Bolton law firm celebrates 30th birthday

Bosses mingled with clients of the firm, based in Mawdsley Street, Bolton, at an event where they were entertained by harpist Angelina Warburton.

The company was originally set up by Stephen Lewis as Lewis & Co from its current premises in 1971.

Then as a result of a merger with Kippax Beaumont in 1985, run by Martin Kippax and Mike Beaumont, Kippax Beaumont Lewis was formed.

The firm, which is now commonly known as KBL, has since gone strength to strength and employs almost 40 staff.

From its Bolton base the company has specialist teams offering legal advice to commercial and private clients in property, litigation, employment, corporate and commercial, family law, personal injury and wills and probate.

David Johnson, a partner at the firm, said: "The legal profession has changed dramatically since KBL first opened its doors, yet our traditional ethos remains the same and we're looking forward to continuing to develop the firm in the future.

"There is no secret to our success, except that we enjoy what we do and we deliver the highest quality of service to our clients.

"I'm very proud that most of the work we do is repeat business and recommendations from clients that know us very well.

"As well as our clients, many of our loyal and dedicated staff have been with us for several years too."

Long serving employees include accounts manager Sheila Nugent, who has been at the firm since 1976, along with Pauline O'Rourke who joined the company as secretary to Mike Beaumont.

Pauline worked her way to up fee earner, and now works alongside three colleagues to set up the firm's residential property department as a conveyancing executive.

This year they are celebrating 40 years with the company.

Mr Johnson added: "The reliability and continuity of service many of our staff have given over the years has served KBL well. Now we also have many younger members of staff who we hope will be with us for just as long."