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Corporate tax in East Anglia

Birketts LLP

Birketts LLP has a specialist corporate tax practice that is 'fast in response, concise and up to the point in explanation, and conscious of saving clients costs'. The firm is known for its work on structuring and transactional tax matters, strategic land development, employee incentives, employee ownership trusts, SEED and EIS investment schemes. It is also a key tax adviser to the region's farming community. In Norwich, head of corporate tax Karl Pocock (who is ' superb, attentive and personable') and associate Ben Clarke (who is ' a delight to work with') are the main contacts. They advised Notcutts Garden Centres on the tax aspects of its sale and purchase agreement as part of its expansion in Cambridgeshire. In Ipswich, head of employee incentives Lisa Hayward is highly recommended.

Practice head(s):

Karl Pocock; Lisa Hayward


Other key lawyers:

Ben Clarke


Testimonials

‘Ben Clarke has been excellent to work with. He has skillfully navigated us through what was not a straightforward application. Ben is a delight to work with and we would highly recommend him.’

‘The team knows what they are doing, fast in response, always confirming what’s discussed in writing with attention to details, concise and up to the point in explanation, and conscious of saving clients costs effectiveness.’

‘Karl Pocock provided clear advice throughout  – he is a standout lawyer, providing concise and easy-to-understand advice orally and in writing, dissecting issues in precise and logical language with clarity. Technically, Karl is superb, attentive, and personable too.’

Key clients

Notcutts Garden Centres Limited


Shareholders of Specialist Marine Consultants Limited


Atalian Servest


Shareholders of Murfitts Group


SDI Group plc


Owl Barn Limited


Shareholders of Omega Ingredients


Chestnut


Potter Raper Limited


Shareholders of Agar Scientific


Work highlights


  • Advising the shareholders on the sale of Murfitts Group to European Tyre Enterprise Limited.
  • Advised construction consultancy firm Potter Raper Limited in relation to the sale of 100% of the ordinary share capital into an employee ownership trust (EOT), providing a succession plan for the selling shareholders.
  • Acted on behalf of Atalian Servest on the acquisition of the Incentive FM group of companies.

Mills & Reeve LLP

Mills & Reeve LLP's dedicated corporate tax practice has 'great technical knowledge and is responsive to client requests'. Newly promoted partner Matthew Short in Norwich focuses predominantly on real estate tax and charity tax matters. His recent work includes acting for Kadans Science Partner on tax structuring aspects of its purchase of 18-20 Tileyard Road, London, adding to assets on Brandon Road and increasing Kadans’ footprint in The Knowledge Quarter London. Also in Norwich, principal associate John Kahn frequently leads on client matters and he recently advised The Lee Company, Inc. on tax aspects of its acquisition of the issued share capital of TTP Ventus Limited. Consultant Robert Kent  in Cambridge has extensive expertise in corporate transactions, particularly concerning issues of UK tax law. He assisted Midwich Group plc  with its £27.5m acquisition of Nimans Limited.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Short


Other key lawyers:

Robert Kent; John Kahn


Testimonials

‘Great technical knowledge and responsive to client requests.’

‘Good understanding of the issues and willingness to listen to the client’s issues. We worked with John Kahn on tax issues and he had good knowledge and communication skills.’

‘The tax team gave clear advice on a complex matter involving a land transfer as a going concern.’

‘Matt Short gave clear advice given on a complex matter resulting in a six figure saving on VAT. He stood alone against other professionals and his view was vindicated by HMRC agreeing with it.’

‘Very high quality of interactions with the client.’

‘Quick to grasp the issues from the client’s point of view. Brilliantly clear: able to explain complex matters in straightforward terms. Stand-out for us was John Kahn.’

Key clients

Floreat Real Estate


Lendlease


Railpen RPMI


Urban & Civic plc


Trinity College, Cambridge


Royal Mail Pension Plan (on instructions of LaSalle Investment Management)


Oxford University Endowment Management


Fidelity UK Real Estate Fund


The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)


Exeter College, Oxford