Simon Dimmick retires from Blandys

One of the best known faces in legal and property circles in the Thames Valley is retiring.

Planning lawyer Simon Dimmick retires from Blandy & Blandy this month after 18 years in the firm and a career at the centre of development in the region and beyond.

Mr Dimmick originally ran the commercial property group at the former Berkshire County Council before moving into private practice in Reading in 1988. He joined Blandy & Blandy as a partner in 2002 and later became chairman. In 2018 he was given the Outstanding Contribution Award at the Thames Valley Property Awards.

Brenda Long, who succeeded him as chairman in 2016, said: “Simon is very well known, liked and respected in the professional community.

“On behalf of my fellow partners and colleagues, we thank him for his significant contribution to the growth and development of the firm and we wish him the very best in his retirement.”

Blandy & Blandy was this year named 12^th in a list of the UK’s top planning law firms. The firm’s specialist planning & environmental law team will continue to be led by partner Karen Jones, who is recognised among the top 10 planning lawyers in the country. She will be supported by associate solicitor Victoria Charlesson and solicitor Kayleigh Chapman.

Karen said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Simon for many years.

“He has played an important role in helping to inspire the next generation of property and planning professionals in working with our team, our trainee solicitors and through teaching at the University of Reading.

“In 2018, it was fantastic to see Simon receive the Outstanding Contribution award at the Thames Valley Property Awards and to hear the many wonderful comments shared about him and our firm by leading faces in the Thames Valley.”