Pictured above: (l-r) Arthur Titterton, Graham Elliot, Bill Hall, Denise Brown, Mike Simpson, Sara Desforges and Joanne Jones

The Mayor of Ashbourne, Councillor Denise Brown, and local businesses turned out in force to celebrate the launch of a new law firm Simpson Jones Solicitors and to welcome four of the most recognisable names from Derbyshire's legal and financial sectors to Ashbourne.

At the launch event, Councillor Denise Brown officially opened the office with a ribbon cutting ceremony before guests got to look around the newly refurbished offices on St John Street and were treated to wine and nibbles. 

Simpson Jones will offer a range of services, including residential and commercial conveyancing, wills, probate, tax planning, trust and elderly client services and corporate services. 

The firm aims to remove the barriers between solicitor and client so that visiting a solicitor is a less complicated and intimidating experience. Its modern approach also extends to documentation and processes, which are written in terminology that is easy for clients to digest.

The four professionals have all worked in Derbyshire for many years and share the same commitment towards customer care. The firm has chosen Ashbourne as the location for its first office and already has plans to expand into Derby and Ashby within the next three months. 

Graham Elliot, who was born and bred in Derbyshire and has worked in the area for most of his career, will head up the Ashbourne office. Graham specialises in residential and commercial property, planning and development and has a wealth of experience in the acquisition and disposal of care homes.  

Joanne Jones is a member of Derby Lawyer Property Association Panel and has practised as a Solicitor in and around Derby since 1998. She specialises in commercial and residential property services and advising on partnership and company formations and dissolution. 

Arthur Titterton is former president and current honorary Secretary of the Derby and District Law Society and has extensive experience in Family Law.

The law partners are joined by Mike Simpson, who brings over 20 year's knowledge and experience to the firm through his connections with the financial services industry.

Commenting on the launch of the Ashbourne office, Graham said:

"We are delighted to have launched our innovative, new law firm in Derbyshire and I am extremely proud to have opened our first office in my home town.

"Our aim is to provide local people and the business community with advice to suit their specific needs and offer a modern approach but with traditional values to managing our clients' legal affairs."

Joanne Jones added:

"Ask most people and they will tell you that visiting their solicitor is quite a daunting prospect. They can feel quite intimidated and anxious about what to expect. We want to provide a friendly and relaxed atmosphere where clients can visit and feel at ease."

Councillor Denise Brown, commented:

"I am pleased to have been able to officially open Simpson Jones' new office in Ashbourne. It is great news to have a new business opening within the town and I am sure that the firm will prove a welcome addition to our thriving business community. I wish them luck for the future."