborate effectively and feel able to build fulfilling long-term careers.

He says: “Growth is important, but only if we do it in the right way.

“We’ve worked so hard over the years to build a culture that people genuinely enjoy being part of, and that is something we’ll always protect.

“As the business grows, keeping that sense of community becomes even more important.

“We want Hay & Kilner to remain a place where people feel valued, supported and able to build long and rewarding careers.”

Just getting started

For many businesses, an anniversary is an opportunity to look backwards.

For Hay & Kilner, though, it is equally a chance to look forward.

The firm’s Teesside investment reflects confidence in its future, but confidence too in the wider North East economy.

Combined with continued recruitment, investment in technology and a commitment to developing future talent, it represents the next chapter for one of the region’s longest-established independent law firms.

Jonathan sees the firm’s heritage as a foundation, rather than a finish line.

He adds: “We’ve been part of the North East for 80 years, and we’re incredibly proud of the role we’ve played in its story so far.

“As we look ahead, we’re excited to strengthen our presence across the region, continue investing in our people and support the businesses, families and communities that have supported us for so many years.

“The first 80 years have been a privilege, and we can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes us.”

For more information about Hay & Kilner’s portfolio of legal support, its Teesside office investment and its commitment to employee progression, visit the website at the top of this article or call 0191 232 8345.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by N Magazine .