Setting up a new business

Taking over or setting up a business can be an exciting time but it is always important, given the financial and time commitment involved in taking on a new venture, to obtain detailed professional advice to ensure that you give yourself the best chance of success.

At Arnison Heelis, we support enterprises of all sizes.  We give careful consideration to the particular circumstances or needs you may have, to enable us to provide specialist advice to find the best framework for the business, its expansion, ongoing matters to assist with continued prosperity and, when the time comes, the ultimate disposal of the business.  We can work alongside your other professional advisors such as accountants to ensure you receive well-rounded legal support that helps your venture thrive.

Our experts in this area are Chris Ryder and Theo Lewthwaite who can be contacted on 01768 862007 or emailed at law@arnisonheelis.co.uk

Our Team of experts

Chris Ryder

Consultant
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Chris Ryder

Consultant

Chris Ryder is Head of Conveyancing and supervises this department.  Chris graduated from Warwick University with a law degree in 1986 and passed his solicitor’s finals in 1987.  He spent the next four years working for a large commercial practice in Newcastle upon Tyne gaining valuable experience in a wide variety of commercial and property based transactions.

He joined Arnison & Co in 1991 (a few years before his father, a partner in the firm, retired) where he now specialises in commercial and in particular, commercial property, work where he has dealt with thousands of cases over the course of his career.

Away from the office Chris is actively involved in Penrith Rugby Union Football Club, a keen angler and a rather poor golfer.

Theo Lewthwaite

Solicitor
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Theo Lewthwaite

Solicitor

Theo joined Arnison Heelis as a trainee in 2022 and qualified as a solicitor with us in 2024. Working primarily in our commercial property department, Theo has advised on a variety of transactions, from business acquisitions to high-value auction sales. He regularly deals with landlord and tenant matters, as well as freehold sales and purchases, and acts for a number of corporate clients. Theo has also advised a number of charities in connection with their land and property matters.

Before joining Arnison Heelis, Theo attended Austin Friars School in Carlisle, and went on to study Biomedical Science at the University of Sheffield.  He graduated with first class honours, and spent some time working in Penrith hospital, before embarking on his legal education. Theo completed the Graduate Diploma in Law in Bristol, and the Legal Practice Course in Sheffield, both with the University of Law, achieving distinction level passes.

Outside of the office, Theo enjoys fettling his old cars and likes to spend lots of time in the fells.