South East

Dentons has advised Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK), the Polish development bank, on a long-term investment loan of up to US$60 million granted to the Molo Group, owned by the Slominski family. The financing will be used to build a hotel complex with 251 rooms and suites on Providenciales, the main island of the Turks and Caicos archipelago in the Caribbean. The buildings will be constructed from equipment and modules manufactured in Poland. “It has been a great pleasure and satisfaction to assist BGK with this prestigious financing transaction, supporting the expansion of Molo Group in their largest investment to date. This project not only promotes Polish exports but also features exceptional hotel developments in some of the most stunning locations in the Caribbean”, said Tomasz Zwoliński, partner in the Banking and Finance practice in Warsaw. The complex includes two modular hotels: the 4-star boutique Indigo hotel and the 5-star Kimpton hotel. Both brands are owned by the international IHG group. The Indigo hotel is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, while the Kimpton is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2027. Tomasz Zwoliński supervised and led the cross-border project, advising on English and Polish law matters related to preparing, negotiating and signing the finance documents and securities, which covered five jurisdictions and involved collateral and mechanisms related to hurricane risk. He was supported by Jakub Zienkiewicz (counsel) and Kamil Bator (associate) from the Banking and Finance team in Warsaw. The transaction team also included partner Babette Märzheuser-Wood, Global Head of the Franchise Group, and Agnieszka Nagórska-Kordeczka (counsel), who advised on hotel franchise agreements. Dentons worked alongside teams from Griffiths & Partners, who served as Turks and Caicos counsel, and Massiah Law, acting as Gibraltar law counsel, both members of the Nextlaw referral network. About Dentons Across over 80 countries, Dentons helps you grow, protect, operate and finance your organization by providing uniquely global and deeply local legal solutions. Polycentric, purpose-driven and committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and sustainability, we focus on what matters most to you. dentons.com Media contact Lidia Adamczyk Communications, Marketing & Business Development Manager +48 513 045 352 [email protected]  

Paris Smith is delighted to announce that it has been named as a finalist in the Corporate Law Firm of the Year category at the South Coast Deals Awards 2026.The awards celebrate excellence across the South Coast’s corporate and dealmaking community, recognising the advisers, funders, investors and professional teams supporting the region’s most significant transactions and business growth.Paris Smith’s shortlisting recognises the strength, expertise and commitment of its Corporate team, which advises businesses, owners, entrepreneurs and investors across the South Coast and beyond on a wide range of corporate transactions.Richard Atcherley, Corporate Partner at Paris Smith, said: “This shortlisting is a testament to the hard work, expertise and commitment of everyone in the team, as well as the trust placed in us by our clients and professional partners.  We are proud to support businesses, owners, entrepreneurs and investors across the South Coast, and it is a real honour to be recognised among the region’s leading dealmaking advisers. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of the corporate finance community at the awards evening in September.” The winners will be announced at a black-tie awards evening on Thursday 10 September 2026 at Leonardo Royal Southampton, West Quay Road, Southampton. The event will be hosted by Mark Durden-Smith.Paris Smith will be sharing the news across its social media channels using the event hashtag #SCDA26.

Paris Smith has been named Employer of the Year at the Solent SME Growth 100 Awards, celebrating the region’s most successful and forward-thinking businesses.The award recognises organisations that demonstrate outstanding commitment to their people, workplace culture, and investment in employee development. Paris Smith was recognised for its inclusive and supportive working environment, strong focus on wellbeing, and dedication to nurturing talent across all levels of the firm.This achievement reflects the firm’s continued investment in its people, including structured career development opportunities, flexible working initiatives, and a culture built on collaboration, respect, and trust.Huw Miles, Managing Partner at Paris Smith, said: “We are humbled to have been named Employer of the Year. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and this recognition reflects the culture we have built together. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone can develop, feel supported, and perform at their best, in a business which values its freedom to do so.”The Solent SME Growth 100 Awards celebrate high-performing businesses across the region, recognising excellence in growth, innovation and leadership. Winning Employer of the Year further reinforces Paris Smith’s reputation as a leading regional law firm and an employer of choice in the South of England.

Long-serving leader is succeeded as Senior Partner by Property Partner Stuart AllenParis Smith is celebrating the remarkable career of Peter Taylor as he retires from the firm after 35 years of dedicated service, leadership and contribution to the business community across Hampshire and the wider region.Over more than three decades, Peter has made an enduring contribution to Paris Smith as a lawyer, colleague and leader. He served as Managing Partner from 2015 to 2022, steering the firm through a period of significant development and through the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. His leadership combined calm judgement, collaboration and a clear focus on supporting the firm’s people, clients and communities.In 2022, Peter handed over the baton of Managing Partner to Huw Miles and became Senior Partner, taking responsibility for leading the firm’s strategy and purpose. In that role, he helped shape Paris Smith’s direction and championed sustainable growth, strong client relationships and a culture in which people are supported to fulfil their potential.Peter’s influence has also extended far beyond the firm. He served as President of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and as Chair of the Southampton Chamber of Commerce leadership team, using those positions to champion regional enterprise, collaboration and economic opportunity. He has given his time to a number of community organisations as a trustee and, for many years, served as Vice - Chair of Governors at West Hill Park School in Fareham.Reflecting on his retirement, Peter Taylor said: “It has been an enormous privilege to spend the past 35 years at Paris Smith and to work alongside so many talented and committed people. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together, particularly the way the firm supported its clients, colleagues and communities through periods of profound change. Paris Smith’s strength has always come from its people and its shared sense of purpose. I leave with lasting gratitude, great confidence in the firm’s future and every good wish for Stuart and the team as they take the next chapter forward.”Stuart Allen, a Property Partner with extensive experience in property finance, leadership and management, succeeds Peter as Senior Partner. Stuart will lead the strategic board which has responsibility for the overall direction and success of Paris Smith, working with the firm’s leadership team to continue its strategic growth while maintaining its focus on the changing future needs of its clients and staff.Stuart Allen said: “Peter’s contribution to Paris Smith over 35 years has been exceptional. His integrity, thoughtful leadership and commitment to helping others thrive have shaped the firm and earned deep respect across the region. It is an honour to succeed him as Senior Partner. I look forward to working with colleagues across the firm to build on the strong foundations Peter has helped create, continue our strategic growth and ensure that Paris Smith remains responsive to the changing future needs of its staff and the businesses and organisations we work alongside.Paris Smith thanks Peter for his outstanding service and wishes him a long, happy and fulfilling retirement.