A MIDLANDS property consultants has expanded with the opening of a new office in Worcester.

Bruton Knowles, which already has offices around the region, has appointed associate Lance Turner to head up the new operation.

Mr Turner has 35 years' experience in the commercial property industry, both as a developer and property consultant, and joins Bruton Knowles from Harris Lamb, where he has worked for 18 years.

Prior to Harris Lamb, Mr Turner set up the commercial department at Timothy Lea & Griffiths in Evesham and held roles at GVA in Birmingham and Strutt & Parker in Canterbury.

More recently, Mr Turner advised Mucklow PLC on the development of Apex Park at J6 of the M5, which is let to Bosch and Jelf Insurance, and acted on behalf of Kays on the disposal of the former Moses Works and the large former distribution depot in St Johns to Barratt and Persimmon Homes.

Patrick Downes, managing partner of Bruton Knowles, said: “The new Worcester office will give us a greater presence in the Midlands and provide the ideal platform on which to grow the business in Worcestershire.

“Lance is an experienced property professional, with a strong track record as an agent and developer. Our plan has always been to create a multi-disciplinary Worcester office, providing a full range of property services. As such we are already actively looking to recruit new members of the team.”

Lance said: “With the anticipated expansion of Worcester and the proposed new commercial developments, coupled with the recent mergers of other surveying practices in the city, there is great potential for Bruton Knowles to serve the city and wider Worcestershire county.”