Praised for its ‘uniquely personal approach’, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP assists a range of clients – from governments to developers – on the full gamut of commercial property issues. Real estate finance, residential investment, and real estate disputes are among the ‘responsive and experienced‘ team’s areas of expertise. Practice chair Ian Brothwood is singled out for his expertise in residential schemes, while lead real estate partner Naomi Nettleton is a key contact for clients from the hotel sector. Phil Webb handles strategic land matters for prominent landowners, while Charlotte Mee, who joined from Dentons in February 2022, has a broad practice that spans acquisitions, disposals, and corporate support work.
Commercial property: Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire in South West
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Practice head(s):
Ian Brothwood
Other key lawyers:
Naomi Nettleton; Nigel Morton; Phil Webb; Charlotte Mee
Testimonials
‘Clear, succinct and commercial advice.’
‘Reliable, responsive and experienced land and planning team, well versed in the current issues prevailing in residential development and house building.’
‘Ian Brothwood and Phil Webb are a great team to have on side when dealing with complex issues, and they make themselves available to deal with problems as they arise.’
‘The team provide full dedication to a transaction and are able to commercially close within tight timeframes.’
‘Engagement at partner level is very strong, and they are heavily involved in all aspects of the deals.’
‘The practice has a uniquely personal approach where they aim to understand not just the dry commercial objectives, but the motivations that drive the parties involved.’
‘Ian Brothwood and Phil Webb are both excellent. Easy to work with, friendly and approachable. Always looking for the best solution and offering solid intellectual debate of the issues, where required.’
Key clients
Topland Jupiter Limited
TLR1 (Allen House) (part of the Topland Group)
Yellow Pagoda Limited
Book Essay Limited
Trustees of the Third Baron Hesketh Settlement Trust
Rochester Diocesan Society and Board of Finance
Hollamby Estates Development Limited
Countryside Properties UK Limited
Church Commissioners for England
Manhattan Loft Gardens Limited
Work highlights
- Advised longstanding client, Topland Jupiter Limited on three real estate investment finance transactions with an aggregate value of £33,871,000.
- Advised longstanding client Topland Group on the refinancing of the acquisition costs of Allen House in Kensington with a total value of £50m.
- Acted on an option agreement to facilitate access to a development site for the Trustees of the Third Baron Hesketh Settlement Trust.
Clarke Willmott LLP
The residential development, commercial development and investment sectors are all strong suits for Clarke Willmott LLP, with the practice regularly acting for utilities providers, retirement benefit schemes and major housebuilders. Sarah Manley manages the Taunton-based commercial property team, and is frequently trusted by investment clients to handle matters such as estate management and disposals. Caroline Mortimer and Adam Burrage specialise in development transactions, while Melanie Smith’s abilities cover secured lending and lease renewals.
Practice head(s):
Sarah Manley
Other key lawyers:
Caroline Mortimer; Adam Burrage; Melanie Smith
Testimonials
‘Adam Burrage is professional yet friendly, always quick to respond, and explains complicated matters well.’
Key clients
The Bolitho Estate
Pennon Group plc
Summerfield Developments (SW) Limited
Persimmon Homes Limited
GPG Projects Limited
Bradford and Sons Limited
Scotsgrove Holdings Limited
AE Securities Limited
Metis Homes Limited
Strongvox Limited
Albion Water Limited
Work highlights
- Advised West Cornwall landed estate on its conditional sale of a key site to a residential developer.
BPE Solicitors LLP
BPE Solicitors LLP‘s expertise in the healthcare, leisure and retail sectors has made the firm a popular destination for a range of commercial clients. The Cheltenham-based team is chaired by Jo Bewley, who is particularly strong in mandates related to the building of super surgeries, while managing partner Antonia Shield is well versed in retail sector work. Farmers and landowners regularly turn to Paul Engelbrecht – who rejoined the practice in October 2022 after spending some time at Hughes Paddison – for assistance with development and strategic land work. Douglas Armstrong‘s knowledge of the local marketplace makes him well-placed to advise on regional property deals. Georgiana Applegate and Matthew Jones are further names to note.
Practice head(s):
Jo Bewley
Other key lawyers:
Antonia Shield; Paul Engelbrecht; Georgiana Applegate; Matthew Jones
Key clients
Boultbee Brooks
Blockworks Group Limited
Clarkson Evans Holdings Limited
Edgegrange Properties Limited
Head Ruddy Limited
Warners Retail (South West) Limited
Swindon Borough Council
Swapsicle UK Limited
Sef Steakhouse
Work highlights
- Advised leading UK property developer Boultbee Brooks on the sale of the Lightbox Building for £7.5m.
- Advised Clarkson Evans Group on a refinance of two properties that formed part of a larger facility worth £12m.
- Supported Head Ruddy through two phases of a significant multi-million pound re-development, including a 10-year lease to Rubbertech 2000.
Harrison Clark Rickerbys
Trusted by a range of educational institutions for its capabilities in commercial property matters, the ‘knowledgeable’ practice at Harrison Clark Rickerbys is particularly well regarded for its offering in both education and real estate finance and education. Cheltenham real estate head Ben Thomas is well versed in asset management work, and is also noted for his focus on the retail sector. Mark Carter stands out for his secured lending expertise, while Morgan West is well-equipped to advise on real estate matters in the education sector.
Practice head(s):
Ben Thomas
Other key lawyers:
Marc Carter; Morgan West
Testimonials
‘Everyone we work with is knowledgeable, timely, efficient, and courteous.‘
Key clients
Bruton Knowles Property Consultants
Lloyds Bank Plc
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire
Countrywide Estate Agents
HSBC Bank Plc
Santander UK Plc
Hatchbury Limited
Farncombe Estates Limited
Gloucestershire College
Cheltine Limited
Wildmoor Property Group
Elmbridge Supplies UK Limited
Andy Loos
OutsideClinic Limited
Stone King LLP
‘Large enough to be reassuring and small enough to be personal‘, Stone King LLP acts across a broad range of commercial property matters for a core roster of charity, education, faith, and business clients. Practice head Caroline Taylor advises both charity and non-charity clients on issues such as site assembly and joint venture agreements. Joanne Burton leads the education property team, while Hugh Pearce brings his knowledge of ecclesiastical law to bear on his work across a number of Diocesan property portfolios.
Practice head(s):
Caroline Taylor
Other key lawyers:
Hugh Pearce; Joanne Burton; Tim Rutherford
Testimonials
‘Large enough to be reassuring and small enough to be collaborative and personal.’
‘ I have been immensely assured by the speed of support, competence and clear direction provided by Hugh Pearce.’
‘The workload is managed very carefully by a single partner, who then brings in the relevant expertise as required.’
‘I feel that we can throw anything their way.’
‘Hugh Pearce has good knowledge of what is relevant and what is not relevant.’
‘I have dealt with Caroline Taylor and Tim Rutherford, both of whom have given entirely satisfactory service and been extremely helpful.’
Key clients
North Lambeth Parish
Whitehill Chase Foundation
Royal Osteoporosis Society
Fairfield House CIC
Ormiston Academies Trust
Ivy Learning Trust
Bristol Diocese
Work highlights
- Advising Fairfield House CIC on a community asset transfer from the Local Council and Lease in order to protect the historic house of HIM Haile Selassie I.
- Advising on a series of academy conversions involving dealing with third party consents and a number of subleases of nurseries and pre-schools.
- Advising and supporting the Diocese across their property portfolio, including churches, glebe, parsonage, corporate and trust property, as well as advising on school sites.
Willans LLP
Regarded by clients as ‘second to none‘, Willans LLP‘s broad practice assists a predominantly regional client base with issues such as property portfolio upsizing and downsizing, and lease renewals. The team is also active on property finance, acting on both the borrower and lender side. Alasdair Garbutt assumed the mantle of head of real estate in January 2023; his diverse practice includes sales, acquisitions, and development transactions. Previous head Nigel Whittaker is trusted by a number of national charities to manage their property portfolios, while Charlotte Cowdell has a strong track record in retail acquisitions. Emma Thompson‘s expertise notably covers industrial land financing work. Thornton Allen left the practice in August 2022.
Practice head(s):
Alasdair Garbutt
Other key lawyers:
Nigel Whittaker; Charlotte Cowdell; Emma Thompson
Testimonials
‘The Willans team is second to none. I trust them implicitly to take care of all of my property matters. They are knowledgeable, quick and efficient.’
‘Nigel Whittaker is very knowledgeable and extremely approachable. No job is too big or too small. He speaks with authority and I completely trust his advice.’
Key clients
Sue Ryder
Moog Control Limited
Joden (Builders) Limited
Shelter
Joedan Manufacturing (UK) Ltd
Trinity Hospice Shops Limited
The Cheltenham Civic Society CIO
National Council of Young Men’s Christian Associates (Incorporated)
Crown House Developments Limited/Lansdowne Rodway Limited
Victim Support
Princess Alice Hospice
Work highlights
- Advised Moog Control Limited on an acquisition of premises circa £40m.
- Acting for Crown House Developments Limited/Lansdowne Rodway Limited on their transaction involving over 400,000 sq ft of industrial and office space.
- Advising national charity Shelter on all of its property situated in England and Wales.
Goughs Solicitors
Maintaining a balanced portfolio of work, the ‘competent and responsive’ team at Goughs Solicitors advises a mix of private and institutional lenders on acquisitions, disposals and landlord and tenant work. The real estate department is headed up by ‘first-class development solicitor’ Andrew Given, who specialises in strategic land acquisitions. Head of Commercial Property Gemma Sumsion works closely with a number of property investment portfolio clients. Aimee Glover is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Given; Gemma Sumsion
Other key lawyers:
Aimee Glover
Testimonials
‘I regularly deal with Andrew Given, both professionally and with personal legal matters. He always comes back to me when contacted and efficiently deals with all aspects of my legal requirements.’
‘Goughs have a great commercial property team with depth of experience and knowledge that is up there with much larger legal practices.’
‘Andrew Given is the outstanding partner in my view, and has built a great support team around him to enable direct and specific advice on all aspects of property law.’
Key clients
Redcliffe Homes Limited
Stonewood Partnerships Limited (now Stonewood Homes Limited)
Stonewood Homes Developments Limited (now Stonewood Homes Limited)
Whitecroft Developments Limited
Charlcombe Homes Limited
Princeton Homes Limited
Calibre Homes (SW) Limited
Loxton Land Limited
Development6 Limited
Colburn Homes Limited
Clayewater Homes Limited
Cadmus Rock Limited
Thomas Homes Limited
Chatleigh Limited
Chapter One Developments Limited
APS Homes
Tolnord Corporation
Oakhurst Court Holdings Limited
Bath Demolition Holdings Limited
Stonewood Builders Holdings Limited
Healthmatic Limited
Renelec Limited
Renelec Construction Limited
Corsham Town Council
OC Physio Limited
Total Connections 2009 Ltd
Work highlights
- Acting for Redcliffe Homes Limited in collaboration with Crest Nicholson in relation to a multiphased development of 1,000 dwellings in south Chippenham.
- Acting on behalf of The Bodyset as part of a rapid roll-out of approximately 72 clinics across the UK over the next three years.
- Acting for Total Connections on a major expansion in the form of the acquisition of new build leasehold offices in the South West.
Maitland Walker LLP
Maitland Walker LLP‘s varied case load includes acquisitions and disposals of hotels and public houses, agricultural property and land transactions and instructions concerning residential, commercial and mixed-use development sites. Practice co-chair Benjamin Slade has a strong focus on assisting businesses operating multiple gaming and leisure sites. Fellow co-head Hilary Coles is well versed in matters concerning rural properties and agri-related businesses.
Practice head(s):
Benjamin Slade; Hilary Coles
Other key lawyers:
Becky Loud
Testimonials
‘Great knowledge on all aspects of house sales, evictions, and court claims.’
‘Ben Slade is remarkable.’
Key clients
Mjolnir Property Co Limited – Formation
Ilton Estates Limited/ Dunn’s Motors Limited
Downs Farm Limited/Green Waste Company
PPN Taverns Limited/ Gamehouse Limited
Abbey Estates Property Company (Alperton) Limited
Singer Instruments Limited
Work highlights
- Handling general estate management of circa. 250 freehold and leasehold commercial property high street units around the UK.
- Advising client on the sale of land in the southwest for development of 50+ residential housing units.
- Providing Ilton Estates Limited with general estate management advice on its commercial letting estate in Somerset.
Porter Dodson LLP
Praised for ‘always going above and beyond’, Porter Dodson LLP notably acts for residential developers and regional GP partnerships - especially in Somerset - handling a range of secured lending mandates. The unit is also increasingly instructed on solar development and renewables projects. Taunton-based Ben Hingley, who spearheads the practice, is noted for his focus on the protection of landowners through the use of overage agreements. Commercial landlord and tenant specialist Victoria Walker, secured lending expert Louise Sanders, and Steve Farnham, who specialises in strategic land development matters, are also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Ben Hingley
Other key lawyers:
Victoria Walker; Louise Sanders; Steve Farnham; Emma Starr; Gemma Lindegaard
Testimonials
‘I have always found the practice very professional and helpful with all my requirements.’
‘Ben Hingley has helped me with advice on land transfers and land sales and personal legalities over many years and has always had a very professional and understanding manner.’
‘The team always go above and beyond to help. Everything is dealt with promptly, and we are always kept updated throughout any process.’
‘We mainly deal with Gemma Lindegaard for all our enquiries. Gemma is absolutely fantastic, always available to help, whether it’s via phone or email.’
‘Considerable experience of roll-outs in England and Wales and of the trade counter sector in general.’
‘Louise Sanders and Victoria Walker work well as a team, both are prepared to discuss issues with the other side’s advisor. Able to focus early on key requirements.’
‘Very personal and all have a good knowledge of my business requirements.’
Key clients
Vi-Spring Limited
The Whitefeather Coffee Company Limited
And So To Bed
Toolstation Limited
Minehead Medical Centre
Wells City Practice
Hendford Lodge Medical Centre
Hillcroft Surgery Supplies Limited
Trustees of the Camel Pension Fund
Levers Estates Limited
Sherborne Castle Estates
Work highlights
- Advised Vi-Spring Limited on the acquisition of their first standalone store globally in Regent Street, London.
- Advises Minehead Medical Centre on its innovative conversion from a partnership to an employee ownership trust.
RWK Goodman
RWK Goodman‘s commercial property practice handles a wide range of transactional real estate matters for regional and national clients operating across an array of sectors; health and social care and leisure and hospitality stand out as two recent area of focus for the team. ‘Excellent lawyer‘ Richard Roth, who leads the Bath-based team, is particularly active on mandates concerning high-value London properties. Paul Daniels is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Richard Roth
Other key lawyers:
Paul Daniels
Testimonials
‘Very good conveyancing team and business advisors.’
‘Richard Roth is an excellent lawyer, giving a first class service and deals with matters promptly and efficiently.’
‘Practice is very efficient and work as a team.’
Key clients
Orega (Management) Limited
Arena 1865 Limited/Bath Rugby Limited
Maybrook Properties Limited
Selina Hospitality plc
Jones Lang LaSalle Limited
Hydrock Group
Boston Tea Party Limited
Portobello Starboard Limited
Monopro Limited
Tobacco Dock Venue Limited
Work highlights
- Continuing to advise Orega on various flexible office matters using both lease and management agreement structures as part of its continued expansion.
- Advising Portobello Starboard, a fast-growing freehold managed pubs business, in its acquisition of pubs across London and the South of England.
- Acting for the Selina hotel group in connection with its UK-wide expansion programme of hotels.
Wansbroughs
With specialisations in the healthcare, landed estates, renewables and development sectors, Wansbroughs handles a range of property work with major sale agreements for residential development land standing out as a recent area of activity. ‘Exceptional property lawyer' Neil Patterson leads the Devizes-based team; his land development expertise extends to options and promotions agreements. Jonathan Bruton frequently advises landed estates on property matters, including mining requirements, while Christopher Ware is handling a growing number of instructions related to pubs. Laura Ingram Hill left the firm in December 2022.
Practice head(s):
Neil Patterson
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Bruton; Christopher Ware
Testimonials
‘Jonathan Bruton has always given a first-class service over ten years working together. He is thorough, helpful, reliable and straightforward, which I really appreciate.’
‘The team always deal with us in a professional, pragmatic way. The advice offered is relevant, and we are always made to feel valued.’
‘Neil Patterson and Alasdair Fitzpatrick regularly deal with our property matters in a timely way and deliver on what they promise to a high standard.’
‘Neil Patterson is an exceptional property lawyer. His attention to detail on residential property promotional agreements and sales is strong. He deals with them using common sense.’