Marks & Clerk on the up at Alpha Tower

PATENT and trade mark attorney Marks & Clerk has announced plans to grow its Birmingham operation.

It is finalising a deal to take two floors in the Alpha Tower building – where it is already based – and has brought in a new local partner.

The firm says the extra space will not only provide additional accommodation for its existing staff, but will also enable the relocation of many group support functions from London.

David Ward, managing partner for the Midlands region, said: “We have seen substantial growth in demand for our services over the past 12 months from both existing and new clients.

“This is not only encouraging for us as a firm, but also demonstrates that businesses across the Midlands continue to invest in innovation, which in the longer term will lead to greater prosperity across the region.’’

Ward made his comments on the same day that he welcomed the arrival of Robin Oxley, a partner formerly based in London, to the team in Birmingham.

Oxley’s expertise includes LCD technology, general mechanical, manufacturing, civil engineering and nuclear power plants. He also has extensive experience dealing with both automotive and tyre technologies. He acts for a number of international and UK Blue-chip companies.

Oxley said: “Our Birmingham office continues to grow and acts for both international and domestic clients, plus a growing number of entrepreneurial start-ups.”