A NOTABLE hat-trick has been notched up by an expanding legal business in Bolton.

Keoghs at Middlebrook have been named as the Ministry of Defence's legal services supplier for certain categories of litigated claims.

The four-year £6m deal covers injury and disease claims, excluding non-freezing cold injury and road traffic cases, brought against the MOD by either service personnel or civilian employees.

John Whittle, the Bolton firm's chief executive, said: "We are incredibly pleased that we have been selected as the MOD’s legal partner for their litigated compensation claims.

"The combination of our leading casualty capability along with our knowledge of the defence sector, and specifically the MOD, means we are best placed to provide the specialist legal support needed by the MOD and their people."

The announcement comes on top of another two positive developments for The Parkland based operation.

Keoghs has also bought out Newcastle-based law firm Sinton's defendant insurance business, giving them a foothold in the Tyneside city and control of a highly-regarded team.

Mark Quigley, managing partner of Sintons, said: "As a firm, we are proud of the national reputation we have gained in this very specialist area.

"However, this is just one part of our business and we believe that our employees, and our defendant insurance clients, will benefit from being part of a firm whose entire focus is on delivering legal services to the insurance industry."

Earlier this year Keoghs also opened up its 11th office, in Bristol, as part of expansion plans for its marine and property risks departments.

An area in which the company has operated since 2017, the Bristol base will work alongside an established office in Glasgow, covering everything from cargo claims and pollution incidents to casualty investigations and insurance matters.

Daniel Croker, their marine partner, said: "As Bristol has such a prosperous maritime history, it's a great location to continue growing our marine offering as well as providing another base for our highly successful property risks and coverage team."