Law firms to set up shop in city centre

Solicitors Kenningham, Underwood, Armstrong and Khan's Solicitors have both relocated to new premises in the city.

Today Bradford Chamber of Commerce welcomed the two arrivals, which come in the wake of other professional firms moving to the city outskirts. Both businesses employ about 30 staff and said they expected to grow as a result of the relocation.

Mike Cartwright, policy executive at the Chamber, said: "We do need more business taking up premises in the city centre and this is positive news for all those involved in the regeneration of the city. Credit goes to all those showing the commitment to invest in Bradford and let's hope more are on the way."

Ian Underwood, partner at Kenningham, Underwood, Armstrong, said the firm had looked outside the city centre but decided it offered the best location for the business. It has moved from Ivegate to larger premises in Upper Piccadilly.

"We wanted more user friendly offices with facilities such as disabled access," he said. "The existing offices were old and disjointed and we wanted to get all the staff into a better working environment.

"We are a traditional Bradford practice. We have been here for 28 years and we still see that there is a need for good quality legal advice for the people of Bradford. We thought about moving out of the city but a lot of our clientele will travel in by public transport so we need to be easily accessible.

Saff Khan, senior partner at Khan's Solicitors which has moved from its old offices in Manningham Lane, echoed his comments.

He said the firm's new city centre premises in Sunbridge Road were more convenient for both clients and the city's courts.

"We wanted to stay loyal to Bradford. We never really contemplated leaving. We are really hoping there are going to be lots of positive developments in Bradford city centre. We think it will be a good place to be as a professional firm and the only way is up for the city."