Trusted corporate law experts since 1996.
About us
First Corporate Law Services was founded in 1996 and has since earned a reputation for dependable, expert corporate law and secretarial services. We’re valued for our knowledge and experience, and responsive, friendly service, which is reflected in our 4.8★ Trustpilot rating.
As specialists in our field, we provide all types of corporate law and post incorporation support, from share restructure, purchase and reduction of share capital to more complex procedures such as Company Restorations and Share for Share Exchanges.
Our FirstOrder Secretarial system has been created to enable you to administer all your registered companies.
We’re a people-first business, and clients appreciate our helpful, approachable team. This, combined with our deep legal knowhow, and transparent, straightforward pricing, is why we’re the first choice for so many legal and accountancy firms.
Meet our team
Led by experienced directors Steve, Paul and Adrian, our team is made up of talented, highly knowledgeable individuals who are central to everything we do. Together, they bring the expertise needed to deliver the full range of corporate law and company secretarial services— and they’re great people to work with, too.

Steven Blackmore

Steven Blackmore
With over 30 years in corporate law and secretarial services, Steve co-founded FCLS in 1996 and played a key role in developing the FirstOrder platform. Outside the office, he brings creativity to the local Bristol and Bath community as a theatre director and actor, and is also an investing producer on many productions in the West End and on Broadway with The Worx Productions Ltd.

Paul Dunn

Paul Dunn
Paul joined FCLS in 2011 after more than a decade at Jordans and has been instrumental in helping FirstOrder become a market leader. He’s known for his expert support and client-focused approach—plus, he’s an avid golfer and a loyal Bristol City fan.

Adrian Smart

Adrian Smart
With nearly three decades in corporate law, Adrian ensures FCLS’s systems remain compliant and smooth-running. When he’s not improving tech workflows, you’ll find him running middle distance, or on the golf course.

Chloe Hancock

Chloe Hancock
Chloe leads the secretarial team at FCLS, combining strong academic credentials (law degree and a Master’s in Business and Law) with six years of governance and secretarial experience. She joined in 2020 to help the practice grow and thrive.

Pauline Gillard

Pauline Gillard
A qualified solicitor, Pauline brings deep knowledge in Companies Act compliance and transactional work across charitable and trading organisations. She’s also a skilled author of internal briefings and checklists.

Lloyd Gibbs

Lloyd Gibbs
At FCLS since 2005, Lloyd manages the change of name services, National & International Company Searches along with Notarisation and Apostille Services.

Dawn Kelly

Dawn Kelly
With over two decades in company secretarial work and a CLT Specialist Paralegal qualification (with distinction), Dawn brings expert-level precision in share restructures and broader secretarial matters.

Katharine Mulready

Katharine Mulready
Katharine works in the Company Formations team and has built a long career in administration with attention to detail and commitment to getting things right. For relaxation she enjoys going to the theatre, reading and the occasional run.

Helen Joyce

Helen Joyce
Helen has been with FCLS since 1996 and is the most seasoned member of the team. She oversees credit control with wisdom, reliability, and a personal touch.

Franchesca Dhanjal

Franchesca Dhanjal
Since joining in 2019, Fran has specialised in guiding clients through the process of setting up their companies with clarity and efficiency. Her role involves ensuring every detail is correct from the outset, so clients can focus on building their businesses with confidence.
Outside of work, she enjoys baking, spending time with her animals and travelling.

Elana Feay

Elana Feay
Elana joined the team in 2021 and works in company formations. In her earlier role, she handled administrative tasks and carried out due diligence ensuring clients received a smooth and efficient service. Outside of work, Elana enjoys spending her weekends in the countryside with her horses and dog Kali.

Hayley Holloway

Hayley Holloway
Hayley joined in 2021 and has a wealth of experience over 30 years. She leads the Formations Team, always passionate, encouraging her excellent team in all areas, compliance, Innovation and learning. She enjoys in her own time spinning, theatre trips, tasting wine and collecting.

Ben Blackmore

Ben Blackmore
Ben joined in 2021. With experience in the formations department, he now is a valued member of the secretarial team —and outside the office, he supports Bristol city and enjoys playing golf.

Frazer David

Frazer David
Since joining in April 2023, Frazer has been helping businesses stay compliant and confident in their governance. With a solutions-based approach, turning complex issues into clear, practical solutions, he ensures companies can focus on growth while the details are expertly handled. Outside work, you’ll find him on the golf course, football pitch, or padel court.

Sam Evans

Sam Evans
Joined in March 2024 as part of the Company Secretarial team. Won the first annual FCLS golf day alongside Steve.

Gabriella Pring

Gabriella Pring
Gabby joined the team at the start of 2024. She helps clients to keep their secretarial work in order, and ensures they are provided with an effective, friendly service. In her spare time, she enjoys going to lots of concerts and spending time with her cats, Moussa and Minnie

Poppy Moodie

Poppy Moodie
Poppy joined the team in 2024 after graduating with a first–class degree from Cardiff University. Beginning as an admin temp, she returned after a few months off travelling as a full–time member of the CoSec team. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, live music, and craft projects.

Calum Dunn

Calum Dunn
Bio coming soon

Theresa McPherson

Theresa McPherson
Coming soon

Sarah Burke

Sarah Burke
Sarah Joined the team in 2000 as a corporate law advisor. After a 5-year Hiatus to focus on her family, she has rejoined the team and is enjoying her new role as Company Secretarial Advisor. Sarah enjoys visiting her caravan down west Wales with her two children and energetic cocker spaniel exploring the hidden gems of Pembrokeshire along the coastal path.

Jessica Gill

Jessica Gill
Jess joined the team in 2024, after graduating from Worcester University. Outside of the office she enjoys doing nails, working out, and spending time with her dogs.

Shelley Burchill

Shelley Burchill
Shelley joined the team in June 2025 after 36 years of banking decided on a change of career path. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family watching football, shopping and looking after her animals.

Hannah Grant

Hannah Grant
Hannah joined the team in July 2025, after working in the company secretarial department at an accountancy firm for nearly 10 years. Outside of work she enjoys going to the gym, travelling to different cities and spending time with her cat Bella.

Ash Hardidge

Ash Hardidge
Ash joined the team in 2024 after graduating with a first-class degree from Cardiff Metropolitan University. In the support Team, he helps across all departments and handling a range of tasks to keep everything running smoothly. In his spare time, he is a keen 4.7 handicap golfer and supports Bristol Rovers.

Georgia Blackmore

Georgia Blackmore
Georgia joined in 2024 to manage the Support Team. Working closely with other departments, she handles a variety of admin and support tasks to ensure that the day-to-day operations run smoothly and effectively. When not working, she enjoys watching Formula 1, football, and spending time with her family, friends, and her four dogs.

Harry Olive

Harry Olive
Harry joined in 2024 as part of the Support Team, helping across all departments and handling a range of admin tasks to keep everything running smoothly.

Amy Leonard

Amy Leonard
Amy joined FCLS at the beginning of 2022, having completed her Law degree and pursuing her legal career. She now leads the Technical Team, supporting clients with their corporate law needs and providing a high-quality service. Outside of work she enjoys seeing friends and family, baking and attending the gym – especially Zumba.

Ella Cooper

Ella Cooper
Ella joined the Technical Team in 2023, supporting the growing department by providing clients with legal advice and services, such as share restructures. She always brings a positive attitude to the team and when interacting with clients. Outside of the office you will find her spending time with her two dogs and enjoying long walks.

Ayanna Deans

Ayanna Deans
Ayanna joined the Technical Team in 2024 after returning to the UK from her hometown of Alicante, Spain. With a first-class law degree, she supports clients with company share restructures and is always happy to help with any queries. When she isn’t training to become a qualified solicitor, Ayanna enjoys theatre shows and fun holidays.

Ethan Blake

Ethan Blake
Ethan is a Corporate Law Consultant in the Technical Department. Prior to joining this year, he gained experience as a Practice Executive at a solicitor’s firm and developed hands-on expertise in procurement. Ethan offers a pragmatic approach to supporting clients with share restructures and more. Outside of work, he enjoys football and playing golf.

Wesley

Wesley
FCLS’s friendly office mascot—always on hand to brighten the day and bring a smile to the team!

Lucy Guard

Lucy Guard
Lucy joined in 2024 first starting as a Corporate Law Assistant handling administrative tasks and now works on the Formations team. In her spare time Lucy enjoys reading, walking and travelling to new places.

Ellis Hillyard

Ellis Hillyard
Ellis joined FCLS in 2025, having previously worked in an administrative role at a respected law firm. As part of the formations team, she ensures our clients receive a smooth service when forming their companies. Outside of work, she enjoys taking long walks, camping trips and watching her favourite team play, Liverpool FC.

Nikki Duff

Ellis Hillyard
Ellis joined FCLS in 2025, having previously worked in an administrative role at a respected law firm. As part of the formations team, she ensures our clients receive a smooth service when forming their companies. Outside of work, she enjoys taking long walks, camping trips and watching her favourite team play, Liverpool FC.

Freya Bashford

Freya Bashford
Bio coming soon.

