Tim Aspinall, the managing director of law firm DMH Stallard, has been named personality of the year 2005 by Legal Business, one of the industry's leading trade magazines.

He was given the coveted title following the successful merger of DMH in Queens Road, Brighton, with London-based Stallard Solicitors in January last year.

The firm was also nominated for the planning and environment team of the year award for its work on Brighton and Hove Albion's football stadium planning application.

Mr Aspinall, 47, said: "I am honoured to receive the commendation from Legal Business, especially since it recognises the firm's achievements concerning the merger.

"It reflects our employees' commitment to making the changes work.

"To also be shortlisted for a Legal Business award really highlights the efforts of the planning and environment team concerning the Falmer application.

"After five years on the project, it was great to win planning permission, but to win an award which recognised their hard work would (have been) the icing on the cake for the team."

Under the stewardship of Mr Aspinall, DMH Stallard's turnover has grown by more than 30 per cent to £20 million, making it one of the largest firms in the country.

He has plans for further growth during the next three years and wants to increase the company's turnover to £40 million by 2009.

It is not the first time Mr Aspinall has been recognised for his work.

Last year he was named one of the hot 100 lawyers to watch in the UK in the Chambers Directory to the legal professional and in 1999 he was runner-up in the national managing partner of the year award run by The Lawyer magazine.

DMH Stallard works with public companies, privately-owned businesses, charities, public sector organisations and private individuals.

It was recently involved in one of its biggest deals when it acted for the owners of Hastings-based Cinque Ports Leisure in a £130 million management buyout.

The company employs 360 people in Brighton, Gatwick and London.

Wednesday, February 8, 2006