BALFOURS are to welcome three new equity partners to the boardroom this spring: Alistair Hilton, Charlie Fitzherbert-Brockholes and Andrew Liddiment.

Managing partner, Rory Galliers, says he is delighted with the appointments which come into effect from April 2019.

He says: "The rural economy is ever evolving and it is our role as business and asset managers to many rural estates across Shropshire and neighbouring counties, to recognise challenges, promote opportunities and drive our clients' businesses forward both strategically and operationally.

"Equally our property sales and lettings department is carving a unique position in an increasing crowded sector by providing a very bespoke and personal service to both vendors and landlords. Our business must continue to evolve in the same way that we advise our clients that their businesses must do so and the new partners have each proved themselves in management and sales, bringing success and added value to our clients using the unrivalled professionalism, skill and experience that are the core values to Balfours".

Head of sales, Alistair Hilton joined the firm in 2014, with more than ten years' experience in London.

He quickly developed town sales, and was then promoted to lead the sales team working from the Shrewsbury office in The Square.

Most recently he has overseen the expansion into a new Ludlow office. Alistair's wife was born in Shrewsbury, where he now lives with his family.

Andrew Liddiment and Charlie Fitzherbert-Brockholes, both joined the company in 2011 working in rural estate management.

Charlie, who practices from New Windsor House, on Oxon Business Park, has quickly built up a portfolio of managements across Shropshire and Staffordshire advising on the management of farms and landed estates. He is married with two young children.

Yorkshire born, Andrew Liddiment has worked with some of the UK's most prominent and strategic landowners. Practicing out of the Craven Arms office, he is an agricultural valuer with a keen interest in landlord and tenant matters as well as advising on land sales and traditional estate management. He is married to Natalie who is an Associate Partner with Balfours.

Stepping back from the partnership are Michael Evans and Jonathan Lovegrove-Fielden, who will both remain as active consultants providing good counsel and advice to the business and its clients.

Rory acknowledges "Both Michael and Jonathan have devoted their careers to Balfours and have been key to driving the business forward. Today, Balfours is the leading firm of land agents in the region managing rural businesses and property across the Midlands, Wales and the Marches as well as nationally from Lincolnshire to Devon with more than 70 staff across five offices."