SOUTHAMPTON-based Moore & Blatch Solicitors has made five new appointments to strengthen its land development and commercial property teams.

The move comes on the back of increased demand for legal advice from its growing portfolio of property clients, particularly housebuilders and developers.

Gareth Williams, who brings almost 20 years' relevant experience, joins Moore & Blatch as a partner, specialising in land development. He is joined by Angela Sharp, a recently qualified solicitor who will also be working with land development clients, and Tom Mitchell, also recently qualified, who will be supporting the commercial property team.

The firm's plot sales team has also expanded with the arrival of Maxine Bell and Annette Sibbas who will be working directly with housebuilder client sales departments.

Steve Ingram, head of property at Moore & Blatch, says: "We are continuing to expand our land development and commercial property services, particularly with housebuilders and developers."

"Our growth is in part a result of the demand for building land and new homes in the south of England but also a reflection of our

growing reputation in what is becoming an increasingly specialist area of work."

"These new appointments will ensure that we will remain fully resourced and able to meet our property clients objectives."