A legal firm with offices in Tunbridge Wells and Kings Hill has helped a young Parisian footwear brand launch in stores across the UK.

Bobbies’ colourful, handmade loafers, boots, car shoes and slippers for men and women first caught the eye of Paris’ well-heeled four years ago, and quickly expanded into the continent, Asia, Middle East and Americas.

Following strong online sales from UK customers, the company decided to open its first retail venture outside France and appointed legal firm, Cripps, to advise on its first foothold.

Bart Debray, head of Bobbies UK, said: "We selected Cripps to represent us, given its unrivaled reputation in the retail market and the expertise and experience the team has brought to this transaction."

The team, led by Oliver Morel, head of international corporate investment and Ed Fowler, managing associate real estate, advised Bobbies on their first lease for a store in Covent Garden, London.

Mr Morel said: "It was great to help a young French brand establish its first foothold in the highly competitive UK retail market.

"London represents a key positioning for such a fresh, colourful and vibrant designer-led business.

“We have over 25 years’ experience and have helped more than 300 international businesses in their UK ventures and we are delighted to have been able to help Bobbies with its expansion plans.”