New Image as Crutes keeps on expanding

Leading law firm Crutes is expanding rapidly with 20pc growth projected this year, and new staff set to join.
The Newcastle firm recruited 51 staff across its three offices last year - taking numbers up 36pc to 192 in just 12 months and plans to hire up to 30 this year if it hits its growth targets.

And Crutes is determined to keep growing this year too, and compete with some of the biggest names in the North-East legal world.

Turnover in 2003/04 was £5.7m, it grew 12pc to £6.4m in 2004/05, and if the firm hits its 20pc growth target, will reach £7.7m this financial year.

As the firm is developing and changing, it has decided to invest in a new corporate image, which it says updates the Crutes' image from that of a traditional law firm, to a more people-focused organisation.
The new look involves a lower case font, with the word "crutes" in blue, but with a red "u" which the firm says emphasises the importance of "you" - the client - to them. The logo is used in conjunction with the slogan "focusing on the important". Stuart Palmer, partner and head of business services with Crutes, said: "This new branding signifies the way that Crutes is developing.

" The research we have conducted with our clients shows they really value our open and straightforward business philosophy, but that our former corporate identity did not really reflect the true culture of the firm."

Crutes has merged with two other firms in the past couple of years, taking over Mounseys in Carlisle and Doberman Horsman in Middlesbrough. Today, staff numbers in Newcastle now stand at 106, with 60 in Middlesbrough and 26 in Carlisle.

Gail Affleck-Ward, client services director at Crutes, said: "Two years ago we moved to Great North House in Newcastle, and we did not fully occupy the building, but we are now bursting at the seams. And, now our town centre premises in Middlesbrough are being moved to Teesdale Park, which represents a substantial investment. We have also increased staff and our turnover in Carlisle.

" We are not one of the big guys like Ward Hadaway or Dickinson Dees yet, but we would like to think we will be knocking on the door before long."

Crutes has built its reputation on insurance litigation work, but is now expanding into commercial and private client work.

Ms Affleck-Ward said all areas of Crutes were growing, but some in particular had seen very strong growth.
Over the last two years Crutes has seen its health and safety work increase by more than 100pc; private client work increase by 120pc and commercial dispute resolution has gone up by 130pc.

Crutes' success has recently been recognised by `excellent' ratings in the Legal 500 ratings for some of its main specialisms including its public sector, professional indemnity and personal injury work.

The Legal 500 also recognised the gains made by the firm's commercial property team, which made a substantial move up the ratings

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