Coles Solicitors, of Northallerton, North Yorkshire, has become a limited company, with changes taking effect last Monday.

Principal solicitor and managing director Peter Gibson said: "The past year has seen tremendous growth for us with new solicitors and fee-earners joining the firm, massive investment in technology and a complete rebranding of the firm's identity.

"The old style of firms, with their partnership structures, belong to a different age. In order for us to compete with other legal services providors, we need to present ourselves as a thoroughly modern business, proactive in our approach and anticipating our clients' needs."

As part of the changes, Angela Mortimer, who in September last year became a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, joins the board of the limited company as a director with responsibility for tax and estate planning.