Moore & Blatch Solicitors has been selected from more than 100 local and national law firms to represent Southampton City Council.

The Southampton-based practice has been awarded a three-year contract to provide legal advice on property and planning matters with additional support in debt collection, licensing and litigation.

The appointment comes on the back of a rigorous selection process. Shortlisted firms were invited to submit details of experience and expertise as well as procedures in place to support quality control, communication, working processes and general approach to client service.

The legal practice manager at Southampton City Council said: "It is important for us to work with a firm that has in-depth knowledge of the local area as well as the necessary legal experience and expertise.

"Moore & Blatch also demonstrated that they have the strength and depth in their commercial property department to deal with a wide range of matters and are able to bring in support from other areas when required.

"Of course, it is also important that they are geographically close to us, to provide for greater accessibility and flexibility."

Steve Ingram, head of commercial property at Moore & Blatch, says: "It is a tremendous accolade for Moore & Blatch to have won this contract. Southampton City Council is accountable to local tax payers and so needs to be absolutely sure that it is getting the best possible value from its suppliers.

"This means not only providing a service that is cost-effective, but also one that is quality-driven and procedurally sound."