The five-partner corporate and commercial practice at Ashtons Legal works across the firm’s office network, with Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds being key hubs of activity. In Ipswich, practice head Geoff Hazlewood handles corporate transactions and care home matters, and Paul Whittingham has a niche practice advising independent veterinary practices. Senior associate Craig Fiddaman stands out for his work on share and asset transactions, restructuring, corporate governance and commercial agreements. The team is noted as being 'extremely responsive, commercially savvy and pragmatic in its approach'.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The team is extremely responsive and able to deal with tight deadlines. They are commercially savvy and pragmatic in their approach.’
‘Craig Fiddaman is particularly good at pushing forward rapidly even when deal dynamics may change. We are extremely appreciative to him for his support.’
‘Personalised friendly, flexible and accessible service across the organisation. The team convey legal speak in a clear and easy way to ensure that as the client, we understand their advice and can discuss with clarity amendments etc with partners.’
'The benefit of using Ashtons legal for us is the seamless ability to use all aspects of the firms services with a very good understanding of our business and our requirements from time to time.'
'We have used Ashtons Legal for various services and I list below the individuals who understand our business and have greatly assisted us: Geoff Hazlewood and Paul Whittingham and Craig Fiddaman - commercial contracts.'
‘Everyone is accessible, friendly and demonstrates a desire to work with our organisation to ensure the best legal solution is in place for the task in hand.'
'Availability, knowledge of sectors and local area, relationships with others in the area.'
'Craig Fiddaman is excellent and always willing to have a chat. Geoff Hazelwood is also excellent.'

Key clients

Stow Healthcare Group
Cosworth Group
Medical Management Systems
TaxAssist Group
Signs Express
Titan Motorsport & Automotive Engineering
Camgrain
xDNA Group Limited
FO Ventures Limited (Flip Out)
HTK
Sutura Group Limited
easyGym
Witnesham Ventures Limited
ServiceTick
Ubisend

Work highlights

Acting for Stow Healthcare Group on the purchase of two further care homes in close succession both funded by NatWest.
Advising a client on the restructuring of the existing group (providing general insurance and financial advice services), with the sale of the General Insurance division to GRP.
Acting for Titan Engineering Group Limited in debt-backed MBO with funds from Shawbrook Bank.