Berg promotes Barker

Ian Barker has replaced Gaby Rechnitzer as head of property at Manchester-based independent law firm Berg.

Barker has set his team a target of increasing revenues by 20% this year and has not ruled out recruiting additional staff. Barker joined Berg in May 2011 after 18 years at Pinsent Masons. He said: "As a team we have set ambitious targets for 2012 but we are confident that we will reach our goals. However, the difficult financial environment is still being felt in the property sector so we are under no illusions – this will require hard work and dedication, allied to a continued commitment to providing exceptional service. We will continue to look to recruit high quality and experienced property specialists to supplement our already strong team as we move forward."

Berg traditionally specialises in residential and retail development but added to its client list in 2011 with developers Nikal and Ask Property Developments.

The former head of the property team, Gaby Rechnitzer, who has been with the firm for over 25 years, will hand over to Barker and remain with the property team as a partner.

He said: "I am proud of how far Berg and our property team have come, and I have greatly enjoyed being a part of Berg for the past 25 years. With a strong vision and a sense of ambition Ian is the ideal candidate to that the team into the next phase of growth."