A law firm made a solid opening gambit in the first half of its financial year, with profits up 18% to £3.2 million.

Cripps, based in Tunbridge Wells, Kings Hill and Sandwich, also boosted its income by 9% to £13.4 million in the six months to October.

The results come in the wake of high rankings in the Chambers UK Guide – a legal performance annual – which described the firm as “one of the strongest practices outside London”.

Managing partner Gavin Tyler said: “To follow the best year our firm has ever had with continued growth of this level is fantastic and in line with the ambitious targets we have set ourselves this year.

“It’s been a great six months but the job is only half done. I’ve confidence in our people who are doing everything we could ask of them.

“They are rightly being recognised as amongst the most talented in the country. Our focus on client service and our commitment to delivering efficient, modern legal services to suit all our clients is paying off.”