LAW firm Gillespie Macandrew has reported a sixth year of growth with turnover increasing almost six per cent to £12.01 million in 2017/18 compared to £11.36m the previous year.

The Edinburgh-based firm did not disclose its pre-tax profit for the year to February 28 but said it was up 8% on the year before, which accounts at Companies House show was booked at £2.77m.

Gillespie Macandrew, which rebranded in 2017 incorporating its Hunter’s Residential business in the capital, said it continued to “focus on organic growth across its offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth with a focused, sector-led strategy”. It also continued the tradition of putting a non-lawyer in the top leadership role by appointing Robert Graham-Campbell as chief executive, replacing Chris West who retired.

Gillespie Macandrew said it was the only Scottish law firm to appoint non-lawyers to both of its senior management roles – Fiona Morton was appointed chairman in March last year.

“It has been a full and exciting year for the firm,” said Mr Graham-Campbell. “We have achieved another year of strong financial performance with satisfactory growth in turnover and profits. We continue to be debt free and with strong cash balances, providing a strong financial base for investment in improvements in our services to clients, for example in training and developing our staff and in IT solutions, as well as in growing our business through expansion.”

Mr Graham-Campbell, who joined Gillespie Macandrew from London property law firm Pemberton Greenish, said the firm was actively seeking opportunities for growth against a backdrop of continued political and economic uncertainty.

He said: “With offices in Edinburgh, Perth and Glasgow, our priorities remain to further reinforce our existing service areas and to expand our presence in these locations in order to deliver long-term profitable growth.”

Mr Graham-Campbell pointed to the success of the firm’s energy team which had completed over 200 projects in 2017 with a global development value of £3.27 billion.

Gillespie Macandrew is recognised for its strengths in the energy sector but also areas including land and rural affairs, and tax.

The firm also made several significant hires and promotions during the year, including two internal partner appointments in commercial real estate and construction and planning, taking partners and staff numbers from 137 to 144. The firm’s tax team has also been expanded.

Mr Graham-Campbell added that corporate social responsibility (CSR) remained an “important area of focus” for Gillespie Macandrew and the firm donated 1% of last year’s profit to charities Children in Scotland and The Rock Trust.

“Gillespie Macandrew runs its own development and training academy using a mix of internal and external providers, giving its people a sound platform to become tomorrow’s leaders of the firm,” he added.

Mr Graham-Campbell confirmed that the firm was looking to develop projects across its three offices but had no current plans to open other offices. “Our rebranding has reinforced that we are modern firm evolving in a fast-paced industry,” he continued.

“It is an exciting firm with a lot to offer and people who are looking to move forward. It is not just about finding a point of difference, it is about doing what you do better than your competitors.”

He pointed to the fact that Gillespie Macandrew runs its own development and training academy using a mix of internal and external providers in order to “give its people a sound platform to become tomorrow’s leaders of the firm”.