Firms To Watch: Commercial property: elsewhere in the North West

The practice at Excello Law, which has Chester-based Victoria Jones at its helm, was bolstered with the September 2022 arrival from Hill Dickinson LLP of Liverpool-based commercial property specialist and co-head Amanda Hurst.

Commercial property: elsewhere in the North West in North West

Butcher & Barlow LLP

The northwest practice at Butcher & Barlow LLP, noted for its ‘utter professionalism’ has a strong reputation for its capabilities across the full remit of commercial property work, from handling high-value, complex purchases and acquisitions to acting on landlord and tenant disputes. Zoё Paton-Crockett who works from the Northwich office supervises and manages new build and development work, whilst Bramhall Hall-based Rachel Martin‘s focus is on investments and landlord and tenant issues; they co-lead the team. Northwich-based team members Seema McWilliam, who is noted as ‘conscientious and diligent’, and ‘highly skilled’ Nicholas Ball, were both promoted to associate in May 2022. Andy MacKenzie is establishing the practice at the firm’s newly established Sutton Weaver office.

Practice head(s):

Zoë Paton-Crockett; Rachel Martin


Other key lawyers:

Daniel Woodcock; Jonathan Aldersley; Rebecca Jepson; Mike Bracegirdle; Andy MacKenzie; Nicholas Ball; Seema McWilliam; Graham Gigg; Alex Sandland; Jo Ormiston


Testimonials

‘Seema McWilliam is extremely capable, conscientious and diligent. Seema has excellent communication skills and always responds promptly. She goes above and beyond to ensure full client satisfaction and excellent outcomes.’

‘Butcher & Barlow LLP provided our company with excellent transparency on both the job at hand and timescale. Attention to details was second to none from all parties involved. During COVID, we had the pleasure of choice to engage in various forms of meetings remotely or in person when available. This is a firm we can highly recommend and will be a returning client.’

‘Andy MacKenzie’s commerciality and input into projects with which I have been involved have proved invaluable. He is practical, professional, extremely efficient and applies a good balance of having broad legal knowledge and offering practical advice.’

Key clients

Anglesey Homes Limited


Aneblans Investment Limited


Apple Best Care Ltd


Avondale and Waverley House Rhosneigr Limited


Barlows Limited/ Barlows Property Portfolio Limited


Belmont Property Investments Limited


BGEN Limited (formerly Boulting Limited)


Blackmagic Design Limited


Blueworm Limited


Branley Estates Limited


Bratt & Evans Limited


Carlton Park Management Limited


Carlton Property Holdings Ltd


Cavalier Estates Limited


CFD Propco2 Limited


Chandos Developments Limited


Dappa Homes Limited


DMK Investments UK Limited


EBS Pensions Limited/ Embark Pensions Trustees Limited


Edward Foster Properties Limited


Evergreen Estates Limited


Fifield Glyn Limited


GK Land Investments Limited


Gormac Developments Limited


Gray Property Company Limited


Habitat Health Limited


Handelsbanken – Manchester, Trinity Way & Bury Branches


Hollands Country Clothing Limited


Holly Tree Homes (Cheshire) Limited


Hornbuckle Mitchell


Hulme Trust Estates


Hungerford Medical Centre


Jacob Homes Limited


Jennings Family Property Limited


J&S Accessories Limited


Joseph Holt Limited


KMP Solutions Limited


KMW Developments Limited


Knotwood UK Limited


Konlow Investments Limited


Kroll Advisory Limited


Land Recovery Limited


Lawrence Mill Harwood Limited


Law Distribution Limited


London Stone Paving Limited


Longton Exchange Limited


Mancunian Spring Company


Mayfield Asset & Property Management Limited


McCombie Developments Limited


Old Capital Limited


Orchard Green Development Limited


OTP Group


Prime Land UK Holdings Limited


Prime Land UK Acquisitions Limited


Red23 Property Limited


Repairdata Limited


Rufus Estates Limited


Scala House Management Limited


S&S Investments (2007) Limited


Same Day Teeth (West Midlands) Limited


Sanderson Weatherall LLP


SHK Properties Limited


Spitfire @ Cheshire Green 1 Limited


Stevelaw Properties Limited


Stockton Road LLP


Stretton Abodes Developments Limited


Stretton Abodes Limited


The Beauty Quarters Limited


The Trustees of the Booth Charities


The Victor Group


Trinity Investments (Stockport) Limited


Triple R Solutions Limited


Westgate Land Lease LLP


Zenith House Developments Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for Gormac Developments Limited in relation to the purchase and grant of an option in relation to a large residential development site with a total deal value of £16m.
  • Acted for Carlton Property Holdings Limited in relation to the acquisition of a business park subject to over 50 tenancy agreements for £1.85m.
  • Acted for Dappa Homes Limited in relation to a complex conditional purchase of a large residential development site and sub-sale for an undisclosed sum.

Gorvins Solicitors

The team at Gorvins Solicitors, based in Stockport, has commercial property specialists Claire Beaumont and Martin Hoare at its helm, both of who are particularly adept at advising on investment, development and redevelopment work of significant value. The team’s workload is varied and includes advising on complex landlord and tenant-related issues; estate management; and acquisitions and disposals. Its noteworthy portfolio of clients uniquely includes a number of institutional lenders. In June 2022 the team was strengthened with the arrival of partner Paul Dowdall from Addleshaw Goddard.

Practice head(s):

Claire Beaumont; Martin Hoare


Other key lawyers:

Amanda Porter; Colin Mellor; Paul Dowdall


Key clients

Select Group


Bloc/H2O Urban


Williams Motor Co


Investar


Universal Container Services (Holdings) Limited


Fabrica Holdings Limited


Urban Splash UK Residential Fund


PH Property Holdings Limited


Inner City Music Limited


HB Villages


Work highlights


  • Advised Inner City Music Limited, and acted for the owner in connection with the redevelopment of an iconic Manchester venue to the cost of £3.5m.
  • Acted for Urban Splash UK Residential LLP on the acquisition of Derwent House, Birmingham with a value of £12m.

Land Law LLP

Angus Whyte it at the head of the ‘team of expert commercial property lawyers’ at Altrincham-based boutique Land Law LLP. It is well-equipped to handle high-value, disposals and acquisitions across a range of industry sectors, with a recent increased focus on energy-related work of this nature. Additionally, the team has a strong reputation for its abilities to manage significant client portfolios. Paul Grundy has notable expertise in development work. Experienced partner Sarah Bonwick is described as ‘outstanding even under pressure’, and handles the management of the firm alongside Whyte and Helen Davidson. Landlord and tenant-related work is the focus of Nicola Jackson, who is noted as deserving of ‘special mention for her excellence’.

Practice head(s):

Angus Whyte


Other key lawyers:

Helen Davidson; Paul Grundy; Sarah Bonwick; Nicola Jackson; Louise Belderbos; Fay Wilshaw


Testimonials

‘Sarah Bonwick is outstanding even under pressure – she has a calming influence and great negotiation skills – she is professional, sensible and a star.’

‘They are are as commercially and client aware as they are competent at their day job. I have not experienced this unique blend with any other commercial practice I have had dealings with over the years.’

‘Angus Whyte deserves to be highlighted for not only spotting the opportunity to create a niche practice many years ago but also to be able to grow and adapt over the years to move with the times, using pioneering technology to assist his practice and offering ahead of the pack in what is traditionally a slow and risk averse environment.’

Key clients

Peel


British Salt Limited


Quorum Development Management Limited


Blade Dynamics Limited


The Hut.Com Limited


GE


Tata


Solvay


Eric Wright Group


Swizzels Matlow Limited


Myerson Solicitors LLP

Myerson Solicitors LLP‘s ‘extensive team’ based in Altrincham is renowned for its abilities to handle complex, multi-million pound matters ranging from significant sales and acquisitions to the redevelopment and refinancing of significant multi-use property. The team has been bolstered with the additions of commercial property specialist Leo Rossiter, who joined from Knights plc in May 2022 and of senior associate Sarah Cowen, who moved from Gateley Legal in December 2022. The ‘personable and knowledgeable’ Charlotte Hook was promoted to senior associate in September 2022. Experienced team lead Joanne Perritt who has noteworthy capabilities advising landowners and developers on strategic land work, is described as ‘an excellent partner’. Senior associate Joanne Cookson departed in May 2022.

Practice head(s):

Joanne Perritt


Other key lawyers:

Leo Rossiter; Ian Gordon; Sarah Cowen; Charlotte Hook


Testimonials

‘An extensive team with good knowledge, good response times and good communication. The client document portal is extremely useful for those with extensive portfolios especially.’

‘Joanne Perritt and Charlotte Hook are both very personable and knowledgeable solicitors – it is a well-managed and highly recommended department.’

‘Myerson have for many years given excellent service for me both on commercial and residential property matters. They have given robust, practical and professional advice throughout.’

Key clients

Armstrong Brooks Limited


ICI/Dulux/Akzo Nobel


Matillion Limited


Dean Property Group


Fairhome Group Plc


Fireplace Warehouse Ltd/Flue & Ducting Ltd


Dransfield Properties Group


Britannia Group


Pet Healthcare Limited


Philip J Davies Holdings Plc


National Nuclear Laboratory Limited


AQA Education


Renaker Build Limited


Tatton Estates


Tuffnells Parcels Express Limited


Riversdale Homes Limited


Property North West Limited


Hallmark Developments (North West) Limited


Aldbury Homes Limited


Peninsula Business Services Limited


One Heritage Tower Limited


Atzaro Box Clever Limited


CB Homes Limited


DRS Data Services Limited


098 Ltd


Centurion Student Services (UK) Ltd


EM Analytical Ltd


Leymoor Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Britannia Victoria Ltd in relation to the purchase of an urban brown field site from a government department for redevelopment as a mixed open market and social housing estate incorporating 72 homes.
  • Advised the Philip J Davies Partnership in relation to the sale of Lowry House, a very prominent site in Chorlton, to Lidl Supermarkets for more than £4m.

Napthens LLP

The ‘top team within a top firm’ at Napthens LLP has numerous offices across Lancashire and Cumbria; its Preston team is led by Martin Beardsworth, described as providing ‘an exemplary standard of service’, with support from partners Stephen Bell and Marc Appleton, its Blackburn-based East Lancashire offering is co-headed by David Hill and Paul Hardy, ‘exceptional solicitor’ Tony Coates leads the Southport team, its Kendal cohort is led by department head and overall lead of the region’s various teams, Jamie Allison and was bolstered in June 2022 with the arrival of associate Yasmin Blamire from Temple Heelis. Its workload consists of complex refinance and lending projects, sales and acquisitions and leasehold-related matters. Southport-based senior associate Stephanie Gray is noted as a ‘strong negotiator’.

Practice head(s):

Jamie Allison


Other key lawyers:

David Hill; Paul Hardy; Tony Coates; Martin Beardsworth; Nicola Ciraolo; Stephanie Gray; Matthew Parr; Yasmin Blamire


Testimonials

‘Tony Coates is an exceptional solicitor with an innate understanding of the law coupled with the ability to quickly understand what the client is seeking to achieve. He can cope with complex instructions and quickly disseminate them. He works well with a wider professional team and is always a positive factor in delivering any deal.’

The property team are very experienced and provide a large degree of confidence when dealing with difficult negotiations and contracts. I have full confidence the service they provide.’

‘We hold Stephanie Gray in the highest regard for her work and commitment to her job. She is always available and understands my business needs. I am always reassured by her advice and detailed knowledge. Stephanie is a strong negotiator and will put forward a strong front when representing my interests.’

Key clients

Tangier Central Taunton Limited


Aaron & Partners LLP

The practice at Aaron & Partners LLP is led from Chester by experienced real estate expert Emma McGlinchey who deals with high-value disposals, acquisitions, purchases and developments. The team is noted as having ‘a good reputation for dealing with complex work’, which it consistently does across property development and redevelopment, food and retail-related property assembly, and commercial and industrial management in particular. Iwan Williams is described as ‘an absolute pleasure to work with in all aspects’. ‘Highly experienced’ commercial and agricultural property partner Brent Williams joined the team from Knights plc in July 2022.

Practice head(s):

Emma McGlinchey


Other key lawyers:

Iwan Williams; Joseph Fletcher-Hunt; Brent Williams


Testimonials

‘Interaction with the team is always first-class, timely and relevant, with regular detailed case updates provided.

‘The practice has excellent technical ability and a good reputation in dealing with complex work. The depth and breadth of their offering and their commercial awareness is all excellent. Their capacity to handle the volume of work required and meet our strategic and operational targets is also very good.’

‘Iwan Williams is a standout partner.’

‘Joseph Fletcher-Hunt has an absolutely positive attitude even if things look difficult. Repetitive contract adjustments and boring work didn’t phase. I highly recommend him.’

‘Brent Williams is a highly experienced and pragmatic real estate lawyer’.

‘Joseph Fletcher-Hunt is excellent – highly professional, knowledgeable and personable. His warmth and good humour put me at ease during a stressful time. His combination of skills makes him endearing and easy to deal with. There were many complex issues he had to unravel and he did so using both skill and initiative.’

‘Iwan Williams deals with matters efficiently, professionally and competently. He always exceeds my expectations in terms of meeting any targets set with excellent communication throughout. Iwan is extremely personable and an absolute pleasure to work with in all aspects.’

Key clients

Dŵr Cymru Cyfyngedig (Welsh Water)


Link Developments (NW) Ltd


Edenstone Homes Limited


Just Go Travel (Trading as Hays Travel)


Chester Diocesan Board of Finance


HBL Leisure Limited


Parkfield Homes Limited


William Fishwick & Son Limited


Castlemead Group Limited


Church Commissioners


Thomas Plant Hire/Thomas Holdings (North West) Limited


Spurstow Estates Limited/Spurstow Properties Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for Edenstone Homes Limited on the sale of Phase 4a St Mary’s Garden Village, Ross-on-Wye as a fully serviced site to Taylor Wimpey.
  • Acting for a German discount supermarket chain on the disposal of redundant sites.
  • Acting for Spurstow Properties Limited on the sale of the Buckley Shopping Centre.

Brabners LLP

Lancashire-based Charles Hansford, who has a particular specialism acting for landed estates atop his landlord and tenant, and sale and acquisition-focused property experience, leads Brabners LLP‘s practice, alongside Richard Roberts, Iain Gamble and Robert White, all of who work cross-office. The team handles such work as the sales and conversions of high-value properties. Former team lead of the Preston office Ross Shine has relocated to the firm’s Manchester office, from which development and infrastructure partner and team lead Andrew Waugh departed in 2022.

Practice head(s):

Charles Hansford; Richard Roberts; Iain Gamble; Robert White


Other key lawyers:

Nicola Hall


Key clients

Lancaster City Council


Sofology (Part of the DFS Group)


Simply Design


XLR8 (Part of JD Sports)


National Football Museum


The Mobility Group


Zen Jungle Estates Limited


The Dixon Group


Countyroute


Work highlights


  • Advised Lancaster City Council on the disposal of land to form the Eden North Project.
  • Advising client in respect of development of waste tip as a solar park.
  • Advise County route on a joint venture CPO matter relating to the construction of the A130.

DTM Legal LLP

DTM Legal LLP‘s offering has a strong reputation for its capabilities in handling both contentious and non-contentious commercial and residential real estate matters. From Chester, Stephen Lunt is noteworthy for his ability to manage complex portfolios in particular, whilst Paul Makinson stands out for his work on key sales and developments in the region, as well as for his secured lending work. Helen Nash brings expertise in energy-related work, such as wind farm development and onshore gas exploration, to the offering. Head of property Anna Duffy, who works from Liverpool, leads the team alongside Chester-based head of residential Sue Elias.

Practice head(s):

Anna Duffy; Sue Elias


Other key lawyers:

Stephen Lunt; Paul Makinson; Helen Nash; Stephen Yardley


Testimonials

‘The full team has second-to-none knowledge of our company’s activities – we are looked after with whatever we ask.’

‘General knowledge and attention-to-detail with our cases and company activities are notable.’

Key clients

Prestige Homes (Yorkshire Ltd)


Reid Homes Limited


Pro Investments Limited/FI Real Estate


The Anwyl Group


Morbaine Limited


Delamere Homes Pulford Limited


Chester Rugby Union Football Club Limited


Chester Zoo


Urban Space Property Holdings Limited


Clogau Gold of Wales Limited


Tattenhall Dairy Products Limited


Helsby Parish Council


Wastdale Investments Ltd


Legat Owen


Manweb


The Majory Body Tees Ltd


Willan Group


Larchfield Bell LLP


F & O Homes Ltd


A Bernie Queensferry Auction Ltd


FG Whitley & Sons


Dandy’s (Chester) Limited


Vivio Developments Ltd


Marcol Developments


Kingmead Limited


Kinsey Farming


Ursula Keyes Trust


Frodsham Town Council


Work highlights


  • Advised in a successful adjudication against a claim related to piling works of circa £1m.

Forbes Solicitors

Adam Bromley, noted as a ‘hugely experienced lawyer’ is at the helm of Forbes Solicitors‘ Preston-based practice, which has strong capabilities handling a broad range of commercial property related issues of significant value and complexity. Its workload includes negotiating leases, property modification, and key disposals and acquisitions in the region, an example being its £3.5m case of this nature for Maytree Homes Ltd. Richard Clithero specialises in sale, leasing and purchase of property, and is described as having a wealth of knowledge and experience’. Mohassan Mehmood is a key senior associate.

Practice head(s):

Adam Bromley


Other key lawyers:

Richard Clithero; Matthew Jones; Helen Marsh; Mohassan Mehmood


Testimonials

‘The team is very sensitive to my position and bills are fair. I would use them again.’

‘Richard Clithero remains as an advisor between deals – he doesn’t cash in and pull down the shutter.’

‘They have good specialists in different departments. Richard Clitheroe is excellent with all aspects of my business.’

Key clients

Maytree Homes ltd


BFCITC (Facilities) Ltd


Senator International Limited


Pets Choice Ltd


Mattioli Woods plc


Bolton Car Centre Limited


McDemott Homes


Lofthouse and Fleetwood (Fisherman’s Friend Lozenges)


Stokers Limited


Trust Inns Limited


Huntapac Produce Limited


Kepak Group


EP Properties Group


Thrive Propco Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Maytree Homes in the acquisition of land in Kirkby Stephens, Cumbria; the site set up and disposal of all units.
  • Advised Senator International Limited on a large solar project, involving the installation of solar panels on the roof space of four separate large industrial units.
  • Acted in advising and negotiating a lease for a warehouse in the Cardiff Docs for a large UK pet food supplier, Pets Choice Ltd.

Harrison Drury & Co

The north west offering at Harrison Drury & Co has a strong reputation for its ability to advise on the full spectrum of commercial property matters. It advises its array of key clients on matters which span industry sectors, from renewable energy and agriculture – the latter of which is an area of expertise of the ‘exceptionally helpful’ Kendal-based Naomi Fell – to travel, leisure and hospitality. Its workload is consistently of high value and the team also has cross-border capabilities. Preston-based Colin Fenny‘s area of expertise is litigation. Specialist in landlord and tenant-related issues and commercial developments in the renewable sector Simon England is at the helm of the practice from the Clitheroe office. Lancaster office head Hannah Hughes is a noteworthy team member.

Practice head(s):

Simon England


Other key lawyers:

Naomi Fell; Hannah Hughes; Nicola Beneduce; Amanda Marwood; Lara Watts; Colin Fenny; Wendy Newbury; Danielle Leeming; Lucy Beachell; Jackie Bate


Testimonials

‘Wendy Newbury is very professional and always makes sure she is looking after your interests.’

‘Simon England and Hannah Hughes both provide a clear and efficient service together.’

‘Lucy Beachell consistently delivers in terms of getting matters over the line and possesses an uncanny knack for eliciting responses from the most unresponsive of individuals.’

‘Simon England and Lara Watts have persevered through some very frustrating times and delays to achieve a satisfactory outcome in the end.’

‘Notable individuals are Jackie Bate in conveyancing and Naomi Fell in corporate property matters have been exceptionally helpful, and I could not speak more highly of the firm.’

‘They have knowledge of the sector and the institution. Work is conducted with humour and legal jargon is broken down so that even I can understand it! One individual that stands out is Danielle Leeming. They are approachable, personable, and make you feel able to ask questions.’

‘Amanda Marwood is exceptionally professional whilst making her clients feel comfortable and relaxed. She is very approachable, open and treats us with equality. Amanda is happy to take the time and care to discuss the basic principles of items in technical agreements.’

‘Nicola Beneduce handles work in a very professional manner.’

Key clients

PJM Property Investments Limited/MM Acquisions Limited


Cumberland Buildings Society


James Alpe Developments


Westholme Care Home Limited


Applethwaite Homes


Preston North End


Wilson & Co Properties


Derbyshire Projects Ltd


Oxbury Bank


Work highlights


  • Advising a not-for-profit in a large-scale development project aimed at addressing the shortage of social housing and lack of energy-efficient sustainable homes.

SAS Daniels LLP

SAS Daniels LLP‘s ‘approachable and helpful’ team is led by Macclesfield and Stockport-based Steven Percy. Nicola Deutsch who also works from the Stockport office is a name to note for her social housing and residential redevelopment experience, a specialism shared by Macclesfield’s Nigel Read. Sale and purchase is another key focus for the team, with Chester-based Andrew Clarke working on notable and high-value matters of this nature for the team. Additionally, the team is well-equipped to manage complex landlord and tenant-related work.

Practice head(s):

Steven Percy


Other key lawyers:

Nigel Read; Nicola Deutsch; Andrew Clark; Rebecca Lea


Testimonials

‘The culture within the company is that they are very approachable and a pleasure to deal with.’

‘Steven Percy is a great guy to assist in all things property.’

‘They provide helpful services and knowledge of many different sectors.’

‘With this team, everything has been straightforward and dealt with in a fast manner. Nicola Deutsch is my main point of contact and I wouldn’t use anyone else.’

‘The team are approachable and helpful.’

‘They are good to get hold of and work well towards deadlines.’

‘Close and quick communication with the client.’

Key clients

Frederic Robinson Limited


Duchy Homes Limited


Cranford Estates (Strategic Investments) Limited


Franklyn Financial Management


Macclesfield FC


Svenska Handelsbanken


Willan Trading Limited


Centec International Limited


Autac Products Limited


Estates & Leisure Holdings Limited


Cotton Estates Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Autac Products Limited on a lease of 12,500 sq. ft. of premises.
  • Advised Cetnec International on the property aspects of a multi-million pound share sale, dealing with title irregularities, pending adverse possession claims and extensive warranties.

Slater Heelis

Sale-based residential property specialist Zara Banday co-leads Slater Heelis‘ team alongside Manchester-based Will Henson. It has a reputation for its strength in residential development work, acting for developers on a range of projects; it is described as offering an unrivalled’ quality of advice. Jay Lafinhan acts for an array of key clients on commercial work also, and has a developing expertise in renewable energy and infrastructure projects in particular. The team ably advises on complex sale and purchase agreements, leases and financial aspects of high-value projects.

Practice head(s):

Zara Banday; Will Henson


Other key lawyers:

Jay Lafinhan; Jonathan Kay; Richard Bradbury; Charlotte Padmore


Testimonials

‘Slater Heelis offer a very personal service that makes you feel part of the Slater Heelis family. Great communication and updates on matters that are proactive. They really make you feel that you matter as a client and their quality of advice is unrivalled.’

‘Jonathan Kay is simply exceptional, I can’t say enough about how good he is.’

Key clients

Justice Properties Limited


60 Oldham Street Limited


District and County Investments Limited


The shareholders of Sunnysands Caravan Park Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted in the property aspects arising from the disposal of the entire issued share capital of Sunnysands Caravan Park Limited.
  • Represented District and County Investments Limited and its group member, DCI 2 Limited, in respect of obtaining a Revolving Loan Facility from Shawbrook Bank Plc.
  • Represented Justice Properties Limited on a complex sale of a commercial building in Manchester city centre.

Farleys Solicitors LLP

The ‘very professional team’ at Farleys Solicitors LLP is co-headed by Ian Liddle from Manchester, Tom O’Neill from Blackburn and Stephen Greenwood from Preston. Across the team is a strong ability to handle work ranging from acquisitions, disposals and development work to disposals and secured finance. It predominantly advises on the high-value sale of sites across the region.

Practice head(s):

Ian Liddle; Tom O’Neill; Stephen Greenwood


Other key lawyers:

Graeme Booth; Lydia Griffin


Testimonials

‘A very professional team with ease of accessibility.’

‘The team at Farleys do their best to work with the client, keeping them fully informed of ongoing progress – they have a good grasp of legal and business risks.’

‘Stephen Greenwood, Graeme Booth and Lydia Griffin are all standout for their proactiveness – there is usually no need to ask them to do something in a matter they are dealing with, as they have proactively done this already.’

HM3 Legal

Caroline Jones, who ‘offers first-class support’ from the firm’s Chester office, co-leads HM3 Legal‘s cohort alongside Liverpool-based Ian Millington. The practice is equipped to advise its clients on matters involving lease transactions, sales and acquisitions and development projects of significant value. Notably, associate Beth Sales joined the team in December 2022 from Allington Hughes Solicitors.

Practice head(s):

Caroline Jones; Ian Millington


Other key lawyers:

James Cullen; Beth Sales


Testimonials

‘Forward-thinking, pleasant and efficient in all communications. They go above and beyond to support us.’

‘Caroline Jones offers first-class support, communications and advice.’

Key clients

Progress Schools Limited


Rent A Space LLP


Outerspace Buildings Limited


Oglethorpe Sturton & Gillibrand

The ‘well-respected’ Allan Sumner leads Oglethorpe Sturton & Gillibrand‘s ‘very thorough and diligent’ Lancaster-based team. Alison Kinder, who has a particular strength in property development as well as landlord and tenant work across both residential and commercial property, is described as a ‘star’. The team is experienced in handling all aspects of sales and purchases of property. Charlotte Russell leads much of the team’s work of this nature.

Practice head(s):

Allan Sumner


Other key lawyers:

Alison Kinder; David Park; Charlotte Russell; Catherine Roberts


Testimonials

‘I have worked with Alison Kinder and OSG Property Team for many years, on both a professional basis and on personal work. Alison and the team are very thorough and diligent, helping to navigate through complex deals to a beneficial conclusion.’

‘The team has an intimate knowledge of my company and I trust and receive excellent service. Their experience and training give me definite comfort. Particular praise is owed to Catherine Roberts who represents excellently on contested legal matters.’

‘Alison Kinder is excellent. I consider it would be difficult replacing her knowledge and expertise.’

Key clients

Windmill Oaks Limited


Spring Bank Development NW Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for a local family selling land with the potential for redevelopment in the central Lakes area, with a conditional contract, subject to planning with a potential sale value of £1.25m.
  • Assisting a client with the full-range of complex land promotion agreements resulting in the successful sale of the land for development at £12.3m.
  • Assisting a joint venture company with their asset purchase of a public house and its business, incorporating a wide range of complex commercial terms and property issues.

Temple Heelis

Associate Lucy Benton, described as ‘a delight to deal with’, heads the practice at Temple Heelis from the firm’s Kendal office. The team has strong capabilities across commercial property, namely advising on significant sales and acquisitions in the region in addition to portfolio management and refinancing work. It has a particular focus on the hospitality and leisure sectors, as well as healthcare, wherein it has advised on the development of a variety of care service facilities. Yasmin Blamire departed to Napthens LLP in June 2022.

Practice head(s):

Lucy Benton


Other key lawyers:

Alaisdhair McPhee


Testimonials

‘Temple Heelis are a well-regarded legal practice who are approachable, organised, efficient and customer-focused. They have kept traditional values with modern practice who have been excellent to deal with during property transactions.’

‘Lucy Benton is thorough, commercial and a problem solver working towards the best outcome for her clients.’

‘Temple Heelis excel in all areas through their personal touch, proactive approach and can-do attitude in all aspects of any work.’

Key clients

Wirral Specialist Dental Referrals Ltd


Temple Heelis D. R. Limited


Heritage Restaurant & Bar Ltd


RRC Property Ltd


Wilf’s Catering Limited


Rayriggs Services Limited


Winslow Construction & Renovation Limited


Lakes News Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Wirral Specialist Dental Referrals Limited on the acquisition of a dental practice to expand their existing practice portfolio for the provision of orthodontic dental care in Liverpool.
  • Advised a major bank on the funding of a multi-million pound refinance of two multi-let retail developments in the Lake District.
  • Advised Temple Heelis D. R. Limited in connection with the significant acquisition of two freehold properties in the heart of the Lake District.

Woodcocks Haworth & Nuttall (WHN)

Woodcocks Haworth & Nuttall (WHN)‘s team was bolstered with the April 2022 arrival from Harrison Drury & Co of legal director Daniel Boulton to the firm’s Blackburn office. At the same office, solicitor Katie Hall is noted as providing an ‘outstanding service’. It ably advises its clients on acquisitions, sales, developments and redevelopments of significant, high-value sites in the region. Experienced property development specialist Nicola Phelps, based in Clitheroe, leads the team.

Practice head(s):

Nicola Phelps


Other key lawyers:

Daniel Boulton; Katie Hall


Testimonials

‘When working on my private conveyancing which was quite complex they were very professional, knowledgeable and provided the best outcome.’

‘They have given a consistent service over many years.’

‘Katie Hall gives and outstanding service; she’s forward-thinking and a great communicator.’

Key clients

Providence Gate Group Holdings Ltd


Tradewind Recruitment Ltd


Henry and Ann Hamriding


St Johns Court Ramsbottom Ltd


41 NRoad Ltd


Maximillian John Bradley


Barnfield Blackburn Limited


Pendle Enterprise and Regeneration (Brierfield Mill) Limited


McDermott Developments Limited


AMS Technology Park Limited


Oldroyd (Preesall) Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Providence Gate Group Holdings Ltd / Providence Gate Abersoch Limited on the acquisition of a site in Abersoch for development into a hotel with residential apartments above.
  • Advised Pendle Enterprise and Regeneration (Brierfield Mill) Limited on a regeneration joint venture between Barnfield Investment Properties Limited and The Borough Council of Pendle for a major £32m development.
  • Advised McDermott Developments Ltd on a land purchase for development of 343 dwellings with associated works, conditional on planning permission and involving detailed Section 111 and Section 106 Agreements.