Chartered surveyor Bruton Knowles has expanded its rural division with the acquisition of a long-established Herefordshire company.

The Gloucester-based company has bought John Amos & Co which will continue to operate of its Leominster office under founder John Amos, working alongside Bruton Knowles head of rural Ben Compton.

The purchase is part of a wider company restructure and expansion programme which will see key service divisions restructured to provide extended and national team delivery operations.

Managing partner James Bailey said: "We have acquired a strong rural surveying practice with an excellent reputation and established client base in the West Midlands and with significant scope to expand into new areas for the business.

"This move is another important step in Bruton Knowles' strategic plan to further develop our rural team's offer, which continues to thrive, despite extremely difficult operating conditions throughout this year.

"It will extend our skillset and our geographic reach, enabling us to further capitalise on opportunities in the sector."

The new acquisition was founded 19 years ago and its founder said the fit between the two organisations was "excellent".

Mr Amos said: "Ethos, culture and service values all align and we are confident that combined strengths, capabilities and contacts will be the drivers for planned and substantial growth."

The latest purchase follows the launch of Bruton Knowles' national utilities and infrastructure division.

With a revised formal structure, the team will provide a nationwide service, offering comprehensive professional property services across the gas, water, electricity, road and rail industries.

Mr Bailey said: "U&I networks in the UK undoubtedly unlock economic growth, kick starting private investment and delivering better outcomes for society as a whole.

"Many of the UK's U&I structures require major refurbishment or replacing, and attention must be turned to much greater diversification in power generation.

"We have seen U&I businesses quickly adapt and implement solutions during Covid-19 but we're living in a new reality and these sectors need to look at long-term effective planning, with the use of digital technology and innovation."

Alongside Mr Bailey, the team will be headed up by equity partners Nigel Billingsley and Bill Simms, and consist of up to 50 members of staff including surveyors, technicians, analysts and land rights specialists.

Mr Bailey said: "Although the past six months has been challenging, it has also given us time to reflect on the business.

"Our new approach is to focus on sectors with the most potential for growth, to drive the business forward while supporting the recovery of the UK economy."