Leeds-based leading law firm Ward Hadaway was today (Wednesday 22 February) announced as the third most active dealmaker in Yorkshire and Humber, and the most active law firm in the UK without a London base.

Exclusively revealed in the annual Experian MarketIQ league tables, the law firm has moved up two places in the Yorkshire and Humber rankings to number 3 across 2022. In terms of national rankings, the firm has moved up for the fifth year running to 7th overall.

Rob Thompson, Head of Corporate, who oversees a team of 30 corporate lawyers, said; "Our move into the top 3 in Yorkshire and Humber is a particularly outstanding result given the trading landscape in the region. To see us achieve growth at a time when Experian is showing the total number of deals down by 7% overall really reflects the success we are seeing across the Leeds office as a whole."

The firm completed a total of 106 qualifying deals during 2022 with an aggregate value of over £1.2bn despite challenging conditions and a slowdown in overall M&A activity across the UK.

Rob continues; “We are delighted that we have continued to move up the Experian rankings, competing at a national level as the most successful law firm without a London base in the top 10.

“Our team is based in Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle, and the latest Experian results underline the success we are seeing in our regions, but our skills and experience are attracting work from across the UK and internationally.”

The data, published by independent analysts Experian MarketIQ, which tracks M&A deals at a regional and national level, has found Ward Hadaway to be leading the way across the North of England as the firm also ranked 2nd in the North East and joint 8th in the North West.

Agility, flexibility and tenacity were at the heart of the approach, with individuals and teams featuring in the shortlist of multiple categories at next week's Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Awards.

The corporate team works with businesses of all sizes and across many different sectors but has a particular focus when it comes to SMEs.

Rob adds; “We are grateful to our clients for continuing to trust us with their transactions, and to our fellow professional advisers who recommend us to their clients.

“Our team is very experienced and has worked together for many years, whilst continuing to attract new talent. We combine consistency and stability with fresh thinking and expanding networks. The fact we continue to climb the national rankings is a testament to the expertise and client-centered approach of my team.  I am indebted to their energy and drive, which have played a huge part in our success.”