Author: Ilinca Mardarescu

We’re proud to be ranked in the top 10% in the UK for Wills, Trusts & Probate

Posted on by Ilinca Mardarescu

At Aston Bond, we’re delighted to announce that we have been recognised among the top 10% of UK firms for Wills, Trusts & Probate.

Why this matters

This isn’t just a badge or a passing mention – being ranked in the top 10% means:

  • Expertise recognised at the highest level: We’re operating at a level very few firms reach, meaning your estate planning, your legacy, your trusts and probate matters are being handled by a team that stands among the best in the country.

  • Confidence and reassurance for clients: When you choose Aston Bond, you’re not just selecting a good firm — you’re choosing one of the elite. That brings real peace of mind in what can often be an emotionally and legally complex area.

  • Commitment to excellence: This ranking reflects our dedication to staying ahead, delivering clear advice, working with integrity and achieving outcomes that truly meet our clients’ needs.

  • Smart planning for the future: Wills, trusts and probate are crucial issues — they shape how your wishes are carried out, how your loved ones are supported and how your legacy is preserved. Being top-tier means we are ideally positioned to help you get it right.

What this means for you

  • When you instruct us, you’re working with a team that’s among the best in its field in the UK.

  • You’ll benefit from a service built on award-level standards, where detail matters, planning is proactive, and your individual goals are front-and-centre.

  • Whether you’re writing a will, setting up a trust, arranging for probate or safeguarding your assets for future generations, you can trust that you’re in very capable hands.

Looking ahead

We’re not resting on our laurels. Our commitment to you is that we will keep raising the bar — investing in expertise, making sure our processes are robust, our advice is tailored and our support is exceptional. Because being in the top 10% isn’t just about today — it’s about continuously delivering for you tomorrow.

Thank you to our clients for your trust. And if you’ve been thinking of reviewing your will, setting up a trust or getting ready for the future, now’s a great time to talk. We’re ready when you are.

Upcoming changes to sick pay rulings

Posted on by Ilinca Mardarescu

Ilinca breaks down the upcoming changes to sick pay rules coming into effect from April 2026.

These reforms will impact both employers and employees, so now is the time to understand what’s changing and how to prepare.

At Aston Bond, we stay ahead of legislative updates to ensure our clients are fully informed and protected.

Listen here to find out more:

Welcome to the Team: Navdeep Joins Aston Bond

Posted on by Ilinca Mardarescu

We’re delighted to welcome Navdeep Shihn to the Aston Bond team!

Navdeep joins us as a Senior Litigation Solicitor, bringing with him extensive experience in Commercial, Litigation. His knowledge and client-focused approach make him an excellent addition to our growing firm.

At Aston Bond, we pride ourselves on combining legal excellence with a personal touch — and Navdeep embodies just that. His approachable nature, professionalism, and enthusiasm for delivering the best results for clients have already made him a great fit within our team.

We’re thrilled to have him with us and look forward to seeing the great things he’ll achieve as part of Aston Bond.

Welcome aboard, Navdeep!

Congratulations to Our Digital Marketing Apprentice, Riya Sekhon!

Posted on by Ilinca Mardarescu

We’re delighted to share some fantastic news — our Digital Marketing Apprentice, Riya Sekhon, has officially passed her apprenticeship with flying colours!

Throughout her time with us, Riya has shown incredible creativity, dedication, and a real passion for all things digital. From managing campaigns to bringing fresh ideas to our marketing initiatives, she’s made a lasting impact on the team.

We couldn’t be prouder of her achievements and are excited to see what’s next as she continues her journey in the world of marketing.

Here’s to new challenges, bold ideas, and many more successes ahead!
Congratulations once again, Riya — the future looks bright!

Kicking Off the Week with a Shoutout to Emma Wallace!

Posted on by Ilinca Mardarescu

We’re kicking off the week with a special shoutout to Emma Wallace, our brilliant Commercial Property Trainee Solicitor.

Emma has quickly become an integral part of our team, bringing enthusiasm, diligence, and a sharp legal mind to everything she does. It’s clear that her clients appreciate the reassurance and confidence she brings to their property matters.

Our Commercial Property team advises on a wide range of matters — from sales, acquisitions, and leases to development projects and property finance. Whether you’re a business owner, developer, or investor, we’re here to provide the practical, solution-focused advice you need to achieve your goals.

If you’d like to learn more about how we can support your commercial property needs, get in touch with our team today — we’d be delighted to help.

Warm Diwali wishes from the Aston Bond team

Posted on by Ilinca Mardarescu

As the Festival of Lights illuminates homes and hearts around the world, all of us at Aston Bond Solicitors would like to wish our clients, colleagues, and community a very Happy Diwali.

At Aston Bond, we value the rich diversity of our clients and team, and we’re proud to celebrate the traditions that bring people together. The spirit of Diwali, with its themes of hope, prosperity, and new beginnings resonates deeply with our commitment to guiding and supporting our clients through every chapter of their legal journey.

As we light up our offices and share in the joy of the season, we extend our heartfelt wishes to all who are celebrating. May this Diwali bring you and your loved ones happiness, health, and success in the year ahead.

✨ Happy Diwali from everyone at Aston Bond Solicitors. ✨

Free Employment Law Health Check for Small Business Owners

Posted on by Ilinca Mardarescu

Running a small business is exciting, but it also comes with challenges — not least making sure you’re meeting your obligations as an employer. With ever-changing employment laws, contracts to manage, and workplace policies to update, it’s easy for important details to be overlooked. That’s why our Employment Solicitor is now offering a free Employment Law Health Check for small business owners.

Why an Employment Law Health Check?

Employment legislation in the UK is complex and constantly evolving. Even well-meaning business owners can find themselves unintentionally exposed to risk. A simple oversight in an employment contract, outdated policies, or gaps in compliance can leave your business vulnerable to costly disputes, tribunal claims, or reputational damage.

Our health check is designed to give you peace of mind. Think of it as a “MOT” for your business — we’ll review your existing employment practices and highlight any areas that may need attention.

What Does the Health Check Cover?

Our Employment Solicitor will take the time to understand your business and review key documents, including:

  • Employment contracts – are they up to date and legally compliant?
  • Staff handbooks and workplace policies – do they reflect current legislation and best practice?
  • HR procedures – from recruitment and disciplinary processes to redundancy and dismissal procedures.
  • Compliance with recent legal changes – ensuring your business is prepared for upcoming legislative updates.

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all exercise. We’ll tailor our review to your business, providing practical, straightforward advice so you know where you stand and what steps (if any) you need to take.

Who Is It For?

This service is ideal for:

  • Small business owners who don’t have an in-house HR or legal team.
  • Employers looking to grow and take on new staff.
  • Business owners who haven’t updated their contracts or policies in the last 12–18 months.
  • Anyone who wants the reassurance that their business is legally protected.

Why Are We Offering It for Free?

We know that legal support can sometimes feel out of reach for small businesses. By offering this complimentary health check, we hope to build long-term relationships with business owners in our community, giving you a taste of the practical, business-focused advice we provide.

Take Advantage Today

Don’t miss the opportunity to protect your business. Our free Employment Law Health Check could save you significant time, stress, and money in the long run.

Get in touch with us today to book your free session with our Employment Solicitor. Spaces are limited, so don’t delay.

Meet our Co-Founder

Posted on by Ilinca Mardarescu

When you meet Duncan, one of the co-founders of Aston Bond, you quickly realise two things:

  1. He’s been in the legal game long enough to know just about everything there is to know about corporate law.
  2. He’s the kind of lawyer you actually want to chat with over a coffee (yes, he’s that approachable).

Duncan helped launch Aston Bond back in 2004, and nearly 30 years of legal experience has given him the kind of expertise that makes clients feel instantly reassured. From the boardroom to the negotiation table, Duncan has done it all. Whether it’s business acquisitions, share sales, management buy-ins, or even the tricky world of distressed businesses and pre-pack sales, Duncan is the guy you want on your side.

And if you think that’s impressive, wait until you hear this: Duncan is also the go-to expert for the buying and selling of care homes—something that requires not just legal sharpness but also a strong sense of responsibility and empathy.

Over the years, Duncan has worked with everyone from small local businesses to large companies with national and international reach. He has this rare ability to cut through the noise, simplify the complex, and guide clients toward the right solution. (Basically, he’s like the GPS of corporate law.)

When he’s not busy shaping deals and advising companies, Duncan is also known for his straight-talking, friendly manner. He’s approachable, practical, and committed—no intimidating jargon, no unnecessary fuss, just solid advice from someone who’s been there, done that, and negotiated the shareholder agreement.

At Aston Bond, Duncan isn’t just a lawyer; he’s a cornerstone of the firm’s ethos: approachable, effective, and genuinely invested in the success of clients. After all, co-founding a law firm isn’t just about legal know-how—it’s about vision, and Duncan has that in spades.

So, if you ever find yourself needing expert advice in the corporate world—or just want to swap stories with someone who’s seen it all—Duncan is your guy.

Residential Property vs Commercial Property — What’s the Difference?

Posted on by Ilinca Mardarescu

When people think about property, they often imagine bricks, mortar, and maybe a leaky tap. But in law, the way we treat residential property and commercial property could not be more different. The distinction isn’t just academic — it has real-world consequences for owners, tenants, and investors.

Think of it like this:

  • Residential: where you live, argue about WiFi speed, and convince yourself that assembling flat-pack furniture counts as DIY.
  • Commercial: where you work, debate who broke the coffee machine, and nod along when someone mentions “service charges.”

Both matter — but in different ways. Let’s break it down.

What Counts as Residential Property?

Residential property is designed for people to live in. Think houses, flats, apartments, or even shared accommodation. The legal system recognises that everyone needs a place to call home, which is why residential tenants are heavily protected by law.

Key points include:

  • Standardised leases: Residential tenancy agreements are usually straightforward and governed by strict regulations.
  • Tenant protections: Landlords must ensure properties are habitable, safe, and properly maintained.
  • Evictions: These follow formal legal processes, and landlords cannot simply change the locks.

In short: residential law focuses on fairness and security for individuals and families.

What Counts as Commercial Property?

Commercial property is intended for business use. Offices, retail shops, warehouses, and restaurants all fall into this category. The law treats these differently because businesses are generally considered more sophisticated than individual tenants.

Key differences include:

  • Complex leases: Commercial leases are negotiable and often tailored to each business. They may cover rent reviews, repair obligations, insurance, and service charges.
  • Fewer statutory protections: Tenants are expected to negotiate terms carefully and seek legal advice.
  • Higher stakes: Commercial properties often involve longer leases, higher rents, and significant investment.

In short: commercial law emphasises freedom of contract and detailed negotiation.

Why the Difference Matters

It’s not just terminology — the type of property determines everything from the way leases are written to the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants.

  • Residential = more regulation, more protections, and a focus on housing needs.
  • Commercial = more complexity, more flexibility, and a focus on business arrangements.

If you confuse the two, you may end up with the wrong type of agreement — and a costly legal headache.

How We Can Help

Whether you’re:

  • Buying your first home,
  • Letting out a flat,
  • Negotiating an office lease, or
  • Investing in a retail space…

…we can guide you through the process. Our team ensures you understand your rights, obligations, and the small print — before you sign anything.

Just one thing: we can’t fix your WiFi or repair the office coffee machine. But when it comes to property law, we’ve got you covered.

Beata explains the tenant fees act

Posted on by Ilinca Mardarescu

Navigating tenancy laws can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding what fees are legal and which are not. In this blog, Beata breaks down the Tenant Fees Act 2019 and explains which tenants are protected under it, and which types of tenancies fall outside its scope.

The Act was designed to protect tenants from unnecessary and excess fees being charged by agents and landlords. The law can be difficult to navigate.

If you are a residential tenant in the private rented sector living in England or Wales, you might be protected by the Tenant Fees Act 2019. Certain types of tenancies fall under the scope of the Act and restrict the fees a landlord or letting agents can claim from tenants.

The Act applies to Assured Shorthold Tenancies (AST), student accommodation tenancies and licences to occupy housing in the private rented sector.

What does this mean for tenants of Common Law tenancies?

A Common Law Tenancy is one  that falls outside the statutory protections afforded to AST’s and are determined by the terms of the contract rather than by housing legislation. Examples of Common Law Tenancies would include for instance tenancies where the landlord lives in the same property as the tenant, tenancies of purpose-built student accommodation, tenancies where the annual rent exceeds £100,000 and tenancies granted to companies.

If you have entered a Common Law tenancy, the Tenant Fees Act 2019 will not apply to you. This means that your landlord and agent can pretty much charge all sorts of extra fees such as check in and out inventory report costs, higher deposits and a host of other “administration” costs. 

If you are a tenant and your tenancy type is protected by the Tenant law Act 2019 and you have been asked by a landlord or letting agent to make additional payments in relation to your tenancy for matters such as check in and out fees, inventory checks and more, be sure to understand  what is and is not payable. 

For more information, please get in touch.

Call us on 01753 486 777 or email us info@astonbond.co.uk

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