Birketts LLP‘s team is ‘very communicative, proactive, and easy to get on with’, consisting of a deep bench which handles the full range of property matters. Head of commercial property Melissa Loucas is known for ‘exceptional client focus and support‘. Cameron Barlow leads the real estate investment group. Chris Hoxley specialises in residential development. ‘Highly trusted consummate professional‘ Bhargav Trivedi leads the local strategic land practice. Elizabeth Lee is the key name for real estate finance. Senior associate Andrew Ridout and newly promoted real estate investment partner Laura Jones also play central roles in the practice.
Commercial property: Norwich in East Anglia
Birketts LLP
Practice head(s):
Melissa Loucas
Other key lawyers:
Chris Hoxley; Cameron Barlow; Bhargav Trivedi; Elizabeth Lee; Andrew Ridout; Laura Jones
Testimonials
‘They are very knowledgeable on the property law and understand the commercial challenges a business faces, including regulatory challenges for example in the chemical industry which has very specific issues when selling or buying property.’
‘Very communicative, proactive, fast response time. Easy to get on with and show a significant amount of personal interaction, taking the time to get to know their clients. Very much a part of the team.’
‘Melissa Loucas – exceptional client focus and client support over a varied tasks.’
‘Chris Hoxley is outstanding. He is a busy man but seems to work night and day to get matters resolved and provide a service.’
‘Bhargav Trivedi – highly trusted and consummate professional.’
‘Everyone we deal with at Birketts are quick to respond and to explain procedures.’
‘We are most impressed with the speed and efficiency with which Chris Hoxley and his team deal with our matters. We are assured of total professionalism and know that nothing will phase them.’
‘We enjoy working with Birketts Norwich across a range of business activities. We must have engaged with 10 different employees covering a multiple of different issues in the past 12 months and they have delivered as required. Bhargav Trivedi has a depth of experience and we have enjoyed the expertise he brings to our commercial activities.’
Key clients
Lloyds Banking Group plc
Earlswood Homes
Multimatic Inc.
Longwater Limited
Interbay Funding Ltd
LendInvest
Vello Limited
Westbrook Partners
M7 Real Estate Limited
John Innes Centre
Norwich Research Park
Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
National Westminster Bank plc
Lloyds Banking Group plc
Norwich Airport Limited
The Cotswold Company (UK) Limited
Oxford Properties Group
Meadow Partners
Realty Income Corporation
Norfolk Homes Limited
East Anglian Property Limited
Howes Percival LLP
Howes Percival LLP has ‘good commercial experience', particularly in relation to investment portfolios. The firm has a well rounded practice that handles residential development projects for national housebuilders, and commercial development for local authorities and developers. Additionally, the team is adept at assisting with real estate investment portfolio management, property finance issues, and energy projects. Real estate finance specialist Tessa Haskey leads the practice; head of leisure and tourism Joanna Nicholls handles development, landlord and tenant and investment work; Nicola Curle ‘provides commercial and high-quality advice on development matters‘; Christopher Cubitt focuses on residential development projects; and Estelle Corner deals with social housing transactions.
Practice head(s):
Tessa Haskey
Other key lawyers:
Joanna Nicholls; Nicola Curle; Christopher Cubitt
Testimonials
‘Good commercial experience, fits our own requirements well.’
‘Nicola Curle provides commercial and high-quality advice on development matters.’
Key clients
Norwich University of the Arts
Bennett Plc
Persimmon Homes Limited
Esco Developments Ltd Lovell Flagship LLP Lovell Partnerships Ltd & Flagship Housing Developments Limited
Anglia Restaurants Limited
Anglia Maltings Holdings Limited
Ford Retail Limited
Ben Burgess Holdings Limited
Lothbury Property Trust Company Limited
Ben Burgess Holdings Limited
Work highlights
- Advised a consortium of developers (Flagship, Lovell, Esco) on 1800 unit urban expansion.
- Acting for Ben Burgess on group company acquisition.
- Acting for Baker & Metson in 212 acre residential promotion in favour of Land Improvement Holdings Ltd.
Mills & Reeve LLP
The Norwich office of Mills & Reeve LLP plays a pivotal role in the firm’s national commercial property practice, and is home to a deep bench of talent. ‘The practice excels at prompt advice and information delivered in such a way that non-legal professionals are able to make the best decisions‘, remarks a client. Caroline Dean and Carina Davis (formerly Cobbold), whose ‘responses are always thoroughly considered, relevant and commercial‘, lead the practice. The ranks of principal associates includes Anna Aldous, who deals with large-scale mixed use development sites; Zoe Cooke, who handles high-value residential development work for London-based developers; corporate real estate structuring specialist David Siddall; ‘incredibly efficient, diligent‘ portfolio acquisition expert Lisa-Marie Kennedy; and education sector projects lawyer Judy Day.
Practice head(s):
Caroline Dean; Carina Davis (previously Cobbold)
Other key lawyers:
Anna Aldous; Zoe Cooke; David Siddall; Judy Day; Ross Buckingham; Callum Ross
Testimonials
‘Carina Davis (née Cobbold) is our lead contact and always provides exceptional advice – her responses are always thoroughly considered, relevant and commercial. Her team are also great to work with.’
‘Caroline Dean is the most responsive partner I have ever dealt with – in times when I have needed something, she is there like an extension of my own team which has been very invaluable and exactly what I needed.’
‘Caroline Davis considers leases from a commercial perspective too, she always finds a way to solve a negotiating problem as efficiently as possible.’
‘David Siddall is very helpful.’
‘Lisa-Marie Kennedy is incredibly efficient, diligent and is excellent at communicating so that I always know where we are in the transaction (which then helps me to manage it internally). She is extremely knowledgeable in her areas of legal expertise, and is also very commercial at the same time. Lisa is really great at getting transactions completed, making sure to prompt relevant parties where needed in a friendly and effective way. Effective collaboration is a very strong skill she possesses, amongst others.’
‘Senior associate Ross Buckingham is extremely responsive and, again, very diligent, intelligent (clearly knows a great deal about his area of work) and is very proactive in getting things done. His attention to detail is excellent and he dedicates time and thoughtfulness into the work he does which is extremely reassuring. Ross also is very personable and approachable, and a pleasure to work with.’
‘I work mainly with Judy Day who is efficient and professional. I value the way Judy cares very much about our charity. Her values are totally aligned which makes working alongside her an absolute pleasure.’
‘Senior associate Callum Ross has a vast amount of knowledge and experience with utilities and telecoms matters, and has provided effective support and advice in these areas when we needed them the most.’
Key clients
Anglia Innovation Partners LLP (Norwich Research Park)
Archant Limited
Brown Family (Holt)
Central Trust
Cinnamon Collection Limited
City College Norwich
Clifford Estate Company Limited
Colman Family Trust
Countrywide Legal Indemnities Limited
Diocese of East Anglia
East Anglian Air Ambulance
Easton College
Fitzmaurice Holdings Limited
Flagship Group
Giraffe Concepts Limited
Homes England
Jarrold & Sons
John Innes Centre
Kilverstone Trust
KLM UK Engineering Limited
Land Registry
LendLease
London Diocesan Fund
Midwich Limited
Norfolk Historical Buildings Trust
Norwich City Football Club plc
Norwich Preservation Trust
Norwich School
Nurse Plus & Carer Plus (UK) Limited
Oasis Dental Care Limited
Ortona Group
Peabody Developments Limited
Randall & Quilter Investments Limited
Repton Developments Limited
Serruys Property Company Limited
Solus (London) Limited
Southwold Town Council
St Martins Housing Trust
SUE GP LLP
Timewell Properties Limited
The Forum Trust
University of East Anglia
University of Suffolk
Upton Trust (Red Lodge, Suffolk)
Urban&Civic Group
VetPartners Limited/VetPartners Practices Limited
WR & PJ Tann
Work highlights
- Acting for landowners who are (in conjunction with Pigeon) selling land for a residential led development of circa 5,000 houses near Thetford known as Kingsfleet.
- Acting for SUE on an urban extension at Rugby, which has planning permission for up to 6,200 dwellings, as well as major commercial development and enabling infrastructure. The firm is advising on the terms of and completing a sale of a parcel for commercial use to David Lloyd Leisure.
- Advising the University of Suffolk on its Joint Venture with BT to deliver apprenticeships and Higher Education services out of BT’s Adastral Park in Suffolk. The project has involved a number of leases across the site, some teaching space, and others specialist facilities including acoustic chambers. One part of the project was the delivery of an Ecolab, a property constructed on bare land that is fully self-sustaining, showcasing Eco-friendly technology and sustainable living.
Ashtons Legal
Ashtons Legal has a relatively junior commercial property team in Norwich, where senior associate Greg McCurday, who joined from Birketts LLP, stands out for his work on development and secured lending matters. McCurday has been acting for clients in East Anglia and further afield and counts regional housebuilders, high-net-worth individuals and multi-national e-commerce companies amongst his list of clients. McCurday recently assisted MH Star UK Ltd with the sale of a 160,00 square foot logistics centre in Bedfordshire.
Practice head(s):
Greg McCurday
Key clients
MH Star UK Ltd
KSI Holdings Ltd
Riverway Properties Ltd
Surplus Property Solutions Ltd
Work highlights
- Advising MH Star UK Ltd in relation to the sublease of 160,000 square foot logistics and distribution property in Bedfordshire which was constructed in December 2021. The firm completed the original lease of this unit in 2021 for a Chinese-based e-commerce company and was instructed to prepare a 14-year sublease to a logistics company.
- Advising KSI Holdings Ltd on the purchase of a multi-let business park in Norwich to be part-occupied by the buyer with the remainder occupied by 14+ commercial tenants. The firm’s instruction also included obtaining bank funding to fund the purchase.
Fosters
The practice at Fosters is active across its network in Norfolk, but is centred in the Norwich office, where practice head James Allen, who is ‘always available and full of knowledge‘, leads a ‘professional and friendly‘ group. Allen recently acted for a purchaser of a farm and adjacent buildings in a £1m transaction. Conveyancing expert Katy Dickinson is ‘friendly, approachable and takes initiative when needed‘, often advising on the sale of properties subject to numerous leases. Legal executive Irina Goodwin also plays a key role in the practice. Dickinson frequently acts for Bradecca Restaurants in the renewal of franchises across East Anglia.
Practice head(s):
James Allen
Other key lawyers:
Katy Dickinson; Irina Goodwin
Testimonials
‘The firm works very relationally and yet highly professionally. They are proactive and always one step ahead for the client’s protection and benefit.’
‘Katy Dickinson has been our conveyancing solicitor and she has always been friendly, approachable and takes initiative where and when needed with other solicitors in a sales process.’
‘James Allen is the individual who me I followed to this firm from his previous employer. The reasons: trust , confidence in his ability and also knowing that he can complete and get the job done.’
Key clients
Tingdene Group/Tingdene Parks Limited
Crusader Holdings Limited
Norwich Practices Limited
Leeway Domestic Violence & Abuse Services
Sowerbys Estate Agents
Woodforde’s Brewery Limited
Barratt & Coe
Martin Francis Limited
Equal Lives
Work highlights
- Acted for Woodforde’s Brewery Limited in the Underlease to a local not-for-profit company which was setting up a museum celebrating the life of Lord Nelson.
- Acting for a business client in the purchase of a farm with adjacent barns. The client’s plan was to live in the farmhouse whilst renovating the barn as year round holiday lets. There were competing purchasers and the seller put the deal out to a contract race.
- Acting for Bradecca Restaurants Limited in the acquisition and renewal of a number of franchises for a well known international fast food restaurant including advising on complex and technical franchise documentation.
Isadores
Isadores has a niche commercial practice, being particularly focused on insolvency. Practice head Robert Pyke has broad expertise in residential and commercial development work to handle the property aspects of insolvency cases. The 'exceptional' Pyke and senior associate Lauren Toynton are the key lawyers providing support to the firm’s corporate and insolvency teams, and Pyke recently assisted Grant Thornton LLP as trustee in the sale of residential properties and industrial units, as well as dealing with the Crown Estate in respect of a property owned by a management company that was dissolved.
Practice head(s):
Robert Pyke
Other key lawyers:
Lauren Toynton
Testimonials
‘Approachability, very good communication and always available. You are made to feel as though you are this firm’s only client which is something to be proud of.’
‘Robert Pyke is exceptional. He is always available and quite a rarity in the current world with solicitors in that he takes a proactive view and will advise on solutions rather than just presenting issues. Due to his experience he has exceptional knowledge and is a key asset to us in trying to get deals over the line.’
‘Robert Pyke, shockingly prompt and concise commercial advice.’
‘Second to none response rate and commercial service.’
Key clients
Fairfax and Favor Limited
New Buckenham Property Limited
Jadelink UK Limited
Norfolk Racing Holdings Limited
Norfolk Homes Limited
Agile Property Partners Limited
RSLC Developments Limited
T Blanchflower Carpentry Limited
Handelsbanken Plc
Grant Thornton
J O Sims Holdings Limited
Purnells Insolvency Practitioners
DFB Project Ltd
Scott Residential Ltd
Blanchard Fields Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Fairfax and Favor Limited on two occupational leases for their latest two retail stores (Marlow and Stow-on-the-Wold).
- Advising Norfolk Homes Limited, a multi-site developer based in North Norfolk in respect of the set up of the next phase of their development site at Trowse, Norwich, Norfolk including dealing with infrastructure documentation and plot sale contract pack set up.
- Advising Blanchard Fields Limited on the disposal of plots at their residential development site at Blanchard Fields, Isle of Wight.
Spire Solicitors LLP
Spire Solicitors LLP ‘s large commercial property team handles a myriad of issues, including site acquisitions and disposals, new-build schemes, development agreements, and grants of easement. Protima Sikdar-Wood leads the team, and ‘takes the wellbeing of her clients very seriously’. Partner Annette Collen is a key adviser to landlords, tenants, investors, trustees and individuals. Roger Margand advises both business and charities on corporate and commercial matters, as well as major commercial property projects. Senior associate Katharine Chatters also plays a key role in the practice, which is known for its ‘client-first approach‘.
Practice head(s):
Protima Sikdar-Wood
Other key lawyers:
Roger Margand; Annette Collen; Katharine Chatters
Testimonials
‘The team provides very unique service to its clients and is one of the best solicitors firms that I have used over the last 30 years’
‘I feel the individuals working with me try to give my matters their best attention. They are all very professional specially Protima Sikdar-Wood.’
‘Protima Sikdar-Wood has excellent communication and people engagement skills She is very patient and always responsive to any questions or queries raised and delivers a service on our behalf which is very good.’
Key clients
Norfolk and Waveney Mind
Netmatters