John deals with a wide commercial client base which has given him much experience in a variety of commercial transactions particularly leases, business sales and acquisitions and Joint Venture Agreements. He is a keen sailor and his maritime knowledge is of great benefit to Hine Downing’s clients.

John feels strongly that lawyers in today’s business world must be approachable, flexible, and prepared to fit in with their clients’ expectations and needs.

“Sometimes a deal can only be clinched if lawyers move fast and a precise timescale is adhered to. At Hine Downing we make such needs a priority.”

“Cornwall is facing one of its most prosperous periods, thanks to the advent of The Tate at St Ives, The Eden Project and Falmouth’s own National Maritime Museum Cornwall. With its breadth of experience our Commercial Department is able to help both established and new business interests.”

Bernard Fox
Partner specialising in
Licensing matters

Bernard has practised in Falmouth for over 30 years, and has built a reputation in the county for his work. He was Senior Partner of Reginald Rogers & Son before joining with Hine Downing in 2000. He is experienced in all facets of commercial work and specialises in liquor licensing which includes club registration certificates, licences for hotels, restaurants, public houses and off-licences.

His diversity of experience enables him also to advise and represent clients on commercial, residential property and Probate Wills and Trusts matters. He is former president of the Cornwall Law Society, Chairman of the Falmouth Branch RNLI since 1993 and Honorary Solicitor to the Falmouth and District Hotels Association. He is a keen sailor.

Anne Upfold
Partner specialising in
Corporate transactions

Anne worked with a large commercial firm in Milton Keynes before moving to Cornwall in 1990. She has also worked in local government where she acquired a good working knowledge of planning and other public law issues. Anne now specialises in all areas of company law, including disposals and acquisitions. She is equally familiar with both small and large private law business transactions.

Anne manages a smallholding and is a competitive equestrian.

Brian Dilks
Partner specialising in Employment
and Partnership matters

Brian’s business background started with a large international company before he embarked on a career in the law. He deals with commercial contracts and professional partnerships. He has a particular interest in employment law. Here he advises on a wide range of issues as well as acting for clients bringing or defending claims in the Employment Tribunal.