Ashtons Legal‘s Norwich-based franchising department supports both domestic and international clients, of which its portfolio predominantly consists of franchisors, master licences, and franchise developers. A particular strength of the group is assisting clients with expansion overseas, in addition to bringing overseas brands into the UK and developing franchise models. Damian Humphrey sits at the helm of the practice with significant expertise in franchise expansion. Other key members of the team include specialist franchising litigator Tom Bailey, who is skilled in breaches of franchise agreements, and Tracy Williamson, who acts for start-ups and established franchisors.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Dealing with Ashtons Legal is always a pleasure. They offer an approachable and efficient legal service.’
‘Tracy Williamson has become far more than a legal advisor, becoming a trusted friend many years ago. With her excellent legal brain, energy and tenacity, I have 100% confidence in any task presented to her.'
- 'Damien Humphrey is a revered, strong voice in the franchise industry and always offers us sage counsel on the most complex of franchising topics. A multi-skilled and well-respected franchise team.’
'Damien Humphries and Tom Bailey are both exceptional lawyers, with Tom leading on contentious matters and Damien leading on non-contentious. Ashtons’ franchising team is definitely one of the sector leaders, and consequently well known and respected in the industry, with an extensive client base including many household brand franchisors.’
‘Tom Bailey is a standout lawyer, ranked highly amongst peers and clients alike, who always brings his A-game, yet concurrently brings serenity to high pressure litigation. With a wealth of knowledge and experience to offer, Tom is always keenly focused on the commercial optics and outcome, though when it's time to turn up the heat he does so with ease.'
- 'There is, in my view, no better non-contentious franchising lawyer in the country than Damian Humphries. He is a huge intellect, thoroughly affable, and exceptional with clients.’
‘Ashtons feels like an in-house legal team. They know our business, work commercially and efficiently, and don't allow themselves to get embroiled in legal technicalities but rather look for pragmatic solutions.’
‘Damian Humphrey is pragmatic, commercial and has excellent industry knowledge. Easy to get on with and available.'
Key clients
- TaxAssist Accountants
- Water Babies
- CeX
- Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries
- Bubbleology
- Signs Express
- Oscar Pet Foods
- Pitman Training Group
- Radfield Home Care
- Snowflake Gelato
- Flip Out
- Caremark
- Cake Box
- Get A Drip
- XP Factory Plc
- Trend Transformations
- Renz Restaurants Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Pitman Training on the granting of master franchise rights for India.
- Advising Dutch brand Fat Phill’s on the granting of development rights for the UK.
- Advising the CarMoney on the set up of its franchise operations, including preparation of legal documentation.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Damian Humphrey