Newport-based Harding Evans, one of Wales’ leading law firms, has signalled the start of a new era in its development which will include acquisitions and strong growth of its client base across the UK.

The long-established practice, which is headquartered in the Baneswell area of Newport, heralded its ambitious plans with the announcement of key appointments which mark the creation of a new corporate structure designed to drive this expansion.

Practice director Joy Phillips steps into the newly-created role of chief executive while highly-experienced international industry executive Sam Carter becomes head of operations, also a new role.

Meanwhile the firm has appointed three new partners - Jane Chesterman, who becomes head of wills and probate, along with Sara Uren and Lauren Watkins who both become partners on Harding Evans’ acclaimed clinical negligence team.

Zep Bellavia, who has been managing partner of the firm for more than 20 years, has stepped down to pursue other business interests.

Joy Phillips said the firm, which has been gradually expanding beyond its traditional Gwent heartland in recent years and recently opened a Cardiff office but which will continue to be based at its current headquarters, will now embark upon a concerted drive to establish a UK-wide footprint for its corporate and personal legal services.

She said: “With the calibre of professionals we have on the team and our growing national reputation in key areas of the law, we have tremendous potential to become a very significant player, challenging the current big-name law firms.

"We will be making strategic acquisitions and we will be increasing our number of equity partners to underpin this growth. We see big potential for expansion in commercial and corporate law as will as in services to private clients.”

She said she was delighted to have secured the services of Sam Carter, who has nearly 30 years’ experience in senior management including more than a decade as global head of human resources and head of operations for international military equipment manufacturers Airborne Systems.

Both Sara Uren and Lauren Watkins began their legal careers with Harding Evans, progressing through the ranks to become specialists in the clinical negligence field, while Jane Chesterman has joined from Cowbridge-based law firm JCP.

Ms Phillips said that, although acquisitions would play an important part in the development of the firm, intensive professional skills development and innovative career building would be the hallmark of the growing business and would continue to attract the best available talent to the firm.

She said: “We are a people-focused business and succeed through developing the most talented people to achieve their highest potential. This is something I feel passionate about. Our innovative and progressive approach to developing our staff gives us an edge over competitors and will continue to do so.”

She paid tribute to Zep Bellavia for his role in leading the business over the past 20 years and wished him well in his new venture.