36 Queen Street, London, EC4R 1BN | +44 (0)20 7242 2642
Ben Blades

Ben represents clients across a diverse range of industries, including multinational corporations, owner-managed businesses, and high-net-worth individuals. His practice spans the full spectrum of tax law, although he is equally comfortable in matters involving insolvency and estate planning where tax considerations are central.

Ben has extensive experience in both litigation and advisory work and he frequently appears before the Tax Tribunals and civil courts, although he finds that his client’s interest is often best served by achieving a settlement outside of the courtroom. He is equally comfortable appearing on his own and acting as part of a team.

Ben is also qualified to accept instructions on a Direct Access basis, providing greater flexibility and accessibility for clients.

Call to the Bar: 2021

Publications:

The application of tax treaties to individuals subject to beneficial tax regimes (co-written with Laurent Sykes KC) in Global Mobility of Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals

Education:
  • Christ Church, Oxford University – BA in Jurisprudence and Spanish Law (Prize-winning First Class Honours)
  • BPP – BPTC
Prizes and Scholarships:
  • Birkenhead Scholarship – Gray’s Inn
  • Pinsent Masons Prize – Oxford University
  • John Radcliffe Exhibition – Christ Church, Oxford
  • Boulter Brize, Christ Church, Oxford
Recent reported cases include:
  • Best Connection Group Ltd v HMRC [2024] UKFTT 1103 (TC)
  • R (ooo Zafari) v HMRC [2024] EWHC 3014 (Admin)
  • Lefort v HMRC [2024] UKFTT 926 (TC)
  • Laker v HMRC [2024] UKFTT 568 (TC)
  • Cooke v HMRC [2024] UKFTT 272 (TC)
  • Cozy Pet Ltd v HMRC [2024] UKUT 96 (TCC)
  • Oumar Niasse v HMRC [2024] UKFTT 179 (TC)
  • BAT Industries PLC v IRC [2024] EWHC 195 (Ch)
  • Butt v NCA [2023] UKFTT 785 (TC)
  • St Patrick’s International College Ltd and others v HMRC [2023] UKFTT 408 (TC)