IN a competitive trading environment Bradford law firm Gordons achieved higher profits last year due to new business wins and improving operational efficiency.

Gordons, whose clients include Morrisons, reported a 5.5 per cent rise in net profits to £10.6 million for 2014-15 on turnover of £22.5 million, which was 1.8 per cent lower than the previous year.

Average partner remuneration rose from £296,000 to £303,000, whilst the firm’s net cash position increased from £2.3 million to £3.9 million.

New business wins during 2014-15 included major British food retailer Iceland and Nisa, the UK’s leading member-owned independent retailer organisation.

Paul Ayre, managing partner, said: “Through a period of change we are continuing to successfully implement a business strategy where our focus is on ensuring work is won at acceptable margins and with long-term relationships in mind.

“We secured a good number of new business wins over the course of the last financial year resulting in the further diversification of our client base, and we’ve maintained this momentum throughout the current year.

“At the same time, our emphasis on operational improvements across the firm continues to generate positive results.

“It’s a competitive environment, but we remain focused on being straightforward, building great relationships with clients and not being afraid to do things differently. We believe these are the foundations for long-term success.”

Gordons employs 235 people and also has an office in Leeds.

Meanwhile a member of Gordons ground-breaking apprenticeship programme has qualified as a graduate member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.

Bryony Russell, acquired the organisation’s Level 6 Professional Higher Diploma in Law and Practice, completing the most advanced academic element of the qualification.

She will become a chartered legal executive employment lawyer in September , after gaining five years’ sector experience.

Bryony said: “This apprenticeship scheme has been a fantastic opportunity and has allowed me to acquire significant experience in the early stages of my career. I really enjoy working here at Gordons and I’m proud to be part of the highly successful employment team.”

Gordons’ apprenticeship programme for school-leavers was the first of its kind in the legal sector when it was introduced in 2011 and has won several awards.

Paul Ayre said: “This is yet another milestone for our apprenticeship programme, which has brought some outstanding young talent into the profession, which might previously have been lost to it, and is undoubtedly one of the most worthwhile innovations we’ve ever implemented.”