Carter Jonas has enhanced its Rural team in the South West with the appointment of Stephen Richards as an associate partner, and Felicity Watts as a rural assistant. Both are based out of Carter Jonas’ Taunton office, one of its six in the region. 

With more than 20 years’ experience in the industry, Richards joins from Humberts where he was head of commercial and leisure. During this time, he established a specialist department focusing on the valuation and sale of holiday letting businesses including holiday cottage complexes, lodge parks, caravan and camping sites, guest accommodation and farms that have diversified into glamping. At Carter Jonas, Richards will develop further a rural leisure offering to benefit the firm’s retained and new clients. 
 
Also from Humberts, Felicity Watts will assist in progressing this offer whilst working with the wider team to coordinate and manage client requirements. Their appointment follows that of Chris Anderson who recently joined Carter Jonas from Savills where he was based for four years in its Truro team. 
 
James Stephen, Partner, Rural, Carter Jonas said: “Our South West team goes from strength to strength and it is a pleasure to welcome Stephen and Felicity to Carter Jonas. Having operated across Somerset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset, Stephen has an in-depth knowledge of the markets in which we work and an established track record in the industry. 
 
“As agricultural policy evolves, rural leisure and tourism are likely to grow in economic significance, helping to boost the success of many businesses. With Stephen’s added reach we are exceptionally well placed to advise our network on the opportunities and developments available in these areas.”