A BOOMING Bolton law firm remained loyal to its staff and its roots when it made a big re-location decision.

Keoghs Solicitors (Keogh Ritson until a recent name change) considered various out of town options, including Salford Quays, when it became evident that a new headquarters building was needed.

But although council grant assistance was only available elsewhere, Keoghs eventually plumped to stay in Bolton and move to new premises on the Parklands Business Park opposite the Wanderers' Reebok Stadium.

"Several of the partners are Boltonians and this is where the company developed," said Don Clarke, the partner responsible for the move.

"But the main reason was loyalty to the staff . We stayed in Bolton because it causes minimum disruption."

Mr Clarke and senior commercial partner Alan Robins took time out to show me around the magnificent new office block, which is being built by William Hargreaves Ltd for landlords Orbit Developments (part of the Emerson Group).

Keoghs hope to move in to their 42,180 sq ft headquarters in April next year on a 25-year lease.

It is one of the largest purpose-built, sole occupancy schemes seen in the North-west for some while.

The three-storey building will initially accommodate about 300 people with room for another 60 if business continues to develop at the current rapid rate.

The open plan building will include a conference and seminar suite together with staff facilities and 180 car parking spaces. Keoghs' new home reflects a £12 million plus success story.

Mr Robins said that Keogh Ritson was founded in Caroline House, Bradshawgate in 1968 following a merger of two old established Bolton practices -- George Keogh and Co and T.Y. Ritson.

"When I joined in 1971 there were 15 people there including four partners," Mr Robins said.

In 1974, when the staff was about 30, the firm moved to 59 Chorley New Road, Bolton.

When Mr Clarke arrived in 1985 there were about 50 people, including six partners.

These days Keoghs acts for the majority of the UK's major insurance companies and its company and commercial department advises a wide range of private and public sector organisations in the North-west.

Success in these niche markets has led to massive growth over recent years.

The new headquarters is necessary because the company's operations in Bolton are currently spread over several locations, including one in the Tonge Valley.

Additional offices in Coventry and Southampton bring the total workforce up to about 380.

Keoghs is ambitious, has its sights set on a national presence but is determined to continue to think locally in the town where it has thrived.