Ashfords LLP

Ashfords associate Cathryn Butler has won the Fertility Fairness Award hosted by the IVF Network in recognition of her work supporting colleagues experiencing fertility challenges. Having been through her own fertility journey, including both successful and unsuccessful fertility treatment, Cathryn was recognised for her positive action and commitment to raising awareness and improving workplace support for those affected by fertility issues. The Fertility Fairness Awards were held at the Soho Hotel in London during baby loss awareness week and were hosted by the IVF Network, which leads the Fertility in the Workplace Ambassador Scheme. As Ashfords' fertility ambassador, Cathryn regularly engages with the Fertility in the Workplace scheme to learn from other organisations, share ideas and understand how employers can better support colleagues experiencing a wide range of fertility challenges and pathways to parenthood. Cathryn said: “While IVF is often what people think of first when they hear about fertility issues, I am keen to raise awareness that fertility challenges extend far beyond IVF and can affect people in many different ways. They can take many different forms including pregnancy loss, secondary infertility and navigating the path to parenthood for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, with every person’s experience looking different.” Ashfords has several inclusion groups across the firm, including gender and sexuality, menopause and fertility. These initiatives provide an opportunity for people to come together, shape engagement, raise awareness and help deliver an inclusive and supportive environment at Ashfords.

Ashfords is delighted to have been awarded the British Ports Association Industry Award 2026. The Industry Award recognises associate members whose services, advice or equipment have made a significant impact on the UK ports sector over the past 12 months. Our entry demonstrated the wide range of pro-bono support that we provide to the UK ports sector as well as the high standards of work, innovation, and practical solutions we deliver for port clients. Lara Moore, partner and head of the marine sector at Ashfords said: “We would like to thank the BPA and Industry for recognising Ashfords with this award which reflects the work of colleagues across Ashfords’ marine sector team and recognises the depth of our expertise and longstanding work supporting port and harbour authorities.” Ashfords is recognised nationally for our marine expertise and our work across ports, harbours and coastal developments. Ashfords is currently advising on over £1 billion of port related infrastructure projects. We act for a significant number of ports and harbours across the UK and have a real understanding of the complexities involved in running and managing them.

UK law firm Ashfords has again reported strong financial results for 2025/26 with revenue increasing by 6% to £65m. The performance has triggered a 7% firm-wide bonus for the fifth consecutive year. Following significant investment in technology and people, profit rose by 3%. Over the past year, the firm has implemented Thomson Reuters’ Elite 3E platform and enhanced its employee benefits package, including increased pension contributions, expanded income protection, paid volunteering leave and the introduction of an electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme. Ashfords CEO, Louise Workman, who last year launched a new five-year strategy for the firm targeting sustainable growth, said: “Following a year of significant investment across the firm, it is particularly pleasing to report such a strong set of results. Just as importantly, these results allow us to reward our people, whose expertise, commitment and dedication are central to our success and the service we deliver to clients. Growth at Ashfords is not about scale alone. It is about growing in a way that strengthens our culture, enhances the quality of our work and creates long-term value for both our clients and our colleagues. This year’s results demonstrate that we are successfully delivering on that ambition.” The firm has also continued to attract a strong cohort of lateral hires at partner level. Recent joiners include Thomas Middlehurst and Emma Harris (private wealth), Alexis Karim (corporate), Ben Xu (immigration), and Ben Hogan and David Cave (projects). Other highlights from the year include being named Law Firm of the Year at Bristol Law Society Awards and being shortlisted for Independent Law Firm of the Year at The Lawyer awards.

UK law firm Ashfords has appointed corporate partner Alexis Karim to its London office, further strengthening the firm’s corporate and transactional capabilities. His appointment follows three partner hires in Ashfords’ London office in May, as part of the firm’s strategy to deliver sustainable growth through accelerated investment in the capital. Alexis joins from Charles Russell Speechlys and brings significant experience advising on corporate transactions, including private company M&A, private equity and venture capital investments. He works with a broad client base spanning large and growth corporates, private equity and venture capital sponsors, family offices, management teams and investee companies. His practice covers a range of key sectors for Ashfords, including healthcare and life sciences, financial services and technology.  He has advised on a number of high-profile and complex transactions, including cross-border acquisitions, strategic investments and growth capital funding rounds. Alexis’s appointment reflects Ashfords’ continued investment in its London corporate team as it supports clients across the full transaction lifecycle, from growth capital and private equity investment through to M&A and strategic restructuring. Rory Suggett, partner and head of corporate at Ashfords, said: “Alexis is an excellent addition to our growing London team. His strong track record in mid-market M&A and private equity, combined with his sector expertise, aligns perfectly with our strategic focus. His appointment enhances our ability to support clients on complex, high-value transactions and reflects continued demand for our corporate services.” Alexis said: “Ashfords has a strong reputation for delivering commercial, pragmatic advice and building long-term client relationships. I’m excited to join the team at a time of growth and to contribute to the continued expansion of the firm’s corporate offering in London and beyond.” Ashfords’ corporate team advises businesses, investors and management teams on a wide range of transactions, supporting clients from early-stage investment through to exit, across the UK and internationally. ENDS Information to editors Ashfords is a valued legal partner to a wide range of corporate, public sector and private clients across the UK and internationally, counted on by clients to get the right result - whether that’s delivering commercial objectives, protecting assets, making investments or solving disputes. With four UK offices and an international network, we are able to draw on legal expertise in over 70 countries worldwide. Ashfords LLP is a limited liability partnership, registered in England and Wales. Ashfords LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Address, contact and partner details can be found at www.ashfords.co.uk. For more information Francesca Howie Campaigns & Content Manager, Ashfords LLP 01392 333619 [email protected]

In this guide, discover how businesses can identify risks, protect valuable assets and respond effectively to challenges as they arise. Every business relies on more than revenue, profitability and physical assets. Customer relationships, confidential information, trade secrets and reputation are often among its most valuable assets, yet also its most vulnerable. So, what are the biggest threats facing businesses today? How can directors and business leaders reduce risk? What steps should they take when issues arise? Our guide highlights a proactive approach to business protection, built around five key principles: identifying risks and vulnerabilities; protecting assets through effective safeguards; monitoring for emerging threats; responding quickly when issues arise, and enforcing rights where necessary. Drawing on Ashfords' experience advising businesses facing complex disputes and urgent threats, the guide also explores why speed matters, the importance of preparation, and how organisations can strengthen their position before issues emerge and escalate. Whether you're looking to protect commercial relationships, safeguard sensitive information, improve cyber resilience or manage reputational risk, this guide provides practical insights to help your business stay protected. Click here to access the guide.

UK law firm Ashfords has appointed financial services regulatory partner Chris Hickey, strengthening the firm’s expertise in financial services regulation and fintech. Chris joins from Osborne Clarke and brings significant experience in regulatory matters across the financial services sector. He works with a broad client base including investment banks, wealth managers, fintechs, payment services firms and private fund managers. Chris advises clients on all elements of the regulatory lifecycle, including perimeter analysis, FCA authorisation applications, the drafting of compliance policies and customer Ts and Cs, regulatory change management, engagement with the FCA and advice on day-to-day compliance matters. He also has extensive experience in advising on the financial regulatory aspects of corporate transactions. This appointment reflects Ashfords' continued investment in the fintech and wider financial services sectors. Brian Farrell, partner and head of commercial at Ashfords, said: “Chris is an excellent addition to our growing commercial team. His strong track record in financial services combined with his sector expertise in regulation and fintech, aligns perfectly with our strategic focus. His insight will be invaluable as we support our clients with complex regulatory and financial transactions.” Chris said: “Ashfords has a strong reputation for delivering specialist commercial and regulatory advice and building long term relationships with clients. Financial regulation continues to evolve rapidly, creating both significant challenges and opportunities for businesses across the sector. I’m looking forward to further developing the firm’s financial services regulatory practice and supporting clients in navigating this complex and changing landscape.” Ashfords’ fintech team works with a wide range of organisations from technology suppliers, infrastructure providers, regulated institutions and investors providing expert advice on outsourcing, data compliance, regulatory compliance and payment services.

Health and social care organisations are navigating a period of significant change. Major employment reforms, ongoing Care Quality Commission (CQC) developments, NHS restructuring, emerging AI technologies and increasing regulatory scrutiny are creating new challenges and opportunities for providers, investors and sector partners. Understanding the legal implications of these developments is essential for organisations looking to manage risk, remain compliant and achieve sustainable growth. Our legal lowdown brings together expert legal analysis on the issues currently shaping the sector. The guide explores a range of developments including opportunities for debt funding, CQC reform and enforcement, NHS restructuring and neighbourhood health initiatives, workforce and immigration changes, environmental legislation, medical device regulation, AI adoption, and key developments affecting mergers and acquisitions. Produced by our healthcare team, this guide offers practical insights to help organisations anticipate change, assess risk and identify opportunities in an evolving health and social care landscape. Click here to download the guide and discover the legal and regulatory developments shaping the health and social care sector in 2026.

Discover how coastal economies are driving growth, attracting investment and unlocking innovation in our latest report. Coastal economies are becoming an increasingly important driver of UK growth, with more businesses forming, scaling and attracting investment. Growth is also becoming more widely distributed. It is no longer limited to a handful of locations, with both established centres and smaller coastal communities contributing to a more diverse and dynamic economic picture. So, what is changing? Where are opportunities emerging? And what is driving success? The evidence points to a shift. Technology-led sectors are expanding alongside traditionally dominant industries such as tourism, and growth is now shaped as much by connectivity as it is by location. Our report, produced in partnership with Beauhurst Insights, explores business and investment trends across coastal economies. It highlights key insights for investors, developers and policymakers working in regeneration, and provides a clear view of where opportunity is emerging and the conditions needed to turn that momentum into lasting economic impact. Our report with Beauhurst Insights analyses how coastal economies across the UK are evolving. It combines long-term business and investment trends with insight into what is driving growth. It explores where momentum is building, which sectors are shaping change, and the conditions that can support sustainable regeneration. Click here to access the report.

UK law firm Ashfords has appointed Deborah Rowntree as a partner in its London banking and finance team, specialising in real estate finance with a sector focus on healthcare. Deborah's arrival will complement both the firm's current healthcare and real estate finance offering. Our finance offering covers both bilateral and syndicated lending for both UK and cross border transactions. Our sector team advises a wide range of healthcare clients on finance and M&A transactions and on commercial, real estate, employment and regulatory matters. Deborah has extensive experience acting for lenders, real estate investors, operators, and developers on a variety of funding transactions. She regularly advises on acquisition finance, development funding, real estate investment, restructurings, general corporate financings, complex syndicated lending and re-financings. Deborah said: 'I'm excited to be joining Ashfords as part of our growing banking team which has a reputation for providing pragmatic and commercial advice. I'm also looking forward to continuing to focus on the healthcare sector and working alongside my colleagues to provide the full range of legal services required to support the many funding and investment opportunities in this vibrant sector.'  Rebecca Dury, partner and head of banking at Ashfords, said: We’re delighted to welcome Deborah to Ashfords. Deborah's knowledge of real estate finance and her healthcare specialism will strengthen our current offering - I look forward to watching the team grow and continue to achieve successful outcomes for our clients.' Ashfords’ banking and finance team works with a range of lenders and the businesses they finance, helping to negotiate and secure funding across the business lifecycle, to meet lender expectations and deliver what businesses need to succeed. The firm's healthcare and life sciences team guides operators and investors on strategic transactions and through complex regulations, managing workforce challenges, protecting assets, and resolving disputes. The banking team recently advised Lloyds Bank plc on a new £30 million revolving credit facility for a UK housebuilder and Fort Bovisand Developments Limited on their project to restore and develop the historic fort in Plymouth. Our healthcare team has most recently advised an international group on the strategic acquisition of a UK company specialising in disease models and advanced biomarker development. For further information, please contact our banking and finance team. Ashfords is a valued legal partner to a wide range of corporate, public sector and private clients across the UK and internationally, counted on by clients to get the right result - whether that’s delivering commercial objectives, protecting family assets, making investments or solving disputes. With four UK offices and an international network, we are able to draw on legal expertise in over 70 countries worldwide. Ashfords LLP is a limited liability partnership, registered in England and Wales. Ashfords LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Address, contact and partner details can be found at www.ashfords.co.uk. For more information Francesca Howie Campaigns & Content Manager, Ashfords LLP 01392 333619 [email protected]

UK law firm Ashfords has been announced as the headline sponsor of the Gala Dinner at the ISWA World Congress 2026, taking place on 10 November in London. A highlight of the international waste and resource management calendar, the Gala Dinner forms part of the ISWA World Congress 2026, which runs from 9 to 11 November. The event brings together industry leaders, innovators, policymakers and businesses from across the globe to discuss the future of sustainable waste management, resource recovery and the circular economy. Ashfords' work in the waste and resource management, energy from waste and environmental regulatory sectors underpins the sponsorship. The team advises both public and private sector clients on the M&A activity together with the operational issues facing waste sites across a range of technologies including energy-from-waste, polymer recycling, MRF, MBT among others, and further advises on regulatory compliance and enforcement issues across the energy and waste sectors, including environmental permitting, pollution control and waste classification. Brian Farrell, partner and head of commercial and IP, said: "We are proud to be the headline sponsor of the ISWA World Congress 2026 Gala Dinner. The event is one of the most significant events in the global waste and resource management sector, bringing together organisations and individuals who are driving innovation and shaping the future of sustainable resource management. We look forward to connecting with clients, industry peers and international delegates throughout the event." Ashfords' energy and resource management team is consistently ranked by leading legal directories, including Legal 500, where the team is highly ranked for Projects, Energy and Natural Resources. The team is also listed in the Legal 500 UK Green Guide for its work supporting clients in sustainability and the green economy. For more information, please contact our commercial team.

Every year, law firms and in-house teams across the world support clients involved in disputes in England and Wales. This guide is designed to help international law firms understand when English legal expertise may be required, what makes the UK such an attractive venue for dispute resolution, and how to navigate some of the practical issues that arise when a dispute has a UK dimension. Click here to find out more.

Ashfords’ partner Deborah Rowntree will chair a panel in the CFO stream at HealthInvestor UK’s Healthcare Summit 2026. Deborah will chair the session ‘Raising capital and managing refinancing risk’. This panel will explore strategies for raising capital in the healthcare sector, with expert insights and practical tips from Nick Essex, acting chief executive officer and chief finance officer of Liaise and Jamie Stuart, co-founder and chief commercial officer of Fortava Healthcare. Healthcare finance partner Deborah Rowntree commented: “Despite ongoing challenges, including continuing economic uncertainty, an evolving political landscape, and regulatory and workforce pressures, the healthcare sector continues to demonstrate considerable resilience. “I am looking forward to joining the panel to explore how organisations can raise capital and manage risk in a changing landscape.” Deborah is a member of Ashfords' specialist healthcare sector team, led by corporate partner Jocelyn Ormond. The team advises health and social care providers across the UK, alongside the investors and lenders that support the sector, on a broad range of legal issues, including complex regulatory, governance and compliance matters. For more information, please contact our healthcare and life sciences team.

UK law firm Ashfords has been appointed as a supplier on Government Commercial Agency's (GCA) RM6374 Legal Panel for Public Sector framework, providing legal services to public sector organisations across England and Wales. The appointment sees Ashfords named as a supplier across six key lots, an increase from two lots on the previous framework: Lot 1a – Full Legal Service Provision (All Public Sector) Lot 1b – Full Legal Service Provision (Local Government and Local Communities) Lot 1c – Full Legal Service Provision (Health and Social Care) Lot 2 – Focused Legal Support Lot 3 – Litigation and Disputes Lot 4 – Projects and Complex Advice (including PPP) Robin de Wreede, partner and joint head of public sector at Ashfords, said: “Being appointed to the Government Commercial Agency’s new Legal Services Framework is a significant achievement for the firm and reinforces our commitment to supporting public sector organisations with high-quality, commercially focused legal advice. We look forward to building on our existing public sector relationships and helping clients navigate opportunities and challenges across a wide range of legal matters.” For more information about Ashfords' public sector expertise, please contact our public sector & government team.

UK law firm Ashfords has appointed partner Thomas Middlehurst to its trusts and estates team in London, strengthening the firm's high-net-worth offering in the capital. Thomas specialises in contentious trusts, probate and property ownership disputes. He acts for a broad range of clients including high-net-worth individuals, executors, trustees and charities. Thomas previously headed the private wealth disputes team at a top ranked law firm before joining Ashfords. He is ranked in Chambers High Net Worth Guide and named as a key lawyer in the Legal 500 and Doyles Guide for Private Wealth Disputes. Thomas is a full member of the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS), vice chair of National Association of Independent Administrators (NAIA), and a member of Contentious Trusts Association (ConTrA). Thomas said: 'I'm thrilled to join Ashfords' trusts and estates team and I look forward to working alongside my new colleagues to position Ashfords as a 'go-to' firm for trusts and estates matters in London.' Kerry Morgan-Gould, partner and head of trusts and estates said: 'It's a pleasure to welcome Thomas to our growing team at Ashfords, and we're excited to see his expertise further enhance our established private client offering in London. Thomas' arrival comes at a pivotal time following the Autumn Budget 2025, and his insight will be invaluable as we guide our clients through the current climate with confidence and clarity.' Ashfords' trusts and estates team supports clients on all aspects of setting up and managing trusts, from helping clients to choose the right type of trust, advising on the associated and often complex tax issues, to registration, trust administration and the resolution of any disputes that may arise. The team is ranked Band 1 for Charities: Legacy Disputes in the Chambers legal directory, demonstrating its extensive expertise in charity legacy management. The team works closely with major UK charities, often working alongside their in-house teams, providing estate administration support and valuable reputational guidance. For further information, please contact our trusts and estates team.

Eight years after councils began declaring climate emergencies, decarbonisation remains a priority across local government, but progress is increasingly constrained by funding pressures, skills shortages and political uncertainty. Our report, produced in partnership with Local Government Lawyer, looks at whether councils can maintain momentum towards net zero. It highlights key insights from officers working in local government, and provides a clear view of what councils need to achieve their net zero aims. Click here to access the report.

Ashfords has been named Property Law Firm of the Year at the South West Property Awards 2026. The judges praised the firm’s regional knowledge and support across the full development lifecycle and ongoing contribution to the industry through research, training and innovation. The awards recognise the achievements of those individuals and organisations in the property and construction sector that have designed, developed and funded the built environment over the last year. Louise Workman, partner and CEO at Ashfords said: “This award reflects the work of colleagues across the firm and is well-deserved recognition of the quality of our people, the strength of our client relationships and the impact we continue to make across the property and development sector.” Ashfords advises developers, investors, landowners, occupiers and public sector organisations on property matters across the UK. Recognised for its work on regeneration, investment, development and infrastructure projects, the firm supports clients at every stage of the property lifecycle.

UK law firm Ashfords has appointed partner and immigration specialist Ben Xu, and associate Mairi Lubelska, to its employment team in London, bolstering the firm's UK immigration offering. Ben specialises in business immigration and is individually recognised for his expertise in this area in the Chambers Guide 2026. He advises on matters across a wide range of sectors including technology, financial services, healthcare and life sciences, business service industries and accountancy. Ben also has significant expertise advising private clients on their complex private immigration and nationality matters. Ashfords immigration partner Ben Xu said: "Ashfords’ strength across employment, immigration and private wealth creates the perfect platform for the work my team and I do. The firm’s growth plans and in particular its continued investment in growing its London presence make this an exciting time to join. I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues to guide clients through the challenges of an ever‑changing immigration environment." Stephen Moore, partner and head of employment, said: "Ben is an excellent addition to our team and is part of continued investment in building a market‑leading UK employment and immigration practice. His experience strengthens our capability in London and support for clients across the UK.” Ben’s arrival builds on Ashfords’ ongoing investment in London. In the past 18 months the firm has strengthened its capabilities in the capital with the hires of healthcare specialist and banking & finance partner Deborah Rowntree, venture capital specialist and corporate partner Sam Brown, and trusts & estates partner Thomas Middlehurst. Ashfords’ employment team supports UK and international businesses, covering the full spectrum of employment law and HR issues, from recruitment to termination, including investigations, sensitive disputes, restrictive covenant enforcement, and tribunal representation. The team's renowned immigration practice supports employers, businesses and private individuals in the UK and internationally, with the complex and changing UK immigration system. For further information, please contact our employment team.   ENDS Information to editors Ashfords is a valued legal partner to a wide range of corporate, public sector and private clients across the UK and internationally, counted on by clients to get the right result - whether that’s delivering commercial objectives, protecting assets, making investments or solving disputes. With four UK offices and an international network, we are able to draw on legal expertise in over 70 countries worldwide. Ashfords LLP is a limited liability partnership, registered in England and Wales. Ashfords LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Address, contact and partner details can be found at www.ashfords.co.uk. For more information Francesca Howie Campaigns & Content Manager, Ashfords LLP 01392 333619 [email protected]