Northamptonshire has long been a county driven by enterprise. Its businesses are ambitious, resilient and increasingly sophisticated, operating across regional, national and international markets while remaining firmly rooted locally.
As 2026 unfolds, there is a growing sense that this is a defining year for the county’s business community, one where growth is being matched by stronger, more locally based professional support.
At EMW, that momentum is seen every day. Its office in Northampton continues to work with owner-managed businesses, scale-ups and established organisations navigating growth, change and increasing complexity. With that comes a growing demand for senior legal advice that is not only technically excellent, but commercially grounded, accessible and aligned with wider business values.
That context sits behind two key senior appointments in Northampton in 2026, Stacey Taylor and Aimée Johns. Together, they significantly strengthen EMW’s commercial and employment offering in Northamptonshire and reinforce the firm’s long-term commitment to the county.
A long-term commitment, backed by values
EMW has been part of the Northamptonshire business landscape for many years. Its approach has always focused on long-term relationships rather than short-term transactions, supporting clients as their businesses evolve.
That commitment is underpinned by EMW’s status as a certified B Corporation. For the firm, B Corp is not a badge, it’s a framework that shapes how it operates, balancing profit with purpose, and measuring success not just by financial performance, but by the impact on people, clients, communities and the environment.
Managing Partner James Geary said: “Becoming a B Corp was a natural extension of how EMW already operates. It reflects our belief that businesses can be commercially successful while doing the right thing. Investing in senior talent locally, supporting Northamptonshire businesses and contributing positively to the county’s economy all sit squarely within that philosophy.”
The recruitment of Stacey Taylor and Aimée Johns is part of that wider picture, investing in people, building sustainable capability and strengthening the support available to local businesses.
Strengthening commercial expertise
Stacey Taylor joins EMW with extensive experience advising businesses on a wide range of strategic commercial matters. Her expertise includes negotiating complex commercial agreements, supporting e-commerce and digital projects, advising on IT and technology contracts, and navigating data protection and information governance requirements.
For Northamptonshire businesses, this expertise is increasingly critical. Digital transformation, regulatory scrutiny and complex supply chains are now part of everyday commercial life, regardless of sector.
Stacey said: “Northamptonshire has a diverse and ambitious business community. What attracted me to EMW was the opportunity to work closely with clients locally, providing strategic commercial advice that genuinely supports growth, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Being part of a firm that values long-term relationships and responsible business made the decision an easy one.”
Stacey’s appointment enables EMW to deliver senior commercial advice locally, helping clients manage risk, seize opportunities and make informed decisions as their businesses grow.
Senior employment advice, delivered locally
Alongside this, Aimée Johns brings senior employment law expertise to EMW’s Northampton offering.
Employment law continues to evolve rapidly, shaped by legislative change, shifting workforce expectations and increased scrutiny around culture, wellbeing and inclusion. For many businesses, employment issues represent some of their most complex and sensitive challenges.
Aimée’s experience spans both day-to-day employment support and complex strategic matters, enabling EMW to provide advice that is practical, commercially focused and aligned with clients’ broader objectives.
Aimée said: “Employment issues are rarely just legal problems, they’re people problems, leadership challenges and commercial decisions rolled into one. Having senior employment expertise available locally means businesses can get advice that reflects the realities they’re facing, not just the law on paper. EMW’s collaborative culture and values-led approach really resonated with me.”
What this means for clients
For EMW’s Northamptonshire clients, the benefits of these appointments are tangible. Clients increasingly want experienced advisers who understand their business and can respond quickly. Having senior commercial and employment specialists based in Northampton allows EMW to deliver that support in a way that is accessible, responsive and grounded in local knowledge.
- A joined-up advisory approach: commercial decisions and employment considerations rarely exist in isolation. Growth plans, restructures, digital projects and acquisitions all raise issues across multiple disciplines. By strengthening senior capability in both commercial and employment law, EMW can provide more strategic, joined up advice.
- Support aligned with business values: as a B Corp, EMW works with many clients who are increasingly focused on purpose, culture and responsible growth. Having advisers who understand those priorities, and share them, adds another layer of value to the client relationship.
- Investing in the business ecosystem: these appointments also represent a vote of confidence in Northamptonshire itself. Attracting senior legal talent to the county strengthens the wider professional services ecosystem and supports sustainable economic growth. For EMW, being part of that ecosystem is fundamental. Investing locally, supporting local businesses and contributing to the county’s success aligns with both its commercial strategy and B Corp commitments.
Looking ahead
As 2026 progresses, Northamptonshire businesses will continue to face both opportunity and uncertainty. Economic pressures, regulatory change and evolving workforce expectations all require careful navigation.
By strengthening its Northampton team with senior commercial and employment expertise, EMW is ensuring clients are well supported through that landscape, with advice that is technically robust, commercially realistic and values led.
James Geary added: “2026 feels like a year of momentum for Northamptonshire. Our role at EMW is to make sure local businesses have the support they need to move forward with confidence, not just this year, but for the long term.”
Find out more about EMW on 0345 070 6000 or visit our website here.
