A law firm has cut ties with the largest national network of legal practices in the UK as it aims to market itself as a local business.

Martin Tolhurst Solicitors has left the QualitySolicitors brand after six years and announced plans to invest in marketing, staff and offices over the next three years.

The firm, which has six offices in Kent, has hired a number of new lawyers and spent nearly £500,000 in IT systems to help it expand its family law department, private client, litigation and commercial work.

The business, which employs more than 140 people, has redesigned its branding to coincide with its new regional marketing campaign, which it hopes will increase the nearly £9 million turnover it achieved in its last financial year.

Managing partner Richard Carter said bosses felt “it was the right time to market ourselves more regionally” as the business marks its 130th anniversary – it was founded in late 1886.

He said: “Over the last six months we have undergone a substantial review of our business and felt that we should focus more on local and regional marketing instead of being part of a national brand.

“We are celebrating 130 years of trading in Kent over the next 12 months and we looked at our strengths – our local name and brand was a key part of our identity for our clients.”

QualitySolicitors network director Nick Howitt said: “With a revised model bringing new benefits to our members, we now have new firms joining us and lots more interest in where the network is going.

“We continue to recognise that law firms are diverse, and our past, current and future model will not suit every business.

“As a valued longstanding member and supporter of QualitySolicitors, we wish Martin Tolhurst all the very best with their expansion plans and regional focus.”

Martin Tolhurst has offices in Gravesend, Ashford, Longfield, Strood, Sittingbourne and Dartford.