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Commercial property: Nottingham and Derby

Headed by Caroline Green, Browne Jacobson LLP acts for luxury-brand household names and value retailers, among other clients. In 2011, the firm acted for different buyers of four properties on New Bond Street, including properties owned by Louis Vuitton and Dior.

The ‘exceptional’ team at Freeth Cartwright LLP delivers ‘all that is expected in terms of quality of work, coupled with outstanding availability in a range of high-pressure negotiating situations’. Ian Rowson and Chris Holwell are recommended, and Richard Osborn gives a ‘first-class response’. Guy Winfield (in Nottingham) and Heather Davies (in Derby) were both promoted to partner in 2011. Clients include various food retailers and The Money Shop, on the retail side, along with Bloor Homes, Lafarge, and Blueprint.

Shoosmiths’ active clients include Alliance Boots, Highcross and WH Smith. Department head David Morley advises Alliance Boots across a range of matters, and in 2011 handled the negotiations and documentation in relation to the leasehold of a 190,000 sq ft warehouse at Corby. Matthew Kenwood ‘always concludes matters in a timely fashion’.

The ‘responsive and commercially astute’ team at Eversheds LLP is growing at senior associate level, and has notable strength on the development side. In one highlight, a team led by Brendan Walsh advised Wilson Bowden on the acquisition of a 30-hectare site in Glenfield, a £100m deal with complex infrastructure aspects. Stephen Hill joined in 2011.

Flint Bishop LLP is particularly active for large commercial developers such as Bowmer & Kirkland. Highlights included advising Clowes Developments on a £70m deal involving a lease to Marks & Spencer, and a separate £35m letting and sale to The Co-operative. Ian Beardmore, John Taylor, Ran Oren, Heather Dixon and Beverley Simms ‘understand client requirements’.

The team at Gateley was boosted by the arrival of commercial development expert Adam Youatt from Shakespeares, bringing new clients such as MedicX, Bildurn Properties, Custodian Capital and Bournston. The firm recently advised a developer in relation to a 212-acre site in Bolton. Alex Smith ‘has a can-do attitude’, and associate Elly Duggins ‘is able to explain situations in simple terms’.

Geldards LLP has seen an increase in work on the development front. In 2011, it acted on the letting of the E.ON building in Nottingham, and handled a significant letting for Speedo. It also undertakes retail work for Tesco and Pizza Hut.

Actons’ Peter Flowerday has ‘a broad spectrum of knowledge’, and Amanda Gordon is ‘responsive and friendly’. In 2011, a team involving Flowerday and Susan Lawson provided support to a corporate client in the leisure industry on a private equity investment involving 25 private investors.

BHW Commercial Solicitors’ Kate Chorley ‘never fails to impress with her commitment’. The team handles a range of acquisitions and re-gearing projects.

Fraser Brown’s seven-partner property department is the firm’s backbone. In 2011, a team led by Joanna Ellis and Graham Green advised Ultimate Estates on the high-profile development of Castle Marina in Nottingham. Green was also active on the intricate sale of a 55-acre industrial development for BGL Landfill.

Nelsons Solicitors Limited advises on major refinancing projects and industrial property acquisitions, as well as handling landlord and tenant work. In 2011, Stephen Irish exchanged option agreements in relation to proposed major residential developments across the region.

The ‘solid and dependable’ team at Rothera Dowson is led by Tom Redgate and Amanda Redgate, who are ‘tenacious and have an eye for detail’. The firm advises Southwell and Nottingham Diocesan Board of Finance in connection with transactions requiring ecclesiastical church property expertise.

Roythornes LLP is a ‘ten-out-of-ten’ firm for property matters. Andrew Czajka and Fran Muldoon head up the team, which has strong local ties.

At Shakespeares, Julie Pope advised Rossendale Borough Council in relation to the £2.1m purchase of the Valley Shopping Centre at Rawtenstall. Other clients include The Pub People Company, and Future Health Technologies. The practice was boosted by the firm’s merger with specialist property firm Wood Glaister Solicitors.

Smith Partnership carries out volume pub transactions, and volume lease work. Jason Wood is now the team head, with Peter Smith now in a part-time role.

Commercial property: Elsewhere in the East Midlands

Freeth Cartwright LLP is widely reputed for its ‘calibre’. Richard Osborn and Sophie Philippon-Thomas are the main contacts in a team which provides ‘high-quality service and good value for money’.

Gateley has an impressive client base including commercial developers and major lenders. Michael Park, Craig Mitchell, and Colin Gittus are key figures in the Leicester team, which saw some notable client wins in 2011, joining existing clients HSBC, GB Oils and Carlsberg.

In 2011, Harvey Ingram LLP enjoyed some significant successes in the retail sector, winning appointment to the Subway panel and reappointment as adviser to Vision Express. The team completed some 24 acquisitions for Domino’s Pizza, and 15 acquisitions for Paperchase Products. Caroline Smith, Richard Miller, Gordon Arthur and Phillip Lane are all highly recommended. In 2011, the firm recruited senior associate Darren Smith from Geldards LLP.

At the ‘first-class’ Hewitsons LLP, Claire Howard ‘wins the absolute trust of the client’. The firm’s client base includes retail organisations, local authorities and charities. In 2011, Howard acted for Croudace Homes on the acquisition of a 42-unit site in Oxfordshire, and joined forces with practice head Tim Richards to assist Cambridge City Council in relation to the construction of affordable units.

Howes Percival LLP supplemented its strength in commercial and residential development with the recruitment of Lucy Lord, whose Northampton client base includes Tresham College. The team ‘provides value for money and expertise’. Team head John Herd and Nick James are highly regarded.

Spearing Waite LLP’s team is led by Tom Bower, who ‘transacts work efficiently, with the minimum of fuss’. He recently acted for a developer client in the £17m sale of a brown field site development. Richard Wyvill is noted for his specialism in shopping centre leasing matters. Clients include Jelson and GAE Smith Holdings.

Nelsons Solicitors Limited’s three-partner team is led by the ‘practical and pragmatic’ James Coningsby. The team handled approximately £105m of deals regionwide in 2011.

Roythornes LLP acts on sales and purchases of rural and agricultural land for development.

Wilkin Chapman LLP ‘has the strength in depth to handle complex matters’. Ruth Brewin, noted for her ‘strength in development land work’, recently advised Cray Valley on a £5m disposal of assets to Arkema.

Chattertons’ Stuart Cox acts for clients such as Gleeson Developments plc and Blue Anchor Leisure. In 2011, Spalding-based Chris O’Donoghue acted for Boston College in a joint venture for an £8m redevelopment.

The ‘impressive and consistent’ team at Langleys Solicitors LLP advises on acquisitions and disposals. Peter Horner gives ‘prompt, practical advice’.

Marrons is ‘flexible, approachable and practical’. Kevin Sumner and Simon Stanion have ‘a broad knowledge of property law and procedure’. The firm acts for private developers and landowners.

Construction

Browne Jacobson LLP’s construction capability was boosted in 2011 by the arrival of Tim Claremont from Hogan Lovells International LLP. Claremont – who joins a team that includes the ‘practical, down-to-earth, and approachable’ Peter Westlake – won some significant instructions in 2011, including a $333m High Court claim brought against client Golder, involving complex issues under both English and Panamanian law. The team is praised for its ‘early identification and management of risk and responsibilities, and alignment of expectation’.

Freeth Cartwright LLP’s ‘service is excellent, with advice always appropriate and solution focused’. Numerous lawyers from this firm attract praise; team head Guy Berwick is ‘extremely knowledgeable and practical on all matters of construction’; Amy Morley is ‘efficient, client focused, and personable’; and John Kelly has ‘a practical understanding of construction issues’. Clients include Mansell, Balfour Beatty Gleeds, J N Bentley Limited, and Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

Geldards LLP’s Andrew Poyner leads a team which acts as construction and engineering counsel to Miller Argent (South Wales).

Martin Jones heads the construction team at Harvey Ingram LLP, which has won new instructions from contractors such as Winvic and Hallams, as well as from RBS and HSBC. In 2011, it advised a national contractor in relation to a £30m Olympic contract.

Eversheds LLP structures its construction offering along national lines, with strength in London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Cardiff. Rebecca Warden has experience in major renewables deals in the region.

Russell Deards now heads the department at Flint Bishop LLP, following the departure of Thomas Jacobs. The firm is instructed by commercial developers and education and health authorities in respect of both contentious and non-contentious matters. Clowes Developments is a key client.

Nelsons Solicitors Limited’s clients include contractors, specialist subcontractors, and medium-sized developers. The firm is instructed by RBS in relation to healthcare projects. Its Derby-based construction insolvency practice was instructed by RSM Tenon in relation to claims of over £1m.

Shakespeares’ Richard Brackenbury advises medium-sized developers and contractors on contentious issues. Brackenbury also conducts adjudications, and has expertise in insolvency aspects of developments.

Gateley’s senior associate Alex Smith advised NatWest on the conversion of its Nottingham office, and also in relation to the new-build development of student accommodation.

Pam Allardice is the key figure at Howes Percival LLP. Much of the department’s work is non-contentious. New clients include Raynsway Estates and Christchurch Court.

Environment

Browne Jacobson LLP’s environment team is headed by Richard Barlow, who is ‘always down to earth and approachable, and finds innovative solutions’. His team is notable for its nature conservation work, and acts for a number of statutory conservation advisers. In one recent highlight, the firm was instructed by Bassetlaw DC in an odour nuisance action, which may result in new environmental permit conditions.

Eversheds LLP’s team includes Nottingham-based senior associate Louise Howarth, who combines with both Elizabeth Shepherd on the non-contentious side and David Young in contentious matters.

Freeth Cartwright LLP’s Chris Waumsley has notable expertise in the development of brownfield sites and environmental impact assessment.

The ‘extremely professional and knowledgeable’ group at Marrons includes Emma Tattersdill, a ‘first-class lawyer with a superb depth of knowledge’. The team’s expertise includes advising on the waste licences required for the breaking up and recycling of military aircraft.

Hewitsons LLP’s Deborah Sharples ‘conveys gravitas’. Although she is based in Cambridge, she handles some environmental work in Northampton, for clients such as Stuart Davis Limited.

Roythornes LLP has expertise in mineral extraction.

Planning

Eversheds LLP ‘stands out for its use of plain English and quality of advice. There is excellent knowledge, and always somebody available to deal with emergencies swiftly’. Stuart Andrews heads the team, which is increasing its renewables and alternative energy portfolio. In one highlight, Andrews led on the redevelopment of the former RAF Uxbridge site, a matter involving a complex s106 agreement as well as extensive negotiations with Hillingdon Borough Council and the Secretary of State for Defence. Other clients include RWE NPower Renewables, REG Windpower, and Severn Trent.

Niche planning firm Marrons acts for property developers, landowners, and local authorities in enforcement actions, planning appeals and judicial reviews. John Edmond is ‘well respected by developers and local authorities for bringing solutions to the table’; and Morag Thompson is ‘extremely good at negotiating complex s106 agreements’. Anna Eastgate, who has both contentious and non-contentious expertise, recently joined from Browne Jacobson LLP.

Browne Jacobson LLP’s team acts for local authorities, national park authorities and fire authorities, as well as for corporates.

Noted for its ‘good acumen and commercial nous’, Freeth Cartwright LLP completed a slew of public projects in 2011 for clients such as Huntingdonshire Council and Rutland Council, as well as an impressive number of retail and commercial schemes. Leicester-based Sophie Philippon-Thomas has a specialism in compulsory purchase matters; and Chris Waumsley is very highly regarded.

Harvey Ingram LLP’s Paul Hunt handles an impressive variety of planning work including Land Tribunal compensation claims, nuisance and planning advice, and advice on urban extensions.

Hewitsons LLP’s Deborah Sharples conducts environmental work in Northampton for clients such as the Homes and Communities Agency.

Property litigation

At Browne Jacobson LLP, team head Mark Aldrich specialises in large land disputes, and is also active in retail matters. New clients include the Homes and Communities Agency and Kirklees Borough Council.

At Shoosmiths, Guy Willetts’ team recently assisted HMV and WH Smith in arbitration matters. The practice was boosted by the arrival of associate Kate Barry from Eversheds LLP, who specialises in retail matters.

Flint Bishop LLP’s clients include HM Land Registry, Bowmer & Kirkland, and Marston’s. Nick Wells and Andrew Cochrane are experts in licensed trade property litigation, and new arrival Russell Deards is active on the construction litigation front.

Freeth Cartwright LLP’s clients include Experian, Lafarge and a number of local authorities and educational institutions. In 2011, the team successfully represented various landlords of commercial properties in disputes with tenants, including achieving, for one, four years’ rent after mediation. Nick Mullen and senior associate Paul Tomkins are recommended.

Geldards LLP handles property work for Alliance Boots and Pizza Hut, and also has expertise in utilities.

Howes Percival LLP’s team of specialist landlord and tenant lawyers is praised for ‘excellent response times, concise, relevant advice, and value for money’. Satnam Chayra is ‘thorough, prompt and expert’. Recent client wins include Burlington Management and Shoezone.

Nelsons Solicitors Limited acts for clients such as Countrywide and Miller Homes. In 2011, insolvency property litigator Simon Trees added Emerson Group to the firm’s client roster. The firm handles Nottingham Building Society’s repossession work.

Harvey Ingram LLP is active in commercial landlord and tenant matters, and on the residential side. In 2011, the team advised a district council in High Court litigation to pursue a six-figure sum against a national homebuilder. Clients include Timpson, Domino’s Pizza, and Paperchase.

Hewitsons LLP’s property litigation offering is built around the experience of John Shephard, who is experienced in boundary disputes and dilapidation claims.

Rothera Dowson advises numerous landlords on matters such as tenant insolvency and forfeiture by re-entry.

Roythornes LLP’s contact is agricultural disputes specialist Alan Plummer.

Spearing Waite LLP was bolstered by the recruitment of Michael Lawrence from SGH Martineau LLP in Birmingham. Lawrence is advising a wealthy individual in relation to a multimillion-pound dispute concerning defects in the construction of a luxury property.

Social housing

Browne Jacobson LLP’s new clients include Bournville Village Trust and Granta Housing Society. In 2011, the firm acted for Methodist Homes on the £11.7m acquisition of a sheltered housing development in Market Harborough. Barry Sully is ‘approachable and helpful’, and his team ‘completes things on time and within budget’. Gabor Taller is recommended on the acquisition side, as is Nicki Clarke on the plots sales side.

Freeth Cartwright LLP is acting for Derwent Housing Association in connection with the acquisition of the development of Gorse Valley Chesterfield. The ‘down-to-earth’ Gary Reynolds heads the team, which includes recommended associate Rachel Clarke.

Harvey Ingram LLP’s Gordon Arthur advises on shared ownership sales, disposal and tenancy issues, and governance.

At QualitySolicitors Wilson Browne, Tom Warrender leads on mortgage rescue work. Simon Bridgens acted for East Midlands Housing Association in an acquisition of 22 plots.

Roythornes LLP acts for seven registered providers with a stock of 60,000 homes. Simeon Disley is ‘proactive’.

Jonathan West’s team at Wilkin Chapman LLP receives a flow of instructions from the Linden Group on affordable housing projects. West ‘understands the client’s needs’.

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