Two rural property professionals who have worked together for more than 20 years have launched their own firm.

David Brooks and Chris Leney, who previously ran the Ipswich branch of Robinson & Hall which last year linked up with Colchester-based Stanfords, have now launched Brooks Leney.

Mr Leney, who is secretary of the Suffolk Association of Agricultural Valuers and a member of the national CLA agriculture and land use committee, has been advising farmers across East Anglia since the mid-1990s and provides advice on all rural property matters as well as being an agent for the AMC.

Mr Brooks, currently junior vice president of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers and due to become national president in 2019-20, has more than 35 years’ experience in the rural sector, providing agricultural valuation and rural surveying services.

They are joined in the new business by Simon Smith, who will advise clients in all areas of valuation, rural and management, ownership use and occupation, and Natalie Winspear, who will handle planning applications from large-scale housing developments to bar conversions, together with PAs Anne Colliings and Carol Hickey.

Mr Brooks said: “Having both Simon and Natalie on board is great, as the knowledge and experience they’ll bring to the team will be invaluable.

Brooks Leney will have its headquarters in Colchester but will also have a presence in Ipswich and Eye, and will cover the whole of East Anglia.