Member Spotlight: Andrew Allan-Jones, DAC Beachcroft
Occasionally we like to shine the spotlight on our members, and in this case one of the members of the Bristol Initiative. We sat down with Andrew Allan-Jones, Bristol Location Head and Intellectual Property Partner, DAC Beachcroft.
Tell us about your role – what do you have responsibility for? What does a typical day look like?
I’m Head of the Intellectual Property team at DAC Beachcroft, and I’m also the firm’s Bristol Location Head.
That means no two days are ever quite the same. My time is often spent advising clients on strategic intellectual property and technology issues, helping innovation‑led businesses protect, manage and enforce their IP. That means one day I might be visiting a client and trying out their latest AI product and the next day I might be in court running a copyright case for a publisher.
Meanwhile as Bristol Location Head I help to support the firm’s culture and regional presence to make sure Bristol continues to be seen as a place where legal talent can thrive. Last year we moved into a fantastic new office space in the Welcome Building – there are loads of breakout spaces for catching up, with panoramic views over central Bristol.
The common thread is staying connected with people - whether that’s clients, colleagues or the city’s wider business and professional community - which is what I enjoy most about the role.
What does your organisation do? Why do you like working for them?
DAC Beachcroft is an international law firm, which advises organisations across a wide range of sectors, combining legal expertise with a clear understanding of the commercial realities our clients face.
We have deep roots and a strong presence in Bristol and the firm actively encourages our people to engage locally, whether that’s through business networks or community initiatives.
What I value most about working here is the culture. There’s a genuine emphasis on collaboration, long‑term relationships, and a shared commitment to supporting each other, our clients, and our communities.
Why have you joined the Bristol Initiative?
Bristol has a strong identity, an entrepreneurial spirit and a real sense of momentum. I joined the Bristol Initiative because it brings together people who care about the city and want to see it continue to succeed in a sustainable and inclusive way.
The Initiative feels like a practical forum for businesses and organisations to share ideas, tackle challenges and support one another.
What are the key agendas that you’re looking forward to getting involved with?
I’m keen to engage with discussions around sustainable growth, innovation and skills, particularly how Bristol can continue to attract and retain talent.
Equally, I’m looking forward to learning from others in the network and building new connections across the city.
Where is your favourite place to visit in Bristol?
I moved to Bristol from London about 25 years ago and what I noticed then and still really value are the open spaces which are all so easily accessible from the City – whether that's running around the Downs, having a drink on the harbourside or cycling around the City and into the countryside. It’s also easy to spot examples of collaboration and creativity within the local community – particularly the independent businesses, theatres and music venues.
That sense of openness and inclusivity is one of Bristol’s real strengths, and it comes through just as strongly in professional life. It’s a city where ideas are shared and people feel genuinely engaged in shaping what comes next.
If you'd like to follow Andrew on social media you can do so on Linkedin here, and you can follow and find out more about DAC Beachcroft there too. If you are a member of The Bristol Initiative and would like to be featured in a blog just like this one then you can get in touch with me or Jenny.