Edward qualified as a solicitor in 1993 and during his high profile career has acted for a number of major clients and causes. Edward is known for his highly commercial approach having worked extensively in commerce and industry (for both publicly listed and private companies) as well as private practice. Edward’s interesting and varied career has included being a director of a premiership rugby club for four years, being a member of the board of FTSE 250 Plc for eight years and setting up and founding Prosperity Law LLP in 2008.
Edward also has a great deal of international experience having worked extensively in the USA, Japan, South Africa, Panama and the Caribbean.
For the past 25 years or so Edward has been the chairman of the Law Society Commerce and Industry Group North West. He was the director appointed by the Law Society to the European Board of the European Company Lawyers Association from 2003 to 2009.
Outside of work Edward enjoys football, rugby, the Lake District and foreign travel.
Cancer Research UK Flame of Hope Award 2020
Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award from The Manchester Law Society 2012 (the youngest person ever to receive this award)
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 received Royal Assent in October 2025 and is set to take effect on 1 May 2026. For landlords and tenants, one of the most significant changes concerns eviction procedure — specifically, the abolition of no-fault evictions and the move to a single, ground-based system. If you are a landlord considering […]
A recent case has brought into sharp focus the serious consequences that can arise for anyone who undertakes the management and administration of an Estate. It also raises the question about whether to choose a regulated or non-regulated company.Administration of an Estate carries hefty responsibilities not to be taken lightly. When duties are breached because […]
Employment Law Changes April 2026 The Employment Rights Act 2025 ushers in some of the most wide-ranging employment law reforms in over a decade. The first major wave of changes comes into force on 6 April 2026, touching core areas including family leave, statutory sick pay, flexible working, redundancy protections, whistleblowing, and workplace enforcement. These […]
If someone has broken the terms of a contract with you, your first question is likely: what can I do about it? And the follow-up is usually: should I go to court? The short answer is that court proceedings should be a last resort. Most contractual disputes are resolved through direct negotiation or alternative methods […]
People still refer to themselves as a ‘common law wife’ or ‘common law husband’ — but in England and Wales, this concept has no legal basis. No matter how long a couple has lived together, sharing a home, raising children, or building a life side by side does not automatically create legal rights to each […]
The Government has yesterday (27th January) published a draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill that will fundamentally reshape the Residential Property leasehold landscape in England and Wales. Central to the announcement is the introduction of a £250 per year cap on ground rents, with a guaranteed move to a peppercorn (zero) ground rent after a […]
When a commercial dispute arises, two questions demand immediate attention: how much will this cost, and how will you pay for it?The answers shape everything that follows — from the legal strategy you pursue to the risks you take on. Get the funding model wrong, and you could find yourself locked into arrangements that eat […]
If you’ve received advice from a professional that has caused you financial loss, you may be wondering what options are available to you. Whether you’ve dealt with a surveyor, accountant, financial adviser or a solicitor understanding the distinction between professional negligence, professional misconduct and poor service is essential — as each requires a different approach.Our […]
In the UK, the courts view commercial litigation as a measure of last resort. Parties who are experiencing a business dispute are expected to explore alternative ways of resolving it, such as negotiation or another form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), before issuing a claim. Litigation can be effective when used appropriately, but it is […]
Businesses and individuals handle and create copyright-protected materials every day, whether recording a piece of music, drafting documents, commissioning artwork, developing software, or building a brand. It has lots of different forms, but to most the concepts that help you protect these assets often feel opaque or overly technical. In this article Prosperity Law’s expert […]
Consumer Rights Solicitors
By Judith O’Brien, Partner – Family Law
By Judith O’Brien, Partner – Family Law
Leading northern firm, Prosperity Law, has bolstered its successful commercial litigation team with the addition of three new lawyers from Jollifes in Chester. The expansion comes after a successful year for Prosperity’s commercial litigation function, triggering further investment into the team. Joining Prosperity as Partner in commercial litigation and the new Office Managing Partner for […]
The current economic and political landscape is hard for so many UK businesses – but especially for those who rely on the physical production and movement of goods and materials. Global uncertainties caused by the US administration’s wide-ranging policy on tariffs, the continuing war in Ukraine and the activities of cyber hackers all have a […]
Myth 1: Instructing a litigator is not good value for money. Reality: Instructing a good solicitor can help avoid loss and unnecessary costs, by providing expert advice on strategy and merits. Our clients appreciate having expert support and a reliable service. We provide sensible funding options which meet the specific needs of our clients, whether […]
Making a claim within the UK’s Small Claims Court is an informal way to take legal action against another individual or company, for claims up to the value of £10,000. For this reason, it can be an effective way to access justice, when you have exhausted other routes and methods to resolve your dispute. Here’s […]
Arguably a Power of Attorney, specifically a lasting Power of Attorney, is one of the most important actions you can take in safeguarding and securing your future. If you’re considering putting one in place, we’ve provided a useful guide below to help you better understand what this means.What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?A Lasting […]
Prosperity Law has strengthened its Real Estate team once again, with the appointment of an experienced Partner, Alex Walsh. This latest move comes 14 months after the team’s inception, with the appointment of Karen Piontek as Head of Real Estate. The appointment of Alex as partner has been made in response to growing client demand […]
Family lawyers will look on with heightened interest as the Supreme Court hears the case Standish vs. Standish. The Supreme Court will confirm how pre-marital wealth and transfers between spouses are to be treated on divorce. The court will consider whether a £77m transfer between spouses during the marriage should be treated as a matrimonial […]
Farming divorces are often complex and laden with dynastic history and emotion. In non-farming cases, it is usually fairly straightforward to establish which spouse owns what. Conversely, the first challenge for the farming divorce lawyer is to establish who owns the assets and resources previously available to the family may not be owned personally by […]
If you’re involved in a dispute over a will, you may come across the term Larke v Nugus request. But what exactly is it, and why is it important? What is a Larke v Nugus Request? A Larke v Nugus request letter is a formal letter sent to the person who drafted a will- usually […]
Buying a property, whether for personal use, investment or development, is a significant financial decision. Buying a commercial property at auction can be a great opportunity, but it comes with risks. Unlike traditional purchases, auctions move quickly, leaving little time for due diligence after bidding. Conducting property searches in advance helps uncover legal, financial, and […]
The importance of a properly executed Will cannot be overstated. A recent case has highlighted the risks vulnerable individuals face when making a Will and the crucial role witnesses play in safeguarding the testator’s true intentions. This case involved a son who successfully challenged his mother’s Will after video evidence showed his sister forcing their […]
The UK government has dropped a big announcement that could shake up the housing market—proposing to scrap leasehold for new residential buildings. If you’ve ever dealt with leasehold, you probably know the headaches: paying ground rent, dealing with rising service charges, and the hassle of extending your lease. This move is meant to put an […]
What does it take to grow a small business into a thriving, full-service law firm? Ask our founder, Ed Smethurst. Since 2008, he’s done exactly that- building Prosperity Law into a dynamic firm with 60+ professionals across Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, and London. Now, Insider Media is telling his story. From navigating personal challenges to expanding […]
Creating a Will might seem like a daunting task, but it is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Shockingly, only 44% of adults in the UK have a legal Will, according to the National Will Register. […]
Misrepresenting qualifications or experience on a CV can have serious repercussions. In this blog, we dive into key legal cases that show how CV fraud can lead to dismissal, and even criminal penalties. We also discuss employer responsibilities and why honesty is the best policy for both employees and employers.Why CV Embellishments are Risky Crafting a CV […]
It’s one of the questions our clinical negligence team are most frequently asked: how is medical negligence compensation calculated?For those who have suffered as a result of medical negligence, there are a lot of things to think about when deciding whether to make a claim. You may want to see better care for patients in […]
As 2025 begins, conversations about New Year’s resolutions are everywhere. The start of a new year feels like the perfect opportunity to clear the slate and make a fresh start. Common resolutions like joining a gym or losing weight are very popular, but they’re not always maintained. For many, the new year also sparks a […]
Prosperity Law is delighted to welcome Rebecca Townsend as the firm’s newest Partner and Head of Employment Law in Leeds. Joining Prosperity from her own firm which she founded in 2008, Rebecca brings 25 years of experience in Employment Law and will now lead the firm’s department in Leeds, supporting employers and employees alike. As well […]
A common misconception is that pre-nuptial agreements are only for the rich and famous. While celebrities often make headlines for their prenups, the reality is that many couples, regardless of wealth, could benefit from having a pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement. What Are Pre-Nuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements? A pre-nuptial agreement (prenup) is a legal document signed […]
As a family solicitor with over 30 years of experience, I’ve guided many clients through the divorce process. Here are my top tips to help you navigate this challenging time: Get Organised Financially Before anything else, take the time to gather and organise your financial information. Knowing what your assets are worth is crucial. Obtain updated valuations […]
With the October budget approaching, many are anticipating possible increases in Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Inheritance Tax (IHT). Chancellor Rachel Reeves has hinted at “difficult decisions” that could impact key reliefs, including Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR). These potential changes are especially relevant for those involved in estate planning and […]
Understanding the Legal Differences Between Cohabitation and Marriage There is an assumption, that if a couple has been together for a long time, and ultimately separate, that they share the same legal protections as a married couple. This used to be referred to as a ‘common in law wife, or common in law husband’ This […]
Prosperity Law’s Head of Property Litigation, Paul Magee, celebrated winning a significant high-value case on behalf of his client, former professional footballer, Craig Cathcart. The case, which involved a six-figure land claim made against another law firm, was led by Paul and supported by Prosperity Law’s Head of Real Estate, Karen Pontiek. Proceedings were brought […]
Are you tired of providing goods or services to your customers and instead of getting paid you’re getting excuse after excuse on why they can’t pay? If your answer is yes, then Prosperity Law LLP can help you and your business! At Prosperity Law, we understand how frustrating it is to hold up your end […]
Whether you are buying or selling a business, it will probably be one of the biggest financial decisions you will make in your life! That’s why it is so important to instruct a solicitor with the right expertise. The corporate & commercial team at Prosperity Law will not only ensure that you and your business effectively manage all […]
Ever wanted to know more about raising a medical negligence claim? Perhaps you think you may have a case, or someone close to you is suffering from injuries resulting from medical treatment or care – if this sounds like you, this article may be of interest.Here is a series of answers to the most commonly […]
In all areas of law, a Solicitor’s job is to represent their client’s best interests – but in no area is this more pertinent than in Clinical / Medical Negligence. Prosperity Law’s Clinical Negligence team is led by Jane Lynch – an expert legal practitioner, author, and lecturer in her field, specialising in cases related […]
Prosperity Law has welcomed a new Commercial Director to the firm. Jonathan Kay will take on a strategic role for the fast-growing firm, bringing with him a wealth of experience and expertise. Jonathan’s role will span all four of the firm’s offices with the aim of building on Prosperity’s continued commercial success and growth. Jonathan has […]
On 9th January 2024 the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Birth Trauma established the first national inquiry in Parliament to investigate the reasons for birth trauma and to develop policy recommendations to reduce the rate of birth trauma. The findings of the Inquiry were published on 13 May 2024. Inquiry Findings: The Parliamentary inquiry into […]
In light of the recent General Election and Labour’s plans for public spending, the question must be raised as to how the Government will raise the necessary funds to cover the proposed public spending. It is no secret that Labour are supportive of wealth taxes. Prosperity Law’s Head of Private Client, Charlotte Keating, has provided […]
Mitigating risk is a key activity for any business – in fact some businesses actively welcome and balance risk as part of their strategy for success. But one significant risk that presents itself in various shapes and forms, to businesses of all sizes – is the risk of entering a legal dispute. Whether proceedings are […]
We do not have any events or webinars lined up at the moment, but keep your eyes peeled here for some exciting news soon!
![Hashmi v Lorimer-Wing [2022] Article Image](https://prosperitylaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Hashmi-v-Lorimer-Wing-2022-Article-Image.jpg "Hashmi v Lorimer-Wing [2022] Article Image")
When setting up a new company, be it a start-up, or incorporation of an existing business (a sole trader for example), you must file at Companies House a copy of the rules that govern the company
Continuing on from our latest series of articles on legal support for both Landlords and Tenants, we spoke to our resident experts, Karen Piontek and Paul Magee about Acquisitions and Disposals of commercial property. As Prosperity Law’s Head of Commercial Real Estate, Karen represents a variety of commercial clients across all aspects of property law, […]
Martha’s Rule is the right to obtain a second opinion in circumstances where a patient is deteriorating rapidly and there is a belief that patient or relative concerns are being dismissed by treating clinicians/doctors. The head of NHS England has announced the rollout of “Martha’s Rule in Hospitals from April 2024. It is expected that […]
We all want to ensure the security of our loved ones when we pass – and that’s exactly why Estate Planning should be considered well before you reach old age. For the majority of us, our home makes up a large part of our estate. But with rising property prices and recent confirmation that the […]
Landlord and Tenant – an area of property law that, with professional support, needn’t be a hassle or a burden. But understanding your responsibilities as a landlord or as a tenant will play a crucial part in how simple that role truly is. We spoke to our resident property experts and partners at Prosperity Law, […]
Some recent articles (with insightful comments from ex-professional players) highlight significant financial misadventures and poor advice which have affected current and retired footballers and pensioners, underscoring the need for proper legal and financial guidance which is backed by regulatory oversight. Graeme Souness, in the Daily Mail, shares concern over footballers being misled by dubious investment […]
As we head into the second quarter of the year, the outlook for UK business is a combination of promising opportunities and worrying challenges. From regulatory frameworks to the power of digital innovation and the importance of sustainable practices, 2024 presents a diverse array of hurdles demanding strategic foresight and proactive measures from all UK […]
Like many other classic British eccentricities, our tax year begins on the 6th April, every year. And each new tax year, alongside changes announced within the Spring Budget the month prior, means it’s the ideal time to reassess your estate, and put plans in place to maximise any opportunities on offer. But before we go […]
In a strategic move towards practice ownership, our client Katie Bynoth enlisted the support of Prosperity Law for a series of corporate advice and commercial property matters. With aspirations to become a part owner of a Bristol-based business, Clifton Down Dental Practice, Katie sought the expertise of Corporate & Commercial expert Paul Edels and his […]
Monday 4th March marks the beginning of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers: Update Your Will Week, a chance to encourage people of all ages to consider the completion of a detailed and effective will. Whilst we all know that it’s important to outline what you wish to happen to your estate and the items of […]
This week is The Association of Lifetime Lawyers: Update Your Will Week, and to mark the occasion we have asked our expert team of solicitors some important things people should take into account when executing a will. The Executor of an individual’s will is the person appointed to deal with the deceased’s estate – everything […]
With respect to the current climate, scaling a global pandemic, and unrest in the political and financial markets, Trusts have been an ever-present concept. However, they are beginning to play a vital role in securing personal and business assets, especially given the plethora of issues we face globally today. A trust holds assets provided by […]
In just 3 short months, our team have advised and completed the sale of our client’s business and assets for £5.5 million.The fact that our team managed to complete this transaction in such a short period is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team. This matter involved navigating complex Share Agreements, creation […]
Partner and Head of Private Client, Charlotte Keating, has recently achieved distinction in a qualification that secures Prosperity Law’s Private Client department as a leading choice for family business owners. The STEP Advanced Certificate in Advising the Family Business is a specialist course focused on the delivery of Private Client legal services to those involved […]
In recent years, the process of applying for a divorce has been majorly simplified. Thanks to the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, the concept of ‘fault’ has since been removed, meaning that the previous grounds of adultery, unreasonable behaviour, separation, and desertion now play a very minor part in the process. This in turn […]
According to ‘The Law Society’, 2 in 5 people die without a will in the UK every year. While the loss of a loved one is a challenge already, the lack of a valid will can make an already upsetting time even more difficult. Thinking about your own death can be a slightly morbid thought, […]
Fast-growing law firm, Prosperity Law, with offices in Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds, has made yet another key appointment to its team, welcoming Karen Piontek as its new Partner and Head of Real Estate. The move comes less than a year after the firm appointed three new partners in an act of diversification for the business, […]
The festive season, for many who share care of children, can prove to be a trying time as separate parties seek to share their little ones’ time. But for many, the disagreements that ensue at Christmas are felt more commonly throughout the year, during holidays, birthdays, and across many other celebrations. If this rings true […]
A few years ago, ‘reforms’ to the Probate system in England were implemented, with the aim of making this area of the law ‘more accessible’, ‘simplified’, and ‘centralised’. But, as many solicitors operating in Private Client will already know, these reforms have led to widespread chaos as delays, complications and a lack of clarity hit […]
Medical Negligence claims may arise from failing to treat an infection or acquiring an infection in hospital. Infections can lead to Sepsis, also known as septicaemia, and if not treated timely they can be life threatening. Mismanagement can also lead to amputation of limbs. What is an infection: An infection occurs when an organism enters […]
HMRC national statistics have revealed that Inheritance Tax liabilities for April 2023 to September 2023 are valued at £3.9 billion, this being a £400 million increase from the same period last year. It appears that rising asset prices could be a contributory factor which has led to the increase in Inheritance Tax liabilities. As of […]
Where a claim for medical negligence, also called clinical negligence can be established, the injured person, known as the claimant, is entitled to financial compensation often referred to as damages. As well as financial compensation you may wish to have an apology or reassurance that the hospital or treating health professional will learn from mistakes […]
Wills can often be contentious for families and friends. At the same time, over the past few years, technology has come on in leaps and bounds, so it is no surprise then that the Law Commission has launched a consultation on two issues: the use of electronic wills and whether marriage or civil partnership should […]
John-Paul joined Prosperity Law in March 2023 taking on the role of Head of Private Client Services in Prosperity Law’s Liverpool division. With an impressive array of previous experience, including Equity Partner at Kirwans, Principal Associate at Weightmans and CEO at boutique firm Astraea Linskills, John-Paul’s diverse skillset and client roster has established Prosperity’s successful […]
We are delighted to share that our Dispute Resolution team has been selected amongst some of the best legal practices in the North West to feature in this year’s Legal 500. Our dedicated commercial litigation team has been celebrated not only for being ‘very highly skilled professionals, whose advice has always been both timely and […]
Prosperity Law has announced today its acquisition of Carrick Read, Leeds. Headed up by Andrew Laycock, Carrick Read has provided Insolvency Law advice, corporate and commercial legal services, commercial litigation services and volume debt recovery services for over 23 years. This latest announcement by Prosperity Law follows the recent appointment of Mark Lockett as Chief […]
Prosperity Law is delighted to announce that we have recruited further expertise to our Corporate Healthcare team. Two new recruits – Sophie McGregor, a commercial property lawyer, and Paul Rabbette, a senior paralegal – will provide greater capability as part of our ambitious growth plans. This comes after the appointment of Paul Edels earlier in […]
Residential property transactions are complex, and navigating the legal aspects of purchasing a property can be tricky. But with a little knowledge up your sleeve and a trusted legal partner to carry out the conveyancing, you can ensure a smooth, fuss-free transaction. Here’s our top legal tips for those purchasing residential property 1. Thoroughly review […]
It was the UK’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer that encouraged couples to move in together during the Coronavirus pandemic, or else stay apart until further notice. As a result, high numbers of couples (the exact figure is unknown), decided to take the monumental step of moving in together. And, as a result, we at Prosperity […]
Selling a property can be a complicated process. But as the seller, you can encourage a smoother transaction by simply being a little informed and appointing a quality legal partner to carry out your conveyancing. Here are a few top legal tips from the conveyancing team at Prosperity Law, for your upcoming property sale. 1. […]
Disputes about land come in all sorts of guises. Sometimes, the issues relate to a claim for adverse possession, identifying a boundary line, infringement of an easement, such as a right of way or drainage, and/or harassment and intimidation. Sometimes all these issues are encountered. Needless to say, these situations can be very stressful. Sadly, […]
After only 14 months of marriage, Britney Spears’ husband, Sam Asghari, has this week filed for divorce citing “irreconcilable differences”. Here in the UK we now have what is known as the no fault divorce meaning couples can divorce without having to cite any particulars such as bad behaviour. This allows couples to divorce with […]
Charlotte joined Prosperity Law in December 2022 as the Head of Private Client in our Manchester Office. Having joined Prosperity Law from a large northern firm where she held the position of Principal Lawyer and Head of Trusts & Estates, Charlotte brings copious amounts of expertise with her. We spoke to her about her career […]
When instructing a solicitor to handle a situation as personal as your divorce or impactful as the distribution of your estate, belongings and wealth in a will, instructing firms offering quick solutions or services doesn’t always save you money in the long run. ‘Quickie’ divorces and will writing to be investigated’ In a recent article […]
Making a will enables you to stipulate how your assets, property, and personal belongings should be distributed amongst your loved ones and beneficiaries. A will is the best way to ensure that your wishes are fully respected and carried out after your passing. Without a will, your estate could be subject to intestacy laws, potentially […]
Chelsey Bayliss joined Prosperity Law in 2022 as Partner and Head of Family. An experienced and able solicitor, we spoke to Chelsey about her career so far, the time she donates to charitable organisations, and her hopes for the Family department here at Prosperity. Good morning, Chelsey! Tell us a little bit about what led […]
Warren Kaye has been Prosperity Law’s dynamic and determined Head of Residential Property in our Manchester office, since joining the firm in 2021. We spoke to Warren about his longstanding career, the state of modern-day conveyancing, and why those looking for a conveyancer should choose his team at Prosperity Law. Let’s start with the obvious. […]
If an individual lacks the capacity to make decisions for themselves, the court may appoint a lay person as Deputy or a Professional Deputy (such as a solicitor) to act on behalf of the individual. A person may lack capacity due to a number of reasons, including dementia, learning difficulties, head injuries, stroke, or a […]
Off-plan property purchases bring a unique set of circumstances and considerations for Conveyancers. When clients are buying a property that is not yet built, the job of the conveyancer is even more vital to protecting clients’ interests. And with the continued demand for new housing ever-increasing, we can expect the number of these types of […]
You are looking to sell your practice – it would be great to get the deal done and dusted as quickly as possible, but be careful to ensure you maximise what you get for the business you have worked so hard to build. A prudent buyer will want you to retain any risk or liability […]
It can be a daunting experience whether it’s your first purchase, or part of your growing corporate brand. For expert advice tailored to your situation, give us a call on the numbers below. There are so many variables that can affect the transaction of your target practice, far too many to mention! The following are […]
There are a number of factors that can give rise to a dispute in any business, and a dental practice is not immune to any of them. Furthermore, there are some potential areas of conflict that are quite common amongst dental practitioners and we are going to explore some of them in this article. Disputes […]
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Prosperity Law LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) registered in England and Wales with company number OC340697. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA ID 533585). Carrick Read Insolvency is a trading name of Prosperity Law LLP. A list of members is available for inspection at the registered office together with a list of those non-members who are referred to as partners. We use the word partner to refer to a member of the LLP, or an employee or consultant with equivalent standing qualification.
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