Bradford and Leeds law firm Gordons has made a strong start to the year after completing more than 15 deals and also has a healthy pipeline of work.

The completed deals included advising Bradford Chamber of Commerce on the merger with Leeds, York & North Yorkshire chamber in February.

James Fawcett, Gordons’ head of corporate, said: “We have had a very positive start to 2014. Activity levels are well ahead of last year which is indicative of the both the general resurgence of the economy and the fact that Gordons is winning new clients who recognise the value of our straightforward, practical, service-led approach.

“There is undoubtedly an increasing sense of confidence among businesses and investors throughout the region. The pipeline of deals we are working on continues to grow and we are excited about the rest of the year.”

Gordons has also advised Enact, the £7.5m SME fund launched by private equity house Endless, on the acquisition of 35 West Cornwall Pasty Company outlets as well as shareholders of specialist manufacturer Corrosion Resistant Products on its acquisition by Swedish group Indutrade earlier this month.

The firm was revealed as Yorkshire’s most active corporate legal advisor during the first quarter of 2014, according to a report published by global financial information company Experian. Gordons was also listed as the 14th most active law firm in the UK, ahead of many national and City firms.

Gordons was recently appointed by train operator Northern Rail to provide employment law services. It will be advising the UK’s largest train operator whose services cover the Bradford district, on employment strategy, assisting with change projects, trade union relations and tribunal claims.

Adrian Thompson, Northern Rail human resources and change director, said: “Gordons has a vast amount of experience within the transport industry. We are impressed by their enthusiasm and knowledge, and are looking forward to working closely with the employment team.”

In addition to Northern Rail, Gordons’ employment team has had a number of recent business wins, including the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service, leading bus operator Transdev Blazefield, which includes services in the Keighley area, and Asset Skills, the sector skills council for the housing, construction and facilities management industries.

Gordons’ transport experts include Simon Robinson, employment partner, and Edward Nuttman, senior employment solicitor, who have a combined experience of more than 20 years advising numerous rail, bus and coach operators throughout the UK.