The headquarters of a fast-growing South Wales law firm is to be the new Slovak Consulate Office.

CJCH Solicitors are providing office space at their central Cardiff base for the Honorary Consul for the Slovak Republic, Mr Nigel Payne.

The agreement was confirmed with a visit by the Slovak Ambassador, His Excellency Lubomir Rehak, who officially opened the new Consulate venue.

Mr Payne will use the office to liaise with the Slovak Embassy over official visits to Wales, and act as a link between the two countries.

As honorary consul, Mr Payne provides help to Slovak nationals who may need it, and validates documents requiring authorisation for Slovak nationals living in Wales.

Being based in CJCH’s offices also means he has expert legal support on hand when required.

“We are very pleased to help the Slovak Embassy by providing office space for the honorary consul,” said CJCH senior partner, Stephen Clarke. “International trade and inward investment relies on smooth relations between countries, and the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union is likely to bring new challenges, when legal advice may be vital.

“Our location in central Cardiff, our burgeoning international reputation, and our wide-ranging legal expertise have all contributed to our being chosen to host the consulate.”

The ambassador’s visit to Cardiff also involved official diplomatic government meetings, including with First Minster, Carwyn Jones.

The ambassador and the honorary consul gave evidence to a Welsh Government committee about Slovakia’s current EU council presidency term and the links that have been established between Slovakia and Wales since Mr Payne took on his role in 2005.

CJCH, a Wales top-20 law firm with headquarters in Cardiff, has grown from 24 employees just over two years ago to more than 100 staff based in its headquarters and offices in Bridgend and Barry.

Its expertise covers the full range of legal services including commercial, intellectual property, mental health, employment law, motoring, property, family, child care, crime, wills & probate and dispute resolution.

Further information about the firm is available at www.cjchsolicitors.co.uk.