Law firm named on farming panel

The move follows a six-month review of the company by the NFU, which saw Lanyon Bowdler praised for its expertise in the agricultural sector, and means the firm has won a place on the panel for the third time.

Lanyon Bowdler has one of the largest agricultural teams in the region, made up of 13 partners and 26 other solicitors across eight legal departments.

Brian Evans, head of the agricultural team, said: "The six-month review was extremely thorough and looked at our legal services, fee structures and commitment to the NFU, alongside feedback from union members and staff, so we are very pleased to have been appointed.

"We know we are only as good as our clients say we are and it is critical to us to receive independent endorsement that we deliver what we promise.

"There's no such thing as an all-round agricultural specialist, and our teams work in in a variety of disciplines to ensure best practice and genuinely specialist advice is given to clients from the sector."

The firm, which has offices in Shrewsbury, Telford, Oswestry, Ludlow and Hereford, and plans to expand its presence in Staffordshire, will take up the role for another three year period until July 2018.

Mr Evans led the review, supported by agricultural relationship manager Susan Shanahan, and said the sector was still performing well.

He added: "Agricultural is a hugely important industry in Shropshire, with 85 per cent of land dedicated to farming – that's 861,000 acres – and by working closely with NFU members we will ensure that farmers have access to the best possible legal support to help them run successful businesses."

Rob Newbery, regional director for NFU, added: "They have strength and depth of expertise in both farming and non-agricultural issues and it's excellent that they are on hand to offer such a service."