East Lancashire's oldest solicitor firms in merger

Under the plans for the merged firms, there will be no job losses, and the Haworth and Nuttall and Woodcocks names will continue.

Haworth and Nuttall, which dates back to 1877, has offices in Blackburn, Accrington, and Great Harwood, while Woodcocks, which can trace its roots back to 1791, has a long-established presence in Bury and Rossendale.

The new set-up will have 105 staff, and a projected turnover of £5million, and Woodcocks senior partner David McCann will take on the overall role of senior partner Haworth and Nuttall senior partner David McCraith said: “There are a number of syn-ergies between the two firms.

“Both have been built on the back of the first-class profess-ional service we provide. We will have greater depth across all offices, with specialist solic-itors undertaking the work.

“At the same time we both bring key differences – in geog-raphical spread, some services and experience – which, taken together, means this move makes perfect sense.

“Indeed a development like this has been part of our resp-ective business strategies.”

Mr McCann said: “This merger represents a real step forward for both businesses, and our respective clients.

“It will strengthen our core businesses and widen our geog-raphical footprint.

“The reality is that both firms will be stronger as a result of this merger.

“Both Woodcocks and Haworth and Nuttall are well-respected names, with excellent reputat-ions and pedigree in the region, and we are determined to ensure the newly-merged business buil- ds on those strong foundations.

“The beauty of this merger is that we dovetail so neatly.

“It will enable us to provide comprehensive cover for both individuals and businesses from Bury through to Blackburn, taking in Rossendale, Accrington and Great Harwood.

“From a geographical point of view, therefore, it means that the area we will be able to cover is significantly increased.”