Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Commercial litigation: elsewhere in the West Midlands

Aaron & Partners LLP, which has a strong reputation for commercial litigation in the North West, has been building up its presence in the Midlands from its base in Shrewsbury, handling a range of contentious matters.

Commercial litigation: elsewhere in the West Midlands in West Midlands

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP

Taking a ‘savvy and sensible approach’ to litigation, FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is capable of handling disputes that involve aspects of insolvency, company law and real estate. The team also has considerable experience of advising agricultural and rural clients on property-related matters. Charlotte Clode leads the team, possessing broad expertise that includes intellectual property disputes while key contact Guy Birkett is experienced in handling high-value cases, and Gareth Ruddock handles a range of complex commercial and insolvency litigation matters. Senior associate Elisabeth Glover‘s wealth of experience includes commercial contract disputes and commercial debts, among other areas and Laura Vernon joined from Trowers & Hamlins LLP in August 2022

Practice head(s):

Charlotte Clode


Other key lawyers:

Guy Birkett; Gareth Ruddock; Laura Vernon; Elisabeth Glover


Testimonials

‘The firm is a commercial outfit that prides itself on working in partnership with its clients to ensure the provision of commercial, innovative and cost-transparent legal advice that adds value and uncomplicates the legal process.’

‘They appear to make legal services more accessible to clients and aligned with clients’ needs. They are approachable and offer outstanding client service.’

‘In my experience of them, they are efficient and knowledgeable in contentious trusts and probate. However, they are also very easy to deal with in the sense that they create something of a “family atmosphere” which makes clients feel supported. They seem really to care about the fact that litigation is a difficult experience for people to go through, and so makes that experience less painful.’

Key clients

Whitlock & Lowe Limited


Dudley Building Society


Tipton & Coseley Building Society


Accurate Laser Cutting Limited


Total Construction Supplies Limited


LXA Construction Limited


Andrews Sykes Group Plc


Wedge Group Galvanising Limited


DDC Engineering Solutions Limited


Leonard Curtis Business Solutions Group Limited


Savills (UK) Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting in a contested £4m probate dispute between siblings that focused upon the family’s significant agricultural holding and business.
  • Representing the administrator of a manufacturing business which entered insolvency following a fire at their factory premises to bring a claim of at least £6m in value against the company’s insurance broker, insurance company and sub-contractor against a decline to cover the financial losses caused by that fire (in the case of the former) and against the negligence which caused the fire (in the case of the latter).
  • Advising on a dispute with the Secretary of State for Transport over the valuation of land (worth £4.3m) following the compulsory purchase of that land for the HS2 development. Taking the dispute through the protocol process and ADR processes and otherwise pursuing in the Upper Chamber of the Lands Tribunal. The case settled in October 2022 following a multi-day mediation for a substantial seven-figure sum.

George Green LLP

The ‘attentive and client-focused’ George Green LLP's commercial litigation team regularly represents national and international clients in complex cases. The team is capable of handling matters in a variety of sectors, such as healthcare, accountancy and journalism. Practice head Morgan Rees specialises in high-value and complex litigation, while Neil Williams has recently handled a procurement dispute and a conspiracy to defraud claim. Liam Owen strengthens the team with experience in acting for shareholders, directors and companies.

Practice head(s):

Morgan Rees


Other key lawyers:

Neil Williams; Liam Owen


Testimonials

‘Morgan Rees is a quality act. An excellent lawyer who is an astute litigator and very tech savvy. Great for media disputes.’

‘Good understanding of our industry and business.’

‘Ability to provide good, concise and pragmatic commercial advice.’

Key clients

thyssenkrupp Materials (UK) Limited


Sims Group UK Limited


Medequip Assistive Technology Limited


Saltus Partners LLP


TIA (GB) Limited


Olive Communications Solutions Limited


Inenco Group Limited


Jeeves Estates Limited


Argus Fire Protection Company Limited


Handicare Accessibility Limited


Work highlights


  • Represented Jaspal and Baljit Thind in a three week trial, successfully resisting a number of derivative claims and unfair prejudice petitions concerning the operation of care and nursing homes. The case is currently proceeding in the Court of Appeal.
  • Represented Mike Sivier in the trial of defamation claims brought by Rachel Riley. The case is currently proceeding in the Court of Appeal.
  • Represented Medequip Assistive Technology Limited in very substantial public procurement proceedings. The case is likely to be listed for a lengthy trial in 2023/4.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Handling shareholder disputes, indemnity claims and commercial agreements, Harrison Clark Rickerbys is able to lead on a broad range of litigation matters for national and international clients. Alongside this, the firm is also experienced in dealing with disputes pertaining to defence and security, healthcare and agriculture. The practice is jointly led by Worcester’s Elizabeth Beatty, who advises both domestic and international clients in the medical recruitment, retail, automotive and advanced manufacturing sectors, with Hereford’s Richard Morgan specialising in defence and security disputes. In addition, Wye Valley-based co-chair Hefin Archer Williams’s strengths lie in partnership disputes and breaches of shareholder agreements, among other areas. Legal director Tom Williams, active in the firm’s Worcester office, advises on a broad range of litigation.

Practice head(s):

Richard Morgan; Elizabeth Beatty; Hefin Archer Williams


Other key lawyers:

Tom Williams


Testimonials

‘They are accessible outside normal working hours. We worked together on this project as equal partners, not as parent child.’

‘Specialist advice which is technically strong and commercially realistic.’

‘The leading commercial litigation firm in Worcester and Worcestershire.’

‘Particularly strong in shareholder disputes.’

‘Elizabeth Beatty and Tom Williams are clam, experienced and commercially astute.’

Key clients

Pertemps Medical Group


Quantum Advisory Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Pertemps Medical Group regarding harassment and serious allegations, which was defended in the High Court.
  • Acting for Quantum Advisory Limited on an SPA dispute.

Thursfields Solicitors

Thursfields Solicitors fields ‘a top-rate team that oozes confidence’ and is capable of advising on an array of matters, with significant expertise in shareholder disputes alongside a newly strengthened offering in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors. ‘Superb team leader’ Stephen Rome often advises on disputes involving breach of fiduciary duty, authorised push payment (APP) fraud and misrepresentation for clients in the manufacturing and engineering sectors. The ‘outstanding’ Georgia Morris has an array of experience, including in professional negligence and insolvency matters.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Rome


Other key lawyers:

Georgia Morris


Testimonials

‘A dedicated and talented team whose size allows them to provide clients with an entirely personalised service across a range of litigation.’

‘They punch very much above their weight, and have the kind of heavyweight litigation that city centre firms would dream of.’

‘The charismatic and creative Stephen Rome leads the team with a great combination of technical acumen and business nous.’

Key clients

Kingsford Caravan Park Limited


Bewdley Caravan Sales Limited


Ivy and Alldey Loveridge


Ward Sheldrake Consultancy


Network Catering (Engineers) Limited


Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP


Work highlights


  • Advising an individual in respect of claims worth in excess of £50m arising out of the collapse of an investment business.
  • Advising the majority shareholders (Ivy and Alldey Loveridge) of five limited companies (net worth of approximately £35m) in relation to defending an unfair prejudice petition and just and equitable winding up petition, culminating in the successful strike out of the petition in its entirety by the Court of Appeal.
  • Advising two high-net-worth individuals in relation to defending a claim for £32m regarding breach of duty and conspiracy to cause loss, involving claims against the individuals, their former legal advisors and a multinational bank.

Wright Hassall LLP

Wright Hassall LLP’s ‘highly experienced’ and ‘well-resourced’ commercial litigation team has expertise in relation to technology disputes, restrictive covenants, and disputes in the financial sector. The team is helmed by the ‘superb’ Nathan Talbott, who has a wide array of expertise including advising on mis-sold or negligently implemented financial products, unfair prejudice disputes and breach of warranty claims. Luke Moulton‘s expertise lies in the advanced manufacturing and engineering, technology and media sectors. Jennifer Rhind‘s capabilities include handling costs budgeting and recovery, whilst Parminder Takhar is well versed in a variety of disputes, such as those involving commercial contracts and insurance.

Practice head(s):

Nathan Talbott


Other key lawyers:

Luke Moulton; Parminder Takhar; Jennifer Rhind; Susan Hopcraft


Testimonials

‘The team is extremely client-focused. It provides clear, realistic advice, and prepares thoroughly and effectively for litigation.’

‘Nathan Talbott is commercially astute, and a good predictor of how litigation will pan out.’

‘Great team who all work very collaboratively. Excellent use of technology and always on top of the law.’

Key clients

MG Motors Group


Wind Farm Equipment Limited


Epwin Group


WASPS Holdings Limited


Computer Systems International Limited


Keller Group plc


British Showjumping Association


Medstrom Limited


Specialist Building Products Limited


British Parachute Association Ltd trading as British Skydiving


Work highlights


Band Hatton Button LLP

A notable strength for the ‘proactive and client-oriented’ Band Hatton Button LLP team is property litigation, with other strengths including insolvency disputes and other business-related litigation. ‘Skillful litigator’ John French leads the practice with particular expertise regarding contracts disputes, and neighbour and boundary disputes. Jon Wilby is vastly experienced in advising on commercial property and construction matters, with Malcolm Thomas‘s specialisms including disputes arising from wills and lifetime trusts, business ownership, easements and restrictive covenants. Associate Raman Dhillon‘s expertise on privacy claims strengthens the team.

Practice head(s):

John French


Other key lawyers:

Jon Wilby; Malcolm Thomas; Raman Dhillon


Testimonials

‘Consistently high-quality and commercial legal services. An impressive breadth of work, from high-value complex litigation to lower value disputes – a team that seems to be the first choice for many clients and industry sectors.’

‘Jon Wilby is a very level-headed, approachable partner who always has the confidence of his clients as he guides them through complex disputes. John French is an excellent partner who works tirelessly for his clients, however large or small the dispute. He lives their case. Raman Dhillon is an incredibly able senior associate with an impressive and experienced grasp of commercial litigation.’

‘The team is very organised, pro-active and client orientated. They are able to address client concerns and seek to achieve the outcome that clients want.’

Key clients

Matrix Machine Tool (Coventry) Limited


Bluebells Incorporated Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advised Matrix Machine Tool (Coventry) Ltd in a dispute over defective machinery supplied. The alleged losses involved are more than £1m.
  • Advised Bluebells Incorporated Ltd on a claim in respect of breach of contract; the claim was worth near £1m.
  • Advised the Property Development Company in a dispute over the termination of a sale of hotels. The claim is worth up to £4m.

Hawkins Hatton Corporate Lawyers Limited

The ‘professionaland ‘personable’ Hawkins Hatton Corporate Lawyers Limited handles contractual, partnership and shareholder disputes in a broad range of sectors, such as IT, pharmaceutical and insurance. Insurance litigation, including professional negligence claims, is a key focus for the practice. ‘Extremely knowledgeable’ managing director Harminder Sandhu leads the team with extensive experience in handling complex commercial disputes, including those related to fraud and negligence issues, among other areas.

Practice head(s):

Harminder Sandhu


Testimonials

‘They are a professional but very personable team. Not just the partners, but this resonates down to all the employees at every level.’

‘Harminder Sandhu will absorb information quickly and knows what questions to ask to ensure she gives the fullest advice possible. This is always totally honest and comprehensive, even if it’s not what I want to hear but definitely what I need to be told.’

‘The individuals are very proactive and up to date with solutions to problems. Always return phone calls and then e-mail to confirm the advice given.’

‘Strong relationships with its clients.’

‘Hawkins Hatton are very professional and attend to all matters in a businesslike manner.’

‘Harminder is extremely knowledgeable and helpful and keeps the cost to a minimum, which is rare with solicitors.’

‘The practice is unique in its ability to get straight to the issue in hand and offer an agreeable to resolution. They have extensive of knowledge of all areas of corporate law and are always on hand to give advice.’

‘All the partners and associates are approachable and always available to discuss any matter you ask them to. Sometimes you just want to run an issue by them to get a second opinion, and they are always on hand to advise.’

Key clients

4 Ashes Property Holdings Limited


R & RW Bartlett Limited


Lisega Ltd


Computors Limited


Service Sector Consultants Ltd


Inshore Support Limited


Celloglas Limited


Arca Living Limited


P.A.B Coventry Ltd


Conway Packaging Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for a specialist haulage company in a multi-party dispute involving complex legal arguments about contractual terms and liability.
  • Acted for the UK division of a German-based company which is a world leader in the supply of pipe support in its $3m dispute with a competitor arising out of a failed joint venture where the end customer is state owned.
  • Attended an all-day mediation on behalf an IT company in its longstanding dispute with a customer where the complication was that the main part of the project had been contracted to a third party contactor.

Higgs LLP

Higgs LLP‘s ‘well-organised and comprehensive’ practice advises on an array of issues, ranging from shareholder and partnership disputes to commercial and IT contracts. The department often acts for manufacturing businesses, alongside working for clients in retail, logistics and a number of other sectors. ‘Diligent’ practice head Julia Lowe has particular expertise in dealing with IP disputes, commercial contract claims, corporate disputes, and product liability issues. Matt Dudley’s strength lies in commercial contract claims, M&A claims, reputation management and employee competition matters.

Practice head(s):

Julia Lowe


Other key lawyers:

Matt Dudley


Testimonials

‘Higgs has a well-organised and comprehensive litigation team. Their size and coverage of specialist litigation services makes them a top go-to practice for litigation in the West Midlands.’

‘Matt Dudley is experienced, sensible and outcomes focused.’

‘Julia Lowe has a well-established reputation for being a very safe pair of hands. She is efficient, diligent and maintains a commercial focus throughout.’

Key clients

Palletline Limited


The Old Station Nursey Limited


Arlo Living Limited


Springdene Nursing and Care Homes Limited


Saint-Gobain Group of Companies


Systems ADI Group


Work highlights


  • Acted for Luv One Luv All Promotions Limited and Winston Thomas in the successful defence of an action for passing off relating to the mark “Luv Injection”, the mark of a Jamaican Sound System.
  • Acted for Springdene Nursing and Care Homes Limited in respect of a contractual dispute with a catering supplier who had abandoned its services across a number of care homes, which ultimately was resolved pre-action on favourable terms at mediation.

Lanyon Bowdler

Lanyon Bowdler‘s ‘knowledgeable and reliable’ team has notable strengths in the areas of manufacturing, construction and agriculture. The department is able to act for a range of clients, from local to multinational companies. Andrew Pegg spearheads the practice, with considerable experience in acting on commercial disputes for clients in the manufacturing sector, as well possessing specialist expertise in relation to agricultural dispute resolution. The ‘fantastic’ Claire Yardley strengthens the team with capabilities in negligence claims, breach of contract claims and property disputes, to name a few.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Pegg


Other key lawyers:

Claire Yardley


Testimonials

‘They are effective. Reasonable and competent.’

‘Claire Yardley has been extremely good at working with me on settling my litigation. I have valued her advice enormously. She is competent and responded promptly to my e-mails with helpful suggestions.’

‘Good range of diverse expertise within the partnership.’

‘Easy to talk to and contact.’

‘We found the team to be friendly and professional.’

‘A fantastic company to deal with.’

‘Claire Yardley was fantastic.’

‘Knowledgeable and reliable.’

Key clients

Patricia Pain


Wynnstay (Agricultural Supplies) Limited


Thomas & Jennifer Martin


West Mercia Air Conditioning Limited


Work highlights


MFG Solicitors LLP

A practice that is commended for its ‘stability, resilience and consistency’, MFG Solicitors LLP covers an array of issues, including contractual, shareholder and financial services disputes, to name a few. The team has also recently been involved in handling issues surrounding the Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Act 2022. ‘Commercially astute’ practice head Tom Esler regularly acts for shareholders and directors of owner-managed businesses, while the ‘very capable’ Samuel Pedley is experienced in crisis and reputation management, as well as contentious insolvency and bankruptcy work.

Practice head(s):

Tom Esler


Other key lawyers:

Samuel Pedley; Rachel Chambers


Testimonials

‘They have a breadth of commercial litigation expertise and are often a firm that we refer work to when we cannot undertake that work ourselves. The team is capable, approachable and proactive in its commercial litigation work.’

‘Samuel Pedley is a very capable litigator. He is down to earth, clear in his communications and he commands confidence in his abilities. He stands strong for his client, respects that we will do likewise but never loses his focus on the objective.’

‘Stability, resilience and consistency.’

Key clients

Butcher Woods Limited


Tim Heaselgrave – Timothy James Partnership


Dale Firkins and Roland Robertson – Solace for Children Limited


West Midland Safari Park Limited


Global Property Centres Limited


C. Bechstein Centre (Manchester) Limited


Benacre Properties Company


Work highlights


  • Acting for Trustee in Bankruptcy and liquidator Butcher Woods Limited against a former director / group company in commencing a preference, transaction at an undervalue and transaction to defraud creditors action, a related shareholder dispute and enforcement action.
  • Acting for C. Bechstein Centre Manchester Limited, a Tenant of a substantial commercial premises in Manchester against its landlord and building contractors in relation to breach(es) of contract, warranties and indemnities.

Talbots Law

A 'trusted name in the local legal scene’, Talbots Law expanding commercial litigation practice routinely advises clients on disputes that often involve shareholders and partnerships. ‘Tenacious’ practice head Jagdip Bains has recently handled matters that include elements and allegations of fraud and has been involved in some cases that have received national coverage. Josh Millichamp adds value to the team with his strength in the property sector. In addition, the team was bolstered in April 2022 when Adam Pike joined the team from Ansons.

Practice head(s):

Jagdip Bains


Other key lawyers:

Josh Millichamp; Adam Pike


Testimonials

‘A diverse range of legal skills in the team really helped with our case. Talbot’s strong ethical perspective was in sync with our own.’

‘This practice is unique as they are customer focused and clearly care about their customer. We tried four different firms around the country, and they were the most helpful with the onboarding process, whereas other firms made it the most complicated, onerous process.’

‘Jagdip Bains is one of the best team leaders in the business. She manages a high workload and delivers high-quality and commercial advice. Clearly has the confidence of her clients. We have worked together on injunctions recently, and each time delivered the clients results, often against the odds.’

‘Talbots Law have a strong and excellent and well-resourced litigation team. Very enthusiastic and very able. When they instruct me as counsel, I always know that I am going to receive a detailed and well-prepared brief.’

‘Jagdip Bains is hardworking and tenacious and heads an excellent and able team.’

‘A trusted name in the local legal scene, who cover a range of work at all levels in a cost-effective way.’

‘Adam Pike is a talented individual, with good commercial judgment, excellent technical ability and a very composed personality.’

‘I have worked on a number of matters with Jagdip Bains and Josh Millichamp. They are both very effective litigators who are keen to get the best for their clients. They are very smart and switched on and get to know a client’s case quickly and thoroughly.’

Work highlights


  • Advised on a reported matter dealing with court failures to seal a claim form, resulting in a claim served out of time, in which the claimant’s appeal was nonetheless refused.
  • Acted as defence at a contested hearing regarding a trustee in bankruptcy who sought to argue beneficial interest in four properties on behalf the bankrupt party in order to increase the value of the estate.

Ansons

The ‘very approachable’ Ansons has key expertise in areas such as breach of directors' duties, and property and shareholder disputes. Its client base ranges from healthcare providers to property developers. Martin De-Ridder and Jason Alcock helm the practice, with the former specialising in commercial litigation, shareholder and insolvency matters. Adam Pike departed the firm for Talbots Law in March 2022.

Practice head(s):

Martin de Ridder; Jason Alcock


Other key lawyers:

Louise Palmer


Testimonials

‘Very approachable, great quality of taking the time to explain the full situation and offering advice.’

Key clients

Moore Insolvency


Seconique Limited


St Philips Care Limited


Walter Tippers (building suppliers)


Walton Homes Limited


Wirquin Limited


Wright’s Pies


Work highlights


  • Assisting Seconique Ltd in copyright claims against various parties seeking to infringe their intellectual property rights.
  • Assisting Gainlive Ltd in matters arising following local sports facility entering receivership.

Enoch Evans LLP

At Enoch Evans LLP, the commercial litigation team typically handles injunctions and shareholder issues, as well as property disputes involving boundaries, and general landlord and tenant matters. Practice head Stephen Nixon is also well-versed in professional negligence claims and IP cases, while Lauren Smith has strong transactional experience. Other areas of focus include debt recovery and construction-related proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Nixon


Other key lawyers:

Lauren Smith


Lodders Solicitors LLP

Lodders Solicitors LLP is capable of advising on a number of contentious matters, such as warranty, commercial contract disputes, and mediation, arbitration and litigation. The ‘very personable’ Michael Wakeling leads the team, with the capacity to address issues such as sale of goods and breach of contracts for businesses as well as private individuals, while the ‘exceptional’ Andrew Wylde became partner in July 2022 and strengthens the team with his vast experience in handling matters before the Business and Property Courts.

Practice head(s):

Michael Wakeling


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Wylde


Testimonials

‘Very much partner led.’

‘Lodders is a good-sized firm with lots of capabilities, which is at the same time extremely accessible and friendly for a family business.’

‘Michael Wakeling has always given us concise, timely and to the point litigation advice. Excellent communication with opposing parties, taking a firm but fair approach to resolving issues without the need to go to court.’

Work highlights