Ward Hadaway hires public funding specialist in drive to be first-choice public sector firm

Public funding specialist Alexander Rose has joined Ward Hadaway as a partner, in a move the firm described as a "significant step" in its ambitions to expand its public sector work.

Ward Hadaway's Managing Partner, Steven Petrie, said the hire was a "statement of intent" in the firm's efforts to "become the first-choice law firm" for public bodies as well as blue chip companies looking to secure grants, loans and guarantees from the public sector.

Rose specialises in subsidy control and grant funding programmes, advising both public authorities and private organisations on the use of public monies.

He will support clients in navigating the changing landscape of public funding, from inward investment and regeneration projects to the opportunities created by devolution and the Levelling Up agenda.

Rose joins the full-service firm after seven years as a partner at DWF, where he practised commercial and competition law.

His career has seen him advise on the compliance of more than £3.5bn in public funding, including major regeneration initiatives, inward investment projects and the UK's first Subsidy Control court case.

He has also provided evidence as an expert witness to the Parliamentary Select Committee on the Subsidy Control Bill and previously spent more than seven years at the Government Legal Department, writing national guidance and advising ministers on funding programmes, including devolution deals and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Alexander Rose said: "Ward Hadaway has a superb reputation for the quality of advice, as well as the personable, proactive and pragmatic approach of its lawyers. I'm really looking forward to getting down to work and helping enable important public funded projects to happen."

Commenting on LinkedIn about his time at DWF, he said: "Of course, joining a new firm means leaving one behind.

"I've had seven hugely enjoyable years with DWF & am grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside terrific people such as Jonathan Branton & Lee Pickett."

Damien Charlton, Head of Commercial at Ward Hadaway, said Rose's expertise in subsidy control and public funding law "makes him a highly valuable addition to our team".

"This is a critical and fast-developing area and his skills will enable us to provide even greater support to clients delivering complex, high-value projects," Charlton added.

Steven Petrie, Managing Partner at Ward Hadaway, added: "The expansion of our public sector work will play an important part of our growth plans at Ward Hadaway and Alexander's appointment is a statement of intent.

"We are looking to become the first-choice law firm for public bodies such as combined authorities and councils, but also for blue chip companies looking to secure grants, loans and guarantees from the public sector."

Adam Carey