Ashfords LLP acts for residential developers and housebuilders, local authorities, registered providers, land promoters and landowners in major residential developments, with additional expertise in acquisitions involving healthcare and care home providers, pharmacies, and clinical research organisations. Practice leader Kate Topp advises residential developers and landowners on matters concerning the purchase and sale of land for development, while Andrew Worley handles franchise mandates in the food and drink sector. Ben Tarrant advises on commercial freehold and leasehold property transactions. Other key contacts in the team include Ian Ramsay Tompkins and Isabelle Clement. Paul Butterworth departed in July 2024.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is experienced and covers a wide range of specialisms. This provides clients with confidence over the advice being given. The team at Ashfords are open and prompt in their responses to requests and approach problems with a positive problem-solving attitude whilst being clear on any risks or concerns.’
‘Friendly, responsive and professional.’
‘Kate Topp is well-connected within the industry and this can help aid the legal drafting process because of her relationship with others. She is always on hand to provide advice, she is prompt in her responses and we approach her to act for us on a number of our key important acquisition projects because we trust her work and the approach that she takes.'
'Ian Ramsay Tompkins provided a key role in helping to overcome an unregistered land issue within a tight timeframe. Ian's investigative work including the review of historic mapping led to a swift resolution.’
Key clients
- Barwood Development Securities Limited
- Loungers Group
- Crest Nicholson Operations Limited
- Wainhomes Severn Valley Limited
- Redcliffe Homes
- Mead Realisations
- Wichelstowe LLP
- Vistry Group (including Vistry and Countryside Partnerships)
- Aster Group
- Stonewater Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for Curo Enterprise Limited on the purchase of land for a proposed residential development site near Street, comprising of up to 280 residential homes.
- Acted for a preclinical contract research organisation specialising in immunology in relation to its acquisition of 10,000 square feet of office and bespoke lab space.
- Acting on the acquisition of affordable housing for the delivery of nearly 300 affordable homes as part of a new 800+ home development.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Kate Topp
Other key lawyers
Ben Tarrant; Andrew Worley; Ian Ramsay Tomkins; Isabelle Clement