Rising Stars

Firms To Watch: Commercial property: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx

Led by Reena Popat, the Harrow-based team at Carter Bond Solicitors has broad experience spanning lease renewals and assignments, land acquisitions for development, and deed variations to remedy historic lease issues.

Commercial property: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx in South East

Dentons

The ‘highly capable‘ Milton Keynes-based team at Dentons assists clients with the full gamut of issues, including the drafting and negotiation of new leases, conditional purchases, and promotion agreements for development land. Robert Wyatt heads up the practice, and has significant expertise in advising land owners, banks, and housebuilders on the management and financing of commercial properties. Senior associate Lorna Rogers primarily assists investors and major occupiers with acquisitions and disposals, in addition to conditional agreements, while associate Susie Stross is particularly apt at handling railway property matters, including mixed-use developments and large infrastructure projects.

Practice head(s):

Robert Wyatt


Other key lawyers:

Lorna Rogers; Susie Stross; Daniel Lowen


Testimonials

‘Excellent team, very supportive of their team and very responsive to clients’ needs, and excellent at problem-solving.’

‘Very approachable, prompt and highly capable.’

Key clients

John Lewis Partnership


Taylor Wimpey


Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Limited


Department for Work and Pensions


Avis


Group 1 Automotive


HSBC UK Bank Plc


National Crime Agency


Mulberry Homes


Abbey Developments Limited


National Westminster Bank Plc


Harp (Longulf)


Work highlights


  • Acted for John Lewis in relation to all property aspects of its £500m joint venture with abrdn for the development of Build to Rent schemes at properties within the John Lewis portfolio.
  • Advising Taylor Wimpey on three unusual development sites using a structure which would allow Taylor Wimpey to take an option over the land with a view to securing planning, buying the land and then building and selling homes.
  • Advised Group 1 on the property acquisition (£20m) of five automotive dealerships at Aylesford, Maidstone under tight timescales where an investor seller was splitting an existing business park.

Freeths LLP

In Milton Keynes, the ‘responsive, supportive, and knowledgeable‘ team at Freeths LLP assists a varied client base, notably including Dawsongroup, London Luton Airport, and Milton Keynes Park Trust. Practice head Lucy Bradban focuses on the transactional side of the practice, and is ‘incredibly enthusiastic and committed‘ when assisting clients with secured lending projects, and multi-party transactions within the hospitality and leisure sectors. Shashi Chambers regularly acts for international logistics companies and airports on developments and international leases, the management of portfolios, and relocation transactions. Darren Debock assists housebuilders and commercial developers with strategic land acquisitions and land disposals.

Practice head(s):

Lucy Bradban


Other key lawyers:

Darren Debock; Christopher Ainsworth; Lucy Walford; Shashi Chambers


Testimonials

‘Extremely professional but always maintaining a commercial view of the issues involved.’

‘First-class legal advice, a firm which understands its clients and fosters an exceptional working relationship.’

‘Lucy Bradban is incredibly enthusiastic and committed to obtaining the very best outcomes.’

‘We receive excellent service from Freeths. They are responsive, supportive, and knowledgeable.’

‘They provide a top-class service and do so in a practical and personable way.’

Key clients

FedEx Group of Companies


London Luton Airport


Twickenham Studios


APCOA Parking (UK) Ltd


Milton Keynes Council


Milton Keynes Parks Trust


Allica Bank Limited


Advanced Software


Bristol Airport


Dawsongroup


Wells & Co


Abbey Developments Limited


Milton Keynes Development Partnership LLP


Monument Bank Limited


Maple Ridge Homes / 3 Counties Land


Work highlights


  • Advised Dawsongroup on a £42m land sale just outside just outside the village of Brogborough at junction 13 of the M1.
  • Advised MKDP on the grant of a building lease of the property known as D4,4N, Milton Keynes of 328 apartments and 1,180 square metres of mixed commercial development.

IBB Law

Predominantly based in Uxbridge, IBB Law has broad expertise spanning residential led developments, planning agreements, and Section 106 agreements. Jon Mowbray leads the practice, while Vivien Rimmer acts in various transactions concerning urban regeneration projects and complex land assembly work. Dividing her time between Uxbridge and Reading, the ‘very capableGemma Coles focuses on property finance work and advises on acquisitions and disposals. Miles Eckersley regularly represents housebuilders on mixed-use commercial and residential developments.

Practice head(s):

Jon Mowbray


Other key lawyers:

Vivien Rimmer; Bill Bidder; Miles Eckersley; Gemma Coles


Testimonials

‘Gemma Coles is very capable in the service she provides, including dealing with leases.’

‘We value Gemma Coles’ jargon-free style, practical approach, willingness to focus on the big-ticket issues, and not be distracted by smaller matters. And she’s a pleasure to deal with too!’

Key clients

Lands Improvement


Thrive Homes Limited


Riverdale Developments Limited


Optima (UK) Limited


Dandara Limited


Aviva


Frontier Estates Ltd


AIB Group (UK) plc


Renault Retail Group UK Limited


Otsuka Pharmaceutical Europe Ltd.


Work highlights


  • Acted for Otsuka Pharmaceutical, advising on the relocation of OPEL’s head office from Slough to Windsor.

Shoosmiths LLP

In Milton Keynes, Shoosmiths LLP houses a team of ‘problem solvers‘ that takes a ‘proactive approach‘ when assisting a diverse client base of commercial occupiers, domestic lenders and housebuilders. Practice head Steve Wiltshire has vast expertise in commercial and residential mixed-use developments, and often advises on strategic land developments under option agreements, and the ‘outstandingLisa Williams regularly acts for park operators on the management and letting of residential and holiday mobile home parks. Promoted to partner in May 2022, Kirsty Chalkley assists retail and leisure occupiers, developers and tenants with later living development land pre-lets, and Chris George is the key name at principal associate level. Catherine Williams left the practice to join Addleshaw Goddard in December 2022.

Practice head(s):

Steve Wiltshire


Other key lawyers:

Lisa Williams; Chris George; Kirsty Chalkley


Testimonials

‘Lisa Williams is outstanding. We are always confident that transactions will go well and that we are receiving top industry knowledge. Lisa is always contactable and has a very good understanding of our business and structure.’

‘I thoroughly enjoy working with the team, who are all problem solvers. They fully understand our needs and reflect them during contract negotiations. Nothing is ever too much trouble.’

‘Kirsty Chalkley is one of the best solicitors I have worked with.’

‘Lisa Williams has attention to detail with excellent communication skills.’

‘The team have a proactive approach to commercial real estate transactions and are always on hand to support the business when needed. Shoosmiths would always be my first choice.’

‘Christopher George has exceptional knowledge and approach and is a trusted ally for any commercial matter. Despite his level of professionalism, he remains approachable and personable and is a joy to work with on any matter.’

‘Lisa Williams is a joy to work with and a trusted safe pair of hands. Her tenacity always shines through any complex matter.’

Key clients

Taylor Wimpey UK Limited


Vistry Group Plc


Gade Developments


Volkswagen Group United Kingdom Limited


Mercedes-Benz Retail Group Limited


Travelodge Hotels Limited


Revolution Bars Group Plc


Randstad UK Holding Ltd


The Open University


Nickolls Properties Limited


Tilia Homes


Bellway


McCarthy Stone


Frontier Estates Limited


Tingdene (MJ) Limited


Millbrook Proving Ground Limited


Perseus Land and Developments


Scania (Great Britain) Limited


Storey Homes


Yusen Logistics (UK) Limited


Allison Homes Limited


Citygrove Securities Plc


Harrowden Farms


Full Support Healthcare Limited


Lamington Group


Work highlights


  • Advised Inventive Service Company Limited (Revolution Bars Group Plc) on the acquisition of 27 leasehold properties as part of its acquisition of the entire share capital of the Peach Pub group.
  • Advised Full Support Healthcare Limited on the acquisition of a major site in Keysoe, Bedfordshire for Keysoe International Ltd. The land is to be used in conjunction with Keysoe International Equestrian Centre.

B P Collins LLP

The ‘professional, knowledgeable, and engaging‘ group at B P Collins LLP exhibits a ‘wide variety of skills‘ when acting for investors, waste management companies, and developers. Alison Taylor heads up the Gerrards Cross-based practice with her longstanding expertise in commercial lease transactions and portfolio management work, often acting for local authorities. The ‘brilliantMaria Mowberry has a great deal of knowledge surrounding corporate support, real estate finance, and residential development matters, while Martina Razaq is a residential property expert and regularly advises clients on legal charges and equity releases.

Practice head(s):

Alison Taylor


Other key lawyers:

Maria Mowberry; Martina Razaq


Testimonials

‘Good, strong knowledge provided in a great way. Easy to work with.’

‘The team is personable, professional, knowledgeable, and engaging. They are friendly, easy to access, and have a wide variety of skills.’

‘Maria Mowberry is friendly and efficient. Maria is brilliant.’

‘B P Collins make me feel that my work matters and they offer a first-class service.’

‘Maria Mowberry is always available and always knows what is going on, and her advice is always prompt, considered, practical, and wise.’

Key clients

Stage Fifty UK Ltd


Asset Arts Limited


Biffa Group


Welford Investments Limited


Rico Logistics Limited


Summerleaze Limited


Mobile Mini, Inc


Lacoste UK Limited


Bijou Living Limited


CliniMed Holdings Limited


Welland Medical Limited


Stable Ventures Limited


Debenhams Ottaway

The ‘five-star‘ team at Debenhams Ottaway handles a myriad of matters, including owner-occupied property purchases, secured lending work, and landlord and tenant issues. Ruth Boulton leads the practice alongside Jonathan Foy from Radlett and St Albans respectively. Boulton has significant experience in advising owner-managed businesses and banks on high-value residential issues, while Foy handles leases for major corporate occupiers. St Alban’s Neil Mercer advises a variety of clients, with an ‘excellent understanding‘ of consortium agreements and development deals.

Practice head(s):

Ruth Boulton; Jonathan Foy


Other key lawyers:

Neil Mercer; Kat McDonagh


Testimonials

‘Good competent team who get it, and just get on with transactions whilst providing good feedback. Great advice and help when needed.’

‘Their individuals make up a terrific team covering a range of law practice. They all perform to the highest standard and our clients have always been well looked after.’

‘I have worked with Ruth Boulton and Neil Mercer for many years and consistently recommend them to our clients.’

‘We have worked with this practice for many decades. The practice has progressed very well – we are always kept up to date, all communication has always been transparent.’

‘Ruth Boulton and Kat McDonagh have always maintained professionalism while being friendly.’

‘Would rate them as a five-star team. Neil Mercer and his team have an in-depth knowledge of property law which together with understanding our requirements have resulted in excellent outcomes. Highly recommended.’

‘Neil Mercer has excellent understanding of clients’ needs. He is easy to contact and provides quick responses.’

‘They all seem approachable regardless of who you see or who answers the phone. Every client is dealt with promptly.’

Key clients

Harp Group Limited


The Church Lands Trust


Global Rail Construction Limited


Epson


Stratton Land


Wayhome


Luxottica North Europe Limited and Luxottica Retail UK Limited


Knoops Holdings


Kier Group/ McNicholas Ltd


Work highlights


  • Acting for property developer and promoter Acorn Braintree Limited on its £12m land purchase to develop for residential housing (GDV in excess of £40m).
  • Advising Harp Group Limited on its agreement to purchase 26 sites of Welcome Nurseries by way of pre-pack, following its administration.
  • Advising Epson on the alterations to its UK headquarters.

SA Law LLP

SA Law LLP‘s ‘fantastic, very attentive and very knowledgeable‘ team handles a broad range of matters, including bridging and development financing work, and portfolio acquisitions. Gary Dunger and Steve Kenneford jointly head up the St Albans-based practice; Dunger has vast knowledge of leasehold enfranchisement issues, while Kenneford primarily focuses on residential conveyancing. Jacqueline Button maintains a transaction-focused practice, advising a number of mixed-use and commercial developers, and Steve Ryan has broad knowledge which spans multi-party deals and high-value projects.

Practice head(s):

Gary Dunger; Steve Kenneford


Other key lawyers:

Jacqueline Button; Stephen Ryan


Testimonials

‘The team at SA Law are fantastic, very attentive and very knowledgeable. We have worked with SA Law for numerous years now and continue to build on an excellent relationship. The team work cohesively to aid our property purchases, dispute resolution and overall practices.’

‘Gary Dunger works tirelessly alongside us to help us overcome challenges and obstacles.’

Key clients

Swarco UK Limited


Ventura Alliance Limited


HSBC


Audbern Investments Limited/Tulsesense Limited


Eurochange Limited


Techna International Limited


Holywell Haulage Limited/Readymix Concrete Limited


Portman Structured Finance Limited


OYO Developments Limited


Watford FC


Work highlights


  • Acting for an Ventura Alliance Ltd on the £1.5m acquisition of four industrial units at the ongoing development site at Ventura Business Park, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire.
  • Acting on the sale of over 50 plots for a long-standing developer client. The firm advises on development work from site assembly through planning and other statutory agreements to plot sales across numerous sites in the Northern Home Counties and East Midlands.
  • Advised Portman Structured Finance Limited on two development loans to the same borrower, with a gross development value of £1.8m.

Sherrards Solicitors LLP

Sherrards Solicitors LLP‘s ‘professional, helpful and patient‘ St Albans team assists a variety of clients in the hospitality and leisure sectors with the renewal of temporary leases. Practice head Terry Fendt has extensive experience in acting for high street retailers, while Stephanie Kierans acts for restaurants and private landlords on investment matters. Working out of both the London and St Albans offices, senior associate Shane Knight is ‘considerate, attentive and responsive‘ when advising small property developers and charity sector clients on property investment portfolios. Senior associate Caroline Turner joined the team from Burlingtons Legal LLP in November 2022.

Practice head(s):

Terry Fendt


Other key lawyers:

Stephanie Kierans; Shane Knight; Caroline Turner


Testimonials

‘The Sherrards team is professional, helpful and patient.’

‘Shane Knight has been a pleasure to deal with throughout all the transactions we have had. From 30 years of experience in real estate trading, we have never seen such a unique individual, who is so considerate, attentive and responsive.’

‘Shane Knight is always on top of his responses, he builds a great working relationship with his clients. Shane is ready to go that extra mile for his clients.’

‘Shane Knight always tries to understand each client individually and has a different approach to each one of them.’

Key clients

Chokdee Ltd (trading as Giggling Squid)


Menkind Limited


Foodco UK Franchising Limited (trading as Muffin Break)


Rituals Cosmetics UK Limited


DBD Distribution Limited


Central City Training Venues (CCTV)


Langney Trustees


What Stores limited


AM Coffee Retail Ltd


Robinson Webster


Work highlights


  • Acting for Giggling Squid on its new acquisitions of sites around the UK.
  • Acting for MenKind Limited on renewals, lease re-gears, strategic break notices and re-locations.
  • Acting for Rituals Cosmetics UK Limited with its new lease at Battersea Power Station.

Howes Percival LLP

Howes Percival LLP’s Milton Keynes-based practice serves clients across a variety of sectors, with some notable names being Getir UK, Group 1 Automotive and GP Care Now. Practice head Marcus Carter primarily acts for corporate occupiers, and takes a ‘proactive stance‘ when assisting with portfolio management work, and investment acquisitions and disposals. Associate Graham Jones has broad knowledge of commercial landlord and tenant matters, and corporate support issues, while associate Fleur Chapman focuses on the sale and purchase of commercial property and property financing work.

Practice head(s):

Marcus Carter


Other key lawyers:

Graham Jones; John Herd; Fleur Chapman


Testimonials

‘The team has a good speed of response, and gets deals under control at an early point in the transaction.’

‘Marcus Carter has an overall commercial approach and proactive stance.’

‘The team are forward thinking, always looking to provide solutions and not afraid to step outside from the usual constraints. Every project small or large is given the same level of consideration. They strive to enable deals to happen rather than many who put obstacles in the way, the HP team develop strategies to overcome them. They are refreshingly dynamic and at all times willing to go above and beyond the call of duty.’

‘Marcus Carter is the core to the team. His ethos and proactive; ‘cant do enough’ approach filters down the whole team and indeed the wider firm. His enthusiasm is infectious and has given a new lease of life into the legal world.’

Key clients

Steven Eagell Limited


Steven Eagell Properties Limited


Getir UK Limited


Formula One Autocentres Limited


Pattishall Properties Limited


Nene Group Plc


Group 1 Automotive Limited


Kirkby Diamond LLP


Engineered Reinforcing Steel Industries Limited


GP Care Now Limited


Haryl (1991) Limited


Office Space In Town Limited


Burgh Island Limited


Glyn Hopkin Limited


Kingswood Mobility Group Limited


Scotts of Thrapston Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for Group 1 Automotive Limited on its acquisition of a BMW and Mini Dealership in Essex.
  • Advised Kingswood Corporation Group Limited on its 20 year lease of a newly constructed 47,000 sq ft mixed warehouse and offices.
  • Acted for Haryl (1991) Limited and Burgh Island Limited on the purchase of a property that is being transformed into staff accommodation for the Burgh Island Hotel.

Longmores Solicitors LLP

The team at Longmores Solicitors LLP handles the full spectrum of commercial property issues, including agricultural sales and purchases, and general commercial property leases. Rachael Spalton leads the Hertford-based practice, utilising her ‘deep knowledge and excellent understanding‘ to assist promoters, developers and landowners with strategic land transactions. The ‘exceptionally smart, diligent and efficientVictoria Sandberg is particularly adept at handling rural and agricultural matters concerning overage and option agreements, in addition to acting for landed estates. John Wagstaffe maintains his property litigation practice, often representing developers and landlords.

Practice head(s):

Rachael Spalton


Other key lawyers:

Victoria Sandberg; John Wagstaffe


Testimonials

‘Very professional. Technical and commercial awareness to ensure advice is prompt and gets to the point.’

‘Rachael Spalton has deep knowledge and excellent understanding of commercial matters, including leases, planning and development.’

‘Victoria Sandberg is exceptionally smart, diligent, and efficient. Highly impressive knowledge of a range of matters including leasing and letting, purchase and sale, commercial property and planning and development. I never hesitate to recommend Victoria to clients and contacts.’

‘Victoria Sandberg and Rachael Spalton are excellent, providing pragmatic and timely advice.’

Key clients

Shine Partnerships Limited


King & Co Properties Limited


P2P Residential Limited


Stutley Brothers Limited


Millard Property Limited


Epping Green Trading Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised a landowner in relation to a promotion agreement for 30 acres of land with a potential land value in excess of £13m.
  • Advised a land owner on the sale of 60 acres of strategic development land for over £38m.
  • Advised Shine Partnerships Limited on the acquisition, refurbishment and sale of supported living accommodation.

Taylor Walton LLP

In Luton, the ‘very efficient‘ team at Taylor Walton LLP has ‘great knowledge‘ of leasehold extensions and enfranchisement work, in addition to land and property development issues. Practice head James Cottrell frequently acts for developers, having ‘excellent knowledge‘ of site financings, disposals and acquisitions. Dermot Carey has longstanding expertise in option, promotion and overage agreements, in addition to land and site assembly issues; while the ‘truly exceptionalJames Khakpour-Smith frequently advises overseas traders and property investors on commercial acquisitions and corporate support issues from the St Albans office.

Practice head(s):

James Cottrell


Other key lawyers:

Dermot Carey; James Khakpour-Smith; Julma Begum


Testimonials

‘James Khakpour-Smith is a truly exceptional property lawyer whose insight into a client’s interests and attention to detail is second to none. The go to lawyer for those wishing to protect their investment property portfolio.’

‘The team all work together and have an interest in the work they are doing for their clients by all being involved.’

‘Know what is required and deal with everything quickly and efficiently. They are very efficient, and have great knowledge.’

‘James Khakpour-Smith is always on hand to talk any issues through, and always finds a way for a quick resolution whenever there is an issue. James is, in short, exceptional. He goes above and beyond to get a transaction over the line.’

‘The firm cares for its clients. Their due diligence is very thorough and they are able to advise what matters are genuine risks and what issues can be taken a view on. This allows our transactions to progress efficiently.’

‘Julma Begum has been very efficient and proactive in several property transactions. I would be happy to recommend her to other developers.’

‘James Cottrell has excellent knowledge and a lovely guy.’

‘Taylor Walton LLP maintains the highest level of service. Their response time is extremely impressive. The level of expertise has been sufficient to deal with a wide variety of issues to our complete satisfaction. I simply want good professional service and that’s what Taylor Walton delivers.’

Tees Law

Tees Law houses a ‘highly knowledgeable and approachable‘ team, which handles a myriad of issues for development and investment companies, including site infrastructure agreements and residential portfolio acquisitions and disposals. Kay Piper leads the Bishop’s Stortford-based group, and is ‘second to none‘ in handling option agreements, rights of first refusal, and option agreements. Associate Samantha Worth is ‘highly skilled and experienced‘ advising on a variety of matters, including landlord and tenant issues, site set up and finance work, and infrastructure agreements. Senior associate Suzanne Bradbury joined the team in October 2022 from Birkett Long LLP, contributing her knowledge of conditional, part and overage contracts.

Practice head(s):

Kay Piper


Other key lawyers:

David Miller; Samantha Worth; Suzanne Bradbury; Piers Woods


Testimonials

‘A highly knowledgeable and approachable team who are professional in every sense but retain a personal touch. Tees Law have provided me with excellent advice on numerous transactions over a period of over many years. I deal with solicitors every day as part of my business. Tees are by far the most efficient and knowledgeable.’

‘Kay Piper has the ability to combine technical expertise with clear, pragmatic advice, helping a non-lawyer to navigate the legal options. She has an eye on the negotiating dynamic. Kay is second to none. Her efficiency is noticeable and we have always valued her advice.’

‘Samantha Worth is highly skilled and experienced, and has always explained the implications and how to overcome issues. We have 100% confidence in her and would be happy for her to take on other transactions. I would not hesitate to recommend Samantha to others.’

‘Piers Wood’s and David Miller’s knowledge, expert advice, and professionalism gives their customers 100% satisfaction on all legal aspects and I would classify their excellent service as perfect.’

‘The team at Tees Law consistently performs strongly, and is always better informed than our counter parties legal counsel. They are very practical, quick to respond, and take the initiative to get the job done. Over and above other law firms, Tees Law set themselves apart by being very commercially-minded, alongside their deep property-related knowledge.’

‘Samantha Worth’s knowledge and communication skills were second to none, she gave very honest advice.’

‘Samantha Worth has good client management and engagement during a project, always contactable. Provides a high level of service and due diligence.’

‘A large and effective team with a specific team dealing with rural property issues. The team has a wide range of experience, with particular expertise in renewable projects.’

Key clients

Lightsource BP


Pubprop Ltd


Crane & Staples LLP

The Welwyn Garden City team at Crane & Staples LLP is ‘second to none‘ at assisting a diverse client base, consisting of franchises, professional landlords, and local authorities. The ‘outstandingBonnie Twiggs leads the practice alongside Chris Brewis. Twiggs is an ‘exceptional solicitor‘ who is particularly adept at advising on leasehold and enfranchisement issues, while Brewis, who is rated by clients as ‘a cut above most solicitors‘, regularly represents developers and healthcare entities in lease and land acquisitions. The ‘highly sought after and proactiveManish Patel has broad experience spanning care home provider sales and the refinancing of freehold properties.

Practice head(s):

Bonnie Twiggs; Chris Brewis


Other key lawyers:

Manish Patel


Testimonials

‘Bonnie Twiggs is by far the best solicitor we have ever worked with. Bonnie is outstanding because of her vast knowledge and confidence, but also her personable and approachable nature, we feel she has our best interests at heart.’

‘I wouldn’t use any other law firm. Their knowledge, advice, service and support has been second to none.’

‘Chris Brewis supplies a very efficient service, providing sound advice in most areas, we would rate Chris a cut above most solicitors.’

‘Bonnie Twiggs is an exceptional solicitor with years of experience in various commercial matters, she has helped us numerous times with difficult property issues including leases, purchases and help securing finance. Her number one priority is us the client, she’s straight talking and always gives honest opinions and advice.’

‘The team has great knowledge in depth and presents helpful advice calmly to clients.’

‘Manish Patel is a highly sought after and proactive solicitor, who brings his whole heart to work and demonstrates passion for exceptional client service on a daily basis. He is consistent, driven and always takes the initiative in moving things forward towards a successful outcome as a trusted adviser.’

Work highlights


  • Acting for a client in the £8m sale of a nursery and day-care business.

Lennons Solicitors

The Chesham-based practice at Lennons Solicitors dispenses advice on the full spectrum of commercial property issues, including acquisitions and disposals of investment properties, and landlord and tenant issues. Jackie Craig leads the team with her longstanding expertise in domestic residential conveyancing work.

Practice head(s):

Jackie Craig


Other key lawyers:

Nicolle Marchant; Krupa Wagjiani


Testimonials

‘Responsive, diligent, and they go above and beyond to help their clients in the best possible way.’

‘They are experienced, accessible, and coordinate well together when one needs advice.’

‘Jackie Craig, Nicolle Marchand, and Krupa Wagjiani have knowledge and experience.’

Key clients

W E Black Finance Ltd


Durkin and Sons Retirement Fund and Trudy Pension Fund


Ridgepoint Homes Limited


W.J & M. Mash Limited


Howarth Homes Plc


Work highlights


  • Advised Durkin and Sons Retirement Fund and Trudy Pension Fund on the purchase of a site in Birmingham for investment purposes.
  • Acted for Ridgepoint Homes Ltd on its acquisition of part of the freehold of a development site from a Jersey-based company, which will comprise 21 dwellings.

Machins Solicitors LLP

The ‘first-class‘ practice at Machins Solicitors LLP covers a variety of issues, including advising on break clauses in leases, and landlord licenses. Simeon Clipstone heads up the Luton-based group with his longstanding expertise in asset based business sales and purchases, and licences for alterations. Nick Ginger handles the full range of matters, and has ‘significant experience‘ in commercial lease renewals and commercial premises acquisitions, and Santokh Singh has vast experience in advising on conditional contracts, Section 106 planning agreements, and overage agreements.

Practice head(s):

Simeon Clipstone


Other key lawyers:

Nick Ginger; Santokh Singh


Testimonials

‘The team are able to deal with a wide range of commercial property matters for clients.’

‘Regardless of the task, they respond with the utmost care, never leaving even the minutest detail undone. Machins have a full suite of specialists and will assist where necessary with negotiations. Machins are excellent when it comes to commercial leases.’

‘Nick Ginger always makes us aware at all times of the legalities involved. He will provide assistance throughout.’

‘Nick Ginger and his team are first class.’

‘Highly experienced and commercially minded.’

‘Nick Ginger is relationship driven with significant experience across all areas of commercial property. Flexible and practical on all matters.’

Moorcrofts LLP

Moorcrofts LLP serves a varied client base of small and medium-sized development companies, often dispensing advice on lease renewals and negotiations, in addition to portfolio management issues. The ‘very diligentJulia Ferguson frequently acts for corporate occupiers of owner managed businesses in matters concerning the disposal of business premises and leasehold acquisitions.

Practice head(s):

Julia Ferguson


Testimonials

‘Julia Ferguson – Very diligent and works hard with a small team to ensure a thorough and comprehensive service. Nearly always available and is strong on technical aspects.’

‘Excellent experienced commercial property team with a wealth of expertise and providing exacting and detailed legal advice.’

‘Great team led by Julia Ferguson. All team members are experienced, helpful and responsive.’

Key clients

data.ai Europe Limited


Laurent-Perrier UK Limited


Skillbond Limited


Thames Property Group Ltd


Thames Developments Group Ltd


Thames Properties Ltd


Richfield Properties Ltd


National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society


MMR Research Worldwide Limited


David Farms Limited


IMRG Limited


Cup of Rosie Ltd


MOT Models Limited


Fiske Plc


Nockolds Solicitors

Nockolds Solicitors‘ ‘impressive‘ team exhibits ‘excellent knowledge‘ of affordable housing sales, and freehold reversions. Michael Talbot co-heads the practice alongside James Griffiths; Talbot has vast knowledge of planning and infrastructure agreements, and often dispenses advice on large-scale residential developments, while Griffiths frequently represents promoters and developers in matters concerning portfolios. Associate John Stigwood is a ‘stand out‘ practitioner who often acts for both buyers and sellers when negotiating conditional contracts and promotion agreements. Director Lucy Riley is ‘particularly exceptional‘ in advising on the tax aspects enfranchisement transactions, and acts for high-net-worth individuals and landlords.

Practice head(s):

Michael Talbot; James Griffiths


Other key lawyers:

John Stigwood; Lucy Riley


Testimonials

‘Very strong and extremely competent team, we deal with Nockolds on an almost daily basis and we feel they provide a fantastic level of service to their clients. They are a personable team with excellent knowledge of the different aspects of the law.’

‘John Stigwood is a stand out within the commercial property team. His attention to detail is admirable and his level of due diligence and care in his work is impressive, John is always on hand to pick up the phone to go through matters and is very easy to communicate with. His work ethic is clearly very strong.’

‘I have always been impressed with Lucy Riley’s technical ability and skills. Her knowledge of the field of leasehold enfranchisement is particularly exceptional.’

‘Nockolds all-round knowledge and ability to put the right team in place is impressive. They have specialist knowledge in commercial landlord and tenant matters.’

‘John Stigwood is worth a special mention. He is able to grasp the important parts of any transaction and really concentrates on the detail.’

Key clients

Fairview New Homes Limited


Beverley Homes Limited


Scoffs Group Plc


Foxley Homes Limited


John Banks Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Scoffs Group Ltd on the acquisition of 19 stores from Costa Limited as part of an existing franchise agreement between Costa and the client.
  • Acting for 24×7 Limited on its purchase of around ten acres of bare land with planning permission for the development.

Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Shakespeare Martineau LLP houses an experienced team of practitioners, who dispense advice on lease acquisitions and pre-let agreements. Practice head Joseph Soul has vast experience in assisting healthcare and education operators with the ownership and development of medical centres, care homes, and private medical hospitals. The ‘highly knowledgeableAllawee Albaghdadi is particularly adept at advising commercial and residential developers, and corporate occupiers on development, funding and industrial schemes.

Practice head(s):

Joseph Soul


Other key lawyers:

Allawee Albaghdadi; David Wells; Jordan Glackin


Testimonials

‘The team is responsive, and very professional, they turn around work quickly, and are always on the end of the phone to answer any questions or queries you may have.’

‘Allawee Albaghdadi has excellent customer care skills, is highly knowledgeable and has an amazing supporting team to deal with and field any issues you bring to him.’

‘All the professional team are very competent and handled our matter with upmost professionalism. The advice we got was very clear and they came up with solution for issues which could effectively have been deal breakers.’

‘Very good people skills – looks at the clients needs and ready to invest the required time and effort to get things done.’

Key clients

XPO


Fired Earth Limited


International Students House


Royal Mencap Society


University of West London


Autocraft Drivetrain Solutions Limited / Harmor Limited


Camphill MK Communities


Bedfordshire Charitable Trust


Welford Healthcare


Person Centred Software Limited


Marchmont Farms Limited


Homes Plus


Mintridge Strategic Land Limited


Westgate Healthcare Group


Salveo Care Group


National Westminster Bank (Healthcare)


We Care Group


Brightstar Hospitality Limited


Stonewater Limited


Bright Horizons


Work highlights


  • Advised Welford Bidco 5 Midco Limited on its acquisition of six trading care homes from the Morris Care Group for £56m.
  • Advised XPO Transport Solutions Limited, a US-owned multinational warehousing and logistics company, on its acquisition of a ten-year lease from a UK property fund of a newly built mega warehouse in Milton Keynes.
  • Advised University of West London on its strategic acquisition of a freehold building London for over £19m from Penguin Random House, for conversion to mixed office and education use.