Two Suffolk-based chartered surveyors are set to join forces to form a new partnership.

Fletcher Barton Ltd and Summers Wykes-Sneyd will merge from Thursday, June 1, to create Landbridge Property LLP, trading as Landbridge.

The new business will be based at Rivers Court, Sproughton, Ipswich.

The proprietors of both firms, Stephen Fletcher, Hector Wykes-Sneyd, Philip Summers and William Barton, will continue their work with all existing client projects.

They will be joined by Ben Wheaton, who will be an associate in the new partnership.

Fletcher Barton is based at Woodbridge and Bury St Edmunds, and Summers Wykes-Sneyd at Sproughton.

Together the businesses have together a proven record of more than 30 years of land, property and development advice throughout the eastern counties.

All 12 staff from the two businesses will join the new business, which expects to be looking for another graduate surveyor in the near future.

Philip said that by bringing together two established practices, the new firm was well placed to offer an increasing range of expert services to its whole client base, as well as supporting a robust plan for growth over the next few years.

Increasing demands for professional advice and the prospects of some, as yet unknown, challenges ahead provided “an exciting opportunity” for business growth in the sector, said Will.

“Diversification and development of new areas of business seems increasingly likely in the post-Brexit world and we are keen to step-up to these challenges,” he explained.

Stephen and Hector, who previously worked together at a national firm of chartered surveyors before they went on to join separate businesses, welcomed the merger.

“The basis of any good business is the relationship enjoyed with each client,” said Hector.

“The more you understand that individual, the better-placed you are to properly advise.”

Stephen said it would provide a broad base to drive future success.

“The amalgamation of the two teams will provide a broad skill base on which to carry forward many of the long term projects and management roles with which the firms are associated.”