One of Gloucestershire's best-known law firms has announced further expansion of its corporate services with the appointment of a new director.

Cheltenham based solicitors Hughes Paddison, has added employment law to its corporate and commercial legal services by recruiting Kimberley Whalen-Blake as a director and solicitor.

Ms Whalen-Blake will specialise in all areas of employment law, bringing with her more than 10 years' experience in her field, most recently leading a large employment department in a Bristol-based law firm.

Hughes Paddison describes its new team member as having an understanding of budgets and financial forecasting to operational management of employees, as well as wider business strategy planning.

Jane Brothwood, managing director, said: "This a very significant appointment for us as a firm, meaning that we can now offer our corporate and commercial clients the full suite of services that they typically need in-house.

"Launching into this new area, we were determined to recruit an experienced, proven professional and we are delighted to have secured somebody of Kimberley's calibre."

Ms Whalen-Blake has represented both employers and employees in employment tribunal proceedings, including conducting the advocacy.

She has also advised on and litigated all aspects of employment law, from unfair dismissals, TUPE, redundancies and restructures, to lengthy and complex discrimination and whistle-blowing cases.

Ms Whalen-Blake, a mother of two, school governor and trustee of Gloucestershire charity The Hollie Gazzard Trust, said: "This a very exciting role for me. I have been very impressed by the knowledge and client service ethos that everybody at the firm embraces.

"I am looking forward to meeting the many corporate and commercial clients that the firm already has, but I will also be looking to help bring new business clients to the firm.

"Gloucestershire has a fantastic, thriving and vibrant business community and a growing reputation as a great place to run a business."

In order to gain a greater insight into challenges her commercial clients faced and to assist in the provision of supporting the HR function, she also undertook a level 7 CIPD Human Resources qualification.

Ms Whalen-Blake is a member of the CIPD institute, keeps herself informed on HR developments and has a particular interest in dealing with business restructures, change management and employee strategy and value propositions.

To find out more visit the Hughes Paddison website, telephone 01242 574244 or email info@hughes-paddison.co.uk.