For the past 170 years, Gravesend-based law firm Hatten Wyatt has been offering professional advice.

Nowadays it also imports and exports its services to and from an associate office in Delhi.

With more than 50 staff, the company has embraced social media in its expansion and Facebook not only includes Hatten Wyatt as a company, but other brands such as Legally Pink from Hatten Wyatt, a Professional Women in Business Group for the local area launched almost two years ago, Twitter and LinkedIn as well as the website www.hattenwyatt.com.

The company is on what it calls a journey of non-organic growth by way of acquisitions and mergers.

The past 18 months have seen the incorporation of Morlings in Maidstone and the takeover of client work from Howard Outred in Dartford.

The most recent acquisition is due to complete this month with the incorporation of Nigel Edwards and Company into Morlings Solicitors, Maidstone, part of the Hatten Wyatt Group.

Currently the firm has initiated a vigorous recruitment drive and implemented a trainee scheme which is the equivalent of a business apprenticeship.

A new service has been launched through a new partnering scheme called Advice Together using the Nellbooker System designed originally for a partnership of advice agencies and solicitors as an online appointment booking system.

At North West Kent Domestic Abuse the firm sits on a rotating drop-in clinic at Gravesham’s civic centre.

Young people are also offered a chance of work experience.

In the wider community Hatten Wyatt can be seen at a number of events.

Entering the Northfleet Carnival with a car full of balloons, the firm was delighted to win the Best Business Award.

The EllenorLions Hospice is to receive assistance with wills and there is a gifting week planned for October and some volunteers will help marshal the Twilight Walk on September 19.

Hatten Wyatt is one of the entrants in the Dartford and Gravesham Business Awards. This year’s award sponsors are Dartford council, Gravesham council, Barnes Roffe, Kent Business School (University of Kent), the KM Group (Dartford Messenger and Gravesend Messenger), Lloyds Bank, Thomson Snell and Passmore, Edinburgh House and the University of Greenwich.

Entries have now closed. The winner will be announced later this year.