Bridge McFarland announce Brigg merger

Growing legal practice Bridge McFarland Solicitors are joining forces with Hetts Johnson Whiting a two partner North Lincolnshire law firm based in Brigg which incredibly has origins in the town dating back to the late 1700s.

The merger is taking place on 1 July 2025

Hetts Johnson Whiting partner Annabel Ford who will be celebrating 40 years as a solicitor in September, has been a partner since 1988 and followed in the footsteps of her solicitor father Jo Ford who worked at the firm from 1968 until 1998.

Supported in recent years by partner Steven Warne who joined the firm in 2022 and who himself has nearly 35 years under his belt as a solicitor, Annabel has ensured that the practice has remained a key part of the community, a constant in Brigg for so many years.

As with all businesses Hetts Johnson Whiting has faced challenges along the way, whether it be a global financial meltdown or more recently a pandemic, but the seventeen strong team has continued to adapt and flourish in the face of all challenges.

The merger with Bridge McFarland will provide clients with access to a wider array of legal services including Corporate Law, Personal Injury and Medical Negligence Claims in addition to the usual high street services like Conveyancing, Commercial Property, Family Services and Wills, Trusts & Probate as well as providing clients with the strength in depth that the combined firms will be able to provide.

With existing offices in Grimsby, Lincoln, Louth, Market Rasen, Hull, Anlaby and Scarborough, Bridge McFarland already serves a significant area of Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire.    The merger with Hetts Johnson Whiting gives Bridge McFarland a good foothold into North Lincolnshire and enhances its position as a leading community legal practice.

Annabel Ford is delighted by merger, saying:

“Bridge McFarland is a well-established firm with offices on both sides of the Humber and most importantly they share the same values as we do.  We conducted an extensive search within our region looking for an opportunity like this and we are absolutely delighted to be joining forces with Bridge McFarland.  This merger will enable us to be able to continue the tradition we have for providing excellent service and expertise in a welcoming environment with approachable, knowledgeable staff.”

Bridge McFarland Managing Partner Stephen Oldridge was keen to stress it would be business as usual for the Brigg firm’s clients:

“Our business is all about supporting the communities in which we operate.  We are really looking forward to continuing to serve the firm’s clients, building on the good work Hetts Johnson Whiting have done, and relationships they have built up, over many years and to working with our new team members in Brigg.”