Our History

The firm was established in Salisbury in 1967 by Michael Broadbent, John Batt and Robert Beecroft -although only Michael and Robert actually practised in the firm at the time. The firm was originally called Batt Broadbent and Beecroft and was affectionately known locally as the ‘Three Bs’. Many people did find the name a bit of a tongue twister and so the name was shortened to the present Batt Broadbent in the late 1990s.

Michael Broadbent remained senior partner with the firm until his retirement in 1996. He still lives locally and retains strong contacts with the firm to this day.

Nigel Brookes followed as senior partner from 1996 to 2003. During this time, he was not only senior partner but also deputy coroner for Wiltshire and a deputy district judge. He retired from the partnership in 2003 in order to concentrate on his judicial position and is now a District Judge based in Salisbury.

Andrew Johnson became senior partner from 2003. Although he stepped down as senior partner in 2008 he remains with the firm as a consultant and concentrates on business law as well as continuing as the Diocesan Registrar and Bishop of Salisbury’s Legal Secretary. He is a well-known figure within the local business community. He has strong ties with the Salisbury Arts Centre, being instrumental in its foundation, and also with Salisbury City Centre Management and the Chamber of Commerce.

Andrew Hart is the current senior partner and also head of the Property Department.

For further information on our current staff please see Our People.