It's the turn of Jonathan Wearing, managing director of the Yorkshire law firm Ison Harrison, as we continue our 2025 popular festive spotlight—featuring regional business people from across the north quizzing them with 12 quickfire questions.

1. What were you hoping to achieve by December when you sat down in January, and did you get there?

At the start of the year we were hoping for 10% growth in both turnover and profit. We’re on track for 35% growth with turnover likely to reach over £34m and profitability 30%. I genuinely can’t believe how good this year has been.

2. Tell us about three moments from 2025 that made you proud of your business.

1) The collective efforts put in by just about everyone at the firm to onboard and integrate those who joined us over the past year. Whether it was when we acquired Savage Crangle and Armstrong Luty solicitors or when anyone else joined the business.

2) Finding out from Land Registry that Ison Harrison handles the largest number of conveyancing transactions in Yorkshire.

3) Being shortlisted for five awards at the Yorkshire Lawyer Awards. I might have felt even prouder had we won one!

3. What's been your biggest headache this year - supply chains, recruitment, costs, or something else entirely?

IT. Whether it’s the risk of cybercrime, facilitating remote working, managing the cost and time involved in implementing new systems, or responding to the challenges thrown up by A.I., I find that IT is normally my main headache. As a lawyer, I find that I can handle people, money and risk pretty well. I find IT harder.

4. If you had to describe 2025 using a Christmas film title, which would you choose?

Love Actually. We are an employee-owned law firm and look after clients from all walks of life. There’s a lot of love at Ison Harrison, actually.

5. What's your number one priority when the office reopens in January?

At the beginning of each year we hold our annual business briefing where all 400 of us convene to hear how we are getting on, share what plans we have for the coming year, and recognise team and individual contributions through our annual awards. Preparing for that will be my priority whilst waiting for the phone to ring with our first new enquiry. All of our successes start by answering the phone and responding quickly to new enquiries, and we start it all again on January 1st!

6. Which business in the region has caught your eye this year - for all the right reasons?

Gripple. The South Yorkshire-based manufacturer is another employee-owned business and really shows the rest of us how it’s done. Impressive growth and values.

7. Crystal ball time: what does 2026 hold for businesses like yours?

There are many other law firms in the region but not many of our size, business model and recent successes. I would say next year looks fairly good for well-run and financially secure law firms. For us, with the advantage of being 100% employee-owned, I would venture that it looks even better.

8. This Christmas, are you a "full production" household or a "feet up and telly" one?

Full production. However, I normally get cast as an extra!

9. Crackers, Brussels sprouts, or pudding - which one best describes your year?

Crackers. In more ways than one. Our growth has been ‘crackers’ this year but as we’ll be announcing substantial employee profit distributions again this year, I’m sure there’ll be plenty of crackers pulled by happy employees in celebration.

10. Which business book, podcast or piece of advice has been your "surprise hit" of the year?

Legacy by James Kerr. The author offers a brilliant insight into teamwork, values and leadership. It’s a big hit with me every year.

11. As you wind down for the festive break, what are you most looking forward to switching off from?

Surely there can only ever be one answer to this. My mobile phone. I have a love-hate relationship with it.

12. In 25 words or fewer, what would you say to your customers, teams and stakeholders as we head into 2026?

I’d say the same thing to them all. ‘Trust us, we’ll look after you. It’s what we do.’