Darren Ashworth
Trowers & Hamlins LLPTrowers & Hamlins LLP‘ public sector group covers all aspects of local government projects and advisory work, such as state aid issues, regulatory work, procurements and litigation, as well as regeneration projects, housing developments and public sector infrastructure projects. The Manchester-based team is headed up by real estate expert Suzanne Benson, who specialises in major projects and the development of homeownership products, regularly advising local authorities in relation to affordable housing. Darren Ashworth has vast experience in development projects, in particular regeneration projects, and is recommended for being ’very experienced and a safe pair of hands’. Litigator Dan Butler is experienced in procurement disputes, advising both bidders and contracting authorities. The group is well-supported by associate Gemma Fairbrother.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team instructed are experienced, efficient and helpful in assisting us with our work. They are reliable and attentive and understand our needs and deadlines.’
‘Darren Ashworth is very experienced and a safe pair of hands. He takes a pragmatic approach to problems and has the legal expertise to bolster this in finding solutions. He is very quick to respond to emails and has the quietest yet reassuring air of confidence.’
Key clients
- Greater Manchester Combined Authority
- Cumberland Council
- Warwick District Council
- Bury Council
- Lancaster City Council
- Urban Growth Company and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
- Guildford Council
- Wirral Council
- West Midlands Combined Authority
- Lewisham Council
- Southwark Council
- Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council
- Central Bedfordshire Council
- Gloucester City Council
- London Borough of Hillingdon
- Gravesham Borough Council
- Rochdale Borough Council
- Nottingham County Council
- Kent County Council
- Royal Boroughs of Kensington & Chelsea
- London Borough of Hillingdon
- City of London Corporation
Work highlights
- Advising Greater Manchester Combined Authority on the provision of £150m of funding to unlock brownfield land.
- Advising Bury Council on the development of a new civic hub in Radcliffe.
- Acted for Warwick District Council on three deals acquiring 131 completed new build homes from national developers Taylor Wimpey, Persimmon and Bloor Homes.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Suzanne Benson