A KIDDERMINSTER law firm has boosted its private client division with the appointment of a senior tax specialist.

Stephen Meredith, an inheritance tax, capital gains and succession planning expert, has joined mfg Solicitors as a tax consultant.

With established links within both business and rural communities, Stephen will work closely alongside partner and renowned tax expert, Alan Neal, advising on a variety of complex tax planning situations for the firm’s business, farming and family clients.

Valerie Robinson, partner and head of the private client division at mfg Solicitors, said: “With an increasing demand from clients for advice on tax issues across a variety of sectors, Stephen’s appointment comes at the perfect time for the department and the firm. “He brings a wealth of experience after dealing with intricate tax and estate planning matters for almost 20 years and is already proving to be a trusted, valuable source of advice to our clients.”

Stephen said: “I’ve joined a firm which has gone from strength to strength over recent years.

“mfg has a long established and well respected expertise in tax matters and I am looking forward to making a contribution and further developing the depth of tax-related services we can offer individuals, families and businesses.”

A law graduate from Oxford University, Stephen spent five years in the Royal Navy between 1987 and 1992 when he qualified as a solicitor. He became a Chartered tax Advisor (CTA) in 1995 and since then has worked with high net worth clients.

He has joined following a string of high-profile appointments at the firm which now has eight offices across the West Midlands.

Sarah Coyne and Andrew Chandler have both recently joined the firm’s litigation department while respected farming expert Helen Gough has moved to mfg’s agricultural and rural affairs team from Lodders Solicitors.