It is believed to be the first legal practice to diversify into project cost consultancy, employing a new team of surveyors.

The new team will be led by James Gundy, formerly a director of AECOM, who leads the UK business out of the Cardiff office of Blake Morgan along colleagues Alex Leighton and Alex McCusker.

Philip Jardine, Blake Morgan partner and director of the firm’s built environment division, said: “Project and cost management are important services within the property and construction industry.

“We often find ourselves working alongside consultants and/or in-house teams on large capital programmes and have been keen for some time to explore the opportunity of developing our client offering in this area.

“As part of our Built Environment division, the new team of surveyors will complement our existing real estate, planning and construction practice groups across the firm.”

Gundy added: “As a team, we will work alongside our new colleagues to deliver a truly integrated service across the public and private sectors that encompasses all aspects of project and cost management consultancy.

“It’s a win-win situation for all and was definitely too good an opportunity for my colleagues and I to pass by.”