LANCASHIRE law firm Bermans has recruited licensing specialist Nigel Copeland to head up its new North West licensing and leisure department alongside existing partner David Gledhill.

Copeland, previously with Copeland Lyons, is an established specialist in the licensing field. Anthony Lyons, senior partner at Copeland Lyons, will continue to operate the firm in the licensing field following Copeland's departure.

David Gledhill, who already specialises in licensing, brewing, conveyancing and leasing of licensed premises for Bermans, says: “It's a natural development for the firm, which is already heavily involved in the brewing and leisure industries. We do a lot of work for the brewery sector, but we are keen to develop licensing work for private individuals and clubs.”

Bermans' senior partner Alan Middleton says: “The introduction of Nigel along with one of my partners, David Gledhill, has allowed us to create a specialised department to cover the whole of the North West.”

The move follows the sale of the firm's London office in a management buy-out headed by David Orchard. (The Lawyer, 7 March).