Backing ambition in Manchester
5th February, 2026
Record financial results are always welcome. But from my perspective, what matters most about Ward Hadaway’s 2024/25 performance is what the results say about the ambition of the businesses we work alongside every day.
The firm’s 11.6% increase in turnover to £53.6m, and fifth consecutive year of growth, is significant. But in my role as the Manchester Office Executive Partner, I feel there is a deeper story about this city, its businesses and the momentum building across the region.
Manchester is not growing by accident. It is growing because founders, developers, investors and leadership teams are choosing to act with intent. They are backing their own ambition and surrounding themselves with partners who understand the pace, pressure and complexity of growth.
That is exactly where our Manchester office sits. Over the past year, we have seen sustained demand across our client base, but more importantly we have seen clients moving earlier, thinking longer-term and making bolder decisions.
Whether it is developers reshaping neighbourhoods, owner-managed businesses professionalising for the next stage of growth, or entrepreneurs navigating an increasingly complex business landscape, ambition has been the common thread.
Our role is not simply to advise when asked. It is to help clients move faster and go further by anticipating challenges, creating clarity and backing decisions that unlock progress. Our results across the firm reflect that approach.
For us, the year ahead will see us become even more visible as we continue to back the ambition of this city region. That means investing in people at every level, expanding service lines where clients need us most and creating an environment where talented lawyers can build meaningful careers without compromise.
It also means contributing beyond our client base and we are working on exciting initiatives behind the scenes that will see us take a more active role within Greater Manchester. Because we know when ambition is backed properly, results tend to follow.
Please note that this briefing is designed to be informative, not advisory and represents our understanding of English law and practice as at the date indicated. We would always recommend that you should seek specific guidance on any particular legal issue.
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