A REGIONAL law firm has announced a new commercial appointment that confirms its position as a leading multidisciplinary practice.

DAVID LUCAS has joined BHP Law (the new name for Blackett Hart & Pratt LLP) as a partner in the business and company law team.

The 45-year-old spent 14 years working in industry, mainly with chemical group ICI in a variety of sales, marketing and business management positions. He will now be based at BHP Law in Darlington.

Gary Copeland, BHP Law partner and head of business and company law, said: "We're thrilled that David has joined our growing team. His exceptional skills, combined with his association with lawyers during his time working in industry, mean that he brings an unprecedented depth of knowledge and expertise to the firm."

● PROPERTY development company Maineside Development has continued its building programme with the appointment of a dedicated land buyer.

STEVE BAKER has joined Maineside, based in Coulby Newham, from McCarthy and Stone in York.

Dave Muir, who launched Maineside with co-director Kevin Slade in 1998, said: "Until now, all land buying was left to the two directors, which is typical of many small property developers, and often relied on land agents chasing us.

"The company has grown to such an extent that it makes sense to appoint a dedicated land buyer, freeing directors to manage the business better and adding, in the shape of Steve Baker, even greater expertise. Land buying is not something you can teach."

● THE Wensleydale Creamery has made two appointments to its business team.

SUZANNE GODDEN has been appointed technical and new product development manager and ANDREW FOSTER has been made national account manager.

The appointments come at a key time for The Wensleydale Creamery, one of the largest rural businesses in the area, which is expanding by adding a series of new products to its range.

Managing director David Hartley said: "We are proud to be a strong local business, but our aim is to achieve international status.

These new appointments will help us develop the business into new markets and win new customers for our products."

● RECENTLY-ESTABLISHED investor mortgage specialist Mortgage Traders has expanded its 20- strong Tyneside team with the appointment of an office manager.

BEVERLEY ADAMSON joins the company from her previous role as HR manager at Stadium Plastics in her hometown of Hartlepool.

Gateshead-based Mortgage Traders specialises in mortgage advice for the property investor market.

It is headed by 30-year-old managing director Laura Watson, who launched the company after helping generate a turnover of £1.5m in just 12 months at her previous firm, SFM Mortgage Services.

She said: "Over the past few months, the business has escalated tremendously, we are seeing a vast demand for our services and taking on many new clients.

"Taking on Beverley as office manager has made a big impact; she helps to underpin the smooth running of the office and is the backbone of our daily operations."