At Aaron & Partners LLP, practice head Stuart Scott-Goldstone continues to develop the firm’s expertise in the technology, renewable energy and care sectors; an ever greater base of notable clients is instructing the firm to advise on corporate and commercial issues in these fields. The group also maintains its reputation for handling complex transactions involving owner-managed businesses across the North West and around the country. On the international front, mandates involving US companies are becoming an increasing area of focus. Jamie Hawley stands out as a key contact for banks and financial institutions. Jennifer Harrison is also noted.
Corporate and commercial: elsewhere in the North West in North West
Aaron & Partners LLP
Practice head(s):
Stuart Scott-Goldstone
Other key lawyers:
Jamie Hawley; Jennifer Harrison
Testimonials
‘Practical straightforward advice and support. A no-nonsense approach to getting the job done without getting bogged down in the fog of a transaction.’
‘Jamie Hawley was diligent, insightful and efficient throughout the process.’
‘The team is quick to respond, extremely proactive and gives clear, concise and commercial advice. Billing is efficient, but never feels like you are being unreasonably chased. We have been very happy with the exceptional level of service we’ve received.’
‘Jamie Hawley is our key point of contact. He will always make himself available for discussions, assist with managing our relationship with other departments within Aaron & Partners and has developed a detailed understanding of our company and industry way beyond that of any other legal firm we have worked with.’
Key clients
Sicut Enterprises Ltd
KNP Logistics Group Limited (formerly named Knights of Old Group Ltd)
Special Needs Group Limited
UK Caravans Direct Ltd
Thermographic Measurements Ltd (TMC Hallcrest)
Sanctus London Limited
Work highlights
- Advised the shareholders of Technik Ground Solutions and Sonic Drilling & Piling Planthire on the sale of these two co-owned companies, which operate in the construction sector across the UK, to RSK Group.
- Advised UK Caravans Direct on its acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Lawnworth and Brow-y-Wendon Static Caravan Park.
- Advised the shareholders of Arena Instrumentation on the sale of the entire issued share capital of the business to Ellab (UK), as well as assisting with their investment into the buyer’s holding company, Kelvin Holdco, a company registered in Denmark.
Forbes Solicitors
Forbes Solicitors is known for its concerted presence in Lancashire and its ability to assist clients with deals of all sizes, nature and complexities. Pauline Rigby heads up the corporate offering and acts as a key link to the employment and commercial property departments, frequently working on matters at the intersection of these areas. Also on the corporate side, David Filmer is noted for his development of referrer relationships specifically within the Preston and Fylde Coast region. For commercial work, John Pickervance, who also leads the firm’s manufacturing and engineering department, has been instrumental in expanding the team’s expertise in these sectors and is the name to note.
Practice head(s):
Pauline Rigby; John Pickervance
Other key lawyers:
David Filmer; Rebecca McCann
Testimonials
‘The team is commercial and pragmatic in its approach to assignments.’
‘Approachable with a good level of common sense when dealing with matters.’
‘Forbes has been fantastic for our business purchase and subsequent sales.’
Key clients
Eleven Sports Media Limited
YourZooki Limited
WEC Group Limited/MTL Advanced Limited
Nextmune Limited
Osan Limited t/a Sock Shop
SEP Professional Services Limited/SEP Construction Services Limited/SEP Research & Development Limited
Bright Blue Foods Limited
Brookhouse Aerospace Limited
Sundown Solutions Limited
Mark Hallam, Stuart Forrest and Angus MacSween
BTGM Group Limited
Adrian Cresswell
Ataraxia Broking Group
4 Seasons Beer Tent Co Limited
Work highlights
- Advising the sellers on the disposal of their shares in Cloud Commerce Group to WPP 2005, a division of the global brand Wunderman Thompson Commerce and Technology, for £41m.
- Advising the BTGM Group on the management buyout of DL M&E Holdings.
- Assisting Osan, trading as the Sock Shop, with the negotiation of a concession agreement with high street store Next, providing the client with a concession in its blue chip London Oxford Road store.
Gorvins Solicitors
The team at Gorvins Solicitors brings significant transactional expertise to national and regional clients ranging from public and private companies to owner-managed businesses and corporate funders. The firm has developed a reputation for excellence in several core sectors, namely media and publishing, market research, construction, and healthcare. Andrew Curwen heads up the practice; his highly regarded team includes Christian Mancier – who is noted for his work with family businesses – and consultant Paul Lupton – who focuses on advising SMEs. Senior associate Gemma Lingard is also noted.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Curwen; Christian Mancier
Other key lawyers:
Paul Lupton; Gemma Lingard
Testimonials
‘Prompt to reply and offer attention to detail. Very thorough in all aspects.’
‘Gemma Lingard – very efficient and friendly manner, most understanding and capable of grasping the situation of the clients. We felt confident and happy with the advice she provided.’
Key clients
Valour Finance Group Plc
Avonside Group Services Limited
Astute Private Wealth Limited
Williams Motor Group
Mondiale Publishing Limited
CGA Strategy Limited
Alan Howard (Stockport) Limited
Richer Sounds Plc
Rowlinson Group Limited
e-Foods Limited
Tandom Metallurgical Group Limited
John Munroe Group Limited
GPC Computer Software Limited
Work highlights
- Advising the shareholders of CPL Technology Group, which includes Mondiale Hospitality Holdings and 4 others, on the sale of their shares to the Access Group.
- Advising Polytech International on the sale of the entire issued share capital of Polytech Liquid Polymers – trading as MRI Polytech – to Plixxent group, a German-based PU products manufacturer.
- Advising the founder shareholders on the sale of the entire issued share capital of Aeroco Holdings to an MBO team, funded by Frontier Development Capital.
Myerson Solicitors LLP
Myerson Solicitors LLP expertly assists a core client roster of owner-managed businesses and SMEs with high-value M&A transactions, challenging tax matters, and supply chain issues arising as a result of Brexit. The firm is also able to leverage its inter-departmental strength to provide advice on mandates at the intersection of corporate work with IT, IP, property and private wealth. Practice head Mohammed Akeel Latif is supported by a deep and growing bench of seasoned practitioners, including Andrew Brown and new arrival Chris Moss – who brings particular expertise in the financial services sector as well as experience leading the commercial team at JMW Solicitors LLP to the table. At senior associate level, Terry Moore and Richard Meehan – who joined from DWF in February 2022 – are recommended.
Practice head(s):
Mohammed Akeel Latif
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Brown; Terry Moore; Scott Sands; Carla Murray; Chris Moss
Testimonials
‘Myerson Solicitors offer a personal, professional, transparent service. Based on my previous dealings with other firms of solicitors, I would highly recommend their offices for personal or commercial services.’
‘Very knowledgeable and the constant contact and keeping you informed sets them above their competition.’
‘This firm covers all my legal requirements with outstanding efficiency and expertise at a reasonable cost.’
‘Mohammed Akeel Latif is the best corporate lawyer I have come across, his knowledge coupled with his work ethic make for a strong combination which instils confidence. He’s always available to me, which I value highly.’
‘Myerson Solicitors LLP have a unique ability amongst law firms to not only advise on specific legal aspects, specifically commercial transactions, but to introduce legal and commercial concepts that allow for all parties to the transaction to reach mutually agreeable finality, yet still satisfy their own client’s specific requirements.’
‘Terry Moore provided a level of expertise unsurpassed and also exhibited exceptional levels of clarity that would be easily understood by all parties.’
‘Myerson’s are a big firm without being a big firm. Still have that personal touch, but with extensive knowledge of almost all sectors. My go-to firm for most things now.’
‘From our first introduction we have always and without fail had direct access to the partners whether during or outside of office hours. Alongside their undoubted knowledge in a huge range of legal areas the ease of contact has been a major part in our decision to stay loyal to them.’
Key clients
Covid 19 Testing Services
European and Subsidiary Companies
Vehicle Hire Company
Prometheus Complex Care Ltd
Safe Hands Plans Limited
MC InSites NV
Work highlights
Napthens LLP
A notable roster of large corporates, owner managers and institutional clients instruct the highly specialised team at Napthens LLP. Keith Melling, who has particular expertise in the healthcare, motor retail, transport, manufacturing and financial services sectors, heads up the corporate offering with ‘steely confidence‘. In addition to handling a substantial transactional caseload, the wider corporate department also fields a dedicated insolvency sub-group. Jon Esner oversees the commercial side of the practice and brings a wealth of experience in compliance and regulatory issues to his role. Other key names include seasoned consultant Gareth McIntegart and legal director David Carr.
Practice head(s):
Keith Melling; Jon Esner
Other key lawyers:
Gareth McIntegart; David Carr; Rachel Atherton; Richard Robinson; Jordan Withers
Testimonials
‘Keith Melling was exceptional. I am not sure the deal would have completed when it did without his oversight. His legal knowledge was first rate, but what really added value was his commercial approach to identifying the points that were most significant to the other side and therefore which battles were worth fighting.’
‘I believe what sets them apart is the total commitment to the job in hand. Quick responses to urgent enquiries even late at night or on the weekend – goes beyond traditional service standards. Teams/partners in other parts of the business were integrated into the project seamlessly with the minimum of fuss.’
‘A great approachable team that spends appropriate amounts of time reviewing what is needed to be reviewed and are able to always come within budget.’
Key clients
Applied Nutrition
Maven Capital
Joloda Hydraroll
Flavour Warehouse
Work highlights
SAS Daniels LLP
At SAS Daniels LLP, experienced transactional lawyer Jeremy Orrell heads up the corporate offering, while Kaye Whitby takes the lead on commercial work. The firm is particularly focused on serving SMEs in the Cheshire region and is lauded by clients for its partner-led approach. Andy Booth has been instrumental in developing the group’s reputation for excellence in the music industry; he is regularly instructed by leading artists and bands from the Manchester area. Paul Tyrer completes the roster of recommended practitioners.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Kaye Whitby; Andy Booth; Paul Tyrer
Testimonials
‘We found them very approachable, they lead us through the sales process from start to finish and explained what we needed to do, and what they would do for us, and why in a way we understood. From the way the business sale went through I would say we felt SAS were far more “on the case” than the buyer’s solicitors. I have recommended them to business associates and would use them again without hesitation.’
‘We were informed at an early stage that if anybody became unavailable, (due to Covid mainly) that because multiple people were involved we would get the service we were expecting without delay. We did.’
Key clients
Pentre Group Holdings
Medical Air Technology Limited
Beech Developments (NW) Limited
The Challenge Group
High Court Enforcement Group
TFLI Limited
Louver-lite Limited
Fayrefield Foods Limited
Premier Care Limited
Rowlinson Knitwear Limited
Work highlights
Brabners LLP
At Brabners LLP, Richard Hough brings his commercial and intellectual property expertise to contract negotiation matters in addition to handling franchising, agency, distribution and data protection issues. Nicola Whittle oversees the corporate side of the practice. The firm specialises in assisting mid-market clients, including SMEs, start-ups and family businesses. Associate Mairead Platt regularly advises on investment and funding matters as well as on employee ownership trust disposals.
Practice head(s):
Nicola Whittle; Richard Hough
Other key lawyers:
Mairead Platt
Key clients
Epower Trucks Group Limited
Pradeep Rawal & Anjla Rawal
SEI Group Limited
Sysco Technical Solutions Group Limited
Domscan (Holdings) Limited
ProAct International Ltd
Football Ventures (Whites) Ltd
Work highlights
- Advising SEI Group on the purchase of the entire issued share capital of Security and Electrical Installations.
- Assisting Domascan with the share sale of J J O’Grady, a groundworks and construction company, to Fox Brothers.
- Advising ProAct on a number of commercial transactions, involving a variety of third party customers.
Butcher & Barlow LLP
The Butcher & Barlow LLP team is primarily split across the Bury, Gadbrook Park and Bramhall offices. From this extensive regional base, the group is able to advise local clients from a range of industries. The firm has continued to develop its reputation for M&A work and has also been receiving increasingly frequent instructions relating to company restructuring and refinancing in the aftermath of the pandemic. The group is also noted for its extensive work around employee share incentive schemes. Justin Kelly heads up the practice.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Butcher & Barlow have a very welcoming and efficient team at Gadbrook Park. Combined with this attribute they have a knowledgeable and understanding staff, both in terms of solicitors and legal secretaries. The firm’s billing is clear and concise.’
‘Our main contact is with Jonathan Aldersley, who is highly efficient, knowledgeable and has a very considerable understanding of our needs and requirements. This makes him an outstanding person and solicitor. His work ethics are exceptional, with the time he puts in going way beyond the normal working day.’
‘I have an excellent relationship with Justin Kelly who stands out due to his in-depth knowledge of the law, particularly in employment issues and ability to communicate and explain the law in practical terms. Butcher and Barlow’s overall professionalism is a hallmark of this practice.’
‘Partners, such as Jonathan Aldersley, are very approachable and possess the ability to translate complicated legal nuances into everyday examples that we, as lay people, can understand. Jonathan always responds to requests to get in touch and has been known to address our urgent issues, even whilst he has been on his annual leave.’
‘I have worked with Justin Kelly and Jonathan Aldersley on numerous projects and found them both to be very approachable and accessible should I need to seek advice or query contract terms. They also have a desire to keep projects moving along and swiftly dealing with roadblocks which have the potential to stall things.’
‘Communication, timeliness, value for money and in particular thoroughness are second to none.’
‘The support of Jonathan Aldersley continues to be an invaluable asset to my companies and his proactiveness, calm demeanour, opinions and expertise in managing often fairly complex M&A projects is highly appreciated. Justin Kelly is also worthy of recognition in particular for the commercial judgement applied to employment matters and the negotiations he undertook.’
‘Butcher & Barlow listen and understand quickly the nuance of our business and issues faced. They deliver a highly professional service.’
Key clients
Joseph Holt Brewery
Higham and Higham
Glashen Services
Aeroco Group Limited
AD Aerospace
Depledge Strategic Wealth Management
Sanders Fisher Ltd
Victor OId Trafford Ltd
Robert Oliver Wealth Recruitment
Olympian Sheds Ltd
Breathe Technologies Ltd
Law Distribution
Demeva Refrigeration Ltd
Fords of Winsford
Olympus International Limited
P & H Evans Ltd
ABU (Cheshire) Ltd
London Stone Paving Ltd
ABC Digital
Tradekart
Ashbank Property
Horsfield-Smith
Pemberton Business Park Ltd
PLT Properties Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised on the investment agreement and ambassador agreement for a high-value cross-border crypto currency investment.
- Assisted with a high-value management buyout in the aerospace sector.
- Advised on a substantial supply contract involving a US company.
DTM Legal LLP
From its base in Chester, the team at DTM Legal LLP provides tailored corporate and commercial advice to a breadth of SMEs in the Cheshire and North Wales area. The group’s focus on such clients ensures that practitioners are experienced in assisting with issues arising at every stage of development, from start-up to sale, third party investment or owner exit. The firm has recently been cementing its expertise in share schemes and other employee incentives, and is also seeing rising levels of instruction from funding organisations and private equity houses. Edward Barnes and Alison Brennan are the key names to note.
Practice head(s):
Edward Barnes
Other key lawyers:
Alison Brennan
Testimonials
‘Really solid, understandable and pragmatic advice.’
‘Alison Brennan – very approachable, always meets deadlines and gives very reasonable and realistic advice.’
Key clients
Village Bakery Group
Marine Specialised Technology Limited
Dee 106.3 Limited
Travcorp Group
Rotex Europe Limited/Hillenbrand Inc
Holiday Gems Limited
Angel Solutions Limited
Clwydian Group Limited
Clogau Gold of Wales Limited
D A Roberts Fuels Limited
Centegra Limited
Ellison Europe Limited
Even Marketing Solutions Limited/EMS Healthcare
Evolution Costs Limited
Evoke Creative Limited
The Ice Cream Farm Ltd Cheshire Farm Ice Cream Ltd
Callitech Limited (Moneypenny)
The Cygnet Group of Companies
Typhoo Limited
Codex Integrity Limited
Tapestry (Partners) Limited
Calder Group Limited and Calder Industrial Materials Limited
Boardlink Group Limited
Lewis Reed (WAV) Limited
Charles Own & Company (COMFG Limited)
Pointogic Holdings BV
Yimba Ltd
Peaty’s Ltd
RSK Orbital
Swishfund Ltd
Bikmo Limited
Williams Financial Planning
DriveWorks Limited
Morris & Co (2011) Limited
Kate McIver Skin Limited
Aviagen Turkeys Limited and Hockenhull Turkeys Limited
Catalyst Interiors Limited
Exsellence Limited
Smylie Limited
Spun Gold TV Limited
Staingard Limited
Barlows (UK) Limited
Swishfund
Aquilium Travel Limited
Hi-Mark Automotive Ltd
Burek Bow Limited
Dabber Cat Property Limited
Foundation Piling Limited
NetWorld Sports Limited
Prima Business Control Software Limited
Whole House Ventilation Services Limited
Ortus UK Limited
Magno Limited
T&L Leasing Limited
Jennings Building & Civil Engineering Limited
Warmfront Group
Work highlights
- Advising Tapestry Holdings, certain group companies and their various international shareholders on the multi-million pound sale of the entire issued share capital of the Tapestry Group to US buyer, Screen Engine/ASI.
- Assisting the company’s owners and management with the sale of the entire issued share capital of the Pines Care Home, a company which owns and operates a number of care homes in Wales.
- Advising the shareholders on their multi-million pound sale of the entire issued share capital of the Urban Planters franchisee company, Paul Lomax, to The Palfreymans, and assisting with a related buy back of shares in the master franchisor, Urban Planters Franchise.
Farleys Solicitors LLP
With ‘outstandingly talented‘ practitioner Debbie King at its helm, the group at Farleys Solicitors LLP continues to focus on the Lancashire SME market. Advice on sales and purchases across a wide range of sectors has typically formed the cornerstone of the practice. Recently, the team has also been assisting with an increasing number of complex corporate restructurings and de-mergers. Richard Bell provides a key link to the healthcare field and brings significant knowledge of the issues affecting independent businesses within the optics industry to the department.
Practice head(s):
Debbie King
Other key lawyers:
Richard Bell
Testimonials
‘Farleys have a great team of people and whoever you speak to at the practice knows where the individual projects are up to. Even if the relevant person isn’t available, there is always someone on hand to talk to and take time to find out what you need and get someone to resolve the query.’
‘I have worked closely with Debbie King, she is efficient and thorough with her work, but she makes the experience very interesting and engaging. She is enthusiastic about her work and always delivers with a smile and positive attitude. She is always involving graduate trainees where she can and enjoys interacting with them to further their development. Working with her is a pleasure.’
‘Farleys Solicitors LLP have a complete team willing to help with any/all your legal requirements in a prompt manner.’
‘Debbie King’s attention to detail and delivery of a very professional service has been vital in ensuring the process has happened seamlessly.’
‘Great multi- disciplinary expertise.’
‘Debbie King is an outstandingly talented partner at the top of her game.’
‘The team are really pragmatic as well as being great lawyers and go out of their way to ensure clients’ needs are met.’
‘Debbie King is great. She is practical, pragmatic, knowledgeable and is a great person to have on your side of the table in a deal.’
Work highlights
HM3 Legal
With a combined corporate experience exceeding 45 years, Anne Scheland and Robin Gill of HM3 Legal specialise in advising owner-managed businesses and SMEs on commercial contracts, IP and regulatory matters. Agency, distribution and manufacturing agreements, GDPR and Brexit-related issues are all areas of expertise. The group is particularly known for its work with vendor clients in the technology, healthcare, accountancy and storage sectors. The team also continues to receive frequent instructions from local authorities’ wholly owned subsidiaries seeking assistance with joint venture and outsourcing matters.
Practice head(s):
Anne Scheland
Other key lawyers:
Robin Gill
Testimonials
‘A forward-thinking, proactive team that seamlessly works together across multiple specialist areas.’
‘They wholeheartedly have their clients’ interests first and foremost, not only wanting what is best for the client but are open to working with other professionals for their clients’ benefit and gain.’
Key clients
EA Technology Limited
MCS Test Group Limited
Big Fang Collective Limited (formerly Ghetto Golf)
Roberts Manufacturing Limited
Westgrove Support Services Limited
National Westminster Bank plc
Joule Group Limited
Puro Ventures Limited t/a Speedy Freight
Work highlights
- Advised the shareholders of the MCS Test Group on its sale to Test Equity.
Jolliffe & Co LLP
From its base in Chester, the team at Jolliffe & Co LLP assists clients operating across the North West region, including a large number of major corporates from Liverpool and Manchester. The firm handles the full gamut of work, from day-to-day commercial matters to complex transactions, in sectors ranging from telecoms, leisure and healthcare to construction, chemicals, and waste management. Following the departure of Simon Williams in March 2021, the practice is now headed up by seasoned practitioner Mark Fergusson. Sharon Auld is a key contact for matters with a nexus to employment law.
Practice head(s):
Mark Fergusson
Other key lawyers:
Sharon Auld; Ryan Marr
Testimonials
‘The team is young and dynamic and they have been able to discuss my needs in a way which I understand being a non-legal professional.’
‘I have specifically dealt with Ryan Marr who is approachable and has gone above and beyond to help me with my needs for the business.’
‘Very personable approach and driven to deliver a professional service. Extremely open and easy to engage.’
Key clients
Bagnall & Morris (Waste Services) Limited
Challenger Mobile Communications Holdings Limited
Datascope Systems Limited
Farsight Security Services Limited
Browns (Shopfitting & Construction) Limited
KTSL Limited
La-Z-Boy UK Limited
Socialsignin Limited
Ninja Leisure UK Management Limited
Leisure Television Rights Limited
Linney Cooper Limited
Deeside House Education Trust Limited
Medistickit Limited
Brooktherm Refrigeration Limited
Acacia Training Limited
ABL Planning & Development Limited
Majuma Limited
Signum Intelligence Limited
Mechlam Precision Tooling Limited
NWT Horseshoes Limited
Rollon S.p.A.
Work highlights
- Advised Ninja Leisure UK Management and its group of companies on the terms of a multi-million pound investment by a leading investor in the leisure industry.
- Advising Bagnall & Morris (Waste Services) on a range of corporate and commercial matters, including acquisitions.
- Advised Challenger Mobile Communications on the negotiation of a key supply contract with a global telecoms company.
Baines Wilson LLP
The ‘knowledgeable and patient‘ team at Baines Wilson LLP is best known for its expertise in advising on corporate acquisitions and disposals; an area of particular strength for ‘exceptional‘ practice head Andrew Hill. The group has also seen a recent increase in instructions on the commercial side and is ever more regularly involved with the drafting and review of a diverse range of agreements. Jennifer Bell is noted for her expert knowledge of the transport sector.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Hill
Other key lawyers:
Kate Parker; Jennifer Bell
Testimonials
‘The whole team is helpful, knowledgeable and patient, and genuinely interested in helping businesses develop and be the best they can be.’
‘I think the team is excellent, the practice has a very professional feel and yet manages to have a very warm and welcoming attitude.’
‘I think Andrew Hill stands out as an exceptional partner within the firm. He is excellent yet has a very humble outlook and nothing is ever too much trouble.’
Key clients
WCF Ltd
Lloyd Motor Group
Genesis Homes Group
Handelsbanken
Penrith Farmers’ & Kidd’s plc
James Brearley & Sons Limited
Hollyblue Healthcare Finance Limited
Ecorenew Group
A W Jenkinson
Work highlights
MLP Law LLP
The substantial department at MLP Law LLP now comprises four experienced partners: commerical practice head Stephen Attree, corporate group lead Rachel Owen, equipment leasing and asset finance specialist Karen Delamore, and Max Tebbitts, who has been co-operating with the department since November 2021, as well as maintaining his activities as managing partner of Tebbitts Commercial Solicitors. The team is known particularly for its expertise in the healthcare, hospitality and catering, insurance and technology sectors.
Practice head(s):
Stephen Attree
Other key lawyers:
Rachel Owen; Karen Delamore; Max Tebbitts
Testimonials
‘The firm is attuned to the corporate client and actually listens to what I want. I give them a brief and they listen properly and take my comments into account.’
‘The individuals are all excellent and work for you at all times and make you feel that you are important. They are always available or always call back promptly. I have used many solicitors in many corporate lives over the years and feel that they are one of the best allround commercial solicitors.’
‘City centre expertise, but in a regional firm which clients often like. Friendly and professional.’
Key clients
gtd Healthcare
Sim Trava Group
Work highlights
Harrison Drury & Co
Harrison Drury & Co‘s transactional expertise spans the software development, manufacturing, leisure, agricultural, and retail sectors. The ‘brilliant‘ team is well versed in advising on the full gamut of issues, from shareholder agreements to management buyouts. The Preston-based Nick Booth and the Lancaster-based Jack Stephenson are the key senior contacts. The arrival of Timothy Grover, whose wide-ranging practice covers both corporate and commercial mandates, from Vincents Solicitors in February 2021 has further expanded the firm’s geographical presence in Clitheroe.
Practice head(s):
Nick Booth; Jack Stephenson
Other key lawyers:
Kerry Southworth; Timothy Grover
Testimonials
‘Jack Stephenson from Harrison Drury has always performed to a high standard and is very well respected within the commercial real estate sector in the north of England.’
‘Harrison Drury are a professional, efficient and brilliant practice. The perfect company in all respects. I never hesitate in recommending Harrison Drury as they have never given me cause to call them a second time to reiterate. We get weekly updates without needing to request them.’
‘Jack Stephenson goes over and above in his service, answers out of hours and even when on holiday. Even with sticky situations, Jack is always calm, cool and polite (and everyone knows how clients can get irate). Totally professional and helpful always.’
‘Timothy Grover has been excellent whilst helping us improve the quality of our client services and software support and licensing contracts. His clear and concise walk-throughs of each point, their meaning and relevance given our specific context, and their potential use-cases makes the process simple and stress-free.’
‘I felt the company offered a range of specialist services linked to my needs. Where appropriate they met with me face to face, but also kept in regular contact via video call and email. They spoke with patience and care in a language which was both informative, direct and clear, which built trust.’
‘Jack Stephenson stood out in the firm as his approach was timely, informative, supportive and clear. I wanted a sound understanding of liability and gain, a rationale on cost, and to be clear on the process and timeline. Jack delivered on this consistently and took my many questions with understanding and patience. His approachable manner gave me the confidence to ask him anything. I don’t think I’d have had the confidence to work with a typical solicitor, but Jack broke down those preconceived ideas very quickly.’
‘The team is extremely approachable and explain complicated issues in a user-friendly way for clients. There is a real depth of knowledge within the team. They have a local approach with the support of a much wider team. They have a no-fuss approach while ensuring all legislation is adhered to and all essential matters considered.’
‘I worked mostly with Timothy Glover who on a personal level was friendly, professional and honest, and on a professional level was measured in his advice with a clear eye on commercial realities.’
Key clients
Walker Fire (UK) Limited
St Jude’s Residential UK Limited
Ellisons Solicitors
Montagu Events Limited, t/a XYZ
11 Degrees Limited
Dexine Leyland Rubber Technology Limited
Work highlights
- Advised the shareholders on the disposal of AUK Investment.
- Assisted with the sale of Broughton Lubricants to a leading UK firm.
- Advised a residential care home on a complex management buyout.
Oglethorpe Sturton & Gillibrand
For Lancaster-based Oglethorpe Sturton & Gillibrand, company and contract law is the core focus, with the team’s client base being firmly rooted in agricultural or commercial property. When handling transactional mandates, the group is able to leverage the strength of the wider firm to provide a seamless inter-departmental service. Jennifer Grabowski oversees the work, capably assisted by Carolina Donner.
Practice head(s):
Jennifer Grabowski
Other key lawyers:
Carolina Donner
Testimonials
‘Great team, extremely knowledgeable solicitors in relation to commercial contracts and business restructuring following a management buyout.’
‘Jennifer Grabowski is extremely knowledgeable.’
‘Oglethorpe, Sturton & Gillibrand have access to a wide selection of specialised people whilst still maintaining the approachability and local knowledge that makes them a friendly and accessible firm. They are able to provide a wide range of personal and business services as well as agricultural services which is unique to the area.’
Work highlights
Woodcocks Haworth & Nuttall (WHN)
Woodcocks Haworth & Nuttall (WHN)‘ team works predominantly with family businesses and SMEs in the Bury and wider North West area. Managers and directors instruct the firm on the full gamut of issues, as the group’s wide-ranging capabilities include assisting with both day-to-day commercial advice and significant corporate matters. Practice head Paul Matthews has particular experience with share and asset sales and acquisitions, shareholder and partnership agreements, and company reconstructions.
Practice head(s):
Paul Matthews
Testimonials
‘Paul Matthews is a very capable and pragmatic lawyer and is my first choice when recommending a corporate lawyer to a client in the local market. His pricing is sensible and offers good value for money.’
‘Paul Matthews is extremely astute in understanding the commercial situation and finding the correct legal response to suit.’
‘Efficiency, service levels, and value for money compared to others.’
Key clients
AMS Accountants Group
Will and Gemma Rawling
Frimovel UK Limited
Professional Surveillance Management (PSM) Limited
Alan Sayle
S & S Steelstock Limited
Work highlights
- Advised AMS Accountants Group on a buy-in by a key employee, including assisting with SPA, shareholders’ agreement and articles, as well as advising the buyer on the acquisition of a 75% share in a limited liability partnership and the acquisition of a 25% shareholding in Signature Tax (an associated company).
- Advising Professional Surveillance Management and its shareholders on the purchase, by a newly formed holding company, of the entire issued share capital of a trading company in consideration of cash (for retiring shareholder) and consideration shares (for ongoing shareholders).
- Advising Frimovel UK and its shareholders on the purchase, by a newly formed holding company, of the entire issued share capital of a trading company in consideration of cash and loan notes (for retiring shareholders), loan notes and consideration shares (for ongoing shareholders).