At our firm, precision matters – not just in the courtroom, but behind the scenes too. That’s where Joe comes in. As our trusted accountant, he’s the one who ensures everything adds up.
With a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy, Joe makes sure that every cent in accounted for and every process is handled with care. His work may not always take centre stage, but it’s essential to the smooth running of our practice and the support we provide to our clients.
Beyond the spreadsheets and financial statements, he plays a key role in helping us make informed decisions and plan for the future. His steady guidance allows our lawyers to focus fully on advocating for our clients, knowing the firm’s financial health is in safe hands.
We’re grateful for his dedication, professionalism, and the calm expertise he brings to our team each day.
Thanks to Joe, we know the numbers – and the cases – will always add up.
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 A simple oversight in an employment contract, outdated policies, or gaps in compliance can leave your business vulnerable to costly disputes, tribunal claims, or reputational damage.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.
When you meet Duncan, one of the co-founders of Aston Bond, you quickly realise two things:
He’s been in the legal game long enough to know just about everything there is to know about corporate law.
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.
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.
If you don’t have a will, now is the time to write one. It’s not just for the elderly or the wealthy – it’s for anyone who wants a say in what happens to their assets, their family, and their future.
At Aston Bond, we believe will writing should be straightforward, affordable, and personal. That’s why we’ve designed a service that’s as clear and stress-free as possible.
Why you need a will
Whether you’re single, married, have children, own property, or simply want peace of mind, a will ensures:
Your wishes are followed
Your loved ones are protected
Disputes are avoided
The law doesn’t decide on your behalf
Dying without a valid will (known as dying intestate) can cause confusion, delay, and financial stress for your family – and often leads to outcomes you wouldn’t have wanted.
What we offer
Tailored legal advice
Fixed pricing (no hidden fees)
Flexible appointments (in person, by phone, or online video calls)
Will storage options for long-term peace of mind
Our prices
Type of Will
Cost (Without VAT)
Cost (With VAT)
Simple Individual Will
£250.00
£300.00
Simple Mirror Wills
£400.00
£480.00
Individual Complex Trust Will
£400.00
£480.00
Complex Mirror Trust Will
£550.00
£660.00
An administrative fee of £45 plus VAT per file will be applied.
If you and your partner have similar wishes, you may benefit from our discounted mirror will packages.
To book a free consultation, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced Private Client team today on 0153 486 777, or click the link to fill out an inquiry form – https://www.astonbond.co.uk/aston-bond-bespoke-will-writing-service/
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
When it comes to one of life’s biggest milestones — buying or selling a property — the process can feel overwhelming. That’s why choosing the right conveyancing team is so important. And if there’s one thing we consistently hear from our clients, it’s this: “You made it so easy.”
Our conveyancing team doesn’t just get the job done — they do it with a level of care, clarity, and professionalism that leaves a lasting impression. The reviews speak for themselves. Time and time again, clients tell us they felt supported, informed, and truly looked after from start to finish.
So, what’s the secret? It’s more than just legal knowledge (though they have that in abundance). It’s the aura they bring to every case: calm, capable, and completely committed.
1. Clear Communication — Every Step of the Way
No legal jargon. No radio silence. Just straight-talking, timely updates that make clients feel in control. Our team understands how stressful the process can be, and they go out of their way to keep clients informed and reassured throughout.
2. Efficiency That Doesn’t Cut Corners
We know that time matters. Whether it’s a tight chain or a fast-moving market, our team works with precision and pace — without ever compromising quality. That balance is a big reason why our clients come back again and again (and send their friends our way, too).
3. Genuine Care — That You Can Feel
This isn’t just about transactions. It’s about people. Our conveyancers treat every client like a priority — because they are. There’s a warmth and attentiveness in how they work that makes clients feel valued and understood.
Behind every successful property transaction is a team that sees more than just land and buildings — they see potential, strategy, and long-term growth. Our Commercial Property Team is exactly that: a group of sharp, solutions-driven legal minds who bring clarity, confidence, and commercial insight to every deal.
Whether you’re navigating a high-value acquisition, negotiating a lease, managing a development project, or restructuring your portfolio — this team has you covered. With decades of combined experience and a deep understanding of the ever-evolving property landscape, they’re not just advisors — they’re your strategic partners.
Known for their: Meticulous attention to detail Commercially-minded approach Clear and pragmatic advice Seamless handling of even the most complex transactions
From local independents to national developers, our clients trust this team to deliver results with precision and integrity.
Thinking about your next property move? Let’s talk. Your success starts with the right legal foundation — and the right team by your side.
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