Long-established property and auctioneering business Cheffins has announced that it is to intensify its focus on estate agency.

The Cambridgeshire-based business, which has a global reputation in fine arts, has appointed Mark Peck to lead its residential department – a new appointment.

According to a spokesperson, the emphasis will be on the upper end of the market, while Cheffins will also be launching a new homes and land department.

The firm, which has been in business for over 129 years and has a diverse model which takes in rural consultancy, machinery and commercial agency, has also announced Simon Gooderham and Philip Woolner as joint managing partners.