Construction in East Anglia

Archor

In Colchester, specialist construction firm Archor houses a deep bench of experienced talent, among them practice head Andrew Rush, head of dispute resolution Ruth Kavanagh and Rory Abel, who leads on the non-contentious side of the practice. ‘Their lawyers are speedy and efficient‘, remarks one client, while another notes that the firm is ‘a really vibrant and diverse business‘. Oli Worth and Carolyn Porter are also highly recommended. Rush and Kananagh recent assisted Click Group with a Freezing Order issued by eleven claimants without notice.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Rush; Ruth Kavanagh; Rory Abel


Other key lawyers:

Carolyn Porter; Oli Worth; Adam Brown


Testimonials

‘Their knowledge of the sector is excellent. Their lawyers are speedy and efficient, great with my client referrals, so I feel they are in safe hands.’

‘Rory Abel provides great client service, and a really nice lawyer to deal with. He is great at making commercial decisions for clients.

‘Archor are a really vibrant and diverse business to work with.’

Key clients

Hub Residential


Frontier Estates


Dunmoore Group


Big Sky Living


Higgins Partnerships 1961 PLC


Watches of Switzerland


A J Morrisroe & Sons


John Henry Group


McGee Civil Engineering Limited


VolkerFitzpatrick Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for Click Group and associated companies in defeating two High Court freezing orders issued by eleven claimants without notice to the clients, and managing claims in relation to the remaining order including responding to and bringing multiple interim applications.
  • Advising Hub Residential on a number of projects across England and Scotland, including the construction elements of the forward funding agreement and construction documents relating to a private rental development of two tower blocks of 26 and 31 storeys delivering 488 new homes.
  • Advising Frontier Estates on healthcare and residential projects, including the construction elements of a 73 bed care home in Royston including the agreement for lease and funding agreement as well as traditional construction contracts and related documentation.

Birketts LLP

The practice at Birketts LLP is ‘helpful and knowledgeable' when it comes to development funding, renewables, and social housing issues. Stefan Harris-Wright, who leads the practice from Cambridge, recently advised Kingsland Leisure Centre and Community Wellbeing Hub on a £25m public sector construction project for community facilities in Houghton Regis. Catherine Andrews in Ipswich is skilled in handling adjudication proceedings, and legal director Patrick Cooney in Cambridge is ‘efficient and reliable, and provides highly trustworthy advice‘. Also in Cambridge, senior associate Katrina Bretten stands out for her knowledge of non-contentious matters.

Practice head(s):

Stefan Harris-Wright


Other key lawyers:

Catherine Andrews; Patrick Cooney; Katrina Bretten; Emma Chiaramello


Testimonials

‘Patrick Cooney is efficient and reliable, provides highly trustworthy advice, and is well measured and appropriate.’

‘The team adopts a professional approach at all times and offer added value and we have always been happy with the services provided.’

‘All representatives are helpful and knowledgeable, offering expert responses and advice. In particular I have been impressed by the service experienced by Catherine Andrews.’

‘We primarily work with Emma Chiaramello who provides us with fantastic support on our construction contracts and any dispute resolutions.’

‘A great level of construction experience.’

‘Collaborative business structure which supplements our core team. Birketts offer multiple discipline expertise. Calm approach to resolving disputes with third parties.’

Key clients

Concertus Design and Property Consultants Limited


The Churchmanor Estates Company Plc


Ciel Laystall Limited


TCS Screeding Limited


Private residential employer


Troy Central Limited


This Land Development Limited


Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust


O&H (Grafton 2) Limited


Milton Nutt and Robert Wheatley


Grovemere Property Limited


Orbit Group Limited


Oxford Instruments Nanotechnology Tools Limited


T&B Contractors Limited


Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

The Cambridge office of Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is central to the firm’s national construction practice, and is home to Dominic Lacey, who is head of the firm’s international transport group and also handles major transactions for senior living providers. The team consists of ‘excellent technical lawyers with a can-do attitude‘. Key partner Tom Douglas, who handles transactional construction matters and is ‘unshakeable, methodical and a delight to work with‘, and senior associate Emma Raspin recently acted for Signature Senior Living in the development of numerous luxury care and nursing homes. Senior associate Joanne Naylor handles disputes and complex infrastructure projects.

Practice head(s):

Dominic Lacey


Other key lawyers:

Tom Douglas; Emma Raspin; Joanne Naylor


Testimonials

‘I find them approachable and practical in their advice with the ability to pull in wider experience if necessary.’

‘Excellent technical lawyers with a can-do attitude. Wider understanding of a client’s objectives and approach to business.’

‘Tom Douglas is a stand-out construction partner who delivers time and time again. Unshakeable, methodical and a delight to work with.’

Key clients

Signature Senior Living


Cross Keys Homes


Inspired Villages


Sun Venture


Midland Expressway Limited


Audley Group


Transport for London


Network Rail


CyrusOne


Legal and General


National Highways


Mace Develop Limited


Greater London Authority


Persimmon


Mills & Reeve LLP

Mills & Reeve LLP has a deep bench of construction lawyers in Cambridge, who ‘try to resolve matters in a cost-effective, practical and collaborative fashion‘. The firm frequently acts for major developers, among them Urban&Civic. ‘His expertise is invaluable‘, say clients of Stuart Thompson, who leads the practice with newly promoted partner Alexandra Pike (who is ‘sensible, commercial, considered and calming‘). Principal associate Ed Freeman , who joined from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, ‘always watches your back and keeps clients on their toes!‘ Principal associate Emma Nash, who shows ‘absolute dedication and loyalty to the client‘, and associate Lauren Michaelides also play central roles in the practice.

Practice head(s):

Stuart Thompson; Alexandra Pike


Other key lawyers:

Dominic Jones; Ed Freeman; Emma Nash; Lauren Michaelides; Dominic Taylor


Testimonials

‘Alex Pike and her team are my first call whenever I have any thorny issues. They are the ones who help me sleep at night knowing we are doing the right things.’

‘Alexandra Pike – My first call, always. Sensible, commercial, considered. Calming, and always available. Our rock. Edward Freeman – He somehow knows exactly how to calm us when we are concerned. My team rely in Ed so much. A skill I value about all else.’

‘The team took the time to integrate with our Projects team and have become a key advisor. Taking time to understand our issues and work collaboratively on solutions rather than simply giving dry legal advice.’

‘Dominic Taylor has stayed the course with us producing high quality work, to tight timescales, whilst remaining friendly approachable throughout. The expertise of Stuart Thompson has also been invaluable.’

‘There are a few things that stand out: – they are available, so that when you need them they are there. Even at short notice – they are responsive – generally speaking turnaround times are really quick and matters are addressed with urgency – they are commercial – they will try to resolve matters in a cost-effective, practical and collaborative fashion.’

‘I work with Stuart Thompson mainly. He is smart, responsive, witty – and all round a great person to work with. In fact it doesn’t feel like work at all most of the time. He is my go to man on all building/construction contract related issues and finds ways through whatever the issue. He is ably assisted by Ed Freeman and whenever instructed I know that I will receive sensible, clear, articulate, and commercial advice in a timely manner. They are a pleasure to deal with.’

‘They have broad and extensive knowledge, they are easy to work with and understand what their clients require of them.’

‘They are very personable yet professional. They have creative ideas and always look for outcomes in your best interests but equally pragmatic solutions that are achievable not impossible.’

Key clients

Urban&Civic plc


Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


Marshall Group


DEFRA (The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)


Wallace Estate


John Innes Centre


Railpen


British Medical Association


Solenis Group


Kingston University


Somerset (County) Council


University of Cambridge Estates Management


Jewish Care


The Trustees of the Alexander Trust


Work highlights


  • Advised Urban&Civic plc across their development sites at Alconbury Weald, Corby, Middlebeck Newark, Wintringham, Waterbeach Barracks, Houlton Rugby, Baldock and Manydown. We also work with the client at their Hinxton site, which involves the development of genetic research centres for genomics and biodata research that houses the internationally significant Wellcome Genome Campus.
  • Advised Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation on the development of the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, a new world-class hospital, to be built at the current Addenbrooke’s site. Advising on the interface between the various stakeholders including the National Hospitals Programme and preparing draft bespoke contracts to meet the various requirements.
  • Working with DEFRA on a £2.5bn complex capital works project for a regeneration and redevelopment of APHA sites nationally and, in particular, DEFRA’s Weybridge site which houses its specialist research and diagnostic laboratory facilities. Weybridge is a flagship site for the UK government as it is the UK government’s primary capability for animal health science.

Greene & Greene

Greene & Greene in Bury St Edmunds is ‘very professional' when advising a broad range of clients, including funders, developers, contractors, sub-contractors and other stakeholders. Specialist construction partner Sarah Western is known for her 'considerable legal expertise and commitment, and her focused and skilled approach'. Western works closely with litigators Rob Adam and Michael Batty, and residential and commercial development specialist Hugo Greer-Walker. Associate Anna Britland handles public procurement and state aid matters.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Western; Rob Adam; Michael Batty; Hugo Greer-Walker


Other key lawyers:

Anna Britland


Testimonials

‘Greene & Greene are quick to grasp the complexity of the dispute and form a clear path of engagement. Very impressed with the effort, speed and knowledge that they bring to matters.’

‘Sarah Western was excellent in identifying the key elements and then directing her considerable legal expertise and commitment towards her arguments on these elements. This focused and skilled approach was critical to achieving the results we sought.’

‘Great team, hardworking, very passionate.’

‘Rob Adam is a star lawyer.’

‘Very professional providing confidence and assurance matters will be dealt with efficient and thoroughly.’

‘Sarah Western was fantastic, thoroughly and robustly protecting our position with a very positive outcome.’

‘Excellent visible, local profile. Extremely knowledgeable in their field of expertise.’

‘Sarah Western is very professional. Accessible to clients at all times. Goes the extra mile.’

Greenwoods Legal

Greenwoods Legal houses a 'uniquely dedicated team that is passionate', regularly assisting clients with building fire safety issues, forward funding agreements, and overseas projects. Dividing her time between Cambridge and Peterborough, practice head Lorna Carter is known for providing ‘personal and friendly service'. Carter recently assisted Howard Developments Limited with the development of a new urban innovation district just outside Cambridge. Associate Sarah Lidgett is recommended for her knowledge of construction litigation and adjudication. London-based partner Howard Crossman works closely with the East Anglia team and is a key adviser to large construction and engineering consultancies.

Practice head(s):

Lorna Carter; Howard Crossman


Other key lawyers:

Sarah Lidgett


Testimonials

‘I have worked with the construction law department of Greenwoods for over 10 years. They are my first port of call when we have clients who require legal advice.’

‘It is the very personal and friendly service provided by Lorna Carter and her team that make Greenwoods unique in my experience over many years.’

‘Personal and friendly service by Lorna Carter and her team, service always provided in a professional and timely way.’

‘Lorna Carter provides excellent service. Always listens to the wants and needs and provides solutions.’

‘Highly knowledgeable in the construction contracts management industry. Prompt and efficient.’

‘A uniquely dedicated team who is passionate about the work they offer, very punctual and resourceful.’

‘We value the team’s ability to cover a wide range of issues, from construction disputes to property, company law and data protection matters.’

‘We work with Lorna Carter whose extensive experience of the construction industry, and contribution to our work on standards in the industry, are very valuable to us.’

Key clients

Howard Developments Ltd


Clark-Drain Limited


Studio Ashby


HCR Hewitsons

HCR Hewitsons‘s practice frequently advises on large-scale developments, and projects procured via the public procurement regime. Practice head Colin Jones is a key adviser to developers, contractors, and consultants, manufacturers across the UK. Jones works closely with associate Sardeep Gill, with both handling the negotiation of construction contracts and settlements, as well as resolving disputes through litigation, adjudication, and arbitration. Gill recently led a team advising developers on multimillion-pound residential accommodation projects in Brighton and Haverhill.

Practice head(s):

Colin Jones


Other key lawyers:

Sardeep Gill


JG Poole & Co. LLP

JG Poole & Co. LLP‘s construction, public procurement, subsidy control and real estate investment practice is praised by clients for its 'pragmatic approach to problem solving that is always to a very high standard'. The Ely based practice assists education and public sector clients with large and complex construction projects. Practice head Katherine Souter is a qualified NEC3 project manager with ECC Project Manager Accreditation. ‘Approachable, responsive and friendly‘ legal director Robert Weatherley, who has a niche specialism in Chinese law, frequently assists Knapp UK Limited with design and installation contracts.

Practice head(s):

Katherine Souter


Other key lawyers:

Robert Weatherley


Testimonials

‘Clear and concise advice that is relevant to specific areas of concern, always being addressed professionally with quick response times.’

‘Friendly and with a good sense of humour, pragmatic approach and problem solving is always to a very high standard.’

‘JG Poole are especially adept at contract review and negotiation.’

Key clients

Knapp UK Limited


Architectus Limited


MCW Architects


Floorspan Contracts Limited


Belmont School


University of York


The Wigley Group


Wigley Building and Development Limited


University of East Anglia


Newcore Investments


London Metropolitan University


University of Hertfordshire


Harper Adams University


University of Essex


Canterbury Christ Church University


University of Cambridge


Cadman Construction Ltd


Birmingham City University


Epsom College


Howes Percival LLP

The practice at Howes Percival LLP  assists an impressive client base of commercial developers, institutional lenders, contractors and consultants. The key lawyer is director Simon Franklin in Cambridge, who handles both both contentious and non-contentious construction matters. Franklin recently assisted The Property Investor Partnership Limited in its capacity as security trustee in the financing of high-value developments.

Practice head(s):

Simon Franklin


Key clients

The Property Investor Partnership Limited


Westmoreland Investments Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised The Property Investor Partnership Limited on the due diligence of various investments.
  • Advised Westmoreland Investments Limited on construction security.

Prettys Solicitors LLP

Prettys Solicitors LLP joins the ranking this year for the quality of its work on both contentious construction matters, including disputes arising from defective designs. The firm houses a ‘highly intelligent team that thinks things through properly and understands its clients’. Practice head Peter Blake predominantly handles construction disputes, though he also advises on the drafting and negotiation of contracts. Blake and litigation associate Michael Booth exhibit ‘strong legal and client understanding combined with a keen work ethic’.

Practice head(s):

Peter Blake


Other key lawyers:

Michael Booth; Liam Hendry


Testimonials

‘Highly intelligent team that thinks things through properly. They understand their clients.’

‘Peter Blake and Michael Booth are an excellent team, with complimentary skills. Strong legal and client understanding combined with a keen work ethic.’

‘In my dealings with Prettys, they have always shown a willingness to consider and propose different options to resolve the matter at hand and provide both details of costs and risks involved early on in the discussions.’

‘My work with Liam Hendry has always been notable by the clear communication and willingness to consider the merits of alternative means to achieve resolution.’

‘The construction team at Prettys is knowledgable and experienced of construction related legal and contractual matters. However, they are not driven by legal arguments alone having an excellent problem solving and practical approach to resolution of disputes.’

‘Their in-depth knowledge of construction related legal matters combined with their practical problem solving approach to dispute resolution provides an excellent all round service.’

‘Prettys has a team of expert lawyers who have a wealth of experience across a variety of practice areas. They take the time to understand your situation and are responsive, transparent and are committed to building long-lasting relationships. We have used Prettys for half a decade for all our legal needs.’

‘We have used Pretty’s on and off over the last 8 years. We were recently involved in a large land transaction/refinance for which Pretty’s advised and we were exceptionally pleased with the overall level of service from top to bottom. The control of the multiple moving parts involving various different areas of the law was seamless and allowed us to focus on our business rather than worrying about who was coordinating what.’

Roythornes Solicitors

Roythornes Solicitors offers clients 'true construction expertise and skills', frequently advising on contractual matters and representing contractors and systems integrators in matter concerning automated order fulfilment centres in UK and Northern Europe. The group also assists housebuilders and clients in the food and agriculture sectors. In Alconbury, Alex Forster  handles a variety of disputes, and Martin Jinks recently assisted Naylor Nutrition Group Ltd with the design and construction of a new plant.

Practice head(s):

Martin Jinks; Alex Forster


Testimonials

‘Roythornes offer true construction expertise and skills. They can handle the range of construction dispute resolution process, including adjudication and arbitration.’

‘Alex Forster has risen quickly through the ranks. He is energetic, hard working and intelligent.’

‘Small but perfectly formed team, where the individuals collaborate and provide commercial, efficient and robust advice.’

‘Alex Forster is excellent across construction and commercial litigation. He is a rising star who works incredibly hard, is robust, careful and commercial in his approach and a tenacious fighter.’

‘Taking a practical approach to construction contracts to ensure both parties are catered for without over complicating the process.’

Key clients

Allison Homes Norfolk and Suffolk Ltd


AMH Life Services Limited


Arctica Limited


Carey Group


CS2 Limited


The Curious Vegan Company Limited


Dyson Farming Ltd


Exotec Logistics Ltd


Flagship Housing Group Ltd


Frontier Agriculture Ltd


Gilbert & Goode Ltd


Invar Integration Ltd


Invar Integration Europe BV


Invar Systems Ltd


KDH Projects Ltd


Kirkgate Retail Ltd


LAC Conveyors Systems Ltd


Lafford Homes Ltd


Moy Park Ltd


Mundhi Limited


Naylor Nutrition Group Ltd


Navara Oat Milling Ltd


Owl Homes Ltd


Pigeon Ltd


Piper Homes PLC


RHD Homes Ltd


S&W Process Engineering Ltd


Sleaford Property Developments Ltd


Springfields Housing Association


TGW Limited


TGW Iberica Sistemas Logisticos SLU


TGW Systems BV


TGW Scandinavia AB


Tilia Homes Ltd


Trustees of Adeane Bawdsey Settlement


Washroom-Washroom Ltd


Walsall Housing Group Ltd


Wildmore Poultry Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for Naylor Nutrition Group Ltd (and associated companies) in relation to the construction aspects of a new €35M investment, a 2,500m² plant in a new eco-friendly factory for the extraction of protein from brassica at its Low Fulney Farm in Rangall Gate, Spalding. The new factory will be built during 2023.
  • Acted for the main systems integrator, TGW Ltd, in relation to its €65M construction contract for the materials handling automation as part of ICA Gruppen’s SEK1.8B development of its new logistics centre at Vasteras in Sweden.
  • Acted for developer Flagship Housing Developments Ltd in relation to its £6.5M design and build contract with Burmor Construction Ltd for the construction of 40 residential houses in Chalk Lane , Narborough.