Focusing primarily on procurement and subsidy control, Ashfords LLP fields a varied client portfolio consisting of those across the public and private sector. The firm supports on matters such as regeneration and housing projects as well as in the development of telecoms infrastructure. The Exeter-based team is led by Lucy Woods, who fields a longstanding government public sector practice that includes advising local authority broadband clients on national projects. At associate level, Ruth Yates is particularly active in regard to procurement pertaining to regeneration and marine projects.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I have worked with solicitors and law firms in the housing sector for over 20 years, and Ashfords have been without doubt the most prompt, responsive, and knowledgeable to date. They never fail to respond quickly, accurately, and providing great advice and insight. They make the legal parts of a project a pleasure.’
- 'They all excel in putting law into plain English, keeping things simple, and working hard to help us achieve the outcomes we desire upon engaging them.'
- 'I have found that with competitors emails and documents can be overly complex and filled with legal jargon, billings can be obfuscated, and individuals always busy and hard to get hold of. None of that happens with Ashfords, they make working with them a breeze and I would recommend them to anyone.'
‘Very commercial and understand how we operate and what is important to us.’
‘Ruth Yates is great to work with - she has grasped what is important to our organisation and raises issues that haven't been considered previously.’
Key clients
- Ashford Borough Council
- Wandsworth Borough Council
- London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
- The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
- Milford Haven Port Authority
- Somerset Council
- Pennon Group Plc
- Thanet District Council
- Cornwall Council
- The Council of the Isles of Scilly
Work highlights
Advising Ashford Borough Council in connection with the Ashford International Studios Project, a £250m investment into the regeneration of a brownfield site in the UK, redeveloping 37,192 square metres of Grade 2 listed railway buildings and surrounding land.
Advising Milford Haven Port Authority on the subsidy control implications of its application to the Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Scheme for c.£30m of funding for its Criterion Quay Floating Offshore Wind Development.
Advising the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea on its c. £800m procurement of four framework agreements for the delivery of works and services to RBKC’s housing stock.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Ruth Yates
Practice head
Lucy Woods
Other key lawyers
Ruth Yates