The ‘extremely knowledgeable’ team at Ashfords LLP harnesses a deep bench of experts to advise leading clients in the South West and is praised for its ’really good levels of experience.’ Stephen Moore heads the firm’s employment practice in Bristol, while Exeter-based Su Apps is highly regarded for a robust M&A, TUPE, restructuring, and outsourcing practice. Kirsty Cooke acts for public and private sector clients in a range of employment and business immigration matters, with notable expertise in the health sector. The Plymouth team was bolstered by the arrival of James Collings in March 2024, formerly a partner at Foot Anstey, who handles complex employee relations matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Ashfords in Exeter has an excellent employment team with really good levels of experience.'
- 'Su Apps is superb. She is hardworking, very commercially minded, and manages clients extremely well.'
- 'Great knowledge of lawyers across all of their offices - there is a consistent quality of associates and partners which always impresses.'
- 'Su Apps: excellent preparation, dealt with client instructions quickly, and provided a comprehensive brief.'
- 'The lawyers are extremely knowledgeable, well-organised, and always a pleasure of work with.'
- 'James Collings from the employment is an asset, providing thorough commercial advice with really quick turnaround.'
Key clients
- Multiverse Group Limited
- Ocado Group Limited
- The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Trust
- Stef Langdons Limited
- Nanusens Limited
- Michael Batt Foundation
- Wayfairer Travel Limited
- Senior Care Solutions @ Home
- W.C. Rowe (Falmouth) Limited
- Fine Tubes / AMETEK Specialty Metal Products
- Thirsty Work Limited
- Learn’d Limited
Work highlights
Providing daily employment and immigration advice to Ocado Group Limited and support to Ocado’s large HR and management team through its internal query platform.
Advising The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust on all contentious and non-contentious employment law matters.
Advising W.C. Rowe (Falmouth) Limited, a large bakery business operating over 60 retail outlets and two purpose-built production facilities on employment tribunal claims, disciplinary, grievance, and sickness absence matters.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Stephen Moore
Other key lawyers
Su Apps; Kirsty Cooke; James Collings