The public sector team at Ashfords LLP handles the full range of local government mandates, with considerable expertise assisting local authorities with central government funding grants, together with a niche in local authority ports and harbour authority matters. Exeter-based practice head Lucy Woods is well-placed to advise on public procurement, subsidy control, and state aid mandates. For real estate and infrastructure matters including regeneration and development projects, Robin De Wreede is a key member of the team with experience acting for both public and private sector clients. Also recommended is senior associate Ruth Yates, who has additional experience in procurement and subsidy control matters, especially in relation to regeneration and marine projects.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Ashfords provide a committed team whenever I work with them. They're in it for the long haul and want to see you through the project you're working on. It's been very reassuring having the same team work on my project from its inception until completion. Great working relationships have been formed and I look forward to continuing to work with Ashfords. ’

  • ‘Lucy Woods, Ruth Yates, Laura Reeve and Katie Gwyther have been so helpful with my project. They take time to ensure legal terms are understood, they provide useful options as to the best option to take when making decisions.’

  • 'Very professional government practice team, excellent communication skills and focus on those points which are important to have client input on.'

Key clients

  • London Borough of Wandsworth and the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
  • London Borough of Brent
  • Cornwall Council
  • Exeter City Council
  • Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
  • Ashford Borough Council
  • Torbay Council
  • Dorset Council
  • Watford Borough Council
  • Advance Northumberland Commercial Limited
  • Herefordshire Council
  • Brick by Brick Croydon Limited
  • Somerset Council
  • London Borough of Lambeth
  • North Yorkshire Council
  • Thanet District Council
  • Devon County Council
  • North Yorkshire Council
  • Council of the Isles of Scilly
  • Herefordshire Council
  • London Borough of Brent
  • Mid Devon District Council
  • Brick by Brick (Croydon) Limited
  • London Borough of Southwark
  • Bristol City Council
  • North Devon District Council
  • West Devon Borough Council
  • London Borough of Hackney
  • Maidstone Borough Council
  • Portsmouth City Council
  • Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
  • Bath and North East Somerset Council
  • Hampshire County Council
  • South Hams District Council
  • Torridge District Council
  • East Suffolk Council
  • Swansea Council
  • Kent County Council
  • London Borough of Haringey

Work highlights

  • Advising Ashford Borough Council in connection with the Ashford International Studios Project, a £250m investment into the regeneration of a large brownfield site.
  • Advising Devon County Council on the planning agreements related to the three expansion areas planned for Cranbrook, a new town in Devon.
  • Advising the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea on its c.£800m procurement of four framework agreements for the delivery of works and services to RBKC’s housing stock.

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.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Lucy Woods

Other key lawyers

Robin De Wreede, Ruth Yates, Laura Reeve, Katie Gwyther