Rupert Young - one of Birmingham's top property agents - has joined Donaldsons as a partner.

One of the city's leading investment specialists, Mr Young previously led the CBRE office in Birmingham having moved from London to open the Hillier Parker Birmingham office in 1994.

He will set up a new investment team in Donaldsons' Birmingham office and also lead the firm's agency and development activities in the Midlands.

Donaldsons has expanded rapidly both locally and nationally in recent years and, with 140 staff, is one of the largest agencies in Birmingham.

Mark Nock, office partner at Donaldsons in Birmingham, said yesterday: "This recruitment has come at a great time for both our Midlands business and Donaldsons national growth in capital markets."

After two years of restructuring the Birmingham office with significantly improved business performance, Mr Nock is moving back to his home in Bristol for family reasons.

He said he was delighted to leave the agency business, which has just enjoyed a record year, in "such capable hands".

Mr Nock added: "Rupert will also significantly boost our national presence in capital markets and complement the recent successful recruitment of new investment teams in our Leeds and Bristol offices.

Donaldsons now has investment agency teams in all but one of its eight UK offices, which is a key part of its strategy."

Mr Young said: "It is a very exciting time to be joining the firm, which is developing new markets both in the UK and across 20 European countries. Donaldsons is where I started my career 20 years ago and it's great to be back."

Mr Nock will move back to Bristol later this summer and will hand over the reins of office partner to fellow partner Amanda Pearce, who moves from the London head office.

She is a leading landlord and tenant specialist and is excited about the prospects ahead.

Mr Nock said: "The combination of Amanda's strong professional and leadership skills and Rupert Young's market presence and agency skills will be very powerful and I fully expect Donaldsons to become one of the region's leading property firms over the next few years."