Exeter's business community has welcomed news that a leading law firm is to move its regional headquarters to the city's business park.

It is one of a number of firms that have chosen to base themselves on the site near the M5 in recent months.

Bevan Ashford says a division has of the firm has grown, attracting more staff and prompting the move to bigger premises in Exeter Business Park.

The site is near where the Met Office is building its new headquarters as it prepares to move its operation from Bracknell.

The Met Office is moving from Bracknell

Bevan Ashford staff will leave their current offices in the Southernhay area and move into the new premises, which are due to be completed by the middle of 2004.

The company has said that good IT links and low overheads have encouraged its decision.

Business leaders see the new development as exciting for Exeter.

The have said another high profile building will complement the new London Electricity and Met Office developments at the site.