A regional law firm boss is stepping down at the end of this month.

Paul Dickie of Prettys, which has offices in Ipswich and Chelmsford, will remain a senior partner within the business. Ian Carr, a former senior partner at financial and business advisers Grant Thornton, will become interim CEO with effect from May 1. Mr Carr will be working closely with Mr Dickie to ensure a smooth handover.

“I am very confident in handing over the reins to Ian, particularly at a time when we are experiencing strong growth,” said Mr Dickie. “I have thoroughly enjoyed leading Prettys over the last eight and a half years but believe a fresh pair of hands is now needed to take the firm to the next level.”

Mr Carr said he was “delighted” to work with Prettys, a firm he had “great respect” for since I came to East Anglia 15 years ago. “I look forward to developing the business further and being able to leverage a great client base, great expertise and great people,” he said.

Prettys, which has 77 partners and staff across its two offices, has seen an 11% rise in fee income in the last year, and expects an even stronger financial performance in the year ahead.