Who Is Ashfords LLP?
Ashfords LLP is a leading UK-based full-service law firm providing legal, professional, and regulatory advice to businesses, public sector bodies, and private individuals.
Incorporated on 7 January 2009 as a Limited Liability Partnership (Company Number OC342432), the firm is headquartered at Ashford House, Grenadier Road, Exeter, Devon, EX1 3LH.
With more than 500 staff operating across offices in Exeter, Bristol, London, and Plymouth, Ashfords has established itself as a strong regional and national legal partner. The firm supports a broad portfolio of clients ranging from start-ups and scale-ups to multinational corporations, local authorities, investors, family businesses, and high-net-worth individuals.
Ashfords is widely recognised for delivering commercially focused and pragmatic advice. Its guiding values, Be Open, Think Team, Make a Difference, and Always Grow, underpin a culture built on collaboration, transparency, and long-term client relationships.
The firm’s expertise spans corporate transactions, commercial advisory work, real estate development, dispute resolution, employment law, intellectual property, and private wealth services. Through an established international network, Ashfords also provides cross-border legal support for clients operating beyond the UK.
Who Leads Ashfords LLP and How Is It Structured?
Ashfords LLP operates as a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), allowing partners to share in profits while limiting personal liability. The leadership team comprises experienced legal professionals who oversee specialist divisions and sector-focused practices.
Key Leadership Team
| Name | Position | Location | Area of Responsibility |
| Louise Workman | Partner & CEO | Exeter | Overall Firm Leadership |
| Tim Heal | Partner, Head of Real Estate Division & Chair | Exeter | Real Estate & Strategic Oversight |
| Michael Alden | Partner & Head of Private Wealth Division | Exeter | Private Client Services |
| Andrew Betteridge | Partner & Head of Commercial Services Division | Exeter/Bristol | Corporate & Commercial |
| Rebecca Dury | Partner & Head of Banking | Exeter | Banking & Finance |
| Chris Dyson | Partner & Head of Technology Sector | Bristol | Technology & Digital |
| Brian Farrell | Partner & Head of Commercial & Energy Sector | Exeter | Energy & Resource Management |
The firm’s structure is divided into core legal divisions and specialist sector groups. This ensures that clients receive both technical legal expertise and commercially aware advice tailored to their industry.
Ashfords also invests significantly in talent development, offering legal careers, trainee opportunities, early career pathways, and business support roles. Its culture promotes flexibility, professional growth, and diversity.
What Is the Capital Structure and Business Status of Ashfords LLP?
Ashfords LLP is registered as an Active Limited Liability Partnership under Company Number OC342432.
Company Overview:
| Detail | Information |
| Registered Name | Ashfords LLP |
| Previous Name | Ashfords Solicitors LLP (Jan 2009) |
| Incorporation Date | 7 January 2009 |
| Company Type | Limited Liability Partnership |
| Company Status | Active |
| Registered Office | Ashford House, Grenadier Road, Exeter, Devon, EX1 3LH |
| Last Accounts Made Up To | 30 April 2025 |
| Next Accounts Due | 31 January 2027 |
As a private LLP, Ashfords does not publicly disclose its exact turnover or capital structure. However, the scale of its operations, over 500 staff across four UK offices, indicates a mature and financially stable practice.
The firm continues to grow its national presence while maintaining a strong base in the South West of England. Its sustained development, sector specialisation, and consistent recruitment reflect solid operational performance and long-term strategic planning.
What Legal Services and Sector Expertise Does Ashfords LLP Provide?
Ashfords LLP offers comprehensive legal services across two primary client groups: Business Clients and Private Individuals.
Business Legal Services
Corporate & Commercial:
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Private Equity & Venture Capital
- Banking & Finance
- Corporate Governance & Restructuring
- Commercial Contracts & Joint Ventures
Real Estate & Construction:
- Commercial Litigation
- Insolvency & Restructuring
- Professional Negligence
- Fraud & Regulatory Disputes
Employment Law:
- Employer Advisory Services
- Workplace Investigations
- Employment Tribunal Representation
Intellectual Property & Technology:
- IP Protection & Commercialisation
- Digital Transformation
- Data Protection & Privacy
Private Client Legal Services
Private Wealth & Estates:
- Wills & Succession Planning
- Trusts & Tax Planning
- Probate & Estate Administration
Family Law:
- Divorce & Financial Settlements
- Child Arrangements
- Separation Agreements
Residential & Rural Property:
- Conveyancing
- Agricultural & Rural Land Matters
Other Personal Services:
- Immigration & Visas
- Court of Protection
- Motoring Offences
Sector Expertise
Ashfords differentiates itself through deep sector knowledge, particularly in:
- Technology & Digital Transformation
- Energy & Resource Management
- Food, Drink & Rural Economy
- Healthcare & Life Sciences
- Marine
- Housebuilding & Development
- Public Sector & Government
This sector-focused approach allows Ashfords to combine legal insight with commercial awareness specific to each industry.
What Makes Ashfords LLP Stand Out?
Ashfords is known for its commercially minded and straightforward advice. Clients value the firm’s ability to deliver practical solutions aligned with business objectives.
Distinguishing Features:
- Over 500 legal and professional staff
- Offices in Exeter, Bristol, London, and Plymouth
- Strong regional roots with national reach
- International legal network
- Thought leadership through articles, blogs, podcasts, and events
- Dedicated “Spotlights” on key legislative developments
Recent focus areas include UK data protection reforms under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, planning legislation updates, capital-raising guidance for scale-ups, and infrastructure policy developments.
The firm also partners with organisations supporting high-growth technology businesses and venture capital-backed enterprises.
What Do Clients Say About Ashfords LLP?
Ashfords receives strong recognition in corporate and commercial law, particularly within the South West.
Positive Feedback Highlights
- Professional and knowledgeable advice
- Strong real estate and commercial expertise
- Clear and pragmatic communication
- Effective handling of complex transactions
However, feedback in private client and residential conveyancing matters can be mixed, with some clients reporting slower communication in certain cases.
The firm has addressed regulatory compliance matters in the past, including historic anti-money laundering procedural breaches identified between 2017 and 2018. These were limited to specific cases and form part of broader regulatory oversight typical within the legal profession.
Overall, Ashfords is considered a reputable and capable regional firm with strong commercial credentials.
How Can You Contact Ashfords LLP?
If you need to contact Ashfords LLP, the firm offers several convenient options across its UK office network.
Whether you are seeking legal advice for business, property, dispute resolution, or private client matters, you can reach out directly to the head office or connect with specialists through regional branches.
Below are the primary contact details for the head office:
| Office | Address | Telephone | Website |
| Head Office | Ashford House, Grenadier Road, Exeter, Devon, EX1 3LH | +44 (0)1392 333939 | https://www.ashfords.co.uk/ |
In addition to Exeter, Ashfords LLP operates offices in Bristol, London, and Plymouth, providing wider national coverage. Operating hours typically follow standard UK business hours (Monday to Friday), with consultations available by appointment.
Clients can also use the “Find a Lawyer” feature on the firm’s website to search by service area, sector expertise, or office location, making it easier to connect with the right legal specialist quickly and efficiently.
Why Choose Ashfords LLP?
Ashfords LLP combines regional strength with national capability. Businesses benefit from commercially strategic advice, while individuals receive tailored personal legal support.
Clients choose Ashfords for:
- Strong corporate and sector expertise
- Experienced leadership and specialist divisions
- Full-service legal capability under one firm
- Commitment to professional growth and innovation
- Balanced approach to commercial and private matters
Whether advising on complex mergers, real estate developments, private wealth planning, or regulatory compliance, Ashfords LLP positions itself as a dependable UK legal partner focused on delivering measurable outcomes.
For businesses navigating growth, investment, or restructuring, or individuals seeking trusted legal guidance, Ashfords LLP remains a prominent name within the UK legal landscape.
