Firm Profile > Aaron & Partners LLP > Shrewsbury, England
Aaron & Partners LLP Offices
LAKESIDE HOUSE
OXON BUSINESS PARK
SHREWSBURY
SY3 5HJ
England
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Aaron & Partners LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 3
Lynda Richards at Aaron & Partners LLP is known for her expertise in dealing with taxable estate issues and capital tax planning and is also a full member of STEP. Richards advises business owners, landowners and high-net-worth individuals on organising their estates to minimise exposure to inheritance tax. The team is well-regarded for its work in a number of particular areas including drafting complex wills and advising on the establishment and administration of family trusts. It also advises on various charitable trusts and acts on behalf of farmers and landowners. The practice is especially skilled at advising rural families on succession planning and business planning.
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Testimonials
‘I find the team friendly, approachable and knowledgeable. It offers a bespoke/personal service‘.
‘Well established, highly respected local firm with a growing reputation. Lynda Richards is very professional, highly experienced and approachable‘.
‘Lynda Richards is very knowledgeable. Her skill is delivering a highly personal and responsive service combining this with her detailed knowledge and attention to detail’.
‘Highly professional team. Lynda Richards – significant experience in wills, trusts and powers of attorney. Efficient and great empathy‘.
‘Strong technical knowledge and excellent client care. Lynda Richards – technically excellent; very knowledgeable; lovely manner with clients‘.
Key clients
Beneficiaries of multimillion-pound estates
Wealthy foreign citizens with UK interests
Banking and finance Tier 4
Aaron & Partners LLP undertakes an equal split of borrower and lender-side work, under the leadership of Hugh Strickland. Although corporate banking (including acquisition finance) makes up the overwhelming majority of mandates, property secured lending transactions are another strength.
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Key clients
Santander UK Plc
Fullbrook Thorpe Investments LLP
HSBC Bank Plc
Corporate and commercial: elsewhere in the West Midlands Tier 4
Aaron & Partners LLP's team, which is led by Stuart Scott-Goldstone, generates work from large local businesses (and their owners), as well as national and international businesses. Hugh Strickland and Stuart Haynes are notable individuals in the group, which advises clients on M&A, MBOs, general company law matters and commercial contracts.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘Excellent relationship with team, in particular partner Stuart Haynes. Good understanding of business in general and interest in our long-term success. Always come up with practical solutions to issues that we may have‘
Key clients
Blue Prism Software Limited
Tudor Griffiths Limited
MTD Acquisitions Limited
A P Wireless Limited
YEE Group Limited
TSB Returns Limited
Thomas Thomas & Co Limited
Ellis Whittam Limited
Heaven Health and Beauty Limited
Norvent Limited
Invertek Drives Limited
TRB Technology Group Limited
Family: elsewhere in the West Midlands Tier 4
Richard Barge at Aaron & Partners LLP was joined by Neil Hobden in January 2020 from Shoosmiths LLP. The skilled team is vastly experienced in high-value financial remedies and children cases. Hobden’s particular expertise is in the financial aspects of relationship breakdown. He acts for clients from across the UK and overseas from his base in Shropshire and many of his clients enjoy a high profile. A sizeable number of his cases involve business valuations, significant inherited wealth and ‘hidden assets’. Barge is collaboratively trained and does a lot of complex financial work. Sandy Edwards is no longer at the firm.
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Testimonials
‘Hugely supportive. Richard Barge took up the financial issues vigorously and represented me in court. I was happy with the final outcome‘.
‘Richard Barge’s advice is calm, thoughtful and clearly articulated. He took an intuitive early understanding of my personal and financial situation and clearly outlined the next steps‘.
Employment Tier 5
Aaron & Partners LLP is a Shropshire-based team that advises leading employers locally as well as some national and international clients on a broad range of issues. It is also skilled at providing employment support to its corporate colleagues. The department through Ben Mason has been instructed by the Professional Footballers Association to guide footballers through their playing contracts and the termination of any such contracts. The practice advises a Welsh Premier League club too on various matters and advises several local football associations. Department head Helen Watson is an experienced tribunal advocate with Higher Rights of Audience and is particularly skilled in discrimination cases.
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Testimonials
‘Small knowledgeable team that is personable and available. Ben Mason gives straightforward and practical advice‘.
‘The team consists of dedicated and knowledgeable people‘.
‘The team makes itself available to help whenever, even out of hours when needed. As soon as you have a requirement the team will set up calls to discuss the issue and what actions need to be taken/what help can be provided‘.
‘Ben Mason was very straightforward and clear – that is very important when you have little idea of the area and he always explained things carefully without ever being patronising‘.
‘It is a proactive team that delivered excellent value for money‘.
Key clients
Field Studies Council
Tudor Griffiths Ltd
The Severn Partnership Ltd
Circuit Coatings Ltd
Invertek Drives Ltd
Connah’s Quay Nomads FC Ltd
Carey Glass Chester Ltd
AXYZ Automation (UK) Ltd
Apollo Buckingham Health Sciences Campus Ltd
AP Wireless (UK) Ltd
Agriculture and estates Tier 1
Led by Simon Ellis, Aaron & Partners LLP specialises in acting for partners and shareholders in farming and other agriculture-related businesses in partnership and shareholder disputes, as well as handling succession planning issues, basic payment scheme entitlements, agri-environment agreements, and sales and purchases of land and farms. The team also has a track record in agreements for the development of land for mineral exploitation, waste management, and renewable energy projects. Other names to note are David Harries and Shrewsbury-based associate Ben Brassington.
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Key clients
Dŵr Cymru Cyfyngedig (Welsh Water)
Mostyn Estates
Denbighshire County Council
Chester Zoo
Chester Diocesan Board of Finance
John Holford Charity
Commercial litigation: elsewhere in the North West Tier 1
Clients praise Aaron & Partners LLP for its ‘ability to handle any litigation matter without research time’. Among the team’s core fields of expertise are disputes relating to shareholder issues, corporate transactions, partnerships and restrictive covenants; it also handles contractual disputes, particularly those pertaining to the IT and logistics sectors. Nick Clarke heads the team, which includes John Devoy, hailed for his ‘superb attention to detail’ and David Mann who has a track record of handling cross-border disputes.
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Testimonials
‘Ability to handle any litigation matter without research time that you have to pay for.’
‘Senior associate Bryony Cook and John Devoy are both superb in their attention to detail, speed of response and knowledge.’
‘The firm has a national reputation in specialist fields, particularly wind, solar and alternative energy sources and mines and minerals. The firm acts for major clients who are prominent in the onshore wind power sector and has in recent years represented clients in the development and construction of multi million pound wind farms, advising on all planning and property law aspects of the project. They have an impressive grasp of the issues. Likewise, for mines, mining and minerals the firm has developed a national reputation over many years and is a go-to adviser in this niche area.’
‘David Harries has impressive knowledge.’
Key clients
Dŵr Cymru Ltd (t/a Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water)
Sanderson Plc
Corporate and commercial: elsewhere in the North West Tier 1
Aaron & Partners LLP's workload includes equity and debt investments, corporate finance transactions, restructurings and sales and acquisitions. Stuart Scott-Goldstone, an expert in the technology, support services and renewable energy sectors, heads the department which also includes Jamie Hawley; his key strengths encompass join ventures and general company law issues, among other corporate matters. The firm is a member of the International Advisory Group and is active on a range of cross-border matters, including many which relate to the US. In a recent highlight, the team acted for the shareholders of Roadway Civil Engineering & Surfacing Ltd on its £13.5m sale to Breedon.
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Testimonials
‘From the initial engagement with the team at Aaron & Partners, I was confident that I was with the right legal firm. Communication was excellent, they ensured they had enough people to get the deal over the line, there was total clarity on what was expected in terms of information, what timescales this had to be returned and when. They went the extra mile from the beginning.’
‘Jamie Hawley was always available, at any time of day, he understood what was required commercially and worked seamlessly with the other professional teams of accountants and financiers. Lots of things happened behind the scenes without much involvement or input from me personally, working on my initial instructions pulling all aspects together. Where required they were very firm with the opposing team, but were also fair in conceding points where necessary for mutually gain. I would have no hesitation in recommending Aaron & Partners.’
Key clients
Invertek Drives Limited
Commercial property: elsewhere in the North West Tier 2
Aaron & Partners LLP's practice delivers a 'fantastic service' on development projects, covering residential, commercial and industrial, as well as agricultural holdings and estates. Simon Ellis heads up the team with a 'formidable grasp' of his areas of focus. He is noted for his expertise in the charity sector, especially in regard to ecclesiastical charities. Emma McGlinchey contributes to the practice with her experience in the retail and food retail work, acting for major regional clients such as Aldi.
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Testimonials
‘The team is very knowledgeable, very approachable and delivers a fantastic service. I have always been very impressed by their attitude and depth of knowledge and interaction with their clients, whose interests are at the forefront of their minds. They are a relatively small firm but they can most certainly hold their own with the larger firms.’
‘Simon Ellis is simply one of the best property lawyers I have ever encountered, he has a formidable grasp of his subject and also certain niche areas such as common land.’
Key clients
Dŵr Cymru Cyfyngedig (Welsh Water)
Mostyn Estates
Edenstone Homes
John Holford Charity
Chester Diocesan Board of Finance
Santander
Parkfield Homes Limited
Corbett Sports (Bookmaker)
University of Chester
Special Needs Group
Spurstow Properties Limited
Thomas Plant Hire Limited
Family Tier 2
Headed up by the 'excellent and dedicated' Richard Barge, Aaron & Partners LLP’s family practice primarily deals with the financial aspects of relationship breakdowns, acting for a variety of business owners, professionals, sportsmen, landowners, beneficiaries of trusts and wealthy retirees. The team specialises in drafting and advising on complex marital agreements, including pre-nuptial, post-nuptial and separation agreements. Lorraine Saunders and senior associate Simon Mawdsley are also noted for their expertise in this space.
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Testimonials
‘Aarons have a very specialised family team. In terms of the matrimonial finance work, they have particular strength in farming cases, having a good grasp of the nature of the business and the significance of the assets to the families. In terms of children work, the team works carefully and thoughtfully to ensure that the clients achieve the best possible outcome, still being mindful of the needs of the children.’
‘The team is dedicated to clients’ interests and always possesses a strong commercial sense of realism and practicality.’
‘Richard Barge is an excellent and dedicated solicitor.’
Contentious trusts and probate Tier 3
Wills and trusts specialist Clive Pointon and litigator James Wallace jointly head up the contentious trusts and probate team at Aaron & Partners LLP. Alongside its contentious trusts work, the team specialises in Court of Protection disputes. The department also acts for a large number of high-net-worth individuals and offers clients alternative funding options.
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Testimonials
‘The team at Aaron & Partners work well together and support each other to provide a good professional service.’
‘James Wallace shows empathy and listens to what I have to say. He explains how and what his plan is for proceeding with my case. He considers my opinion and if it is appropriate includes it.’
‘I wholeheartedly recommend James, who was highly proficient and professional, while at the same time showing appropriate concern. Having James on my “Team” made all the difference.’
Employment Tier 3
Aaron & Partners LLP handles a broad range of instructions, focusing on work such as restructurings and employment disputes. The 'extremely knowledgeable and high-energy' Helen Watson, a qualified workplace mediator who has Higher Rights of Audience, heads the practice, which acts for clients in the logistics, education, recruitment, leisure, travel and tourism sectors. The team is seeing an increase in instructions in relation to zero-hour contracts and other atypical contracts, as well as contracts for well-known individuals in the media and sports industries. Another name to note is Claire Brook.
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Testimonials
‘The team are all friendly and helpful and feel like an extension of your own team. They are quick to respond to any queries and talk to you clearly without any jargon. They will always inform you of the options and any associated risks.’
‘They will take emergency calls outside of normal working hours if necessary and will always take their time to explain the legal implications fully.’
‘The experience I had with Aaron & Partners made a difficult personal situation as straightforward as it could be. There was clarity in the fee that I would be charged and confidence from the lawyer that the issues would be dealt with.’
‘Helen Watson is an extremely knowledgeable, high-energy partner with easy approachability. She’s also an excellent communicator.’
‘The whole team are extremely responsive to all requests and do so with good humour and professionalism. They provide practical solutions to real-life problems and are pragmatic in their approach. The relationship is very much one of partnership rather than customer/ supplier.’
‘Paul Hennity, is always responsive, friendly and professional; he just gets it!’
Key clients
Imagine Independence
Connah’s Quay Nomads FC Limited
gap Group
Sovini Limited (One Vision Housing Trust)
Boots Hearingcare Limited
North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo)
Zip World Limited
Special Needs Care Limited
Meadow Foods Limited
Charterhouse
Energy Tier 3
The team at Aaron & Partners LLP is praised for its ability to ‘find solutions to complex environmental, technical and planning policy issues’. The team mainly represents non-plc energy developers, especially those backed by venture finance, on everything from land and rights acquisitions through to planning advice, regulatory requirements, power purchase agreements and disposals. The ‘exemplary’ David Harries heads the practice, leveraging his experience in renewable energy matters.
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Testimonials
‘Aaron & Partners ensure that their leading personnel fully participate as team players on complex development projects which involve a wide range and numerous consultants providing specialist evidence on environmental and technical matters. At all times, the team is looking for solutions not problems, finding solutions to complex environmental, technical and planning policy issues.’
‘The energy and personal engagement of the partners is exemplary in assuring that all planning issues arising from complex renewable energy projects have been comprehensively addressed so as to present the best prospects for the client in achieving planning permission.’
Key clients
Dwr Cymru Welsh Water
Bryn Blaen Wind Farm Ltd
Hendy Wind Farm Ltd
North Wales Tidal Energy & Coastal Protection Ltd
Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 3
Aaron & Partners LLP focuses on providing capital tax advice to its high-net-worth clients, and also has a track record of assisting charitable trusts with administrations. Inheritance tax planning, estate restructuring, and wills and estate planning issues are also core areas of expertise. Court of Protection deputy Clive Pointon also has notary public status, which enables the team to deal with an increasing array of matters with multi-jurisdictional issues.
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Testimonials
‘A practice where HNW clients can actually get Private Client advice in a holistic manner to complement other professional input.’
‘James Wallace is not only knowledgeable and professional in his field of expertise, but he is also calm, understanding, engaging and can communicate technical elements of the work to clients in a manner that is understandable.’
Planning and environment Tier 3
Aaron & Partners LLP's planning and environment team is 'approachable and provides solutions'. Its practice is led by David Harries, who has a strong track record in energy projects. Richard Forrester advises clients on waste-related planning matters, environmental regulations and compulsory purchase law. Recently promoted partner Keith McKinney, who is 'meticulous in his preparation', has expertise in renewable energy development. David Delaney is also recommended.
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Testimonials
‘They have instructed me on a number of environmental prosecution matters, where they defend. Their knowledge of the wider market and their expertise in general planning matters means that they come to such matters with a broad realistic outlook which serves their clients excellently.’
‘The team are approachable and provide solutions which are their key strengths. Some firms are less approachable and less human. Aaron and partners give us confidence in being able to ask the questions in the first place and providing answers that give us confidence.’
‘Emma McGlinchy is very quick and responding to any queries and we never need to chase. She is very knowledgeable and engages in detailed discussion so that we are given high-quality advice. David Delaney gives his time to explore the issues before providing advice. He is prepared to listen and understand queries before providing the advice required.’
‘I have been particularly impressed by Keith McKinney, who is meticulous in his preparation and his commitment to realistic outcomes for his clients is second to none.’
Key clients
Hendy Wind Farm Ltd
Aldi Stores UK Ltd
Bryn Blaen Wind Farm Ltd
Dwr Cymru Welsh Water
North Wales Tidal Energy & Coastal Protection Ltd
Morris Homes Ltd
Meadow Foods Ltd
Tudor Griffiths Group
Transport Tier 3
Aaron & Partners LLP advises on regulatory issues, provides representation at public inquiries, and gives strategic compliance guidance. Key areas of expertise include warehousing and the carriage of goods, waste and passengers by road; contracts and disputes, particularly those involving liens; operator licensing applications; and vehicle recovery after seizure. Tim Culpin leads the team.
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Testimonials
‘The team has a very high level of knowledge of the transport regulatory system across the country, as well as an ability to take a very complex case and distil it into a series of issue and then proceed to deal with each on its own merits in a very short space of time.’
Key clients
UK Warehousing Association
Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 4
Aaron & Partners LLP act as advisers to the boards of directors of companies facing financial distress, utilising its bench of experienced practitioners. Nick Clarke and Mark Davies jointly lead the team. The duo have notable contentious and non-contentious expertise in insolvency and restructuring matters; Davies particularly acts on personal insolvency issues for a national client base.
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Key clients
Development Bank Wales (Finance Wales Group)
KPMG LLP
Grant Thornton
Menzies
SPK Financial Solutions Ltd
RSM
Dains LLP
Opus Restructuring LLP
Leonard Curtis
Parkin S Booth
Aaron & Partners LLP > Firm Profile
The firm: Aaron & Partners is a UK top 200 law firm, which is growing from its core base in Cheshire and Shropshire through a series of nationally recognised sector specialisms. The firm has built a strong reputation for providing high quality, results-focused advice across all key commercial disciplines for those who own, run or invest in businesses. Aaron’s private client teams focus on helping high net worth individuals protect their wealth and resolve family matters.
Aaron’s specialist sectors include: insolvency, warehousing and logistics, transport, finance and banking, professional practices, pharmacy, licensing, education, planning, energy, renewables, minerals and mining, waste management and agriculture.
Other offices: Chester, Shrewsbury and Manchester.
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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Ben Brassington | Associate | View Profile |
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Charlotte Butler | Senior Associate | View Profile |
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Richard Forrester | Consultant | View Profile |
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Stuart Haynes | Partner | View Profile |
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Neil Hobden | Partner | View Profile |
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Zoe Lloyd | Solicitor | View Profile |
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Ben Mason | Employment Law Associate | View Profile |
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Trish Randles | Real Estate Partner | View Profile |
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Lynda Richards | Wills, Trusts & Tax Senior Associate | View Profile |
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Hugh Strickland | Corporate Finance Partner | View Profile |
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Stephen Taylor | Partner | View Profile |
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Agriculture and estates
- Commercial litigation: elsewhere in the North West
- Corporate and commercial: elsewhere in the North West
Firm Rankings
- Personal tax, trusts and probate
- Banking and finance
- Corporate and commercial: elsewhere in the West Midlands
- Family: elsewhere in the West Midlands
- Employment
- Commercial property: elsewhere in the North West
- Family
- Contentious trusts and probate
- Employment
- Energy
- Personal tax, trusts and probate
- Planning and environment
- Transport
- Insolvency and corporate recovery