Weightmans reelects managing partner as turnover rises to £56.2m

Weightmans managing partner Patrick Gaul has been reelected for another term as the firm posts turnover growth of eight per cent for the last financial year.

Gaul, who stood uncontested for the top job, said the firm brought in £56.2m for 2009-10, an increase on the previous year’s total of £52m. Average profit per equity partner (PEP), which last year stood at £272,000, is also expected to increase.

Gaul said that turnover was boosted this year by “good, steady” growth in the firm’s core insurance practice, which exceeded its targets, while the firm has also enhanced case management systems in its volume business in the insurance, employment and debt collection sectors.

On his reelection, Gaul said: “The deadline for nominations came and went and there was one person standing at the hustings. A man who’s been crushed by seven years of oppression was unceremoniously elected.”

When he completes his new three-year term Gaul will have been managing partner of Weightmans for a total of 10 years. “Neil Kinnock said that he gave his 40s to the Labour party, and after 10 years I will have given my 40s to this firm,” he added.

Gaul recently revamped the firm’s management structure, appointing professional indemnity partner Stuart Whittle, who was previously responsible for the firm’s IT strategy, to the newly created role of operations director. Whittle will oversee marketing, HR, risk and knowledge.