Backhouse Jones > Clitheroe, England > Firm Profile

Backhouse Jones
THE PRINTWORKS
HEYS ROAD
CLITHEROE
BB7 9WD
England

North West > Transport Tier 2

Backhouse Jones has particular strength in the road transport sector which includes road haulage operators, logistics businesses, trade associations, bus and coach operators. The practice covers the full spectrum of issues including regulatory, employment, commercial litigation and insurance. Practice head Mark Davies handles regulatory issues covering goods and passenger carriage. James Backhouse is experienced in compliance matters while Jonathon Backhouse is experienced in road traffic investigations.

Practice head(s):

Mark Davies

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘They are without a doubt, the experts in all matters road transport-related. They advise on this all day long, so really know what they are talking about. Where other firms seem to dabble in this, they really know their craft. You want them in your corner, not on the other side!’

‘The Backhouse Jones business provides an unparalleled depth of knowledge and experience which sets them apart from other solicitors in the same field. Transport legislation is complex and good legal guidance requires not only a keen knowledge of the detail but also a rounded view of how the regulations are interpreted and enforced by regulators and enforcement authorities. Backhouse Jones is close to every detail which allows clients to be provided with options before making truly informed decisions to protect and support their own business.’

‘Specialising in what is a relatively niche market, Backhouse Jones have carved an enviable reputation as the leaders in their field and undoubtedly the team are at the heart of this.’

‘BHJ have an unrivalled approach to client care and attention to detail. Their knowledge on transport regulation and the wider transport, fleet and HGC sector is unparalleled. We feel as though we are in safe hands when dealing with BHJ.’

‘Very personable, always know you by name.’

‘I like the fact I got advice from people at a senior level. They do loads of other stuff like training and free webinars, all delivered by lawyers.’

‘The individuals at Backhouse Jones stand out for their culture of relationship building. Solicitors are approachable and understanding which makes them a pleasure to work with. The teams passion for the business is palpable and they demonstrate a genuine desire to help their clients.’

‘Backhouse Jones are our first port of call for all legal matters and as such we have only limited experience of others in the sector.’

Key clients

Biffa

Krispy Kreme

Go South Coast

Abellio

Veolia UK

Viridor

Somerset Passenger Solutions Ltd

Blackpool Transport

Day Aggregates

Rotala plc

MDS Distribution Limited

Bidfood

Tesco

Forfarmers

Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire

Malca-Armit

Howdens

Work highlights

  • Advised on the Road Haulage Association collective proceedings claim in the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
  • Appealed to the Upper Tribunal in respect of setting aside the decision of the Traffic Commissioner regarding the refusal to allow the appellant’s application to vary the terms of goods vehicle operator’s licence.
  • Acted for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) seek to impose a bus franchising scheme under the Bus Services Act 2017.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: elsewhere in the North West Tier 4

Backhouse Jones has particular strength in the transport sector, acting for road haulage operators, logistics businesses, bus operators and trade associations. James Lomax is experienced in advising on employment-related cases and co-heads the Clitheroe-based team with Steven Meyerhoff. Jonathon Backhouse is well-versed in cases arising out of road transport including VAT and duties tribunal appeals.

Practice head(s):

Steven Meyerhoff; James Lomax

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘A strong and resourceful team who undertake work of a complexity and value far above the relatively small size of the firm.’

‘Steven Meyerhoff is the leader of the commercial litigation practice at Backhouse Jones. He is an first-rate litigator with deep knowledge of the UK transport sector.’

‘Steven Meyerhoff is head of the team and extremely capable.’

‘Very focused on clients’ best interests and commerciality with a solid legal background.’

‘The people within the practice are its unique selling point – always helpful and available.’

‘The commercial litigation team at Backhouse Jones is relatively small but definitely punches above its weight. It is involved in a number of large-scale litigation matters.’

Key clients

Road Haulage Association Limited

Rotala PLC

Abellio UK

British Association of Removers Limited

Warrington Borough Transport Limited

H Parkinson Haulage Limited

Knowles Transport Limited

Biffa

Blackpool Transport

Work highlights

  • Advised on the Road Haulage Association collective proceedings claim in the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
  • Advised the Road Haulage Association as part of the above collective proceedings on a discrete and preliminary issue regarding RHA’s Litigation Funding Agreement.

Employment Tier 5

A boutique team that are truly ‘specialists in the transport sector’, Backhouse Jones fields a strong client base that spans beyond the North West, advising on a range of issues including complex, multifaceted tribunal claims and large-scale restructuring projects. The department also possesses the technical proficiency to handle employment status and contractual mandates, including IR35 alterations, TUPE transfers, and National Minimum Wage investigations. Team head Steven Meyerhoff‘s far-reaching expertise is particularly concentrated in contentious matters, and he regularly conducts his own advocacy in Employment Tribunal proceedings pertaining breach of regulations, discrimination, harassment, and pay infringements. Co-head James Lomax‘s comprehensive sector focus is consistently sought by clients seeking advice regarding document and policy drafting, regulation compliance, grievance issues and the enforcement of restrictive covenants. Heather Lunney is highly recommended for her HR support capabilities, including conducting investigations and audits  as well as being well-regarded for her litigation prowess.

Practice head(s):

Steven Meyerhoff; James Lomax

Other key lawyers:

Heather Lumney

Testimonials

‘James Lomax genuinely looks at situation from the employer’s perspective in terms of challenges, frustration, risk, reputational factors and day to day practicalities of dealing with people issues.’

‘The firm is known for transport but they actually have a large and very experienced employment team. What I like about them is that they understand my business first and then apply the law to my problem.’

‘An exceptional team, with market leading sector knowledge. Pre-eminent in transport and logistics sector, delivering exception legal service to that client base.’   

‘Steven Meyerhoff is an outstanding advisor. No one know the transport and logistics sector better than Steven, and that is married with first class legal knowledge and tactical planning and insight. Steven is ably supported by James Lomax, who is a very capable employment lawyer and litigator.’ 

‘Steven Meyerhoff has excellent employment law knowledge.’

‘Specialists in the transport sector.’

Work highlights

  • The firm provides most of the major UK bus operators and many major UK HGV operators with daily employment advice and representation at tribunal.
  • Providing the “RHA’s legal services” subscription scheme which allows RHA members exclusively to take full control of their legal budget.
  • Acting for Abellio on various employment related matters, including the highly publicised London bus worker strikes.