A leading law firm that recently made its headquarters in Birmingham has announced a new expansion into the North-west.

Clarke Willmott, which moved its main office from Bristol in 2008 to its Newhall Street offices, will launch the new operation on November 1.

The office will be run by IP specialist Roy Crozier who has moved from JMW Solicitors LLP.

The move comes just months after chief executive David Sedgwick was replaced by former chairman Stephen Rosser, who said: “This is an exciting opportunity for Clarke Willmott LLP as we are entering a new market and strengthening our national and international IP offering and client base.  Our ambition is to become the firm of choice for IP outside of London.

Mr Crozier will lead the national IP practice alongside long-time friend Paul Cox who is a partner in the Intellectual Property practice at Clarke Willmott LLP and operates out of the Southampton office.