Pictured above: Mat Stone, newly recruited valuations surveyor at Mazars Property Consultancy

International accountancy firm and business advisers Mazars has strengthened its property operation in the Midlands with the arrival of Mat Stone.

Mr Stone has joined as a valuations surveyor in subsidiary Mazars Property Consultancy Ltd (MPC), which works closely with the firm's social housing arm.

Aged 33, from Derbyshire, a graduate of Nottingham Trent University, he has extensive experience in mortgage valuations and as a residential surveyor.

He is also an accredited domestic energy assessor and commercial energy assessor.

"This is a chance to work with a well-respected team which is continuing to win business in a niche sector despite the on-going challenges facing the wider property market.

"I am very much enjoying the opportunity and hopefully my expertise will prove an asset going forward."

MPC's core activities are centred on its valuation and asset management service.

It is one of the leading firms of valuers in the social housing sector, with an extensive client base of housing associations throughout England and Wales. Much of the valuation work is for loan security purposes, and the team links closely with banks and financial intermediaries.

In addition MPC offers a range of services in relation to commercial property, including valuation, landlord and tenant advice, and building surveying.

Birmingham-based partner Glen Jones heads Mazars' National Social Housing Team which operates seamlessly with MPC.

The operation provides a range of audit and assurance services to corporate clients, charities and housing associations.

Mazars' housing team is led by six partners and supported by nine audit and advisory managers.

Mr Jones said: "We continue to grow our housing sector team nationally based on extensive experience of acting for clients with diverse interests including supported housing, housing for older people, shared ownership and registered care homes.

"Through having a surveying subsidiary, Mazars is able to offer clients added value in many areas of its wider accounting and business advisory work. The MPC team sits alongside colleagues in the audit, tax, corporate finance and business recovery departments, providing a valuable in-house resource for a range of compliance and transactional services."