A merger has been announced between two firms of chartered surveyors and estate agents in the South West.

With many challenges facing rural landowners and farmers, David James and Partners and Newland Rennie said the move would allow them to offer an improved combined service.

The merger sees the creation of a regional network employing 70 people across nine offices.

The new business will principally operate throughout Gloucestershire, Somerset and Monmouthshire, including Newport County and Torfaen.

Throughout the region, they can cover all aspects of property agency.

This includes auctions and lettings through their residential, rural and commercial sectors.

In tandem, they provide an expert planning and development advisory service at strategic and local level.

The new firm will also provide professional services, including valuations, building surveying, land compensation, expert witness and rural AMC finance.

The directors said: "We look forward to blending and strengthening our existing businesses to provide a complete and modern residential, commercial and rural property service.

"With our similar traditional background and core values uniting us, we move forward in the rapidly changing property landscape."

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