Forster Dean Solicitors Opens Two New Offices Backed By RBS - 13/01/2010

North West law firm Forster Dean Solicitors is to embark on a multi-million pound expansion plan after securing funding from The Royal Bank of Scotland (“RBS”).

The ambitious firm is opening new offices in Rochdale and Stockport within the first quarter of 2010 and has plans to open up to 10 more sites across England and Wales during the next two years. To support the firm’s plans the RBS Business & Commercial banking team in Liverpool provided a seven-figure funding package.

At present Forster Dean operates from its head office in Liverpool and a network of 15 other offices across the North West. The firm specialises in claimant personal injury cases such as road traffic accidents, slips and trips and accidents at work and residential conveyancing.

Forster Dean has 43 fee earners and 90 employees in total. Earlier this year the firm moved into a new head office on Liverpool International Business Park next to John Lennon airport. In 2007 the firm was the subject of a Management buyout led by Chief Executive Officer Gregory Shields. It is now ranked in the top 200 law firms in the country and has a turnover of £7.2m.

Gregory Shields, CEO at Forster Dean Solicitors, commented:
“The forthcoming expansion is part of our ultimate goal which is to create a leading high street law firm with a national presence. Our model is based upon providing clients with an excellent service that produces quick results for them at the most competitive price. We will substantially grow the firm during the next few years.”

Jeff Cummins, Relationship Manager at RBS, added
“Greg and the rest of the management team have established Forster Dean as a successful and modern legal practice. They are well positioned to roll out their operating model across more locations in the North West and beyond.”