Vialex opens Berwick office in first move south

The Edinburgh-based practice is taking premises in the Ramparts Business Park, as a first step to increase its footprint across the whole of the UK.

Vialex chief executive Keith Anderson said the business is ambitious to offer its legal counsel and transaction services, together with its HR and health and safety offering, to the widest audience possible.

“We have always been focused on the UK as a whole, and have clients the length and breadth of the country. The office in Berwick, and others to follow, will increase further our visibility south of the border, and also allow us to access the talent pools that undoubtedly exist in all the regions of the UK,” he said.

“In the immediate term this will take us closer to our clients in the north of England and will enable us to raise our profile in the business community in the region.”

Mr Anderson said Berwick had been chosen for its easy access by rail and road from Edinburgh and East Lothian. This made it convenient for many of its current specialist staff who provide day-to-day legal advice and corporate transaction services, and also advise on a range of employment law issues. The office will also provide a number of back office functions.

“I have said previously that our plans extend to the south east of England, and specifically London, which is on our immediate agenda,” said Mr Anderson.

Rachel Stewart, a senior legal adviser who recently joined the practice, will be based in the new Berwick premises, which will have capacity for 10 staff at any time, most of whom it is anticipated will be drawn from the Borders and Northumbria eventually.

Sarah Dick has recently joined the 32-strong team in Edinburgh as a legal adviser in the transaction services team. She joins from Gillespie Macandrew.