Hall Of Fame

Next Generation Partners

Local government in North West

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard’s Manchester-based local government team is fully integrated into the firm’s national approach, blending sectoral knowledge and handling major and complex governmental, infrastructure and transport projects. The team is known for its strength in construction and real estate, including affordable housing projects, and stands out for its expertise in PPP arrangements as well as procurement processes. Andrew Pettinger who draws on a wealth of experience in infrastructure and outsourcing projects, jointly heads the practice with Michael O’Connor, esteemed specialist in public, private and project finance transactions across various infrastructure and social infrastructure sectors, particularly transport. Recently, Sara Gilmore acted for Merseytravel and the WMCA on their bus franchising options assessments.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Pettinger; Michael O’Connor


Other key lawyers:

Sara Gilmore; Stephanie Townley; Phil Dupres; Rob Thompson; Bradley Martin


Testimonials

‘The team listened and developed creative yet lawful approaches to the issues understanding the various constraints upon the client team which was worked into the solution. The options were put forward in an easy to read manner with a clear and concise analysis of the options and associated risks and opportunities.’

‘The individuals were pleasant and responsive taking care to work through the options.’

Key clients

Wigan Borough Council


Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council


Merseytravel


West Midlands Combined Authority


Trafford Borough Council


West Yorkshire Combined Authority


Greater London Authority


Transport for London


Work highlights


  • Advised the Greater London Authority on a very significant procurement for the retrofit of existing public housing with net zero carbon solutions. This evidences our expertise on innovative procurement structures and the green agenda.
  • Advised Wigan Borough Council on a secondary IT outsourcing involving the disaggregation of the existing service provision and a new procurement for a new Partner.  This evidences our knowledge of how to deal with complex procurement issues and the delivery of service (including IT) contracts that are critical to local government operations.
  • Advised GMCA and Stockport MBC in relation to the redevelopment of the Stockport Interchange site to regenerate the Stockport Interchange bus station and develop a residential PRS scheme.  This evidences our commitment to regeneration and transport and evidences our expertise in leading deals to deliver the same.

DWF

DWF’s Manchester-based multidisciplinary team continues to consolidate its specialist public sector practice. Drawing on the firm’s geographical reach and cross-office team approach, the group supports clients on a variety of major high-value regeneration schemes and redevelopment projects and stands out for its expertise in public sector funding and subsidy control. Well-reputed Jonathan Branton jointly heads up the team with Colin Murray who is the key name for regeneration projects, while the former draws on expert knowledge in subsidy control and procurement processes and is supported by senior associate Jay Mehta on state aid and freedom of information matters.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Branton; Colin Murray


Other key lawyers:

Julie Simms; Elizabeth Riddles; James Lupton; Paul Brown; Sean Caldwell; Jay Mehta; Joseph White


Testimonials

‘As a public sector client, the Council finds DWF Law’s Partners and senior legal staff very knowledgeable of our delivery requirements, providing excellent advice that helps us work with private sector developers, as well as securing external funding. Examples include assistance in understanding changes in State Aid rules, public procurement, delivery under the Homes England frameworks and in the application of the NEC suite of contracts.’

‘I have been working with DWF Local Government Team for over a year now at Royal Borough Of Greenwich. At first when I learned they would be supporting the inhouse team on complex Regeneration projects involving compulsory purchase orders, procurement, housing, highways and planning law I was sceptical as I had never worked with them before. However very quickly I warmed to them as individuals particularly as the have excellent customer care and attention to detail skills. The difference with this firm is that they are attentive and proactive and they listen. If challenged at any point they are respectful and reasonable in their conclusions. They are excellent team workers and value for money. Lastly and most importantly they are masters in their own fields. They can be relied on to provide excellent advice within very tight time constraints and are very approachable and helpful if there is a last minute drama.’

‘We have always found the firm to be highly competent, prompt to respond and to have a clear commercial approach in solving issues as they arise. The firm offers very good value for money and has adapted well to the newer ways of working such as remote meetings on Teams. Being a North East local authority, we have been able to source appropriate advice from their national network of offices without difficulty.’

Key clients

Royal Borough of Greenwich


Blackpool Borough Council


South Tyneside Council


Swansea City & County Council


Manchester City Council


Cornwall Council


North of Tyne Combined Authority


Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council


Transport for Greater Manchester


Conwy County Borough Council


Work highlights


  • Advising the Royal Borough of Greenwich on all of their major regeneration matters over the next two years including the delivery of a masterplan for Charlton Riverside (8,000 new homes and 4,400 new jobs) and several multi-million pound grant-funded schemes.
  • Advising Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council on several of its major regeneration projects including the Wirral Waters One project leading to the delivery of 500 new homes, Hind Street Regeneration project involving the delivery of a comprehensive mixed used scheme and a £22m Maritime Knowledge Hub.
  • Advising Transport for Greater Manchester on the competitive procedure with negotiation procurement process for the selection of a bike hire supplier for the entire Greater Manchester region, forming a key aspect of TfGM’s Clean Air initiative.

Browne Jacobson LLP

Browne Jacobson LLP’s Manchester-based local government practice stands out for its work on waste management, recycling and disposal, infrastructure projects as well as procurement processes. The group is adept in providing advice on high profile PFI contract matters and handling disputes acting for local authorities. With a wealth of experience in procurement processes and advising local governments, Mike Mousdale heads up the team. While Nat Avdiu specialises in public procurement, commercial contracts, grant agreements, commercial projects and subsidy control, associate Daniel O’Brien assists with procurement exercises, commercial contracts and commercial projects.

Practice head(s):

Mike Mousdale


Other key lawyers:

Peter Ware; Nat Avdiu; Daniel O’Brien


Testimonials

Full attention to detail. Great people and focused and intelligent approach to all matters.

 

Key clients

Derbyshire County Council


Stockport Council


Plymouth City Council


Covanta Energy Limited


St Albans City & District Council


Stockport Council


RECAP Partners


Suez SA


Staffordshire Moorlands District Council


DLA Piper

The local government team at DLA Piper UK LLP is known for supporting a diverse range of clients with a particular focus on corporate and commercial projects, planning and real estate as well as advising on large projects and assisting in litigious matters. With offices in Manchester and Liverpool, Sarah Bell jointly heads up the team with Liam Cowell; the former with a wealth of experience in commercial and procurement projects, the latter specialised in public social infrastructure and transport. While real estate expert Mark Beardwood continues to advice on complex regeneration projects, Sophie Stewart joined from Brabners LLP in January 2022, bringing in her specialism in planning, highways and compulsory purchase law. Gemma Cowap and Paddy Dwyer bring in their commercial expertise, providing joint venture projects and procurement advice to local authorities.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Bell; Liam Cowell


Other key lawyers:

Sophie Stewart; Mark Beardwood; Gemma Cowap; Paddy Dwyer


Testimonials

‘I consider the DLA team to be a highly experienced, competent and professional team that has a good understanding of the requirements of the public sector when delivering complex urban regeneration.’

‘They have strong competency levels across all of the various disciplines required in complex urban regeneration including planning, CPO, land acquisition, leasing and funding’

‘The lead partner is Mark Beardwood who is responsive, vastly experienced and commercial.’

 

Key clients

Cheshire West and Chester Borough Council


Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority


Halton Borough Council / Mersey Gateway Crossing Board Limited


Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council


Liverpool City Council


Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council


Transport for Greater Manchester


Transport for the North


Wirral Borough Council


Sciontec Developments Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising Sefton MBC in connection with the procurement of a state of the art multi-million pound marine lake events centre, including a theatre space, conference and exhibition centre.
  • Advised Sciontec from its establishment and continue to advise on multiple commercial and development projects.
  • Advising Wirral Borough Council in connection with its ongoing GBP1 billion Birkenhead town centre regeneration scheme.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Based in Manchester, the team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP provides the full range of support services including local authority powers and finance rules, procurement, state aid, data and competition law, town centre, housing and regeneration projects. The team is led by real estate specialist Suzanne Benson and now includes Victoria Robertson who joined from Weightmans LLP in April 2022 developing the commercial side of the practice. Building on his experience as an in-house counsel for a regional local authority, Darren Ashworth now leads on a number of major redevelopment projects.

Practice head(s):

Suzanne Benson


Other key lawyers:

Darren Ashworth; Dan Butler; Victoria Robertson


Testimonials

‘The team work well together, across a range of specialisms to offer a responsive and professional service to Local Authority clients. They share a broad understanding of the drivers, constraints and legal complexity of local government businesses, and this, combined with the detailed knowledge and experience of each field, results in an efficient and effective service. They are good at ensuring the Brief is accurate, at setting realistic fee estimates and at alerting clients to approaching fee budget caps. Individuals are approachable and offer practical solutions to problems.’

‘Deep understanding of local government clients’ needs. Able to provide practical advice from often vague central government guidance.’

‘The North West Affordable Team provide a holistic service with access to specialist Practitioners at a national level. The strength and depth of the service provided has been built up over 10’s of years practice, working in the sector advising Government, Registered Providers, Local Authorities and other stakeholder maintaining long lasting relations with clients as a trusted, knowledgeable and skilled Partner.’

‘I have worked with many individuals within Trowers, and all have been approachable, knowledgeable, and focused on solutions to problems. They bring energy and drive to the team.’

Key clients

Cumbria County Council


Central Bedfordshire Council


Warwick District Council


Bury Council


Lancaster City Council


Urban Growth Company and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council


Guildford Council


Wirral Council


West Midlands Combined Authority


Lewisham Council


Southwark Council


Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council


Gloucester City Council


London Borough of Hillingdon


Gravesham Borough Council


Rochdale Borough Council


Nottingham County Council


Kent County Council


Work highlights


  • Advising Cumbria County Council on aspects of the reconfiguration of the Port of Workington, the largest port in Cumbria, ahead of its future redevelopment.
  • Acting for Bury Council on the disposal of a 70,000 square foot site at Chamberhall Bury, forming Phase 2 of the new logistics park developed in recent years.
  • Assisting Wirral Council with strategic advice for the regeneration of the Woodside area sitting at the heart of Birkenhead’s waterfront.

Weightmans LLP

Weightmans LLP Liverpool-based local government practice offers a broad spectrum of advice to local councils and authorities ranging from regeneration projects and property transactions to procurement issues. With a previous career in local government law, Simon Goacher heads up the practice, and is an established practitioner on member conduct having carried out investigations on behalf of local authorities. While public law expert Morris Hill specialises in social care matters including child protection, Clive Bleasdale specialises in commercial property law and currently acts for Liverpool City Council on the £1bn Paddington Village project.

Practice head(s):

Simon Goacher


Other key lawyers:

Clive Beasdale; Morris Hill


Testimonials

‘Excellent in depth knowledge of local government law, with many of the team being former in house local authority lawyers.’

‘Simon Goacher has a huge amount of local government law expertise and experience, and was a former Monitoring Officer at Liverpool City Council’

‘Simon Goacher – very pragmatic and helpful’

Key clients

West of England Combined Authority


Association of Directors of Public Health


Liverpool City Region Combined Authority


Nottinghamshire County Council


Hertfordshire County Council


Gloucestershire County Council


London Borough of Waltham Forest


Manchester City Council


EM Lawshare


NW Legal Consortium


Work highlights


  • Advising West of England Combined Authority on its Future Transport Zone programme of projects throughout 2022.
  • Advised Swale Borough Council on its change of governance model from a committee system to a leader and governance model, in particular advised on the changes required including drafting a new constitution.
  • Investigated a complaint that one of the elected members of the London Borough of Waltham Forest had breached its code of conduct by arranging for the flag of Northern Cyprus to be flown at a ceremony at the Town Hall.

Freeths LLP

The team at Freeths LLP offers a wide range of advice to its extensive client base with particular expertise in matters relating to state aid and subsidy control, planning, real estate, public procurement, governance, and regeneration. The team is also adept in handling employment matters and commercial disputes. Practice head Jackie Heeds draws on extensive experience leading significant infrastructure projects, transactions and joint ventures.

Practice head(s):

Jackie Heeds


Testimonials

‘A very collaborative approach where Freeths were commissioned jointly by us and the other party to draft an agreement. This was done thoroughly with risks and remedials discussed and agreed in an open and transparent manner.’

‘Jackie Heeds was very thorough and committed to completing the tasks on hand. She was always available to explain and work through solutions that were acceptable to both the parties.’

Key clients

Royal Borough of Greenwich


Buckinghamshire Council


Rushmoor Borough Council


Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council


North East Lincolnshire Council


East Northamptonshire District Council


Leicester City Council


London Borough of Ealing


Milton Keynes Development Partnership


Solihull MBC


Mansfield District Council


Nottinghamshire County Council


Walsall Council


Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council


Gloucestershire County Council


Cherwell District Council


Cambridge City Council


Reading Borough Council


Bassetlaw District Council


Broxtowe Borough Council


Derby City Council


Derbyshire Dales District Council


Kent County Council


London Borough of Bromley


Oxford City Council


Telford and Wrekin Council


Shropshire Council


Leicestershire County Council


Milton Keynes Council


Enfield Council


Nottingham City Homes Limited


East Lindsey District Council


Staffordshire County Council


South Cambridgeshire District Council


Bristol City Council


Nottingham Community Housing Association


North Yorkshire County Council


Ashfield District Council


Central Bedfordshire Council


Kirklees Council


West Northamptonshire Council


Charnwood Borough Council


London Borough of Richmond upon Thames


Rugby Borough Council


Nottingham City Council


Luton Borough Council


Newark & Sherwood District Council


Worcestershire County Council


Plymouth City Council


Somerset County Council


Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council


Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council


York City Council


Folkestone & Hythe District Council


Sheffield City Council


Herefordshire Council


Merton London Borough Council


High Peak Borough Council


Hertfordshire County Council


Boston Borough Council


Bolsover District Council


Rushcliffe Borough Council


Huntingdonshire District Council


East Hertfordshire District Council


Birmingham City Council


Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council


South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Authority


Isle of Wight Council


Harborough District Council


London Borough of Sutton


Blaby District Council


Melton Borough Council


Chesterfield Borough Council


Wakefield Metropolitan District Council


Wokingham Borough Council


Bedford Borough Council


North East Derbyshire District Council


Peterborough City Council


Cheshire East Council


Scape Group Ltd


North Northamptonshire Council


Old Bolsover Town Council


Amber Valley Borough Council


Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service


Derbyshire County Council


Erewash Borough Council


Stoke on Trent City Council


Lichfield District Council


Forest of Dean District Council


Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Authority


Arc Property Services Partnership Ltd


Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority


Welwyn & Hatfield Borough Council


Ashfield Homes Ltd


City of Lincoln Council


Corby Borough Council


Cotswold District Council


Coventry City Council


Daventry District Council


Fenland District Council


Harrogate Borough Council


Kettering Borough Council


Lincolnshire County Council


North Hertfordshire District Council


North Lincolnshire Council


North West Leicestershire District Council


Northampton Borough Council


Nottinghamshire Police Authority


Peak District National Park


Sedgemoor District Council


South Staffordshire Council


Stratford Upon Avon District Council


The Borough of Oadby & Wigston


Transport for the North


West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue


Wolverhampton City Council


Middlesbrough Borough Council


The Council of the Borough of South Tyneside


Durham County Council


Northumberland County Council


Gateshead Council


Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council


Wigan Council


Warrington Borough Council


Cheshire West and Chester Council


Halton Borough Council


South Lakeland District Council


Sefton Council


Allerdale Borough Council


Eden District Council


Cumbria County Council


Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council


London Borough of Hackney


London Borough of Camden


London Borough of Newham


London Borough of Hillingdon


Defence Infrastructure Organisation


The Cornwall Council


Tamworth Borough Council


Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service


Mole Valley District Council


Waverley Borough Council


Guildford Borough Council


Runnymede Borough Council


Spelthorne Borough Council


West Yorkshire Combined Authority


Leeds City Council


Wakefield Council


Leicestershire County Council


London Borough of Lambeth


West of England Combined Authority


West Midlands Combined Authority


The Police & Crime Commissioner for Kent


Swindon Borough Council


Southampton City Council


Bath and North East Somerset Council


East Sussex County Council


Gravesham Borough Council


Surrey County Council


Orbis Reporting Group


Cornwall Council Reporting Group


Ipswich Borough Assets Limited


London Borough of Havering


Stevenage Borough Council


London Borough of Barking & Dagenham


Exeter City Council


The West Midlands Growth Company


Cambridgeshire County Council


Havant Borough Council


Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council


Ware Town Council


Wantage Town Council


Buckinghamshire Advantage


Gloucester City Council


Harlow Council


Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce


Derbyshire Building Control Partnership


Broxbourne Borough Council


Castle Point Borough Council


Darlington Borough Council


Cheltenham Borough Council


Rochford District Council


Ipswich Borough Council


Liverpool City Region Combined Authority


Oxford City Housing Limited


South Somerset District Council


Work highlights


  • Supporting Wigan Council and procurement consultants on all steps of a £130 million project securing the redevelopment of Wigan Town Centre, including satisfying the pre-conditions of the development agreement, dealing with construction documentation relating to the demolition of the site, and advising on the property management contract.
  • Advising Allerdale Borough Council on issues relating to the successful receipt of a number of Government grants, including Levelling-Up Grants related to the town centre redevelopment, Local Enterprise partnership Growth deal re Lillyhall Industrial Area, and Green Homes Grant agreements.

Hill Dickinson LLP

Hill Dickinson LLP’s offering spans across five key areas including public procurement, regeneration, local government governance, pensions and dispute resolution. Practice head Mark Fitzgibbon’s advisory work is focused on strategic positioning and approaches to be taken by local government clients in steering a path through regulated procurement requirements. With the arrival of senior associate Helen Feinson from Medicines Discovery Catapult in June 2022, the group is able to provide specialist subsidy control advice across our public sector client-base.

Practice head(s):

Mark Fitzgibbon


Other key lawyers:

Peter Winnard; Helen Feinson


Testimonials

‘The team always responds quickly to my requests for advice. If I have a quick question, this is answered through their helpline where I can arrange a teams call within a few hours to discuss.’

‘Mark Fitzgibbon has provided legal advice and guidance to my organisation for over a decade – he has the historical and cultural knowledge of how my organisation. He has good working relationships with myself and a number of my colleagues and is always responsive, open and honest with his advice.’

Key clients

Liverpool City Council


Rochdale Borough Council


Trafford Borough Council


Pendle Borough Council


Oldham Borough Council


Stoke City Council


Stockport MBC


Salford City Council


Liverpool City Region Combined Authority


Transport for Greater Manchester


Lancashire County Cricket Club


Incommunities Ltd


Liverpool BID company


Work highlights


  • Advising Salford City Council in respect of the structuring and implementation of the Council’s long-term Borough-wide regeneration aspirations to maximise the delivery of regeneration outputs and benefits across the Borough as a whole.
  • Continuing to advise Pendle Borough Council in connection with the completion of the procurement for a new development partner – completing the formation of the joint venture company with its selected joint venture development partner.
  • Advising Incommunities Housing Group in connection with a broad range of funding streams being accessed through West Yorkshire Combined Authority (and other LA funders) in relation to subsidy control compliance, procurement compliance and contractual requirements.

Squire Patton Boggs

Squire Patton Boggs’ local government team has particular expertise in the delivery of complex and strategic regeneration projects, major transport and infrastructure projects, and large-scale development transactions involving public and private sector collaboration. Development and regeneration expert Mark Barker heads the team which includes Mark Gaffney who is specialised in property joint ventures and public sector funding. Nick Helm, head of the group’s energy and infrastructure team, is the key contact for renewable energy projects, decarbonisation initiatives and Clean Air projects, a core strength of the group.

Practice head(s):

Mark Barker


Other key lawyers:

Mark Gaffney; Nick Helm


Key clients

Leeds City Council


Manchester City Council


Birmingham City Council


Warrington Borough Council


Transport for Greater Manchester


Leeds City Region Revolving Investment Fund LP


Preston City Council


Lancashire County Council


Greater Manchester Combined Authority


Sheffield City Council


Work highlights


  • Advising TfGM (and indirectly 10 Greater Manchester local authorities) on the proposed Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan and the Greater Manchester Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Project.
  • Advising Preston City Council on the key strategic redevelopment of the City’s indoor market for a leisure-led scheme anchored by a multi-screen cinema operator and a bowling operator.
  • Acting for Leeds City Region Revolving Investment Fund LP and the funding for the redevelopment of the former Leeds Casino.

TLT

Based in Manchester, TLT’s local government practice provides a wide offering of advice across multifaceted projects including planning and real estate, complex procurement, IT transformations, and large-scale development and regeneration projects. The group headed by Kuldip Dhanoya was appointed to the new Public Sector Legal Services panel in September 2022. While legal director Debbie Reynolds specialises in compulsory purchase, regeneration and major infrastructure schemes, legal director Joseph Meredith handles estate management matters.

Practice head(s):

Kuldip Dhanoya


Other key lawyers:

Jon Hainey; Debbie Reynolds; Joseph Meredith


Testimonials

‘The great strength of this practice is that it frequently represents both the development industry and Local Authorities. This gives them an obvious advantage as they have an unrivalled insight into the practice of both the private and public sector. I have found them particularly strong on strategic planning, large scale public inquiries and especially compulsory purchase.’

‘Debbie Reynolds is the Legal Director of the Planning Team. I have worked with her on complex compulsory purchase matters in relation to housing and highway infrastructure schemes. This is from promotion of the CPO for Local Authorities, managing and organising the legal requirements of acquisition, the public inquiry and then dealing with complex and challenging compensation claims. I have also worked with her when she was acting for the LPA in a large minerals case (peat extraction) in the North West. She is quite superb at project managing major schemes and provides excellent service to the Local Government sector in bringing to fruition legally complex and technically difficult proposals.’

Key clients

Warrington Borough Council


Cheshire East Council


Wolverhampton City Council


Leicester Borough Council


Oxfordshire County Council


Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council


Mayors Office for Police and Crime


London Borough Waltham Forest


Sci-Tech Daresbury


Work highlights


  • Advising Wolverhampton City Council on a key regeneration project, the procurement of the construction of a new wholesale market and depot in its city as part of a new “mixed use” complex.
  • Advising Warrington Borough Council in relation to the proposed Western Link road; a very high profile highway infrastructure scheme, which will open up c.205 acres of land for redevelopment. In particular advising on all matters pertaining to land assembly and the statutory order process.
  • Acting for the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime defending a claim brought in the High Court challenging a procurement relating to a framework contract for the provision of estate management and back office services in respect of the Metropolitan Police Service’s property estate.