Mincoffs Commercial Property department has enjoyed another year of growth.

Over the last 12 months the department has expanded with the appointment of three lawyers and the qualification of a new solicitor in October, following the completion of her successful training contract.

Howard Gold, senior partner at Mincoffs, said: "Clearly we must be doing something right. Property has always been strong at Mincoffs and recently we have enjoyed unprecedented success."

The department has been strengthened with the appointment of Martin Scales, who has over 20 years experience, with particular expertise in smaller residential development schemes, and Jen Williams, from Dickinson Dees, who previously was seconded to Scottish and Newcastle Breweries, where she over-viewed loans to the licensed trade and most recently was responsible for the training of 140 fee earners in the Trinity Garden offices.

Despite these recent appointments, Henry Cave, head of property, said: "We are still looking to make more appointments, especially in terms of construction and planning, and a senior property lawyer."

Mincoffs has concluded transactions to the value of some £550m this year as the licensed trade and leisure sectors remain strong.

Ladhar Group acquired Wessex Taverns from the receiver and Utopian Leisure has also made some notable acquisitions.

In particular, Cameron's Brewery has been active and remains keen to acquire freehold public houses with the option tenancies of the business granted immediately back to the sellers.

Commercial development has been particularly strong this year, with Metnor Group plc leading the way in its acquisition of large development sites in the North-East as well as in Poole in Dorset and Chelmsford in Essex already announced, and other substantial sites are currently in negotiation.

Henry Gold said: "Many of our clients like to maintain a low profile.

"Before joining Mincoffs, I was aware of a number of transactions being carried out in the region but had no idea of the work being done for North-East clients out of the region."

Mr Gold confirmed that most of Mincoffs' instructions come from recommendations from existing clients and many existing clients have been with the firm for many years.

"I still have the original certificate of incorporation for P Whelan Limited in 1972, and Tony Whelan seems to be taking the company from strength to strength," said Mr Gold.

Success and expansion can present problems.

The Osborne Terrace offices bought three years ago have now been filled to overflowing and the firm has acquired a 4,000sq feet office in Portland Terrace.

This has been totally refurbished and now houses a 14-strong residential property team head by Una Coulson, as well as the accounts and administration department.

Mr Gold said: "This new office is a key part of our future expansion plans as we now have an additional 4,000sq feet of office space to expand into in our Jesmond Road offices."