Law firm Cartmell Shepherd set to move offices

Cartmell Shepherd’s association with Bishop Yards in Penrith can be traced back to the 1780s.

But as the firm - which has six bases across Cumbria and Northumberland - looks to expand, it has put the historic building on the market.

They will not be moving out of the town, however.

Practice manager Scott Garson said: “The building has so much history. It’s incredible to think what must have come to pass over the last two centuries and of course we are sad to be leaving.

“However, we are always seeking to better the facilities we offer to our clients and colleagues.

“We are looking to expand our offices in Penrith to cope with increased demand, and we are currently seeking office space that has improved ground level access for our clients and visitors alongside an enhanced working area for our staff, giving us room to expand our offering in the local area. In the meantime it’s business as usual.”

The building is thought to have been a private dwelling before it became a legal practice.

Cartmell Shepherd expanded the premises in the 1980s by taking over an adjacent vacant part of the building which had been used as a GP practice.

A team of 17 work out of the office, and recently celebrated after winning the Business of the Year category at the Penrith Stars of Business Awards.

Numbers are likely to expand once new premises have been found.

“We’re recruiting an additional member of our support team at the moment and are always on the look-out for local, talented people,” said Mr Garson.

“Our current Penrith office is busy and vibrant; that will continue with the new office and we’ll recruit new team members.”

Cartmell Shepherd has its roots in the firm Little & Co which was formed in the early 19th century and became Reed, Graham & Little in 1926.

In 1965 it merged into Little & Shepherd, which was formed from Reed, Graham & Little and Blaymire & Shepherd, becoming Cartmell Shepherd in 1989 following a merger with Cartmell, Mawson and Main.