Two of the county's law firms have announced a merger.

Hallett & Co Solicitors, based in Ashford, has joined forces with Sittingbourne's FordLittle. The merger comes into force today.

As part of the agreement, Giles Ford, previously of FordLittle, will become a partner in the merged form and continue to run the Sittingbourne office.

Hallett & Co is one of the oldest firms of solicitors in the county, having been first established in 1830.

Giles Ford Solicitors opened in Park Road, Sittingbourne in 1992, becoming FordLittle in 2001 when the long-standing firm of Harris & Harris was incorporated into the practice.

Mark Dewey, senior partner of Hallett & Co said: “Giles and I first met at university and have remained close friends since then. We have worked together over the years on various projects and Giles and his firm share our client-orientated approach to delivering tailored, high-quality legal advice."

Giles Ford added: “I believe FordLittle’s clients will benefit greatly from the high-quality support - and the broader range of legal services – that the firm can provide”.

The merged firm will be made up of 11 partners and 60 staff.

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