Business

Law firm JMK invests £1.7m in new Newry office

Pictured at the opening of the JMK Solicitors office in Newry are (from left) Colm Shannon, chief executive of Newry Chamber of Commerce; JMK's Olivia Meehan (legal services director), Jonathan McKeown (chairman) and Maurece Hutchinson (managing director), and Sinead McAllister and Tony McKeown from CRASH Services
Pictured at the opening of the JMK Solicitors office in Newry are (from left) Colm Shannon, chief executive of Newry Chamber of Commerce; JMK's Olivia Meehan (legal services director), Jonathan McKeown (chairman) and Maurece Hutchinson (managing direc Pictured at the opening of the JMK Solicitors office in Newry are (from left) Colm Shannon, chief executive of Newry Chamber of Commerce; JMK's Olivia Meehan (legal services director), Jonathan McKeown (chairman) and Maurece Hutchinson (managing director), and Sinead McAllister and Tony McKeown from CRASH Services

PERSONAL injury and road traffic law firm JMK Solicitors has acquired its Newry office following a £1.7m investment which has seen the firm doubling its current workspace in the city.

The purchase of Canal House, a five story building on St Mary’s Street, is one of the largest commercial property deals in the region this year. The transaction was supported by Danske Bank.

The overall investment includes the refurbishment of the existing JMK floor and the fit out of an additional floor which provides a new reception area, client consultation rooms and staff catering, training and relaxation facility.

The firm's managing director Maurece Hutchinson said: “This significant investment which will allow for further expansion of our business.

“We have been renting a floor of Canal House since 2014 but had outgrown this space due to increased staffing levels. We wanted to remain here and were given an opportunity to purchase the building.

“We have already completely fitted out an extra floor to an exceptionally high specification. We feel it is important to provide the best working environment for our team, which will us helps both retain and attract staff.”

JMK (www.jmksolicitors.com), which also have offices in Belfast and service clients from all over the north, has experienced significant growth over recent years due to its strategic decision to focus solely on personal injury and road traffic accident cases.

Cases handled and staffing levels have more than doubled over the last five years with now over 75 team members.

Ms Hutchinson added: “Personal injury and road traffic law can be very complex. But due our complete focus in this area our staff have built up significant specialist skills and knowledge in this area of law. Our aim is to proudly improve the lives of our clients following traumatic events, achieving the best possible outcome, with the least stress.”