Burness Paull reports its ninth consecutive year of growth

Burness Paull LLP has released its latest results and claimed that it is on track to meet the targets set out in its three-year growth plan.

The firm has reported a strong performance in its financial year ending 31 July 2018 - securing a ninth year of consecutive growth - posting an annual turnover of £57.6M - up 7% from £53.8M the previous year. Profit is £23.8M - up 8% from £22M on 2016/17 - and as a result all eligible employees will receive a bonus of 5%.

Commenting on the results, Burness Paull chairman Peter Lawson said: “We have delivered an excellent financial performance in what has been a choppy year for the Scottish economy. There will undoubtedly be more challenges to come as a result of the uncertain political and economic backdrop. However, there will also be opportunities for those who are prepared to be bold and adapt.”

The firm has a three-year strategy to deliver growth across its Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow offices, working with clients across Scotland, the UK and internationally. Over the past 12 months the firm has seen an increase in instructions across most sectors, with energy, technology and international business the key drivers.

The success of the firm’s international efforts has been underlined by a growing number of mandates from outside the UK. A significant contributor has been the firm’s recent appointment as the sole Scottish representative in Lex Mundi, a network of independent law firms. This has helped the firm win a 30% increase in international instructions over the past year.

In response to the increase in new business headcount at the firm grew by almost 5% over the past 12 months, with 23 new members of staff taking the overall number of employees to 505 - of which 317 are lawyers.