A historic legal firm has moved into new offices in Derby city centre as part of its expansion plans which has already involved employing extra staff with more jobs to come.
ElliotMather was formed in 1987 by merging Elliot Smith and Co of Mansfield which started in 1875 and Mathers which set up in Chesterfield in 1905. In 2011 it acquired Taylor Simpson and Mosley which had been practising in Derby since 1778.
It has moved from Taylor Simpson and Mosley’s premises at 44 Friar Gate to empty offices totalling 4,096 sq ft previously occupied by a recruitment firm and a commercial bank at Gervase House along the road at nos 111-113 Friar Gate.
Taylor Simpson and Mosley were a family firm specialising in conveyancing, wills and probate and family law.
“We are a full service legal high street law firm offering a wide range of legal services,” said ElliotMather managing partner Paul Hollyer.
“Over the last 12 months we have added staff dedicated to delivering company/commercial, commercial property, criminal law and employment law services.”
This has increased the number employed in Derby from 12 to 22, out of 160 employees at the company’s five offices which also include Matlock and Nottingham.
“We acquired these premises not to stand still but to grow our business and our staff numbers,” said Paul. “We hope to employ an extra 10-15 staff over the next 12-15 months.”
The firm’s work in Derby has had a 40 per cent increase in fee income over the last 12 months.
“We are keen to become part of the Derby community and support local good causes such as Treetops Hospice and Macmillan, the cancer care charity, and also the University mentoring students and exchanging ideas,” said Paul.”
So on Friday (Sept 30) as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility aims staff put aside their case files for three hours and brewed up to be part of the world’s biggest coffee morning in support of Macmillan, welcoming passers-by to see their new offices and have a drink in aid of charity.
The law firm was helped by a good neighbour, Oliver’s delicatessen across the road which supplied a large number of delicious cakes and pastries.
“Amazingly, they were happy to stop selling cakes between 11am-2pm and pointed people in our direction, which was a kind gesture,” Paul added.
The event beat last year’s amount raised of £400, collecting £550 for Macmillan.
