Manchester firm Halliwell Landau has posted a 13% rise in turnover to £40 million for the 2003-2004 financial year, although the firm has yet to announce its profit figure. “With market confidence continuing to improve, we are well positioned to make giant strides over the next 12 months,” said managing partner Ian Austin.

“Having recently been elected managing partner, it is a challenge I am absolutely relishing,” he added. The firm, which has offices in Manchester, London and Sheffield, recently announced that it was looking for larger flagship offices for its Manchester base.