SCHOFIELD SWEENEY MAKE £2M PROPERTY INVESTMENT IN BRADFORD

Plans for new office demonstrate firm’s commitment to city

Schofield Sweeney has cemented its reputation as law firm of choice for corporate finance and property work in Bradford with news of a £2m purchase of prestigious new premises in the heart of the city.

Covering 16,000 sq ft, the new office is on Church Bank overlooking the city’s cathedral, on the fringes of the historic Little Germany area.

The firm will relocate from its current base in Canal Road early next year. An extensive refit is planned that will offer dramatically improved facilities for its clients and professional contacts.

A key driver for the move was the need for more space. The firm has grown rapidly during the past 12 months after expanding into new areas of expertise and reaching 13 partners and 30 lawyers across its two offices.

The Bradford office has acted on a series of high profile deals this year, including attracting national attention after completing the unique and ground-breaking Local Investment Finance Trust (LIFT) schemes in Tees Valley on behalf of Baildon-based Accent Group, worth a combined investment value of £150m.

Schofield Sweeney Managing Partner, Martin Sweeney, said: “The move represents a major investment into the city, and this reflects our positive attitude towards Bradford. There has been much written about its regeneration and this demonstrates our commitment in the clearest possible terms.

“We want the very best for Bradford, and we like to think that we have shown some leadership in the context of its regeneration. The move will cement our reputation in the region and will push us forwards as a practice while giving us top rate facilities to match the level of high-profile deals we are acting on.”

Sandy Needham, Chief Executive of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, said: “Schofield Sweeney is Bradford born and bred and now they are increasing their profile in the legal world, they are not turning their back on their roots. I hope that the firm can act as an example to other businesses based in Bradford, or those thinking of investing here. Moves such as this demonstrate that the city is an increasing centre for business in the region.”

5 December 2005