Agriculture and estates

Ashtons Legal

'Its knowledge and experience is as good as any firm in the region', say clients of Ashtons Legal. 'Wonderfully reassuring' practice head Jeanette Dennis works from the Bury St Edmunds office, where new hire Ayesha Brown from Roythornes Solicitors is also based. Dennis leads the succession team, in which Brown is a key partner. The 'pleasant, approachable and patient' Simon Cunningham in Norwich has a long track record in advising farmers, landowners, and agricultural businesses. He also leads the rural energy and natural capital group, which is active both regionally and nationally. Senior associates Rebecca Gatens in Ipswich and Karen Bacon in Norwich stand out for property matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Whilst dealing with Simon Cunningham on matters related to infrastructure projects, he has dealt with the contracts efficiently and has acted in my best interests. He is very thorough and has explained complex contractual dialogue in a user-friendly way. I certainly find him to be very pleasant, approachable and patient.’
'Simon Cunningham always responded quickly and efficiently to queries, and returned unanswered phone calls promptly.'
‘Fenella Eddell would always reply promptly to any query I had and kept the momentum going with the work so it didn't take longer than required.'
‘Jeanette Dennis has become our contact for farming matters and she has a very good way of explaining complex issues in a clear manner. She is a partner in a farming family hence her ability to relate to farming clients is from first hand experience. She has been great support when we went through the complex issue of handing the farm from one generation to another.’
‘Well established agricultural team with strong knowledge of the sector.’
‘Jeanette Dennis is very experienced and really takes the time to understand her clients' needs.’
‘Jeanette Dennis is a brilliant partner at Ashtons, I have worked with her the most of any Ashtons individual. Excellent knowledge of the agricultural sector and is able to advise accordingly. Valued her in-depth knowledge.’
‘Karen Bacon is an experienced associate who is knowledgeable in a wide range of legal services, but who also knows when to bring in other specialists to deliver the best service. Karen works with other professionals and keeps them informed so that we can work together for our mutual clients benefit.’

Key clients

Namene Service Company Limited
Tyler Hill Solar Limited
Paul Rackham Limited
Poplar Pigs Buckenham Limited

Work highlights

Expansion of the renewables sector in 2023 and also an increase in the amount of lending against renewable projects and also against projects for diversification purposes.
Sale of freehold of a poultry unit subject to an FBT in favour of a national poultry producer.
Handling an increase in work across England for existing and new farm partnerships, trust and settlements.