Liverpool Law Firm Kanaval Consultancy Accelerates Growth with Council Business Support
A Liverpool-born law firm with roots in Chinatown and the Baltic Triangle, Kanaval Consultancy, are entering a new phase of growth after receiving tailored guidance from Liverpool City Council’s Business Support Service.
Founded by partners Rory Taylor and Kin Liu, Kanaval Consultancy built its reputation organically through word-of-mouth, drawing on the founders’ experience running businesses within the city’s creative and commercial sectors.
However, the pressures of launching and managing a young company left little time to focus on long-term strategy or marketing.
Rory said:
“We’re not business experts.
“We were always lucky that our work came through word-of-mouth, but aware at the same time that it could all dry up.
“Especially early on, you’ve got to do it all, the marketing, or your accounts. Our mindset shift was to be open to support.”
From word-of-mouth to a clear growth strategy
Six months after launching, the partners connected with the council’s business support team.
Working closely with consultants Phil Davies and Mark Butchard, they redefined their audience and sharpened their long-term direction, identifying microbusinesses, SMEs and creative professionals as their core clients.
The process helped Kanaval rethink how it presented itself, from tone of voice and website design to its future ambitions and values.
As Rory explains: “Phil made us figure out who our clients were, where they came from, why they keep coming back, and what we were saying about our business to attract them.”
The result is a clearer offer, renewed confidence and a strategy built around sustainable growth rather than reactive work.
Choosing the right clients and building a values-led firm
With stronger foundations in place, the firm has become more intentional about who it works with and why.
Rory said:
“We now ask ourselves, is this the right client for us?
“Do they align with our values? When you start a business, you don’t really have that luxury.
“We’re in a position now where we’re able to decide who we want to work with, I’ve only got so much capacity.
“It’s that ‘work-life balance’ cliché. And when you work with clients that are better aligned, you enjoy work more.”
The refreshed approach includes a new website featuring real client stories and a deeper emphasis on collaboration.
Kin continues to support businesses in Chinatown, while Rory now works with clients across the UK, Los Angeles and beyond.
Rory said:
“Clients treat us as part of their team, and that’s what we want, to collaborate, not just invoice.
“Kin and I both have practical experience of running businesses outside of the legal profession, so when I’m speaking with people in music, I’m one of them. Kin does a lot in hospitality, he’s one of them.
“That’s what people want, and that’s where the value is.”
Liverpool City Council’s Business Support Service has received £451,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as lead authority.
Cllr Nick Small, Member for Growth and Economy, said:
“Supporting innovative local firms like Kanaval Consultancy is central to our vision for a stronger, more inclusive Liverpool economy.
“We’re committed to helping more businesses realise their potential and contribute to the city’s long-term success.”
