Commercial property: Birmingham in West Midlands

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's Birmingham real estate group is led by David G Jones; other key names based in the office include national corporate real estate head Dawn Hilton; Gurjit Atwal, who is co-head of global real estate and planning; and major corporates group head Iftkhar Ahmed.

Practice head(s):

David Jones


Other key lawyers:

Dawn Hilton; Gurjit Atwal; Iftkhar Ahmed; Philip Medford;


Testimonials

‘The team in Birmingham has a lot of in-depth experience in commercial property. The team are pragmatic in seeking solutions to problems and provide a range of options to clients.’

‘The quality of the advice provided is excellent.’

‘I have worked extensively on projects with Matthew Storer and have found him to be extremely capable and understanding of our objectives to ensure our needs are fully met and we have outcomes that are tailored to our requirements.’

‘An extremely knowledgeable and friendly team who know how to give effective commercial advice.’

‘Sam Bhachu is a very hands-on partner who is always ready to roll up his sleeves and provide me with what I know is the best legal and commercial support available.’

‘The individuals that stand out for me are Matthew Storer and Owen Dutton. Working with them was delightful, and I would recommend them to others going forward.’

‘An experienced team with visible partner presence and excellent commercial and practical advice. A balanced team with the ability to resource appropriately across a variety of different instructions.’

‘Tom Birchall is experienced, knowledgeable and approachable. Andy Leeds is very commercially minded, and his technical knowledge is unrivalled.’

Work highlights


Gowling WLG

Consisting of the ‘highest calibre professionals’, Gowling WLG’s real estate practice has key expertise in the development and logistics, energy, investment and residential development sectors. Practice head Christopher Hunt is considerably experienced in advising corporate occupiers across retail, leisure, office, manufacturing and distribution premises. Richard Bate strengthens the practice with his expertise in residential development, while Richard Beckingsale leads the firm’s regeneration team. Helen Emmerson specialises in the energy and utility sector, handling an array of renewables and alternative energy projects, while Matthew Walker heads the firm’s student accommodation team. John Burns has a wealth of experience in large-scale transactions; and legal director Arminder Dhillon is another name of note, joining the team from Pinsent Masons LLP in September 2022.

Practice head(s):

Christopher Hunt


Other key lawyers:

Richard Bate; Richard Beckingsale; Helen Emmerson; Matthew Walker; John Burns; Arminder Dhillon


Testimonials

‘The team have excellent client management etiquette and are able to mobilise and assemble the highest calibre professionals to work on an outcome-driven pathway and are agile and expedient in their response to client requests.’

‘The Gowling team of experts has a unique style and can quickly grasp the nub of the problems to find expert solutions in a manner that is collaborative and seamlessly become integrated as part of our wider professional team.’

‘Advice is not tailored to what the client wants to hear but formulated in a timely and pragmatic and insightful way which is reassuring and provides the legal back-up to support the project despite the uncertainties of the landscape and shifting sands of delivery.’

‘Gowling WLG have a likeability factor that has not been remarked on by elected Councillors and Council Senior officers alike on any legal team before. Their commitment to maximising the public purse for the greater good means they are efficient and carry out their legal services effectively.’

‘The team is hugely experienced in the housebuilding sector, with individuals specialising in all aspects of the process from land acquisition and planning through to plot conveyancing.’

‘They offer bespoke training to clients, which is always well received.’

‘A well-resourced team made up of sufficiently knowledgeable senior partners to ensure work is conducted efficiently and effectively.’

‘A particularly commercial group of lawyers, unafraid to provide advice on complex and unclear issues.’

Key clients

Bellway Homes


Blackstone


Bloor Holdings Limited


Cadent


Diageo Pension Trust


Government Property Agency


Harbert


Harworth


Highways England (National Highways)


Land Securities


SEGRO PLC


St Modwen Plc


The Hut Group


The Mid Counties Co-operative


Triple Point Investment Management


UK Power Networks


Work highlights


  • Advising Bloor Homes on the acquisition of three major golf courses to build nearly 3,000 new homes.
  • Acting for IM Properties on the acquisition and development of Peddimore in the Midlands.
  • Advising Cadent project acquiring land rights for 120km of onshore high pressure hydrogen pipeline for the HyNet North West Project.

Gateley Legal

Gateley Legal’s real estate practice encompasses numerous areas of expertise, including residential and commercial development, property finance and portfolio management, to name a few. Its wide-ranging client roster includes industrial landowners, corporate occupiers and retailers. The practice is jointly led by Callum Nuttall, who specialises in residential developments, routinely acting on urban extensions and large-scale regeneration schemes, and Rebecca Sherwin, who is well versed in real estate finance, counting banks and funders among her clients. Tim Ledger’s experience in advising on national-scale regeneration projects strengthens the practice, while Richard Pettifor is sought out by clients for his expertise in the industrial and logistics sector. Chris Adams is particularly experienced in handling residential tower, industrial and retail development projects.

Practice head(s):

Rebecca Sherwin; Callum Nuttall


Other key lawyers:

Tim Ledger; Richard Pettifor; Chris Adams


Key clients

Ilke Homes Land Limited


Keepmoat Homes Limited and Strata Homes Limited


Godwin BTR Limited


Oxford University


A Consortium including Homes England, Bellway Plc, Taylor Wimpey Plc, Vistry Plc


Frontier Development Capital Limited


Stoford Properties Limited


Soulplane JV Sarl, being a joint venture between TPG Soulplane Holdings Sarl and Stoford Real Estate Limited.


Mountpark Logistics EU 2018 25 Sarl and Mountpark Logistics EU Sarl


Work highlights


  • Setting up and advising the new Joint venture vehicle, Godwin BTR Limited, on its acquisitions of new build housing and land for new build housing.
  • Advising the Langley Consortium on the promotion and delivery structures for one of the largest urban extensions in the UK including 5,500 new homes, 4 new schools, 1 district centre and 2 local centres.
  • Advising on all development, construction, tax and planning matters and following the unconditional date and the commencement of works on-site, we advised upon a package of debt finance put in place for Mountpark Logistics EU 2018 25 Sarl and Mountpark Logistics EU Sarl.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP‘s range of capabilities includes handling property developments and complex housing schemes in both the private and public sectors, as well as corporate acquisition work. Lisa Middleton heads the team, often advising on development and investment mandates as well as leading the data centre practice; she is recommended by clients for her ‘technical and intellectual rigour’. Tom Johnson leads the residential development practice, routinely aiding clients with large-scale commercial, mixed-use and residential development schemes. Further bolstering the team is Kultar Khangura, who has particular expertise in handling regeneration projects. Tom Eastwood operates in the healthcare sector, often acting for domestic and international REITs, while Carl Scott routinely provides strategic advice to clients such as lenders, distressed companies and insolvency practitioners on various aspects of distressed property. In October 2022, David Meecham departed the firm to join TLT and Arminder Dhillon left for Gowling WLG.

Practice head(s):

Lisa Middleton


Other key lawyers:

Tom Johnson; Kultar Khangura; Tom Eastwood; Carl Scott; Louse Wager; Rebecca Rowley


Testimonials

‘Pinsent Masons Commercial Property team has a specialist for each aspect of commercial property law, which is hugely beneficial as you get comfort you are receiving specialist advice for each activity, coordinated by a key contact.’

‘Pinsent’s are a caring partnership, they promote wellbeing by allowing flexible working and have a diverse range of solicitors to call upon.’

‘I appreciate that my key contact is always at the end of the phone during their working hours to brainstorm complex issues as and when they arise.’

Key clients

IM Properties


Medical Properties Trust


HBD (Henry Boot)


Kier Property


London & Continental Railways


Lendlease


Urban & Civic Plc


Elevation Advisors


CBRE Investment Management


Urban & Civic Plc


Homes England


Work highlights


  • Advising IM Properties on multiple forward fund developments and forward commitments with a particular focus on the logistics sector.
  • Advising TSP on the Silvertown regeneration scheme in London Docklands, a £3.5bn new community that will provide over 6,000 new homes, public realm and commercial and leisure space.
  • Advising the administrators on the sale of the Derby County Football Club’s Stadium, parking and extensive training ground property and associated property assets as part of a wider transaction of the transfer of the football club.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper‘s real estate practice encompasses a broad range of areas, from large-scale developments to transport and infrastructure matters, as well as advising corporate occupiers and landlord owners on investments and tenancy matters; both domestic and international clients, operating in various sectors, make up its client roster. Practice head Monique Sutherland advises on developments in the infrastructure, energy and residential sectors, among other areas. Katie Jacobson specialises in large-scale developments and investment transactions, and often handles portfolio management issues, while legal director Rachel Williams adds further value to the team, advising on numerous high-profile infrastructure projects. Sophie Murtough is another key practitioner.

Practice head(s):

Monique Sutherland


Other key lawyers:

Katie Jacobson; Rachel Williams; Sophie Murtough


Testimonials

‘An extension of an already excellent firm, the Birmingham real estate team have great depth of knowledge in their own right, but are also able to provide real cross-team / commercial property support on larger transactions.’

‘Always a pleasure to work with, DLA Piper listen and are willing to work with us to agree a fee structure which fits the project.’

‘Rachel Williams is an excellent lawyer, delivering great service with a brilliant (can do and happy to help) attitude (service with a literal smile!).’

‘Rachel Williams holds a depth of knowledge not just in the law, but in the sector.’

‘Rachel Williams is capable of quickly assimilating high volumes of information, and is pragmatic and easy to deal with.’

Key clients

National Grid Group including National Grid Electricity Transmission


Oval Real Estate


The Land Trust


High Speed Two (HS2) Limited


Department for Transport


Prologis


Guy Wilson Properties Limited


Cushman and Wakefield


American Chemical Society


Harrison Street Real Estate


Willis Towers Watson


LaSalle Investment Management


Sembcorp Utilities (UK) Limited


Keresley Rugby Club


Broyonie Limited


Far East Consortium Limited


Forensic Archive Limited


Active Ants UK Limited


Dignity Funerals PLC


Work highlights


DWF

Offering ‘a broad spectrum of specialisms, skills and experience’, DWF works with multinational and UK businesses in both the public and private sectors. The practice is involved with large-scale projects and is jointly led by Charlotte Ward, whose key areas of expertise include acquisitions, disposals and developments, and Toby Askin, who has considerable experience of acquisitions, developments, investments and strategic asset management. Rounding out the practice heads is Melanie Williams, whose capabilities encompass the environment and hospitality sectors, and who handles various issues in the property and national hotel markets. Legal director Michelle Knight often advises on regeneration projects and property development for local authorities.

Practice head(s):

Charlotte Ward; Melanie Williams; Toby Askin


Other key lawyers:

Michelle Knight


Testimonials

‘The team has a broad spectrum of specialisms, skills and experience – pretty much providing a one-stop shop for large complex land a property projects.’

‘They offer the ability to find common ground on multi-stakeholder large projects where stakeholders have differing objectives.’

Key clients

Premier Inn Hotels Limited / Whitbread Group PLC


Assura


Sovereign Peveril Brook field Ltd


BT plc


Greene King Ltd


Panattoni


Alvarium


Ashall Properties


Work highlights


  • Helped Premier Inn Hotels Ltd with the funding of a 294-bedroom hotel in Marylebone which the client is in the process of constructing, including on the leaseback of the site to the funder following completion of the sale of the land as part of the forward funding.
  • Helped LXi REIT to deploy £350m of equity on various acquisitions. This has included the forward fund of approximately 10 drive-through coffee pods on Morrisons car parks.
  • Dealing with the acquisition of land at Centre Square Middlesbrough and the forward funding by Tees Valley Combined Authority to Ashall Developments to enable the development of a new office building to comprise of 6 Centre Square – a four-storey 40,000 sq ft office development.

Fieldfisher LLP

Regarded as having an ‘extremely proactive client-facing team’, Fieldfisher LLP‘s real estate practice is able to act for a range of clients, particularly in relation to commercial and residential developments and insolvency disposals. The team is also noted for its work for corporate occupiers and its housebuilding expertise. Sue Simpson heads the practice with her ‘exceptional legal knowledge’, and handles development and planning issues. Merle Wray is sought out by local authorities and government agencies for her expertise in multi-phased development schemes, whilst qualified chartered surveyor Mark Lee has a wealth of experience in handling residential and commercial land acquisitions for a wide array of clients, including pension funds and private developers.

Practice head(s):

Sue Simpson


Other key lawyers:

Merle Wray; Mark Lee; Michael Norris


Testimonials

‘An extremely proactive client facing team who communicate very effectively with all parties and go beyond the level of service associated with most legal practices.’

‘Provide excellent guidance on complex legal issues and understand the importance of the role their client wishes them to provide.’

‘Merle Wray and Michael Norris provide exceptional service and commitment to achieving the outcomes their client seeks.’

‘They have a high level of expertise and work extremely well with all members of the development team.’

‘The Fieldfisher team at Birmingham are very friendly and approachable.’

‘While they are all excellent lawyers, they also are very easy to work with. Importantly, they are not arrogant, sadly a failing with many solicitors.’

‘Sue Simpson combines exceptional legal knowledge with an ability to put people at ease and get a deal done. She is able to negotiate and create ‘win-win’ scenarios which always protect her clients’ interests.’

‘Like the rest of her team, Sue Simpson is a joy to work with.’

Key clients

Atlas Hive Silverthorne Limited


Avery Healthcare Group Limited


Bloor Homes Limited


Boparan Holdings Limited (various companies)


CALA Homes (Cotswolds) Limited


CALA Homes (North Home Counties) Limited


Cambridge Medipark Limited


Cantel (UK) Limited


Corbally Group (Edgbaston) Limited


Countryside Properties Limited


Coventry City Football Club


EQT Exeter Property Group


IM Properties Plc


Lloyds Banking


Nightingale Derbyshire Limited


Parques Reunidos


Prologis Inc


Robert Bosch UK Holdings Limited


SKANSKA UK PLC


St Francis Group


Workerbee Developments Ltd


Work highlights


  • Acted on the acquisition of Cambridge Medipark Limited by Prologis relating to the future development of 1m sq ft of space on the expanding science park.
  • Acting on a £50m development for Atlas Hive Silverthorne Limited in Bristol which will include 371 new homes, a 1,600 student learning campus, offices, student accommodation and public open space.
  • Advised DJS Antibodies Limited on their acquisition of office and laboratory space and the $225m sale to AbbVie Limited in October 2022.

Shoosmiths LLP

The ‘well-connected’ and ‘responsive’ Shoosmiths LLP team acts for a range of national clients on issues such as logistics and warehousing projects, residential developments and real estate financings, among other areas. The ‘highly regarded’ Jason Jackson helms the practice, noted for his expertise in the logistics and residential sectors. James Needham brings his experience with pre-let and forward funded developments to the practice, whilst Beth McArdle leads the corporate occupiers team with considerable experience in this sector. Tim Flight further strengthens the firm’s offering with his capabilities in the care home, student development and healthcare sectors.

Practice head(s):

Jason Jackson


Other key lawyers:

Beth McArdle; James Needham; Tim Flight; Sophie Jack


Testimonials

‘Wide knowledge and experience in commercial property.’

‘Sophie Jack – imaginative, diligent and good communication. Superb draftsmanship.’

‘They are a very commercial practice.’

‘Well-connected and very aware of what is happening in the commercial real estate market / good at thinking about the bigger picture as well as delivering on what we want and need.’

‘Jason Jackson is highly regarded and well respected in the wider market and is an excellent lawyer.’

‘The team is very responsive. Able to pull together a diverse skill set at short notice to react to fast developing situations. The Shoosmiths team all work together in meeting our needs.’

‘Great social skills. Sort out problems. Know how to use the phone.’

‘Able to speak to people and a commercially minded pragmatic approach.’

Key clients

Newlands Property Developments LLP


Stoford Properties Limited


Nurton Developments Limited


Manor Oak Homes Limited


Maximus Group Limited


Tanglewood Care


Birmingham Properties Group


Aytan Holdings


Parch Estates


Lasercare Clincs (Harrogate) Limited t/a Sk:n


GXO Logistics UK Limited


American Golf (Trading) Limited


One Stop Stores Limited


Accident Exchange Limited


Aramark Limited


Stellantis (PSA, Vauxhall and Fiat)


The Foschini Group (Hobbs, Phase Eight and Whistles)


London + Regional Properties Limited


Fortis Living Limited


Muir Group Housing Association Limited


Midland Heart Limited


Walsall Housing Group


Opus Land Limited


IM Properties plc


Waterstones Booksellers Limited


Crown Paints Limited


Krispy Kreme (UK) Limited


Lightwood Group


Rotala plc


Atlantic Leaf Properties


Equation Properties


Leftfield Logistics Limited


Poundland Limited


Leonard F.Jollye (Brookmans Park) Limited


Insomnia Cookies Limited


Topps Tiles UK Limited


Washington Green Retail Limited


Elior UK PLC


GEMS Education


Housing Growth Partnership


Jaguar Land Rover


Frasers Property


Avant Homes


Persimmon Homes


Bloor Homes


Clarion Housing Association


Platform Housing Group


Countryside Partnerships


Vistry Group


GreenSquare Accord


Trident Housing


Black Country Housing Group


Bromsgrove District Housing Trust


A2Dominion


L&Q


Gleeson Homes


Hortons Estates


Work highlights


  • Advising developer Stoford on its land promotion and development agreement with the Gooch Estate, and the pre-let to the BBC. This will turn the historic Typhoo tea factory into a new head office and studios building for BBC Birmingham plus deliver associated infrastructure and public realm to placemark the new Tea Works development in Digbeth.
  • Advising automotive group Stellantis on the sale of land adjoining their production facility at Ellesemere Port and the agreement to take a lease of 1m square feet parts warehouse at the site following completion of construction works.
  • Dealing with the property aspects of the acquisition of the family-run Blackwell’s bookstores by Waterstones in February 2022 (18 properties) including some leases which were almost 50 years old and subsequent hive up. The hive up used our innovative product – Swarm to offer Waterstones a unique approach to deal with the assignment of each individual store.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP

With particular strength in handling commercial and mixed-use development work, Trowers & Hamlins LLP is a strong choice for public sector clients handling large-scale development and regeneration work. Practice head Fiona Thomson advises both developers and occupiers on commercial development projects, particularly in the industrial and logistics spaces. Chris Plumley specialises in complex regeneration projects, primarily acting for public sector clients, while Simon Robinson‘s array of experience encompasses strategic land promotion, development, joint ventures and collaboration projects, among others. Senior associate Pete Bond‘s broad expertise includes handling various aspects of development transactions in the industrial and logistics fields. Digby Morgan is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Fiona Thomson


Other key lawyers:

Chris Plumley; Simon Robinson; Pete Bond; Digby Morgan


Key clients

Urban Growth Company and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council


Birmingham City Council


Homes England


London & Continental Railway


Wirral Council


Davies Turner Properties Limited & Davies Turner PLC


Berkeley Square Developments Limited / Berkeley Square Developments Ashley Gardens Limited / Berkeley Square Developments ARS Limited


Urban Delivery Limited – Areli Developments


London Borough of Enfield


West Midlands Combined Authority


Volume Properties


Richborough Estates


Countryside Partnerships and Vistry Partnerships (now merged)


Beaconside consortium of land owners


SG Capital Partners


HE Peterborough 2 Limited


Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council


West Northampton Council


Cherwell Council


Sandwell Council


Wolverhampton City Council


Solihull MBC


Guildford Council


North Devon Council


West Midlands Pension Fund


VIVID Housing Association and Vestal Developments


Rooftop Housing Association


Green Bus Transport Company


Revelan Group Limited


Trebor Developments LLP


Opus Land


Work highlights


  • Working with HS2, Dept for Transport, the “Arden Cross” landowner consortium and public funders to develop the land linked to the new HS2 interchange train station.
  • Supported Birmingham City Council on the successful delivery of the Commonwealth Games.
  • Act for LCR in connection with their national strategy to deploy £40m of Department for Transport funding to acquire multiple strategic development sites in close proximity to railway stations as a focal point for the creation of landowner joint ventures to unlock transformative urban regeneration projects.

Bevan Brittan LLP

The ‘proactive’ Bevan Brittan LLP real estate department acts for local authorities, registered providers and universities on a broad range of projects, and it is particularly well versed in joint ventures. The team is led by Rebecca Pendlebury, who leads on local authority regeneration and development work and has considerable experience of the public sector; she is praised by clients as a ‘pleasure to work with’. Mark Robertson leads the property litigation team; he has extensive experience of development disputes, alongside notable specialisms in rights of light and telecoms site disputes. Emma Holmes further strengthens the team with her experience of regeneration and new affordable housing schemes.

Practice head(s):

Rebecca Pendlebury


Other key lawyers:

Emma Holmes; Claire Hamlin; Mark Robertson


Testimonials

‘Very proactive and clear advice.’

‘Rebecca Pendlebury is by far the most proactive and intelligent legal advisor I’ve ever worked with, always giving proactive advice on how to stay ahead of the game.’

‘Easy to understand, easily contactable, always provide cover, and clear and thorough advice.’

‘Rebecca Pendlebury has in particular ensured any work is always covered and picked up and has been a pleasure to work with.’


Key clients

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council


County Council of the County and City of Cardiff


London Borough of Havering


Sixty Bricks Limited


Leicester City Council


Newcastle-under Lyme Borough Council


Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council


Milverton Homes


Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council


London Borough of Sutton


Hertsmere Developments Limited


National Places LLP


Oxford City Housing (Development) Limited


Pioneer Housing


Midland Heart


GreenSquare Accord


Sage Housing


Work highlights


  • Advised Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council on the procurement of Bellway Homes Limited as developer to deliver a 290 unit scheme in Welwyn Garden City.
  • Advised Cardiff Council on its negotiations with a consortium to design, construct, maintain and operate a new flagship 15,000 capacity music/entertainment and events Arena in the city.
  • Advised Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council on the acquisition of the King’s Square Shopping Centre in West Bromwich.

Browne Jacobson LLP

Browne Jacobson LLP offers broad expertise, which extends from development and regeneration projects to corporate real estate matters. Dominic Swift leads the practice, with vast experience of advising academies and higher education institutions on property projects, while Thomas Howard brings expertise in investments and developments in the health and social care sectors. Zo Hoida is well versed in advising local authorities on a range of matters, including joint ventures and mixed-use schemes. Senior associates Jonathan Borer and Philip Gray are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Dominic Swift


Other key lawyers:

Zo Hoida; Thomas Howard; Jonathan Borer; Philip Gray


Key clients

Homes England


Oxford City Council


Inland Homes Plc


Elevate Property Group


Birmingham City Council


Shropshire Council


Stewart Milne Homes


Court Collaboration


Telford &Wrekin Council


Harlow Council


Pure Gym


St Phillips Homes


EMH Housing & Regeneration Limited


Wolverhampton City Council


Staffordshire County Council


Kings College London


London Borough of Sutton


Sedgemoor District Council


Nottingham Trent University


Derby City Council


10M Group


Work highlights


Freeths LLP

Noted for its ‘experienced people and blend of skills’, Freeths LLP‘s real estate team advises on town centre regeneration, land acquisitions, and retail and residential developments. The team is led by Mitchell Ball who works with local authorities on many notable regeneration projects alongside a particular expertise in residential development. Lucy Jackson bolsters the practice with her experience in handling real estate finance, property management and portfolio acquisitions, among other areas, counting numerous shopping centres in her client roster. Managing associate Nikki Guest handles various matters, from corporate acquisitions to secured lending.

Practice head(s):

Mitchell Ball


Other key lawyers:

Lucy Jackson; Nikki Guest; Hannah Greatbatch; Laura Cope; Nathan Holden


Testimonials

‘Freeths has a team of experienced people and blend of skills in property, construction, finance, planning etc to provide expert advice on all types of property transaction.’

‘They have been one of the pioneering law firms to embrace Proptech.’

‘In the Birmingham office, Mitchell Ball is excellent and has a knack of getting to the nub of issues very quickly and providing pragmatic and clear advice.’

‘Mitchell Ball is very responsive and able to meet demanding deadlines.’

‘Well-connected, know each other’s strengths, via technology links with other teams (even geographically distant).’

‘When additional expertise is required, key contacts bring consolidated advice and they are quick to respond.’

‘I really enjoyed working with Nathan Holden, Mitchell Ball and Hannah Greatbatch.’

Key clients

Paul Smith Limited


Real Estate Investors plc


Measure Corporation Limited (Hong Kong based real estate investor)


Calthorpe Estates


Gant UK Limited


Lacoste UK Limited


The Kooples UK Limited


Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council


Leicester City Council


Cherwell District Council


Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council


Telford & Wrekin Council


West Northamptonshire Council


West Yorkshire Combined Authority


Lloyds Bank plc


The National Exhibition Centre Limited


National Westminster Bank


Richborough Estates Group Limited


Savills


Birmingham Metropolitan College


Gloucester City Council


Cheltenham Borough Council


Hereford & Worcester Fire Authority


Oxford City Council


Tamworth Borough Council


Kent County Council


West Midlands Combined Authority


Opus Land Limited


Smartwater Limited


North East Lincolnshire Council


Isle of Wight Council


Rathbone Housing


Work highlights


  • Advising North East Lincolnshire Borough Council in relation to its acquisition of Freshney Shopping Centre.
  • Advising Solihull Council in connection with its Kingshurst redevelopment, which includes 79 new family homes (including a new vicarage), with a minimum of 40% affordable housing to meet local needs.
  • Advising Tamworth Borough Council on the redevelopment of the town centre following an award of over £20m from the Future High Streets Fund.

Irwin Mitchell

Irwin Mitchell routinely undertakes work in the residential and commercial sectors under the leadership of Ben Acheson, who acts for various clients, including national developers, banks and corporate occupiers on an array of commercial property matters, including real estate financings. Senior associate Gurpreet Hayer‘s wealth of experience includes advising on investments, non-contentious commercial property matters and landlord and tenant work.

Practice head(s):

Ben Acheson


Other key lawyers:

Gurpreet Hayer


Key clients

Motus Group Limited


Lifestory Group Limited


Godwin Developments Limited


Gerald Eve LLP


Knight Frank LLP


Persimmon Homes Limited


A.C. Lloyd Holdings Limited


Owl Homes Limited


Henry Davidson Developments Limited


Euro Property Investments Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Motus Group, an existing client and one of South Africa’s leading automotive companies, on its £182m acquisition of Motor Parts Direct (“MPD”), a retailer of after-market car parts and accessories.
  • Advising Godwin Developments on the acquisition of one of the last remaining development sites in central London on the Thames. This is a flagship development that will deliver a buy to rent scheme with a value in excess of £250m and a building which is 20 storeys high.
  • Advised A.C. Lloyd on the acquisition, funding, development and sale of a former Severn Trent Water owned development site in Nottingham for six major industrial units, 12 trade units, a local centre, a pub, a hotel, a care home and other small uses.

Roythornes Solicitors

Roythornes Solicitors advises a diverse array of clients including SMEs, developers and owner managed businesses. Noted for his ‘outstanding client care’, Benjamin Smith co-leads the team, with expertise that covers development, leasing and investment projects, as well as joint venture agreements.

Practice head(s):

Benjamin Smith


Testimonials

‘Extensive knowledge of property procurement and conveyance in all its guises.’

‘Benjamin Smith – outstanding client care, detailed and precise work.’

‘The team’s strength is in the longstanding relationships that they have with myself and the wider team, and their knowledge of how to ensure we are constantly protected, which is invaluable.’

Key clients

Tilia Homes


Owl Homes


Elan Homes


Piper Homes


Macc Group


Gilbert and Goode


Work highlights


  • Advising Macc on its share purchase acquisition from Octopus Healthcare Development Limited to secure the care home site acquisition in Blythe Valley Park, Solihull with planning for an 80-bed care home.
  • Advising Tilia Homes on completion of the second phase of the multi-phase development at Hardingstone, Northampton; the team was involved in every stage of the development.
  • Advising Tilia Homes/Tilia Community Living LLP on completion of its acquisition of a development site at Ashton Green, Leicester following Tilia’s selection by Leicester City Council.

Shakespeare Martineau LLP

A ‘highly competent team’, Shakespeare Martineau LLP’s spectrum of capabilities includes strategic land promotion, multi-ownership land assembly, large-scale transactions and various agreements. It is particularly active in the industrial distribution, office, retail, and leisure sectors. Practice co-head Neil Gosling has a notable focus on delivering large-scale housing, regeneration and new town projects, whilst fellow co-lead Joanna Deffley specialises in strategic land development. Key contact Debbie Irwin is well versed in residential developments for large consortiums. Clive Read’s involvement in the management and development of university and college campuses further strengthens the practice. Adrian Bland is also recommended. Andrew Mellor left the firm in July 2023.

Practice head(s):

Alex Smith; Neil Gosling; Joanna Deffley


Other key lawyers:

Debbie Irwin; Clive Read; Adrian Bland


Testimonials

‘Highly competent team, very commercial and with a personable approach in dealings.’

Key clients

Barratt Homes


David Wilson South Midlands


Deeside Regeneration Limited


Farmfoods


Gallagher Developments


Hillwood Group


Jessup Group


Kendrick Homes


L&Q Estates


Opus Land


Trebor Developments LLP


Vision Express


Real Estate Investor Plc


Lovell Partnerships Limited


Northern Trust


Spitfire Bespoke Homes


IM Land


IM Property


Burrington Estates


Hampton Oak


Richborough Estates Group Limited


Orbit Group Limited


Orbit Homes (2020) Limited


Persimmon


Hopkins Homes


Vistry Homes Limited


EMH Housing and Regeneration Limited


The Strategic Land Group Limited


Inox Capital Group Limited


Airparks Services Limited (Holiday Extras)


LIV Student Living Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted on behalf of BDW Trading Limited (“BDW”) on its purchase of a land parcel at Alconbury Weald compromising of 17.217 acres. The deal value was £30.1m.
  • Acted for Spitfire Bespoke Homes and IM Properties PLC on Spitfire’s award-winning Insider Midlands ‘Deal of the Year’ 2022 acquisition in partnership with Crest Nicholson of a 50-hectare development in Daventry for 1100 new homes including 2 hectares of public open space, a new primary school, retail units and more.
  • Advised Gallagher Developments on a complex high-value acquisition and onward sale of a development site to Barratt Homes (BDW Trading Limited) at Hitchin for approximately 20.859 ha of residential development in addition to a school, sports pitches and neighbourhood facilities, with a sale value of £83m.

Squire Patton Boggs

Squire Patton Boggs counts a broad spectrum of clients in its roster, including corporate occupiers and residential developers, advising on various issues, such as portfolio management and finance transactions. The firm also has expertise in regard to infrastructure, environmental and construction matters. Praised for his 'commercial approach', Nick Green leads the practice with extensive experience regarding healthcare, hotel and leisure developments, as well as corporate acquisitions and disposals. Neil Taylor is active in the residential development sector, while Kevin Nagle’s particular expertise in regard to retirement living as well as the logistics sector bolster the practice. Senior associate James Thorman routinely acts for housebuilders and developers, and is experienced in landlord and tenant matters.

Practice head(s):

Nick Green


Other key lawyers:

Neil Taylor; Kevin Nagle; James Thorman


Testimonials

‘Nick Green is commercial is his approach and doesn’t waste time and money negotiating just to prove a point over the other side.’

‘I have known Nick Green for a good number of years, and he has a wide team around him that we draw on as required.’

‘Very proactive solution-oriented team.’

‘A joy to work with.’

Key clients

Taylor Wimpey UK Limited


CEVA Logistics


Molson Coors Brewing Company UK Limited


Dalata Hotel Group


Appian Europe


Polestar Automotive UK Limited


Signet Group


Volvo Cars UK Limited


Cancer Research UK


St Francis Group


Rexel UK Limited


Hackman Capital Partners


Bild Studios Limited


Montreux Healthcare Fund PLC


United Healthcare Developments Limited


Octopus Healthcare Development Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for Hackman Capital Partners in relation to the acquisition and development of a new site in Dagenham.
  • Sale of existing Molson Coors Headquarters campus to East Staffordshire BC and relocation to the Museum of Brewing Site in Burton on Trent.
  • Acting for Rexelon its acquisition of a new logistics warehouse at Symmetry Park Aylesbury as its new UK head distribution centre which has been developed by Tritax Symmetry.

The Wilkes Partnership

Recommended for its ‘excellent service’, The Wilkes Partnership advises a broad spectrum of clients, from landlords and property buyers to developers and commercial businesses. Tim Coplestone, who specialises in commercial real estate developments, jointly leads the team alongside Mark Hodgson, whose expertise encompasses landlord, tenant and investment work, among other areas. Bryan Poultney routinely handles investment acquisitions and disposals and commercial landlord and tenant matters, while Andrew Watts is experienced in the health and telecoms sectors.

Practice head(s):

Tim Coplestone; Mark Hodgson


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Watts; Bryan Poultney


Testimonials

‘A very practical, hands-on firm that provides an excellent service to its commercial property clients.’

‘Mark Hodgson is the man who delivers!’

‘Always receive high-quality support and advice provided on a timely basis – I’ve never had to chase them for responses, and they always act in our best interests.’

‘Quick response times, explanations are jargon free, and they always act professionally.’

‘Good depth of knowledge and availability of specialities to assist.’

‘Mark Hodgson has a broad property knowledge, good follow up, and is able to see the bigger picture in transactions.’

‘Practical advice with risks clearly explained which allows informed decisions to be made.’

‘Mark Hodgson – very easy to deal with and always commercial in his outlook.’

Key clients

Wesleyan Bank


Rigby Group Plc


Cambridge & Counties Bank Limited


Handelsbanken


Wesleyan Assurance Society


Gallan Developments


Roost People Limited


Work highlights