Non-Executive Chairman
People
Andrew Cochrane is the Non-Executive Chairman of Flint Bishop and a long-standing member of our management board. In his current role, Andrew advises the Executive Board on strategic matters, contributing his deep expertise in law, leadership, and sector-specific insight to help shape the firm’s long-term direction.
As of 31 July 2025, Andrew has stepped down as Head of Licensing, following a distinguished 35-year career at Flint Bishop. While no longer involved in day-to-day departmental leadership, he remains actively engaged in supporting the firm’s growth and mentoring colleagues across the business.
Outside of Flint Bishop, Andrew has recently been appointed HM Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, supporting HM Lord-Lieutenant Elizabeth Fothergill in representing His Majesty across the county. In this prestigious public role, he engages with a wide range of voluntary, civic, business, religious, military, and emergency service organisations. He also continues to serve as Chair of the Board at Derby College whilst also acting as a trustee of Foundation Derbyshire and the Arkwright Society.
People
Andrew began his career with Flint Bishop in September 1990 as an Articled Clerk, qualifying into the firm’s Commercial Litigation department. His early practice included a broad range of matters such as general litigation, construction disputes, employment law, and road traffic claims, alongside a developing interest in licensing.
He was appointed Partner in 2007, having already led the firm’s Litigation and Employment teams since 2002. He played a central role in shaping what are now the firm’s specialist departments: Commercial Dispute Resolution, Employment, Debt Recovery, and Licensing.
Andrew later specialised exclusively in Licensing, establishing a nationally respected practice that acts for clients such as Star Pubs and Bars (Heineken UK), Macdonald Hotels, Marston’s PLC, Kew Green Hotels, and the Youth Hostels Association — including licensing the Land’s End Youth Hostel. Under his leadership, the Licensing team grew into a truly national operation, working with both local independents and major national operators.
Recognised as one of the UK’s leading licensing lawyers, Andrew has never permanently lost a licence in his legal career. He holds a personal licence, the BII Designated Premises Supervisor Qualification, and the Scottish Personal Licence Certificate. He is also an associate member of the British Institute of Innkeeping and a member of the Institute of Licensing.
Testimonial
“The whole team is excellent and respond quickly and efficiently.”
“Flint Bishop deals with our alcohol licensing requirements. It is very reassuring to know that we can call on them for any advice in this area. They are always extremely responsive and helpful, they communicate well, dealing with any issues arising and are very quick to answer any requests or queries made.”
“Andrew Cochrane’s practice covers a range of both contentious and non-contentious issues including licence variations, compliance and regulatory matters. He is experienced in advising on matters concerning cumulative impact areas and is adept at acting for clients from the hospitality sector, including pub and hotel chains.”
“The highly knowledgeable, incredibly practical and solutions-focused Andrew Cochrane heads the licensing department at Flint Bishop LLP, which offers a full range of licensing services. The team regularly handles all matters relating to alcohol and entertainment licensing, such as variations of designated premises supervisor, reviews and prosecutions as well as transfers of premises, and has gathered extensive experience in managing bulk licensing work for large tenanted or managed estates. To ameliorate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the department introduced a fixed-fee package to assist clients with issues regarding tiered restrictions and lockdown measures”
“Andrew Cochrane is highly knowledgeable and incredibly practical. All stakeholders across our business interact with the firm, and Andrew in particular – they give consistently positive feedback and he is seen as a key contact for our business.”
“We have worked with the licensing team for a number of years and find them exceedingly practical, user-friendly, highly knowledgeable and solutions-focused.”
“Thank you for the regular updates via your licensing briefing emails which have been a useful resource in understanding the implications of the constantly changing regulations. I have also been delighted with the level of service that I have had from Flint Bishop who have always been there to guide and support us. They have always been on hand to deal with any licensing issues for us very quickly and are an invaluable partner for us at East London Pub Co.”
Graham Harris
Finance Director
“Andrew Cochrane – excellent knowledge and attention to detail, all handled in a very timely fashion.”
“Flint Bishop handles licensing matters on behalf of a wide range of clients with a particular focus on pubs and hotels. The group undertakes ordinary and expedited license reviews, major and minor premises license variations and transfer changes. The highly recommended Andrew Cochrane serves as practice head and his team also counts clubs, off-licenses and restaurants among its client roster.”
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On Monday 29 September, Flint Bishop successfully completed the acquisition of the entire business of Lupton Fawcett LLP. You have been forwarded to the page most relevant to your visit.
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