NORTH-East law firm Ward Hadaway announced growth of 17 per cent over the past year - and said it signalled strength in the regional economy.

The Newcastle-based firm said it was the second year in a row it had grown at a rate of 17 per cent - and its average growth over the past ten years has been 16 per cent.

Managing partner Jamie Martin said: "This is another tremendously strong financial performance with growth being achieved right around the firm. Some of the highlights are growth of 51 per cent in Corporate Finance, 29 per cent in Finance and Banking, 42 per cent increase in Commercial Property and Construction up 81 per cent."

Published: 01/06/2005