McCARTNEYS LLP, has started the year with a flurry of new appointments and partnerships.

With long-time chairman John Uffold having retired at the end of 2016, the independent auctioneers, estate agents, chartered surveyors and valuers have appointed Glyn Owens to the post.

Glyn joined the business in 1984 and has been an intrinsic part of developing the partnership and its many professional services.

Based in Knighton, Glyn has become a well-known figure in the rural economy having headed up the firm's livestock auction there for a number of years.

2017 also sees the creation of five new partnerships within the group.

Mark Fish based in Ludlow, Simon Edwards in Brecon, Jamie Tulloch in Welshpool, Katie Morris in Knighton and Zoe Herbert at Phipps and Pritchard in Kidderminster.

Their skills and knowledge in IT, surveying, property and professional rural services will now help shape the future direction of the business which was first founded in 1874.

Glyn Owens said of the new partners, "We are delighted to start 2017 by welcoming these five young professionals to join the partnership. Their knowledge and enthusiasm will I have no doubt contribute a great deal to the development of the firm as we move forward."

McCartneys LLP operates from 15 locations across Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Powys.