New recruits enhance Coodes Solicitors’ commercial property expertise

Coodes Solicitors has expanded its Commercial Property team to meet growing demand. The appointment of four new lawyers will enhance the South West law firm’s specialist offering to businesses, landowners, developers and commercial landlords.

With more than 15 years’ experience in property law, Solicitor Richard Nicholls joins the firm’s Holsworthy office and will focus on agricultural property. Richard grew up in North Devon, where he has worked for local firms, including, most recently, Samuels Solicitors in Bideford. He brings extensive experience of advising landowners on buying, selling and refinancing property and acting for commercial developers in plot sales.

Madeline Dykes has been appointed as a Solicitor in the Launceston office and will advise on a broad range of commercial property matters. Madeline joins from a local firm and has a particular interest in agricultural property and experience of advising on a range of commercial work

Based in St Austell, Chartered Legal Executive Chloe Liddicoat moves across from Coodes’ Residential Property team. With a specialism in new build property and past experience in running a plot sales team, Chloe is ideally placed to help the firm meet growing demand from developers.

Ryan Griffiths has been appointed as a trainee solicitor, offering commercial property support to a range of clients. Based in mid-Cornwall, he brings experience in the banking and corporate sectors.

Partner and Head of Commercial Property Jo Morgan said: “These four new appointments are an important step for the firm as we strive to meet growing demand for our commercial property expertise. I am delighted to welcome Richard, Madeline, Chloe and Ryan, whose expertise will significantly enhance the existing strengths in our Commercial Property team.

“In recent months we have experienced, in particular, heightened demand from the development sector due to unprecedented interest in property in Cornwall and the wider South West as well as opportunities as a result of planning legislation changes. At the same time, our long-established reputation in the agricultural community means we continue to attract enquiries from farmers and landowners. Many of these clients are re-evaluating their businesses and lifestyles as an outcome of the current climate and need our legal expertise to achieve their goals.

“The pandemic is also causing some businesses to make changes to their property portfolios and take advantage of new opportunities. For example, we are handling significantly more change of use enquiries as we start to see the shape of our high streets change and adapt to the pandemic and the recent relaxation of some planning requirements.

“This diverse mix of clients come to Coodes because they recognise the experience and expertise of our commercial property team, their knowledge of the key regional property sectors and our continued commitment to Cornwall and the wider South West.”