Barnett Waddingham targets ‘talented professionals’ with new Edinburgh office

The firm, which has about 1,700 staff nationally and specialises in business risk, pensions, investment and insurance, has opened a dedicated city base at Spaces, Lochrin Square, where it will occupy the fourth floor. The Edinburgh office adds to the firm’s Glasgow presence and marks its 11th UK base as it targets key financial centres.

Bosses said the move strengthened the consultancy’s ability to “deliver an exceptional service to its Scottish clients” and follows its recent acquisition by Howden, the global insurance and employee benefits intermediary group.

Andrew Vaughan, senior partner, Barnett Waddingham, said: “Edinburgh is one of the UK’s leading financial centres, with a thriving community of insurers, asset managers and FinTech firms alongside some of the country’s best actuarial and financial services talent, so we were keen to amplify our presence here as part of our ambitious growth plans.

“As part of Howden we are stronger together, and establishing a base in the city builds on our shared ambitions in the Scottish market.”

Andrew Simpson, partner and Edinburgh office lead, said: “We are excited to open our 11th office here, in a move that strengthens our ability to deliver tailored advice and practical solutions to clients.

“We’re looking forward to deepening our engagement with clients and colleagues across the region and contributing to Edinburgh’s professional community.”

Michelle Robertson, head of central operations at Barnett Waddingham, added: “Our new office provides a flexible workspace that supports collaboration while offering colleagues an attractive central location that aligns with our hybrid working approach. It will be instrumental in attracting talented professionals from across Edinburgh who want to work with a leading consultancy.”

The firm acts as a trusted partner for a wide range of clients in both the private and public sectors - this includes 24 per cent of FTSE 100 and more than 15 per cent of FTSE 350 companies.

Meanwhile, law firm Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie (WJM) has moved to a new office base in the heart of Edinburgh.

After joining forces with Davidson Chalmers Stewart earlier this year, the firms will now operate from under one roof, joined by the complex personal injury team from Irwin Mitchell.

The WJM team - which includes private client, corporate and commercial property experts among others - will now operate from Davidson Chalmers Stewart’s offices on Hope Street.

Fraser Gillies, managing partner at WJM, said: “Working together in a collaborative environment can only help our firms strengthen and grow and is another major step towards further growth.

“It has been an especially significant few years for us, with investment from Irwin Mitchell followed by our collaboration with Davidson Chalmers Stewart.

“This is a natural next step for our firms and ultimately we plan to operate under a single brand,” he added.

Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie is a full-service law firm, with a history stretching back more than 170 years, operating from offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Dunblane and Galashiels.