Ashfords' new chief exec vows to develop Bristol office

South West firm Ashfords has named head of commercial litigation Ian Daniells as its new chief executive after Chris Hawkins retired.

The firm has moved to new premises in Bristol and Daniells vowed to build the team up to become the firm's largest office.

Daniells said: "We're looking to expand the Bristol office further. We have a four-year lease on our new premises, which has space for 40-45 fee-earners, and if we haven't filled that space by the time the lease expires I'll be very disappointed."

The new 5,000sq ft premises on Bull Wharf is five times the size of the firm's present base, reflecting the Bristol group's growth from three partners and an associate 18 months ago to 20 solicitors today.

The firm's main focus will be on ramping up its commercial property, corporate and construction teams.

Hawkins has retired after 37 years at the firm. Partner Anthony Lee takes over from Daniells as head of the commercial litigation team.