Boddy Matthews Limited > Reigate, England > Firm Profile
Boddy Matthews Limited Offices

7-11 HIGH STREET
REIGATE
RH2 9AA
England
Boddy Matthews Limited > The Legal 500 Rankings
Employment > Employment: Kent, Surrey, Sussex Tier 2
Helen Boddy, ‘trustworthy and very efficient in her collaboration’, heads the employment offering at Boddy Matthews Limited, supporting a diverse client base that includes substantial corporates, SMEs, owner managed businesses and senior executives. The team’s extensive experience gives it a broader understanding of the dynamics of the employment relationship. The team advises on all aspects of employment from recruitment to termination and post termination issues, with particular expertise in TUPE both in relation to business sales and purchases and outsourcing arrangements.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Michal Stein
Testimonials
‘Boddy Matthews were deeply understanding and personable from initial introductions to the conclusion of my case, and demonstrated deep expertise to support my requirements. Under the circumstances of redundancy, I was very pleased with the support and action I received from Boddy Matthews, and have gone on to recommend them to several individuals who are going through similar experiences.’
‘Helen Boddy was the only person I had contact with at the firm. My initial introductory phone call was to her directly, and she was extremely understanding, personable, confident, knowledgeable and timely with all her commentary, correspondence, recommendations and actions.’
‘Helen Boddy advised me expertly in relation to a termination – clarity of advice and recommendations, yet always client-led; eye for detail and for opportunity to ensure most tax-efficient treatment of situation.’
‘The practice of Boddy Matthews is a very trusted legal partner of our company for many years now. The team is very reliable, knowledgeable and trustworthy. They do have a very strong customer approach, being attentive to customers’ needs and addressing these with utmost attention and confidentiality.’
‘I have closely worked with Helen Boddy and can add the stands out with her professional approach to any legal matter, her broad knowledge across multiple areas, her trustworthiness and high level of confidentiality. Helen Boddy demonstrates high level of client orientation, always trying to understand the full complexity of her client’s matter and address it timely and constructively. She always look for a win-win solution for her client within the legal framework. She is trustworthy and very efficient in her collaboration.’
‘Helen Boddy went above and beyond with my advice and legal issue which resulted in a positive outcome. Her knowledge of employment law is phenomenal which from my experience with employment lawyers, stands out. Helen was also a very approachable, confident and extremely pleasant to correspond with through email. Her grit and determination was outstanding. I would most certainly use Helen again if I needed employment advice.’
‘Helen Boddy – approachable, knowledgeable, embodiment of an excellent employment specialist. Very experienced, gets results. Helen is responsive, compassionate and effective all rolled in to one.’
‘I found Helen Boddy to be responsive and highly competent, with a good outcome achieved on the assignment in question.’
Key clients
The AES Corporation/ AES ELectric Ltd
Accounting for Contractors Ltd
Bollore Logistics UK Ltd
Denmech Ltd
Fileturn Ltd
FriendFinder Networks Inc
FL Greenwood & Sons
MSP Secretaries Ltd
People Tree Fair Trade Group Limited
Saracen Horse Feeds Ltd
Society of Critical Care Medicine (US)
Storm Building Ltd
Vecta UW Limited
Wm Lillico & Son Ltd
Senior Executives mainly ex City with 6 figure salaries
Work highlights
- Advised Bollore Logistics UK Ltd on Employment and TUPE aspects of first and second generation outsourcing to Bollore in managing some of the world’s biggest retailers, delivering global transport and logistics services.
- Advised and acted for Fileturn Ltd in two Covid-related employment tribunal cases including furlough and zero hours related issues.
- Retained by American law firms and general counsel to provide UK employment law advice to a US clients with interests in the UK including, start-ups, employee relations, employment status and other HR legal issues.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Kent, Surrey and Sussex Tier 3
Kate Matthews, head of the dispute resolution and risk management team at Boddy Matthews Limited , is a highly reputable commercial litigator and holds positions or membership at many professional societies including the Surrey Chamber of Commerce. She has experience in supporting domestic and international clients in all forms of dispute resolution including mediation, adjudication, arbitration, early neutral evaluation, expert determination and settlement negotiation, with a strong expertise in franchising.Practice head(s):
Kate Matthews
Testimonials
‘The team is exceptional. It is not an overestimation to state that I would have lost my business and probably much more without the dedication of Kate Matthews at Boddy Matthews.’
‘Kate Matthews has provided exceptional constant support and advice throughout the litigation. Always available for contact, to read draft letters and court forms, helping me meet the deadlines and helping me navigate the “David and Goliath” litigation.’
‘Kate Matthews combines empathy and realpolitik to provide genuinely practical support and advice.’
Key clients
Wimbledon Greyhound
Leeway Services Limited
Electromechanical Ordtech IKE
Rose Greenwood t/a FL Greenwood & Son
Johnsons Brokerage Limited
Egyptian Sponge, Iron and Steel Company SAE
People Tree Fair Trade Group Limited
Raymond Andrew Foster
SHL Services Limited
Mark Kavuma
Work highlights
- Advised Leeway Services Limited, a manufacturer and seller of pet supplies and other animal products, on breaches of contract by five Amazon entities on its online selling platform during the 2020 pandemic in the London Commercial Court.
- Acting for Electromechanical Ordtech IKE regarding a dispute concerning design, development, engineering and technical services in aeronautics and defence.
- Acting for Rose Greenwood trading as FL Greenwood & Son, the sole trader of arable and dairy/beef farming and car business in respect of promissory estoppel claims and potential future inheritance act claims made by members of the family in respect of the farming business and assets of the farm.
Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Kent, Surrey, Sussex Tier 4
Founding partner Kate Matthews heads up the team at Boddy Matthews Limited - she has notable niche expertise with regards to franchising. The team has a diverse client base including both sophisticated and start-up clients, and works with both domestic and international businesses, having recently advised Babyballet Ltd on its expansion to Australia. In addition to Matthews’ specialist knowledge in franchising, clients praise her for her excellent client service. As the Chair of Encouraging Women into Franchising for the South Region, Matthews gives her time to support women in the business environment.Practice head(s):
Kate Matthews
Testimonials
‘Quick and concise responses. Boddy Matthews Limited are upfront about their pricing and offer different options based on your budget.’
‘Super enthusiastic, highly knowledgeable and definitely a trusted advisor. Always happy to recommend the firm and individuals.’
‘We have worked with Kate Matthews and her team for a number of years and have always found them to be professional and attentive. Kate herself has excellent knowledge on Franchising and licensing and has always gone out of her way to explain things to us in layman’s terms.’
‘Kate Matthews always makes herself available to help at the earliest opportunity and is always open and honest about what can be achieved.’
‘We have Kate Matthews as our corporate solicitor, as the New Master Franchise, she really help and assisted me in our needs for legal advises. Available almost anytime of the day including weekends and holidays- really appreciated that since we worked in different time zone.’
‘Kate Matthews is a very quick, straightforward solicitor who gets straight to the heart of your current problem. The most important quality I appreciated from Kate was that she cares about you as a client and takes into consideration what you have said during meetings to form a strategy which best enables you to move forward with your case. Her experience and expertise really comes through when she presents and advises you on multiple options. She helps you to make well informed decisions more easily.’
Key clients
Little Kids Sports Club Limited and Raymond Lau trading as Little Kickers Hong Kong
Babyballet Franchising Limited (re Franchisees Greenwich etc)
Babyballet Franchising Limited- expansion in UK of Australia licence
Caremark Limited
LK Woking Limited t/a Little Kickers Woking
People Tree Fair Trade Group Limited
Gesibsumnes Ltd t/a Gymboree Play & Music
Brush Party UK Limited
Clare Fulthorpe and Emma Playle and Playsons LLP trading as Monkey Music Leatherhead
Blueprometheus Ltd t/a Countrywide Signs Limited and Paul Green as an Individual
MSP Secretaries Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for the international brand owner, Babyballet Ltd to secure additional contracts with other child activity brands to promote the Babyballet brand, expansion through franchising and adding licenses and expansion in Australia to increase the network reach during UK lockdowns.
- Acting for multi million pound company, Caremark Ltd, in securing its trading position for the Franchise network of over 100 franchisees in the UK and internationally in India and Malta in particular and advising on corporate matters.
- Providing trusted advisor company legal services to People Tree Fair Trade Group Limited during 2021 trading including advising the board in respect of UK matters and share issues, employment, company guarantees.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Franchising Tier 5
Specialist commercial firm Boddy Matthews Limited handles franchising work for clients in the restaurant, domestic products, and children's entertainment sectors. Along with essential franchising advisory services, the team assists clients with contractual claims including innocent, negligent, and fraudulent misrepresentation and duty of care claims. Kate Matthews heads up the practice - she is an accredited mediator with a particular focus on advising both franchisors and franchisees on contentious franchising matters.Practice head(s):
Kate Matthews
Testimonials
‘They are very helpful and always ready to assist! They can understand the details, advising timing of termination and even letter to send out to both customers and the defunct franchisee.’
‘Kate Matthews is very professional and firm in giving her advice and input – amazing!’
Key clients
Little Kids Sports Club Limited and Raymond Lau trading as Little Kickers Hong Kong
Babyballet Franchising Limited
Caremark Limited
LK Woking Limited t/a Little Kickers Woking
Riverpoint Enterprises Limited t/a Cannell Signs
Gesibsumnes Ltd t/a Gymboree Play & Music
Brush Party UK Limited
Clare Fulthorpe and Emma Playle and Playsons LLP trading as Monkey Music Leatherhead
Blueprometheus Ltd t/a Countrywide Signs Limited and Paul Green as an Individual
Pepe’s Piri Piri Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for the international brand owner, Babyballet Ltd to secure additional contracts with other child activity brands to promote the Babyballet brand, expansion through franchising and adding licenses and expansion in Australia to increase the network reach during UK lockdowns.
- Acting for multi million pound company, Caremark Ltd, in securing its trading position for the Franchise network of over 100 franchisees in the UK and internationally in India and Malta in particular and advising on corporate matters.
- Advising Pepe’s Piri Piri Franchising Limited and the Pepe’s group including court proceeding post judgment and costs issues from franchise litigation.
Boddy Matthews Limited > Firm Profile
Boddy Matthews is a firm of high-calibre solicitors with an excellent legal pedigree and proven track record.
The firm: A boutique, commercial firm that provides City quality and ethos at a sensible price. Commercially astute, the firm works in partnership with its clients as trusted advisers and as part of the in-house team. The firm prides itself on being accessible, effective and value for money.
Located close to Gatwick, the firm assists clients in London and the South East, nationally and internationally. The firm’s partners are acknowledged experts in their field and offer personal, pragmatic advice in plain English, tailoring costs flexibly to client needs.
The individuals are well known, highly ranked, highly regarded and respected by their clients, peers and competitors.
Types of work undertaken
Employment and human resources: the firm gives practical advice to employers and senior executives. Experienced in advising on all aspects of employment including change management and restructuring, corporate support, TUPE, disputes, dismissals and day-to-day employment and HR issues.
The team works closely with clients to cut through the complications of employment and HR legal issues. It provides an efficient and effective service to resolve workplace disputes and also helps to prevent disputes arising in the first place.
Helen Boddy is a renowned partner and in addition to corporate clients (from big blue chip, to SMEs and owner-managed businesses), senior executives seek her out for advice and support on hire and fire scenarios.
Helen is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association and the European Employment Lawyers Association.
Commercial litigation and dispute resolution: the firm provides an extensive range of conflict management and litigation services with a strong emphasis on resolving disputes by alternative dispute resolution using mediation and arbitration.
The firm advises a wide range of commercial clients and private individuals including multinationals, household brand names and owner-managed businesses. The firm works closely with clients on strategic risk management to achieve effective and practical solutions. The objective is to put the client in control of any dispute and its management through to a successful resolution.
Kate Matthews is a renowned partner and in addition to commercial disputes in the UK, frequently advises on disputes with international or EU implications.
Whether clients are based overseas or within the UK, the firm is able to work with them effectively and efficiently as a team, actively managing the legal process and understanding differences in culture and approach to negotiate settlements through alternative dispute resolution techniques or litigation.
Franchising: the firm specialises in the franchise sector and assists national and international franchisors and franchisees in developing their businesses and strategies in the industry sector. Its clients range from major household names to business start-ups where franchising is the next step in their business evolution.
The firm is accredited by the British Franchise Association and Kate Matthews is a qualified franchise professional. The firm also supports the organisation Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF).
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Senior partners | Helen Boddy | ||
Senior partners | Kate Matthews |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Helen Boddy | Helen has an enviable and loyal base of both corporate and individual… | View Profile |
![]() | Kate Matthews | Partner in Risk Management, Franchising and Dispute Resolution. Conducts major commercial disputes… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 2 Number of other UK fee-earners : 3Memberships
The Law Society of England & Wales ELA (Employment Lawyers Association) ABA (American Bar Association) Qualified Franchise Professional British Franchise AssociationDiversity
Boddy Matthews Solicitors believe that a commitment to diversity and inclusion is essential to reflect the society we serve today. It makes business sense because it helps us to attract and retain the best talent, it enables us to understand and meet clients’ needs more effectively and so provide a better quality service.
We are committed to promote and practice equal opportunities within our workplace.
As a firm regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) we are obliged to collect and report on our workforce diversity data annually. A summary of this data is published on our website.
Pro Bono and Corporate Social Responsibility
Our lawyers undertake a range of pro bono activities and get involved in the local communities in which we work. Our CSR activities include:
- Vice Chair of Governors at a large local junior school
- Charitable donations to local charities such as Loveworks, and bigger charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support with both local and national reach.
- It is our policy to donate all monies from oaths, declarations, witnessing and certifications to a charity chosen annually by the firm; currently East Surrey Macmillan Cancer Support Centre at East Surrey Hospital
- Participating in a variety of fund raising events including the London Legal Walk for the London Legal Support Trust which promotes access to justice and supports frontline free legal advice charities.
- Chairing the South Region for Not-for-profit-group: Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF) and participating in EWIF events.
- Supporting initiatives with local businesses as members of the Reigate Business Guild (RBG)
- Sponsorship of local events for the Redhill Redstone Rotary Club for local charities; Old Reigatians Rugby Football Club
- Attending local schools’ career events.
- Attending RBG litter picking events to promote environmental initiatives.
- Hosting seminars for the British Franchise Association.
- Participation in local sports teams.
- We are constantly striving to help minimize our impact on the environment.
- We are very nearly a paperless office.