Public funding specialist joins Ward Hadaway as partner

Based in the firm’s Newcastle office, Alexander joins from international law firm DWF. He specialises in subsidy control and grant funding programmes, advising both public authorities and private organisations on the use of public monies.

Over a career spanning more than 20 years, Alexander has advised 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.

His move to Ward Hadaway marks a significant step in the firm’s ambitions to further build on its public sector work. Alexander 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.

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.”

He joins Ward Hadaway at a time of significant growth, following a series of lateral hires, the merger with The Endeavour Partnership in Teesside and the opening of a Birmingham office – all part of the firm’s strategy to expand its national reach.

Damien Charlton, Head of Commercial at Ward Hadaway, said: “Alexander’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.”

The move also reflects Ward Hadaway’s commitment to investing in talent and building national capability, strengthening its position as a trusted adviser to both public and private sector clients.

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. Alexander is a lawyer of real calibre, recognised nationally for his expertise and profile in public funding law and his arrival reflects our strategic ambition to grow across key practice areas and strengthen our national reputation.”