Ben joined the firm in 2011 and qualified in 2013. He became Head of Real Estate in 2018, which encompasses both the Residential Conveyancing and Commercial Property departments. Ben was made a partner in January 2020 and now heads the firm’s Winchester office. His passion is in dealing with all aspects of commercial property. Ben greatly enjoys acting on business disposals and acquisitions.
Qualifications and professional memberships
- LLB (Hons) 2:1 Nottingham Trent University and achieved the highest dissertation mark in the year (2008)
- Legal Practice Course, Distinction (2010)
- Admitted as a Solicitor (2013)
- Appointed Head of Real Estate (2018)
- Appointed as Partner (2020)
- Director of Merriman Solicitors (Incorporating AB Family Law) since August 2023
- Partner in Fitzhugh Gates Solicitors since August 2024
Experience and expertise
Ben acts for a wide variety of clients across a broad range of sectors, from start-ups to established SMEs. He is always happy to discuss matters with those requiring advice on any aspect of business or property law, including:
- Sale and purchase of freehold commercial and residential property
- Sale or purchase of leasehold and residential property
- Acting for landowner or developer in relation to pre-emption rights, option agreements and conditional contracts, subject to planning
- Advising tenants, assignees, and landlords in relation to the assignment or transfer of leases
- Granting of new leases and underleases of commercial premises
- Negotiating and advising on leases, rent deposit deeds and licences on behalf of landlords or tenants
- Advising as to deeds of variation, licences for alterations, surrenders etc in relation to existing leases
- Providing independent legal advice on personal guarantees including for directors of limited companies
- Section 106 planning agreements
- Deeds of easement
- Loan agreements and secured lending
- Advising buyers and sellers as to all aspects of business disposal and acquisition including liaison with accountants as to financial and taxation considerations of such transactions
- Department supervisor
