A Bury-based law firm has appointed one of the region's leading solicitors in a move to pioneer its ambitious business property strategy.

AFG LAW, a solicitors firm with offices in Bury and Bolton, has announced the appointment of Kate Bullen, one of the area's top commercial property solicitors, to the role of head of commercial property.

After graduating from the University of Hull in 2000, Kate qualified as a solicitor in May 2004.

She remained with the same firm for a further 18 years, progressing to become a partner in 2011.

Kate’s career has been spent in property law and her areas of expertise include sales and purchase of commercial property, investment and portfolio transactions including commercial mortgages and remortgages, landlord and tenant law including complex leases and licences and pension scheme transactions.

Managing director Greg French said: "Kate’s skills and considerable knowledge will enhance the incumbent team and more importantly, under her guidance, will allow the department to become a key player in the commercial property arena nationally.

"Kate brings a tremendous amount of specialist experience to our Commercial Property department. 

"Her addition to the AFG LAW team further consolidates our commitment to deliver the best commercial property service to our clients, ultimately becoming the law firm of choice in the North West and further afield.’

Managing director Anita Boardman said: "We’re very excited about Kate joining, I have known Kate for many years and her joining AFG LAW is a real coup for the firm.

"She is well known and respected and her appointment will allow us to offer an unrivalled commercial property service to clients.”

Kate said: “It is rare for such an opportunity to arise to lead the expansion of an already successful department within a modern and dynamic law firm is very exciting for me.

“We are actively looking to develop into new areas - and especially grow our commercial property offering.

“I am excited to be at the forefront of that expansion and work with and grow our existing commercial property team.

"I am looking forward to getting out there and meeting with local businesses in addition to building upon my existing relationships and connections.”