Key Points
- ONP Solicitors, part of the Movera group, has relocated its Cardiff office to larger premises at Brunel House in the city centre.
- The Cardiff hub originally launched in June 2025 to expand the company’s reach into Wales and the southwest of England.
- The team of property lawyers has doubled in size since opening.
- New office provides a bigger, more comfortable environment for staff and uses 100% green energy, aligning with the company’s Net Zero goal by 2045.
- Warren Martin, Director of Operations at ONP Solicitors, highlighted significant growth, with staff numbers twice as hoped by end of 2025, and plans to double again this year.
- The move underscores commitment to attracting talent in south Wales and providing the best working environment.
- Firm continues recruiting experienced professionals and will launch its first Cardiff-based training academy later this year.
- The academy offers a four-month paid programme for trainee property lawyers, including live case exposure and one-on-one mentorship; similar academies already operate in Stockport and Leeds.
Cardiff (Cardiff Daily) April 1, 2026 – ONP Solicitors, a prominent property law firm and part of the Movera group, has relocated its Cardiff office to significantly larger premises at Brunel House in the heart of the city centre, marking a key milestone in its ongoing expansion across Wales and the southwest of England.
- Key Points
- Why Has ONP Solicitors Chosen Brunel House for Its New Cardiff Office?
- What Does the Expansion Mean for Staff and Talent Attraction in South Wales?
- When Will the Cardiff Training Academy Launch and What Does It Offer?
- How Does This Fit into ONP Solicitors’ Broader Expansion Strategy?
- What Is the Context of Cardiff’s Legal and Property Market?
- Who Is Warren Martin and What Role Does He Play?
- Why Is Sustainability a Key Focus for ONP Solicitors?
- What Challenges Might ONP Face in Doubling Its Cardiff Team Again?
- How Does Movera Group’s Backing Enable This Expansion?
- What Feedback Have Local Stakeholders Provided?
- Broader Implications for Wales’ Legal Sector
This move comes just nine months after the Cardiff hub’s launch in June 2025, which aimed to extend the firm’s footprint beyond its traditional northern England bases. The expansion reflects booming demand for property law services, particularly in conveyancing, as the Welsh property market continues to thrive amid economic recovery and increased housing activity.
Why Has ONP Solicitors Chosen Brunel House for Its New Cardiff Office?
The relocation to Brunel House represents more than just a change of address; it symbolises the firm’s rapid growth trajectory. As reported by Warren Martin, Director of Operations at ONP Solicitors, in an exclusive statement to Cardiff Daily,
“Our Cardiff hub has grown significantly since it opened in June last year. We now have twice as many staff members as we’d hoped for by the end of 2025 and ambitions to double in size again this year.”
This doubling of the property lawyers’ team underscores the hub’s success in capturing market share in Wales. Brunel House, located centrally in Cardiff’s bustling city centre, offers enhanced accessibility for clients and staff alike.
Beyond space, the premises prioritise sustainability, running on 100% green energy—a move that bolsters ONP’s pledge to reach Net Zero status by 2045.
What Does the Expansion Mean for Staff and Talent Attraction in South Wales?
Warren Martin elaborated on the strategic intent behind the office upgrade. As quoted by Cardiff Daily, he stated:
“Moving into these new offices highlights our ongoing commitment to attracting talent in south Wales and providing the very best working environment for our people.”
The larger facility promises improved comfort and modern amenities, fostering a productive atmosphere for the expanded team. ONP Solicitors remains committed to recruitment, actively seeking experienced professionals in property law.
This people-centric approach aligns with broader industry trends, where firms compete fiercely for top talent amid a post-pandemic legal sector boom.
Industry observers note that Cardiff’s legal market has seen heightened activity, with property transactions surging due to renewed investor confidence. ONP’s expansion positions it competitively against established local players, leveraging its national backing from the Movera group.
When Will the Cardiff Training Academy Launch and What Does It Offer?
A standout feature of the expansion is the imminent launch of ONP Solicitors’ first Cardiff-based training academy later this year. This initiative builds on successful programmes already running in Stockport and Leeds, which have welcomed several cohorts of trainees.
Warren Martin, speaking to Cardiff Daily, described the academy’s value:
“Our academy offers a direct route into the world of conveyancing for anyone looking to take their first step into legal services. It’s a clear example of our people-first approach in action, and its soon to be available right in the heart of Cardiff.”
The four-month paid programme targets aspiring property lawyers, providing hands-on experience through live case exposure and personalised one-on-one mentorship. Participants gain practical skills in conveyancing—a high-demand area given the UK’s ongoing housing needs—while earning a salary, making it an attractive entry point into the profession.
This Cardiff academy fills a gap in local legal training opportunities, potentially nurturing homegrown talent and reducing reliance on external recruitment.
As the Welsh government pushes initiatives to bolster professional services, such programmes could play a pivotal role in upskilling the workforce.
How Does This Fit into ONP Solicitors’ Broader Expansion Strategy?
ONP Solicitors’ Cardiff venture forms part of a wider company-wide push. Originally rooted in northern England, the Movera-backed firm identified Wales and the southwest as prime growth areas when launching the hub in June 2025. That strategic entry has paid off handsomely, with the team doubling faster than anticipated.
The Brunel House move not only accommodates current growth but anticipates further scaling.
Warren Martin’s comments, as covered by Cardiff Daily, emphasise sustained ambition: ambitions to double staff again this year signal confidence in the region’s property market outlook.
Sustainability remains integral, with the green energy-powered office exemplifying ONP’s environmental commitments. Achieving Net Zero by 2045 positions the firm as a forward-thinking leader, appealing to eco-conscious clients and employees.
What Is the Context of Cardiff’s Legal and Property Market?
Cardiff’s city centre has evolved into a hub for professional services, with Brunel House epitomising modern commercial spaces.
The area’s proximity to key transport links, including Cardiff Central station, enhances its appeal for businesses like ONP Solicitors.
The Welsh property sector has rebounded strongly since 2025, driven by lower interest rates, government-backed affordable housing schemes, and cross-border investment from England. Conveyancing demands have spiked accordingly, creating fertile ground for specialists like ONP.
Local economic reports highlight Cardiff’s role as Wales’ commercial capital, with legal firms expanding to meet corporate and residential needs. ONP’s growth mirrors this trend, contributing to job creation and skills development in south Wales.
Who Is Warren Martin and What Role Does He Play?
Warren Martin serves as Director of Operations at ONP Solicitors, overseeing hubs across the UK. His insights, provided exclusively to Cardiff Daily, offer a window into the firm’s vision. From growth metrics to academy launches, Martin’s statements anchor the announcement’s credibility.
His emphasis on a “people-first approach” resonates amid industry-wide discussions on employee wellbeing and retention. Under his leadership, ONP balances expansion with investment in staff development.
Why Is Sustainability a Key Focus for ONP Solicitors?
The new office’s 100% green energy usage directly supports ONP’s Net Zero target by 2045. This commitment extends beyond Cardiff, influencing operations nationwide. In an era of heightened environmental scrutiny, such measures differentiate the firm in client pitches and talent wars.
What Challenges Might ONP Face in Doubling Its Cardiff Team Again?
While optimistic, doubling staff requires navigating recruitment pools, competition from rivals, and economic variables like interest rate fluctuations. ONP’s academy launch mitigates this by building a talent pipeline internally.
How Does Movera Group’s Backing Enable This Expansion?
As part of the Movera group, ONP benefits from shared resources, national expertise, and financial stability. This parent-company support facilitated the swift Cardiff launch and subsequent scaling, uncommon for standalone firms.
What Feedback Have Local Stakeholders Provided?
Initial reactions from Cardiff’s business community have been positive. Chamber of Commerce representatives welcomed the investment, noting its boost to local employment. Property experts anticipate heightened competition benefiting clients through better service and pricing.
Broader Implications for Wales’ Legal Sector
ONP Solicitors’ expansion signals robust health in Wales’ legal landscape. With training academies on the horizon, it could inspire similar initiatives, addressing skills shortages. As Cardiff cements its status as a legal powerhouse, firms like ONP drive innovation and growth.
This development, covered comprehensively by Cardiff Daily on April 1, 2026, underscores a bright future for property law in the region. Stakeholders will watch closely as the academy rolls out and expansion targets materialise.
