Department profile
Ashfords LLP

Construction

UK Guide 2026 : South West


Ashfords LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Ashfords LLP

We are one of the leading construction teams in the UK with significant experience advising across a wide range of complex and often innovative construction, engineering and infrastructure projects.

Our work regularly involves the delivery of energy and clean energy projects, waste and energy from waste initiatives, residential developments and their supporting infrastructure, wide ranging commercial developments; as well as advising on projects in the public/government, education and healthcare sectors. 

Clients benefit from having robust contracts in place helping to ensure successful project delivery while minimising the risk of costly and time-consuming disputes further down the line. Our experience includes pre-contract risk reviews, and drafting and negotiating the full range of construction contracts and ancillary documentation. We also have significant experience advising on disputes in adjudication, arbitration or court litigation across a range of projects and contract types with significant experience on multi-million pound construction disputes in the Technology and Construction Court. The combined approach of our team enables us to offer clients support for projects from start to end.

Our clients include a broad cross-section of major international sponsors, project companies, developers, leading contractors and consultants, waste and water companies, public bodies and housing associations.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Construction - South West

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Ashfords has a strong practice representing an extensive list of contractors, utilities providers, housing groups and local authorities in transactional and litigious matters. The firm is active in numerous industries across the country, with particular strength in the energy sector. The practice has additional expertise in developments involving residential, leisure and retail property, as well as urban regeneration and social infrastructure projects. It also has impressive dispute resolution capabilities including litigation, adjudication and arbitration.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Ashfords advised Torridge District Council on the contracts for the Appledore

    Clean Maritime Innovation Centre.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Ashfords understands the needs of the businesses it represents.

    Construction respondentUK
  • With strong attention to detail and communication skills, Ashfords provides informed and considered advice.

    Construction respondentUK
  • The team was able determine a mutually agreeable position without adding unnecessary clauses, which was refreshing.

    Construction respondentUK
  • Ashfords delivers helpful and pragmatic solutions that take the wider project issues into account to ensure the best solution for the client.

    Construction respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 2Mark Manning
    Band 2Mark Manning

    Mark Manning

    Mark Manning assists clients with the drafting of construction contracts for commercial development projects, as well as the resolution of disputes. He has experience representing clients in the energy and retail sectors.
  • Band 2Stephen Homer
    Band 2Stephen Homer

    Stephen Homer

    Stephen Homer regularly advises local authorities and developers on construction disputes concerning breach of contract and professional negligence allegations. He is head of adjudication and arbitration services at the firm.
    • Stephen Homer considers the needs of the client and always brings the utmost professionalism and attention to the matter at hand.

      Construction respondentUK
  • Band 3Carl Thompson
    Band 3Carl Thompson

    Carl Thompson

    Carl Thompson provides deep expertise in the energy space and is regularly called upon by clients for his knowledge of construction matters. He advises on a wide range of projects, including those concerning energy from waste, solar and nuclear facilities.

    • Carl is genuinely interested in learning about the business to provide better advice.

      Construction respondentUK
  • Band 3Laura Reeve
    Band 3Laura Reeve

    Laura Reeve

    Laura Reeve is a rising force in the South West region and beyond. She specialises in non-contentious advisory work. Notable areas of expertise include contractual matters and procurement. She advises the full range of operatives in the space, including local authorities.

    • We have been delighted to work with Laura Reeve. She has always responded quickly to requests and has shown genuine interest in the project while demonstrating an ability to offer pragmatic advice.

      Construction respondentUK
    • Laura Reeve's responsiveness stands out. She also demonstrates commercial awareness, which is important to us as clients.

      Construction respondentUK
    • Laura Reeve explains things very clearly and in a way that engages the whole audience. I think that definitely sets her apart.

      Construction respondentUK
  • Band 3Patrick Blake
    Band 3Patrick Blake

    Patrick Blake

    Patrick Blake heads Ashfords' construction department and handles both contentious and non-contentious construction work. He is noted for his proficiency in disputes concerning breach of contract and project delays, and also advises on a range of transactional matters.
  • Up and ComingLianne Edwards
    Up and ComingLianne Edwards

    Lianne Edwards

    Lianne Edwards is an up-and-coming partner at the firm. She has a broad contentious construction practice, with experience in damages claims and contractual disputes.

Ranked Individuals at Ashfords LLP (6)

South West

Members

Provided by Ashfords LLP

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership