London-based niche shipping and transport firm Holmes Hardingham Walser Johnston Winter is set to split in two later this month, with five partners breaking away to form a new firm in the same fields.

The breakaway firm, called Winter Scott, will also take other three fee-earners, while eight partners and eight assistants will remain at Holmes Hardingham - as that part of the firm will call itself from 26 January.

Everyone on staff will remain employed with one of the two firms.

Nick Walser - one of five equity partners who will remain at Holmes Hardingham - said: 'We have simply agreed that they have a different client base from us.

With relatively few exceptions, they have a separate client base.

It has been by mutual agreement and clients have been kept informed.'

The two firms created will occupy two separate buildings that belonged to the original firm, which was founded in 1989.

Ken Scott and Glenn Winter will become the managing and senior partners respectively of Scott Winter.

Mr Scott agreed that the parting was amicable.

Jeremy Fleming