Grant & Horton, one of the few legal firms in the country to specialise solely in marine law and related commercial matters, has opened a new office in Southampton.

The firm is expanding from its base in Plymouth to Ocean Village and will provide legal services for commercial shipping and marine industries. "Southampton was the most obvious choice,'' said partner Roderick Grant,

"It is the major centre in the South, outside London, for marine industries and commerce giving immediate access to shipping and yacht markets."

"Southampton City Council is actively supporting development of marine-based industries, including a marine engineering centre at Saxon Wharf and a marine science and technology park at Ocean Village.

Jeff Walters, economic development manager at the council said "The arrival of Grant & Horton reinforces the city's reputation as a centre of marine excellence and maximises the expertise available to the marine industry.''

The firm was established in November 1990, previously known as Davies Grant & Horton, Marine Solicitors. Following a demerger in May 1997 the firm is now Grant & Horton.

Nicholas Horton concentrates on insurance law and the firm's yacht/superyacht work. He is a member of RORC and the Legal Services Committee of the British Marine Industries Federation.

Rod Grant specialises in defence of personal injury claims and Harbour Law.

Both partners regularly write and lecture on the international seminar circuit. John Tolcher, will be heading up the new Southampton office.

John specialises in commercial shipping law, his commercial shipping experience was gained with leading city firms Holman Fenwick & Willan and Clyde & Co.

For further information on Grant & Horton contact John Tolcher on 023 8048 8727

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