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Gorvins Solicitors

DALE HOUSE, TIVIOT DALE, STOCKPORT, SK1 1TA, ENGLAND
Tel:
Work 0161 930 5151
Fax:
Fax 0161 930 5252
Email:
Web:
www.gorvins.com

Top-tier Firm rankings

Firm Rankings

North West: Corporate and commercial

Corporate and commercial: Elsewhere in the North West
Corporate and commercial: Elsewhere in the North West - ranked: tier 1

Gorvins Solicitors

Gorvins Solicitors is adept at handling matters including mergers, acquisitions, disposals, management buyouts and buy-ins, private equity and corporate transactions. It also advises on commercial contracts and outsourcing arrangements. Its clients include owner-managed businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs, banks, corporate funders and service providers from the local region as well as nationwide. Key client sectors include media and publishing, housing and construction, finance, retail, healthcare and market research, where the firm has seen an increasing number of instructions. Andrew Curwen heads the team.

Practice head(s):Andrew Curwen

Other key lawyers:Christian Mancier; Paul Lupton; Gemma Lingard; Rowan Uren

Key Clients

Williams Motor Co

Avonside Group services Limited

B2B International Limited

Mondiale Publishing Limited

CGA Strategy Limited

Alan Howard (Stockport) Limited

ProSeal UK Limited

Pennine Air Holdings Limited

LJM Insurance LLP

Pulse Fitness

Richer Sounds plc

Rowlinson Group Limited

Computeam Limited

GPC Computer Software Limited

E-Foods Limited

John Munroe Group

Tandom Metallurgical Group

Work highlights

  • Advised Williams Motor Co on the acquisition and development finance arrangements for the company's new motor retail site at Trafford Park.
  • Advising shareholders in the sale of B2B International to Dentsu Aegis Network.
  • Advised construction company Avonside on four key acquisitions.
  • Advising market research company CGA Strategy on the purchase of the entire issued share capital of CPL Technology Group including CPL Online.
  • Advising Pulse Fitness on its investment from entrepreneur Mo Chaudry in M Investment Group.
Leading individuals

Andrew Curwen - Gorvins Solicitors

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North West: Dispute resolution

Commercial litigation: Elsewhere in the North West
Commercial litigation: Elsewhere in the North West - ranked: tier 1

Gorvins Solicitors

Gorvins Solicitors is adept at handling commercial and partnership litigation , while other areas of expertise include insolvency, shareholder disputes and property litigation. Mark Deverell and Guy Lightowler head the team, which acts for clients ranging from owner-managed businesses and SMEs to multinationals. Senior associate Danielle Clements is also recommended.

Practice head(s):Mark Deverell; Guy Lightowler

Other key lawyers:Danielle Clements; Jonathan Crook; Sunita Patel; Kimberley Daley; David Guest

Key Clients

Williams Motor Company (Holdings) Limited

Grasslin GMBH

The Property Alliance Group (PAG) and subsidiaries

Work highlights

  • Acting as advisor to car and motorcycle retailer Williams Group on all litigation matters and all commercial matters.
  • Acting on claim in relation to the interpretation of a commercial insurance policy and in particular the definition of claim for the purposes of capping the value of multiple to claims to a single sum.
Leading individuals

Mark Deverell - Gorvins Solicitors

Next Generation Partners

Danielle Clements - Gorvins Solicitors

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Debt recovery
Debt recovery - ranked: tier 2

Gorvins Solicitors

Gorvins Solicitors advises on the collection of debts on behalf of liquidators and administrators and the recovery of monies due under guarantees. Other areas of expertise include defended work and enforcement, fast track and multi-track claims and debt collection out of jurisdiction. Other clients include finance houses, businesses and professional clients. Mark Deverell heads the team.

Practice head(s):Mark Deverell

Other key lawyers:Danielle Clements; Sunita Patel; David Guest; Kimberley Daley

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North West: Finance

Insolvency and corporate recovery
Insolvency and corporate recovery - ranked: tier 4

Gorvins Solicitors

Gorvins Solicitors handles a range of contentious and non-contentious corporate and personal insolvency matters and its clients include insolvency practitioners, banks, businesses and individuals. It is known for its experience in advising companies facing winding-up proceedings and it is also experienced in acting for directors on personal liability, disqualification proceedings and on claims for breach of duty. David Guest, Mark Deverell and Paul Lupton head the team.

Practice head(s):David Guest; Mark Deverell; Paul Lupton

Other key lawyers:Kimberley Daley

Testimonials

The team provides very thorough advice

Work highlights

  • Advised a client IP following a complaint by subsequently appointed Liquidators of a company.
  • Acted for the widow of the deceased bankrupt in her capacity as a creditor of a bankruptcy estate.
  • Advising on a matter where the bankrupt has interest in a property portfolio of at least 30 properties.
  • Advising the directors and shareholders of a group of companies following a restructure.
  • Acted for one of the executors an estate where the deceased undertook a number of transactions which were challenged by his subsequently appointed trustee in bankruptcy.

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North West: Human resources

Employment
Employment - ranked: tier 5

Gorvins Solicitors

The Gorvins Solicitors' employment team, led by David Walton, provides comprehensive employment law advice, with specialisms in a number of areas, including work relating to redundancy and bulk settlement agreements, where the firm has recently seen an uptick in instructions. Other areas of expertise include representing employers in Employment Tribunal cases, disciplinary matters and providing employment support on corporate matters. The team is also recognised for its proficiency in relation to family-friendly rights and its assisting businesses and local cancer centres as well as charities with advice to individuals and employers in the management of cancer issues in the workplace.

Practice head(s):David Walton

Other key lawyers:Danielle Ayres; Amanda Isherwood

Testimonials

'The service is excellent and the knowledge of the lawyers is exceptional, there is no situation they cannot assist with.'

'David Walton provides an excellent, personal service, he is very supportive and makes every effort inside and outside of work hours to resolve any issues.'

'There is a close working relationship built with several members of the team via a regular series of regular events called HR Junction. In addition we have built a flexible approach to retained fees balancing costs out over the year. Thanks to this the employment team feels like a department within my own business that I can rely on as requirements come up.'

'David Walton provides clarity and take a personal interest in matters that relate to our business even if they are relatively minor or straightforward.'

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Employment: employee/union firms
Employment: employee/union firms - ranked: tier 1

Gorvins Solicitors

The practice at Gorvins Solicitors, which is led by David Walton, has recently seen an uptick in work relating to collective redundancies and bulk compromise agreements, as well as settlement agreements for both senior executives and lower-level employees. The team also regularly assists employees with their Employment Tribunal claims with Walton often conducting his own advocacy. Advice for employees and their families affected by cancer is a particular niche area of expertise for the firm, while another specialist area is advice on maternity and pregnancy discrimination, which a speciality of senior associate Danielle Ayres.

Practice head(s):David Walton

Other key lawyers:Danielle Ayres

Testimonials

'The experience and skill-set of the whole team brings a level of confidence to proceedings. This is compounded by a vein of integrity that runs through to whole practice.'

'David Walton's ability to put into words what I struggled to was awesome. It was as if he could read my mind and find the words that clarified everything that needed to be said. David's experience and knowledge meant that the advice he gave to me was just right for me. He gave me confidence to stand up for what I believed was right and I am grateful to have had him on my side.'

'As well as being part of a winning team, Danielle Ayres helped me cope with my circumstances on a personal level too. She also gave me confidence and explained everything perfectly whenever I needed it.'

Leading individuals

David Walton - Gorvins Solicitors

Rising stars

Danielle Ayres - Gorvins Solicitors

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North West: Insurance

Personal injury: claimant
Personal injury: claimant - ranked: tier 3

Gorvins Solicitors

Gorvins Solicitors is praised for its 'outstanding knowledge of personal injury sector and great professionalism'. 'Plain speaking' personal injury head Stuart Biddle has particular specialisms in dealing with complex injuries where the injury has a debilitating and life-changing effect, while he also has expertise in cases involving chronic pain and significant pain disorders. Gary Boyd joined from Hilary Meredith Solicitors as head of military claims in May 2018, bringing with him a wealth of experience representing armed forces personnel.

Practice head(s):Stuart Biddle; Gary Boyd

Other key lawyers:Lisa Chambers; Ryan Gledhill

Testimonials

'Gorvins are an approachable and straight forward firm. They are easily contactable and deal with queries quickly and efficiently. It is clear they strive to achieve the best results possible for their clients.'

'Ryan Gledhill is an exceptional solicitor. Extremely thorough and takes a sensible and informed view. Ryan has an excellent manner with clients. He explains legal facts in a straightforward and easily digestible manner. He has a robust stance with opposing sides and works hard to get the best result possible for his clients.'

'Everyone I have worked with is an excellent team player.'

'They are very organised and diligent. They are also very good at risk assessing cases so that hopeless cases do not progress. If they take a case they pursue it forcefully, often getting excellent settlements pre-trial.'

'They have the ability to fully understand the needs of each client and continue to ensure they have the essential legal knowledge and experience to deliver the best service and advice to their clients.'

'Lisa Chambers and Stuart Biddle consistently strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for their clients. They clearly work to fight their clients' corner whilst keeping them fully informed.'

Work highlights

  • Advised a client who was injured during the course of her employment.  Injury to ankle was in permanent debilitating symptoms.  Claim against the NHS settled at Joint Settlement Meeting by agreement in the sum of £332,500.
  • Advised a claimant who was involved in a collision with mobility scooter on a zebra crossing, which resulted in a fracture to the left hip.
  • Advised a claimant who sustained a brain injury following collision with a vehicle as a pedestrian.
  • Advised a claimant who received damages for injuries suffered in her own home.
  • Advised a claimant who tripped and fell down the stairs of a hotel where she was staying on holiday and fractured her ankle.

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Professional negligence
Professional negligence - ranked: tier 3

Gorvins Solicitors

Gorvins Solicitors routinely handles complex matters involving a wide range of professionals including solicitors, barristers, surveyors, valuers, architects, accountants, insurance brokers and other non-medical professions. Mark Deverell, David Guest and Guy Lightowler are the main contacts. Deverell regularly works with insurers, primarily concerning legal advisers, while Lightowler has considerable experience advising owner-managed businesses, SMS, PLCs and multinationals.

Practice head(s):Mark Deverell; David Guest; Guy Lightowler

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North West: Private client

Contentious trusts and probate
Contentious trusts and probate - ranked: tier 2

Gorvins Solicitors

The team at Gorvins Solicitors combines wills, trusts and probate experts with lawyers from a pure disputes background, advising on cases involving fradulent wills, Inheritance Act claims and questions over mental capacity. Christine Thornley jointly heads up the contentious trusts and probate team with senior partner Mark Deverell. The team was boosted during 2018 by the arrival of senior associate Julie Burgess from Weightmans LLP.

Practice head(s):Christine Thornley; Mark Deverell

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Family
Family - ranked: tier 4

Gorvins Solicitors

The family team at Gorvins Solicitors 'punches above its weight' and provides a bespoke one-to-one solicitor/client relationship to its clients. The team routinely handles family matrimonial matters while also boasting a specialism in police family law. Associate solicitor Kerry Lees-Russell is 'a favourite with clients'

Practice head(s):Nicola McInnes

Testimonials

'Kerry Lees-Russell is a very knowledgeable solicitor. She is professional, friendly and approachable.'

'Kerry Russell stands out for her strong but calm approach. She is a favourite with clients who appreciate her warm, friendly manner and ability to incisively analyse the issues in a case in order to deliver favourable results.'

'Nicola Fraser works very hard for her clients and is adept at turning difficult cases round positively. She delivers with a consistently commercial and practical approach.'

'Although a small team it has excellent associates and punches above its weight.'

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Personal tax, trusts and probate
Personal tax, trusts and probate - ranked: tier 2

Gorvins Solicitors

Gorvins Solicitors regularly acts for family business owners and high-net-worth individuals on complex and high-value matters relating to wills, disabled beneficiaries and Court of Protection issues. The team is led by Christine Thornley, who has particular expertise in succession planning, and includes newly promoted partner Michael Smoult and senior associate Tasoula Addison.

Practice head(s):Christine Thornley

Other key lawyers:Michael Smoult

Work highlights

  • Complex estate matter where the deceased was a member of an LLP family business and an inheritance due to him is non-recoverable due to a fraudulent trust corporation.
  • Advised a family in respect of the estates of a father and son who died within three months of each other and were part of a farming partnership.
  • Provided estate planning for husband and wife owners of multimillion-pound business, including advice on wills incorporating a discretionary trust for assets attracting business property relief for IHT.
  • Advised on complex estate administration case which included a personal guarantee against executor together with difficult beneficiaries.
  • Acted as administrator in an estate where the family had been fighting for years over which will was correct and who should act in the estate.

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North West: Real estate

Commercial property: Elsewhere in the North West
Commercial property: Elsewhere in the North West - ranked: tier 1

Gorvins Solicitors

Gorvins Solicitors' expertise includes landlord, tenant and estate management work, property acquisitions and disposals, and funding and development agreements for commercial, residential and mixed-use developments. The property team also provides support to business asset and corporate acquisitions and disposals, handles secure lending work, and is engaged on real estate restructuring work in addition to distressed property disposals. It is instructed by a range of clients including local authorities, property developers, investors, banks and corporate funders, and it also acts for corporate and individual landlords and tenants. Managing partner Martin Hoare leads the team and Claire Beaumont acts for lender clients.

Practice head(s):Martin Hoare

Other key lawyers:Claire Beaumont; Colin Mellor

Key Clients

Urban Splash Group

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce

Marcus Worthington Properties

Peel Media Limited

European Metal Recycling

New City Vision

Inner City Music Limited T/A Band on the Wall

Lundy Projects

FO Developments

Wood Restaurants

Redsun Projects

Oldham Borough Council

Work highlights

  • Advised Wood Restaurants Chester on an operating agreement and brand licence for new hotel, which is under construction, relating to restaurant food and drink services.
  • Advised Redsun Projects on the acquisition of a complex site from Wirral BC, together with associated development agreements for development and disposal.
  • Advised Urban Splash UK Residential on the purchase of 40 apartments at Velvet Mill, Lister Mills, Bradford.
  • Advised Urban Splash UK Residential on the purchase of 10 new build properties at Irwell, Riverside, Salford
  • GM Chamber of Commerce on the re-gear of multi floor leases, together with associated Deed of Variations.
Leading individuals

Martin Hoare - Gorvins Solicitors

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Property litigation
Property litigation - ranked: tier 5

Gorvins Solicitors

Gorvins Solicitors handles commercial and residential property disputes for landlords, property owners and commercial tenants. Guy Lightowler, who stands out for his 'attention to detail', leads the team and is instructed by developers, management companies, entrepreneurs and local authority clients. Senior associate Danielle Clements handles a range of landlord and tenant issues, and is engaged on a number of boundary and neighbour disputes. Consultant Jonathon Crook is also a key figure.

Practice head(s):Guy Lightowler

Other key lawyers:Danielle Clements; Jonathon Crook

Testimonials

The team is very professional, well organised, very client focused, deals with correspondence very promptly and has the client's interest as a top priority

Guy Lightowler is an intelligent, client focused and tactically astute operator; he takes a realistic line when required, but always fights the client's corner to get the best commercial result

Work highlights

  • Represented a client on an application to the Land Registry to claim adverse possession of a parcel of land adjacent to land jointly owned by him and his brother.
  • Advised client on issues relating to a residential property, purchased from a house builder, with unsatisfactory conditions and proposed repairs within a two-year period.
  • Advised client in connection with its occupation of a warehouse at Groveport Docks in Scunthorpe.
  • Defended companies in public interest winding up proceedings brought by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in relation to the operation of a scheme for the mitigation of National Non-Domestic Rates (ie business rates) on unoccupied commercial property which it is alleged misuses the provisions of the Insolvency Act and and/or subverts the legitimate use of insolvency procedures.

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North West: TMT (technology, media and telecoms)

Intellectual property
Intellectual property - ranked: tier 4

Gorvins Solicitors

Gorvins Solicitors advises clients on copyright, design rights, trademarks and patents. It also deals with enforcement, disputes, passing off, copyright infringement and IP licenses. Andrew Curwen co-heads the team and advises institutions and OMBs on corporate transactions. Guy Lightowler also co-heads the team and acts for a range of clients in IP disputes.

Practice head(s):Andrew Curwen; Guy Lightowler

Other key lawyers:Christian Mancier; Paul Lupton; Rowan Uren

Testimonials

'Extremely knowledgeable and professional.'

'Christian Mancier fully understands my business needs and is solutions orientated.'

'Guy Lightowler is knowledgeable, approachable and aggressive on his client's behalf, yet realistic and commercial in approach.'

Key Clients

Richer Sounds Plc

Alan Howard (Stockport) Limited

Aerofoil Energy Ltd

E-Foods Limited

ITAC Limited

GPC Computer Software Limited

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Further information on Gorvins Solicitors

Please choose from this list to view details of what we say about Gorvins Solicitors in other jurisdictions.

North West

Offices in Stockport

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