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Please read our full press release below:
Payne Hicks Beach reports record financial results, demonstrating success of its five-year strategic transformation
- Achieves record turnover of £44.8m; a 16 per cent rise on last year
- Recognises staff contribution to success with firmwide bonus
- Strengthens leadership as proportion of female partners doubles over five years
London, 27 November 2025 – Payne Hicks Beach LLP (PHB) has reported record financial results for the year ended 31st May 2025, with turnover increasing to £44.8m, a rise of 16 per cent on the previous year.
The results reflect the continued success of the firm’s strategic transformation, which has repositioned PHB as a modern, internationally focused firm serving global clients with increasingly complex requirements.
Growth was seen across all departments, with Dispute Resolution achieving the largest increase – up 21 per cent in turnover year-on-year – underlining the firm’s reputation for complex litigation in the UK and offshore jurisdictions.
Momentum has carried into the new financial year, with first quarter results for FY25/26 up 32 per cent on the same period last year. While this growth rate is expected to moderate in line with the stronger second half of FY24/25, the outlook remains positive.
The firm expects to generate sustained double-digit growth over the next five years, driven primarily by an expanding portfolio of international clients.
Commenting on the results, Robert Brodrick, Chair of Payne Hicks Beach, said:
“This year’s record results demonstrate the success of our five-year transformation. We’ve evolved our business, expanded our services and strengthened our partnership to deliver exceptional growth. The momentum continues into FY25/26, and we are confident in delivering sustained double-digit growth for the years ahead.
“Our success also demonstrates the dedication of our people and the trust of a client base that is increasingly international and diverse. We look forward to building on this performance and continuing to deliver long-term growth.”
Practice area performance
Over the past five years, PHB has seen its fastest expansion in Employment (+226%), Immigration (+127%) and Corporate (+100%), alongside continued strength in Private Client (+67%) and Dispute Resolution (+36%). Property remains stable year-on-year, while Family, has returned to growth in the last 12 months (+7%) following planned partner retirements.
Investing in the people and partnership
The firm’s partnership now numbers 45, with the proportion of female partners doubling in the past five years to one third. The average partner age is under 50, with 19 aged 45 or younger. The firm has also grown its Legal Director cohort to more than 15 and invested in associate recruitment and leadership development programmes to secure the next generation of talent.
This commitment to developing people is strengthened by the depth of experience within the partnership. Senior figures such as Baroness Shackleton continue to play an important mentoring role – sharing insight, experience and guidance that help shape the firm’s culture and nurture future leaders.
In recognition of staff contributions, PHB awarded a firmwide bonus, equivalent to three per cent of salary.
Strategic leadership and international growth
For the first time, the management team includes a Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, strengthening its ability to deliver strategic growth, drive operational efficiency, and support digital transformation.
International work now represents a significant proportion of turnover, and this is expected to double over the next five years as the firm continues to attract global clients seeking London expertise.
Outlook
With a strong balance sheet free of external debt, a dynamic leadership team and an expanding international client base, PHB enters the next five years from a position of strength. The firm remains focused on sustainable, profitable growth, combining the discretion and personal service of a private client firm with the reach and capability of an international practice.
