At Ashtons Legal, the core group of finance partners is 'knowledgeable, highly professional and always go the extra mile'. Former practice head Ron Clare in Bury St Edmunds (who is 'very commercial, experienced and readily available') remains active in the management of key panel relationships and handles high-value secured lending transactions. Newly promoted partner Greg McCurday in Norwich, whose main focus is real estate finance, has taken the reins. He recently acted for HSBC in the funding of the £4.8m purchase of a multi-let mixed use business site. Agriculture specialist Jeanette Dennis in Cambridge and Ipswich-based corporate partner Geoff Hazlewood frequently act for major bank clients.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A strong team which has good experience and depth from partner downward. Fee quotes are accurate and competitive and if a fee increase is required, which is unusual, due to unforeseen additional work this is always advised before fee quote is exceeded.’
‘Ron Clare is very commercial, experienced and readily available. He will always gives his view and quickly gets to the crux of any issues. An excellent lawyer who I would readily recommend.’
‘A long-established solicitors firm with a good mix of skills and in various locations in east Anglia. they have been a partner with the bank for some years and provide a good quality service.’
‘We have recently used Hannah Jones and Ron Clare as part of the banking team. They have provided good work and have worked with us to ensure that deals are completed on time. they are part of a wider panel of firms that we use.’
‘Local/regional firm with staff who know the area well. Very approachable and happy to explain/ simplify complex areas of law. Happy to provide additional training and guidance to bank staff on a 1-2-1 or group basis. Competitive pricing features. Quick service and rapid response times.’
‘I have worked closely with Geoff Hazlewood, Ron Clare and Jeanette Dennis historically, and more recently Greg McCurday. They are all very knowledgeable, highly professional and always go the extra mile.’
Key clients
- Handelsbanken plc
- HSBC UK Bank plc
- NatWest Bank plc
- Clydesdale Bank plc
- C Hoare & Co
- AFP (Asset Finance Partners)
- Unity Trust Bank Plc
- Abbey International Finance Limited
- State Bank of India
- Lloyds Bank plc
- Paragon Bank
- Together Commercial Finance
Work highlights
- Acting on behalf of Handelsbanken in the refinancing of a recently developed 160,000 square foot logistics site in Suffolk. The borrower is well known Suffolk developer. Market value of the property in excess of £23 million and loan value in excess of £10 million.
- Acting for Handelsbanken in the refinancing of a recently developed and refurbished commercial site comprising 22 demised lettings and common areas. Market value of the property £6.6 million and total loan to borrower in excess of £8.5 million.
- Instructed to act for HSBC Bank UK plc in respect of the funding of the purchase of a large multi-let mixed use business site in the Norwich area. Security taken includes a first legal charge.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Greg McCurday