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Commercial property: elsewhere in East Anglia in East Anglia

Birketts LLP

The 'reliable' team at Birketts LLP works out of the Ipswich office. Chris Schwer co-heads the practice, frequently acting for housebuilders and developers, and co-head Stephen Sumpton advises investors, developers and major corporate occupiers. Oliver Crichton stands out for his expertise in freehold and leasehold acquisitions and disposals, and landlord and tenant matters. Stuart Raven is a key adviser to corporate, investor, owner, occupier and developer clients. Real estate investment specialist Paul Squire recently assisted Hopkins Homes Limited with the multimillion-pound acquisition of a 16-acre site at Beaulieu Park. Vicki Chilton and Keith Andrews act for both local and national clients.  Amanda Timcke, plays a central role in handling public and private sector matters concerning commercial development.

Practice head(s):

Chris Schwer; Stephen Sumpton


Other key lawyers:

Oliver Crichton; Stuart Raven; Paul Squire; Vicki Chilton; Amanda Timcke


Testimonials

‘Birketts has the ability and advise and guide on a transaction as opposed to just processing a transaction. They are reliable and deliver every time. With multiple departments across a number of offices, they can offer a full turn key service.’

‘I have been fortunate to build relationships with Keith Andrews and other partners within Birketts. They are solid and reliable advisors. The team remains available at the end of the phone and will respond to all correspondence in a swift and timely manner.’

Key clients

Hopkins Homes Ltd


The Churchmanor Estates Company Plc


M7 Real Estate Ltd


Dencora Group


IWG Group Services (UK) Limited


The Electricity Network Company Limited


GTC Pipelines Limited


Open Fibre Networks Limited


Independent Water Networks Limited


Independent Pipelines Limited


Independent Power Networks Limited


Independent Heating Networks Limited.


East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices


Suffolk County Council


Basildon Borough Council


Lendinvest


Lloyds TSB


HSBC


Fairview New Homes


Ashtons Legal

Led by Magnus McManus, the Ashtons Legal commercial property practice exhibits deep strength across the region, noted for is expertise in advising the NHS and private sector funders on healthcare related developments. Ron Clare in in Bury St Edmunds is highly regarded, particularly for matters involving care homes; and in Ipswich, ‘pragmatic and commercially astute‘ senior associate Alexandra Chater is a key member of the practice. The team is described as being ‘capable, knowledgeable, reactive and a prepared to fight your corner‘, and clients remark that their 'simplicity, capability and knowledge are second to none‘. The group recently assisted developer client Abel Homes Limited with the disposal of a tranche of affordable housing at Taverham Norfolk.

Practice head(s):

Magnus McManus


Other key lawyers:

Ron Clare; Alexandra Chater


Testimonials

‘Capable, knowledgeable, reactive and a prepared to fight your corner.’

‘Treated as a valued customer and always pleasantly received at meetings, bringing in others members of the team as necessary.’

‘A very client-focused, collabarative, forward-thinking organisation looking at different ways to solve legal problems.’

Key clients

Abel Homes Limited


Abel Properties Limited


J Gardner Holdings Limited


Euro Parfums UK Limited


Water Babies Group Limited


West Suffolk Council


Whitings LLP


Castlemeadow Care Group


Stow Healthcare Group Limited


Jack Sealey Limited


Business Launch Limited


Work highlights


  • Representing Abel Homes Limited in its disposal to a registered social landlord (Flagship Housing) of a further tranche of affordable housing at Taverham Norfolk.
  • Acting for J Gardner Holdings Limited in connection with the management of their industrial property portfolio consisting of 30 Units over two sites in Kent. The firm is acting for the landlord on new and renewal leases of nine of these units and additionally in relation to general portfolio management matters on a further seven units.
  • Acting for Euro Parfums UK Limited (trading as Parfums de Marly) in taking a lease of a retail unit at Covent Garden, London.

Buckles Solicitors LLP

The Peterborough office of Buckles Solicitors LLP is central to the firm-wide commercial property practice, which is led by Michael Rabbett. Praised for its 'outstanding' client service, the firm handles the property portfolios of large players in the leisure and retail sectors, in addition to cross-border matters for clients in the retail sector. Colleen Gostick handles retail and industrial development matters, and Chris Mundell has broad expertise in the acquisition and disposal of occupiers' estates.

Practice head(s):

Michael Rabbett


Other key lawyers:

Colleen Gostick; Chris Mundell


Testimonials

‘Their uniqueness to us is their outstanding service to their client, us! They have all the depth and breadth of capabilities that we need.’

‘Buckles partners are excellent to work with across the division from land acquisition to sales. They are responsive, speak plain English to give us a good understanding of issues and risks.’

‘Michael Rabbett is recommended for his dedication to working with the team and always being there for us.’

Key clients

Barnack Estates UK Limited


Broadway Developments Yaxley Limited


Greene & Greene

The team at Greene & Greene in Bury St Edmunds 'acts promptly, advises wisely, and represents the client with authority' in tenant and occupier matters, and the purchase and letting of commercial units. Practice head Tim Mendes da Costa frequently handles multimillion-pound acquisitions, including care home sales. Hugo Greer-Walker provides 'a friendly ear when needed, and sound and consistent advice', having recently assisted Finland-based producer of agricultural machinery Avant (Tecno) UK with the acquisition and development of a new UK headquarters and distribution hub. Sally Whatley-Brown and associate Julia Cardy are key advisers to both owners and occupiers of commercial premises.

Practice head(s):

Tim Mendes da Costa


Other key lawyers:

Hugo Greer-Walker; Sally Whatley-Brown; Julia Cardy


Testimonials

‘The team basically does what it says on the tin, they act promptly, they advise wisely, they represent their client with authority to get the job done. On every occasion they give confidence to us as clients that we are well represented.’

‘Our main dealings are with Hugo Greer-Walker, and what you get from Hugo is total reliability, a friendly ear when needed, sound and consistent advice, and that is really all you need.’

‘Julia Cardy provides timely, courteous, expert and good advice. She does what she promises, and often more.’

‘The Greene & Greene team is well equipped to deal with commercial property transactions. They understand he need for fast paced commercial advice when needed.’

‘Julia Cardy has an excellent work ethic and is always on hand to provide advice and deal with matters when needed. Communication is key in commercial property transactions and Julia’s is excellent.’

Key clients

A T Bent (Properties) Limited


Avant (Tecno) UK Ltd


Axel Arigato London Limited


Ensors Accountants LLP


Reeds Property Developments


Lexham Insurance Consultants Limited


Genevieve Park Farms


Work highlights


  • Advised Avant (Tecno) UK Ltd on the acquisition and development of a new UK headquarters and distribution hub.
  • Advised Axel Arigato London Ltd on the acquisition of their lease for Head Office in Farringdon, London.
  • Advised Reeds Property Developments, a major Norfolk business park owner on a number of matters at their three main sites.

Nicholsons Solicitors LLP

The practice at Nicholsons Solicitors LLP, which has offices in Lowestoft, Norwich and Great Yarmouth, is ‘very professional' when advising on development funding and 3rd sector housing association work. Mark Rymarz jointly leads the practice, frequently handling property development projects, and co-head Jade Tinney ‘always goes above and beyond' when assisting clients with secured lending and agricultural issues. Associate Jennifer Lee recently handled a large first-registration project for one of the practice’s anchor clients.

Practice head(s):

Mark Rymarz; Jade Tinney


Other key lawyers:

Jennifer Lee


Testimonials

‘Nicholsons are very professional, always on hand and make a client feel looked after. I have used them for several property transactions and I have always felt confident that my best interests have always been looked after. I thoroughly recommend this firm.’

‘Jade Tinney has been exceptional. She has always gone above and beyond, and I have utter confidence that she serves my interests in the best possible way.’

‘They are an incredibly professional firm and I never feel as though the stop watch is running.’

Prettys Solicitors LLP

The property practice at Prettys Solicitors LLP in Ipswich is noted for its 'expertise and detailed knowledge of freehold and lease situations', in addition to refinancing and portfolio restructuring issues. Practice head Rebecca Cleal is praised by clients for her ‘willingness to go the extra mile‘. Cleal recently assisted Maritime Transport with a multimillion-pound development agreement for lease of the 6.8 hectare Intermodal Rail Freight Terminal at Segro Logistics Park. Associate Paul Munnings  plays a key role in advising residential developers.

Practice head(s):

Rebecca Cleal


Other key lawyers:

Paul Munnings


Testimonials

‘Always willing to pick up the phone to discuss matters.’

‘Willing to go the extra mile.’

‘Prettys commercial property team adds value to the work that we undertake through their expertise and detailed knowledge in freehold and lease situations. They are hard working and flexible.’

‘The standout partner is Rebecca Cleal.’

Key clients

Bacton Transport Ltd


Bioindustry Association


R Hayward Farming Partnership


Maritime Transport Ltd


Whitelodge Stud Ltd


Birch Homes UK Limited


Profile Homes Limited


Mayes Lane SPV Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Maritime Group Limited in connection with a multi-million pound development agreement for lease of the 6.8 hectare Intermodal Rail Freight Terminal at Segro Logistics Park, Northampton Gateway.
  • Acted for the R Hayward & Sons farming partnership in connection with the freehold acquisition of 57.8 hectares of unregistered farmland for an undisclosed purchase price.
  • Advised national award-winning Biotech trade association on a conditional agreement for lease and lease of office premises in central London (W1).

Hunt & Coombs LLP

Working out of Peterborough, the team at Hunt & Coombs LLP frequently advises businesses, charities and individuals on property transactions. Former practice head Anna Spriggs has since departed the practice to join Howes Percival LLP, and is succeeded by Olivia Chalmers  who now leads the practice. Clients praise Chalmers for her ‘expertise and attention to detail', which are 'second to none'. Senior associate David Marsh joined the team from Chattertons in February 2023, bringing extensive experience in the acquisition and sale of development land. Associate James Steward in Oundle also plays a key role in the practice.

Practice head(s):

Olivia Chalmers


Other key lawyers:

David Marsh; James Steward


Testimonials

‘This firm is excellent. Their expertise and attention to detail are second to none.’

‘Olivia Chalmers with whom we worked made the property sale so straightforward and she guided us, with her expertise to a satisfactory conclusion.’

Spire Solicitors LLP

The property practice at Spire Solicitors LLP is led from Norwich by Protima Sikdar-Wood, though partner Howard Bailey leads the Attleborough based team, and is ‘always helpful with good advice and knowledge'. Clients remark that ‘the team is consistently helpful, kind, thoughtful and goes the extra mile‘. Bailey recently assisted United Business & Leisure (Properties) Ltd with a promotion and option agreement for the promotion of 53.5 acres in Poringland for development.

Practice head(s):

Protima Sikdar-Wood


Other key lawyers:

Howard Bailey; Emily Greig


 


Testimonials

‘Always helpful with good advice and knowledge. Everyone an expert in there specific fields.’

‘Howard Bailey always has time and a great knowledge about his subjects’

‘The team is consistently helpful, kind, thoughtful and goes the extra mile. They deal with a broad range of matters for us and without fail we find the extremely competent and responsive.’

Key clients

Leaf Group Construction Ltd


United Business & Leisure (Properties) Ltd


The London Beer Factory Ltd


P J Southgate Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advised United Business & Leisure (Properties) Ltd on promotion and option agreement for the promotion of 53.5 acres in Poringland.
  • Advised P J Southgate Ltd on the negotiation of an option agreement on land at Great Ellingham with the regional house builder.
  • Advised Leaf Group Construction Ltd on the transfer of land from care home for residential development of 9 dwellings in Great Yarmouth.