Birchall Blackburn Solicitors LLP, which has offices on St Thomas's Road, has acquired the Lune Street-based firm, from principal, Gerard Waddingham.

Ward Dewhurst, which was established in Preston almost 200 years ago and specialises in probate and conveyancing, will now trade as Birchall Blackburn alongside its sister office which is based on Avenham Street in Preston city centre.

Stephen Gregson and Ian Waddingham of Moore and Smalley Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, based in Preston, brokered the deal, providing advice to Ward Dewhurst throughout the process.

Mr Waddingham said: "After running the business and growing it into what it is today, it was time to sit back, take stock and start thinking about the long-term future and retirement.

"I am very happy that the practice has been acquired by Birchall Blackburn. My decision to focus Ward Dewhurst on its core probate and conveyancing services two years ago means that the practice perfectly complements Birchall Blackburn's skills base and experience."

Birchall Blackburn specialise in personal injury, foreign property, family, insolvency and company and commercial law.

Mr Waddingham added: "However I am not ready to relinquish my role just yet and I will continue to work with clients old and new in a consultancy role for Birchall Blackburn."

Cathy MacCracken, partner at the Preston office of Birchall Blackburn which was established in 1950 and gained LLP status in May, said: "The acquisition of Ward Dewhurst is a natural progression for the firm which is enjoying sustainable growth. It will strengthen our service offering and client base."


A SCHOOL business manager from Chorley is top of the class after graduating with a prestigious national qualification.

Catherine Ingram from Brindle St James' CE Primary School is one of just nine school business managers (SBMs) from the North West to have been awarded a qualification in School Business Management by the National College for School Leadership (NCSL).

She is the only SBM in the country to have been awarded the high-level Diploma of School Business Management at the graduation ceremony.

The qualification looks at issues such as finance, managing resources effectively, securing additional funding, HR and providing additional strategic leadership support.