South-west firm Bevan Ashford is to beef up its London office as part of a new strategy to create a full-service practice in the capital.

In November last year, the firm lost local government partner Malcolm Iley, who had manned the London office several days a week.

The firm is sending Bristol-based employment partner David Widdowson to London to oversee the expansion.

By March the firm plans to have five full-time fee earners based at the office.

Managing partner Nick Jarrett-Kerr said the firm already acted for a number of NHS trusts in the South East and that this client base was the driving force behind the expansion.

An as yet unnamed partner will join Widdowson at the office and will be supported by two assistants.