Law firm hails Foot Anstey hails ‘Manchesterism’ as it brings key conference to the city

Group focusing on key North West growth areas including retail, sports and infrastructure

A law firm holding its national conference in Manchester for the first time says the city’s ‘Manchesterism’ effect, as promoted by Andy Burnham, has encouraged its investment in the region.

Foot Anstey is holding its Partner Conference in Manchester this week after announcing plans to grow its headcount in the North West.

Foot Anstey recently reported its strongest-ever financial results, with revenues for the 2024/25 financial year reaching £76.9m. The Bristol-based firm employs more than 700 people, with other offices in Belfast, Exeter, London, Plymouth and Southampton.

In the North West, the group aims to grow its offering in key growth areas including retail, sports, infrastructure and technology. It will also continue its to “break down barriers” in the legal profession,

Foot Anstey plans to grow its headcount in the North West region and further develop its legal offering in line with key business growth sectors of retail, sports, infrastructure and technology.

The firm’s strategy also focuses on breaking down barriers to entry into the legal profession across the UK, including Manchester, through initiatives such as Achieve, its award-winning vacation scheme supporting Black and minority ethnic candidates.

The firm’s pledge to donate 1% of its net profits annually to responsible business programmes is already benefiting initiatives within Greater Manchester such as the Wood Street Mission.

Martin Hirst, managing partner at Foot Anstey, said: “The high calibre of our established team in Manchester as well as positive economic data gives us the confidence to make further investment in Manchester and the wider North West region. This is why we have selected Manchester as the location for our partner conference this year bringing people together at the heart of this exceptional business environment. I look forward to seeing the positive impact we will create in Manchester in the years ahead, not just in business terms but in social investment too.”

Melanie McGuirk, partner at Foot Anstey in Manchester, said: “The ‘Manchesterism’ effect is certainly being noticed in other parts of the country and is a major pull factor for business. The strength of Manchester’s economy is an important part of our decision as a firm to commit to this city. It’s a city that is growing in confidence and capability, attracting high-growth companies and exceptional talent, and we’re committed to being part of that continued growth.”

Jan Levinson, partner at Foot Anstey in Manchester, said: “We are building a powerhouse law firm, backed by exceptional talent and a clear vision for growth. Over the coming year, we will continue to expand our capability to support the most complex commercial disputes and high-value advisory matters, working alongside the region’s most ambitious organisations and leaders”