A LAW firm in Basingstoke has shown its support for a group that champions food, drink and craft in Hampshire. 

Clarke & Son Solicitors, a full-service law firm, has become a corporate partner of Hampshire Fare. 

Corporate commercial director, Will Anderson, said: “We work with a lot of businesses in the drinks and hospitality sectors, including bars and pub groups, breweries and distilleries, locally and nationally.

"Our work can involve advising individuals taking on a tenancy to helping people who are looking to expand by buying another business or finding an investor.

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“I really enjoy working with the food and drink industry. For such a large industry it is also surprisingly small – everyone knows everyone else. In many industries, people are in competition and there is a general mistrust of other operators, however the food and drink sector is much more collaborative."

Hampshire Fare was established in 1991 to champion local food, drink and craft, increase awareness among the public and trade of the wide range of local produce available, encourage high standards and best practices, and assist producers to compete as viable enterprises.

Tracy Nash from Hampshire Fare said: "It is of immense importance to Hampshire Fare to partner with a law firm that can provide commercial and personal advice to our members.

"Clarke & Son fits really well with Hampshire Fare. The head office is based in Basingstoke, so although they work with London and national businesses, they can provide a specific focus on the area that Hampshire Fare covers.

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“In addition, Clarke & Son has a really strong level of experience and expertise within the food and drink industry and hospitality sector.

"Since the Local Produce Trade Show in February, where we introduced Clarke & Son to some of our members, there have already been follow-up meetings with a couple of our members and feedback has been very positive. We have been told that Clarke & Son are a great team who know their stuff.”

The new partnership was officially announced at another Hampshire Fare member venue, the Balmer Lawn Hotel in Brockenhurst.