Beachcroft has boosted its professional and financial risk practice with the hire of a partner from Eversheds.

Paul Davison, who specialises in insurance projects, secured lending, corporate insurance and professional indemnity, joined the firm's Leeds office on 4 April, bringing the number of partners in the office to 24.

Davison had been a partner in Eversheds' insurance practice since 2001, working initially in Newcastle and then in Manchester.

He advises on defendant professional indemnity claims, policy coverage disputes and business and property claims, while he also has a non-contentious insurance practice.

Beachcroft dispute resolution head Trevor Chamberlain said: "Paul's knowledge and expertise will be of great value to our already strong team in the north. Professional indemnity is a rapidly growing area of business for us and Paul coming on board with his reputation in the insurance market will assist in driving that growth forward."

The firm has also appointed two associates in its London office. Hans Allnutt joined the specialist and international risks group from Reynolds Porter Chamberlain in February, while Dan Silver joined the firm's professional and financial risk group from SJ Berwin in January.

Separately, Beachcroft has hired ex-Armed Forces surveillance and covert penetration team manager Bryan Houston as head of intelligence in its Birmingham office.

Houston joined the intelligence team last week, where he will provide support to clients as well as fee-earners across the firm, particularly in the area of insurance fraud detection.