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ONE of the North-East’s oldest legal practices has pledged its future to the town where it was established more than 130 years ago - despite being frustrated in its search for new headquarters.

Punch Robson Solicitors has had an office in Middlesbrough since 1877, but for several years has been actively seeking a move from its five-storey offices in Albert Road to a more suitable town centre location.

“We moved onto this site in 1898 and the current offices have served us well since the late-1960s,” said Partner Stewart Williamson. “However, Punch Robson has grown significantly in the past 20 years or so, and the offices are simply not configured in a style that meets the needs of a modern legal practice.”

Punch Robson, a general legal practice, employs more than 70 people, including 20 solicitors and 12 partners. Last year, it acquired business law specialists Spooner & Co in a move that significantly increased the size of its commercial law division.

And while the bulk of its business is based in Middlesbrough, Punch Robson has in recent years opened offices in Coulby Newham and Ingleby Barwick to serve the fast-growing residential communities.

Mr Williamson said Punch Robson’s fruitless search was due to the lack of the right kind of office development in the right location.

He said: “Developers, perhaps understandably, are reluctant in the current climate to spend money on speculative office developments. Where they have, the proposed rents are too high, and where the rent is reasonable, there always seems to be issues with access, parking or other important considerations. We are being frustrated at every corner.

“We are continuously reminded of the high levels of regeneration in Middlesbrough, notably at Middlehaven, which include a number of office developments, but none so far have met our needs, and we are having to remain patient until the right opportunity comes along.”

Litigation is a key element of Punch Robson, and it is leading practice on Teesside in mental health and family work, and Mr Williamson said it was therefore vital the firm remains close to the town’s Crown and magistrates’ courts. Other key requirements are parking facilities for staff and clients, and a shop-front presence.

He added: “The message we want to send out is that Punch Robson, a legal practice in Middlesbrough for 131 years, remains totally committed to its historical home where it hopes to continue growing and providing the people and businesses of Teesside with the highest standard of legal services.”

For further information contact Stewart Williamson on 01642 230700

Editor’s Note.

Punch Robson was founded in 1877 by George Robson in Linthorpe Road. J W R Punch joined the company in approx 1890 when it became known as George Robson and Punch. The firm moved into its current site at 37 Albert Road in 1898 and became known as J W R Punch & Robson in 1901. The name altered periodically during the 20th Century as new partners came and went, but the names Punch and Robson were never dropped and, in 1984, the company adopted its present-day name. In 1968, Punch Robson demolished the original office in Albert Road and built the existing offices in its place. Punch Robson celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2002.

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