The merger of Halliwells and Liverpool firm Cuff Roberts, which went live on 1 January, has created the largest firm in the northwest, with 95 partners and a turnover of £50m. The new practice, which has offices in London and Sheffield as well as Manchester and Liverpool, represents a serious shift into a new market on the part of Manchester-based Halliwells.

The firm’s managing partner, Ian Austin, says his firm was attracted to the strong economic growth of Liverpool during the past two years, evidenced by the booming commercial property and construction market.