I help clients with their UK business related immigration matters and provide pragmatic solutions to often complex situations. At the heart of every immigration matter is an individual and I keep this at the forefront of my mind when advising.
My particular interests lie in sponsor related matters, the post-Brexit landscape and the government’s ‘hostile environment’ policies. With a range of immigration routes available, my work also means that I advise business people, HNW and high-profile individuals on visiting the UK and securing status.
Due to the nature of my work, I’m fortunate to work collaboratively with colleagues across other departments at Bates Wells and this adds to the client service that we can offer.
I enjoy sharing know how and I regularly deliver training sessions on business immigration related topics to fellow practitioners and organisations both nationally and internationally. I also contribute commentary to journalists.
- Global music superstar I advised this longstanding global icon on obtaining a visitor visa for an individual to meet them in London when it was taking too long to obtain a US visa. The meeting had to be in person before they embarked on a global tour.
- Successful Global Talent visas I advised an Oscar winner on securing status under the Global Talent route in preparation for the premier of a world-famous franchise and a subsequent urgent Biometric Residence Permit replacement application.
- I also advised a documentary and music video director on a successful global talent visa. The client’s work has featured a number of household name bands and singers.
- International ballroom dancer Expedited the visa application for a renowned ballroom dancer to compete in an international competition in Blackpool.
- Professional golfer’s family I provided strategic advice to a family member of a professional golfer who has played in PGA European Tours on options for bringing a nanny to the UK to look after their young family.
- Employment of a new hire I recently advised on the recruitment of an international non-profit charity’s new CEO and considered the immigration options from the start. I played a crucial role, alongside other advisors, in advising across a broad range of additional considerations relating to the high profile hire.
- Entry into the UK I have provided strategic advice to a world renowned UK based data science institute in respect of the immigration options for bringing individuals to the UK to take part in fellowship programmes some of which were created following funding from the government. My advice has included careful consideration of the calls for proposal and advising on the most appropriate route of entry which would fit in with the client’s needs.
- Sponsorship work Lead immigration partner for a company that publishes some of the UK’s best known news titles. Recent work included advising on the work visas for new recruits, advice on recruitment activity, right to work queries and Brexit support.
- Sponsor licence suspension and reinstatement I successfully represented an international charity (which matches volunteers) with the reinstatement of its sponsor licence. I liaised closely with key members of the charity to ensure that the representations made were accurate and that they covered the impact of the possible revocation not just on the charity, but also those organisations that rely heavily on the client for providing volunteers. As part of this instruction, I also attended a meeting with the Home Office’s compliance team to discuss and make additional representations following the submission of the written representations. Following this meeting, a decision was made within a couple of days to reinstate the licence so that the client could continue to sponsor new volunteers for the forthcoming year.
- Senior executives and international business I regularly advise individuals on business trips and the scope of their activities.
- Restructuring and acquisitions I advised a healthcare regulator on sponsorship issues pending a restructure.
- Illegal working I advised a fine jewellery designer in relation to the prevention of illegal working.
- Compliance and audits I regularly conduct extensive immigration audits
- Visitors I advised on the entry of an acclaimed opera singer for performance at a live event.
- I have advised on whether potential contestants would gain entry for a TV show.