Pictured above: Peter Fox, new head of property at Else Commercial Solicitors, with partners Chris Else and Andrew Hickman.

A leading Staffordshire commercial property lawyer has joined Else Commercial Solicitors as head of property.

Peter Fox will be based at the firm's Burton-on-Trent office but will work closely with Birmingham-based Abigail Clark and John Beckett, who is a property consultant with the firm.

Mr Fox has been in private practice in Burton with the same firm for nearly 20 years which has latterly been PG Fox & Co.

Earlier in his career Mr Fox was prosecuting solicitor for Derbyshire County Council before returning to private practice in 1987.

He specialises in commercial property with a particular emphasis on licensed premises transactions and acting for property developers. His arrival is seen as a significant move by Else Commercial Solicitors to strengthen its commercial property team in the Midlands.

Personal assistant Linda Holmes is also joining Else Solicitors - as is Sally Bennet who will staff the former Fox office at Branston Road.

Chris Else, the firm's founding partner, said: "The addition of Peter to our property team will add a new dimension in an area where the firm is keen to advance its profile in the Midlands and I wish him every success here.

"He brings his clients with him and we are sure that this will be a great move for all concerned."

Mr Fox said: "I see this as a golden opportunity to join a young firm with a vigorous culture that is definitely going places in all its divisions.

"My arrival here should turn out to be mutually beneficial as far as commercial property is concerned."

Peter Fox is married with two children and lives in Burton.  He enjoys walking, gardening and cooking.