AfterAthena retained by Digital Space for HR and employment law advice

Expanding employment law, HR and health and safety firm AfterAthena has been retained by technology and cloud managed services provider Digital Space to provide tailored HR support and employment law advice.

Led by employment law partner Emma Saunders, the team at Preston based AfterAthena will work with the senior leadership of Digital Space as an extension of its internal HR function while also delivering expert guidance on employment law.

Head of HR consultancy Emma Christian will provide on site HR consultancy services while the head of HR at Digital Space is on maternity leave, leading on various projects. 

Based in Newark, Nottinghamshire and with offices in Telford, Shropshire and London, Digital Space is a technology and cloud managed services provider helping private and public sector organisations with their digital transformation.

AfterAthena has previously advised Digital Space on organisational change and representation at tribunal claims, general legal compliance and complex employee relations issues.

Emma Saunders said: “Having supported and advised Digital Space for more than six years, we’ve developed a strong understanding of the business and the challenges it faces. It’s great to be continuing that journey together and we look forward to continuing to help the senior leadership team to achieve their ambitions.”

Jess Henry, chief of staff at Digital Space, said: “AfterAthena’s practical advice and employment law expertise have been invaluable over the years. Retaining the team builds on that trust and gives us ongoing access to specialists who know our business well, supporting our senior leadership on HR and employment matters.”

Gemma Bessey, head of HR at Digital Space, said: “Emma Christian already understands our business, so it’s reassuring to have her working alongside the HR team during my maternity leave. Her support will provide continuity in delivering our people strategy.”

Other clients of AfterAthena include Booths, Fresenius Kabi, Thwaites, English Football League and N Brown PLC.

AfterAthena is part of Napthens Group, the north west law firm headquartered in Lancashire, that opened a Manchester office in September 2025, headed by real estate partner Krista Powell, who joined from Brabners.

The firm has six partners with Emma alongside Chris Boyle, Oli McCann, Kimberley Barrett-St. Vall, Claire Haworth and Angela Barnes, and the total number of staff including HR, health and safety and business immigration specialists exceeding 40.