Richard Dedman (pictured) is to relinquish his post as senior partner of Barlow Lyde & Gilbert, with the search to identify his successor already underway at the top 30 City firm.

Dedman, who is in the middle of his second five-year term as senior partner, has announced his intention to step down this autumn. An election process to replace him has already begun, with a vote expected to produce a winner later this month.