Banking and finance in North West

Addleshaw Goddard

The practice at Addleshaw Goddard has a strong reputation for its ability to assist clients across the full scope of complex and high-stakes banking and finance matters. The team is headed up by Manchester-based expert Martin O’Shea, who is noted for ‘leading the team from the front’. The group is well-versed in handling high-profile transactions in the region; Richard Oman is particularly experienced in this regard, a key example being his work for HSBC on the cross-border £250m refinancing of a bond facility. Katie Ridehalgh is also particularly noteworthy for her work advising nationally recognised key banks and investors. Notably, the ‘resilient’ Ben Edwards, who focuses on leveraged acquisition finance and corporate banking, and asset finance specialist Elizabeth Wareing were both promoted to the partnership in September 2022. Wareing supports Andrew Maskill, who leads the asset finance practice within the team. Legal director Sarah Jay stands out for her work advising clients on tech-led major change projects, and Lauren Priest-Stephens handles asset-backed lending work.


Practice head(s):

Martin O’Shea


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Maskill; Richard Oman; Katie Ridehalgh; Ben Edwards; Elizabeth Wareing; Sarah Jay; Lauren Priest-Stephens


Testimonials

‘The team consistently demonstrates a strong client service ethos, excellent technical ability and commercial nous in its all-round package. There is a broad range of experience across the team and the ability to seamlessly bring in additional expertise from other specialisms as required.’

‘There is always a willingness to engage, support and find the right solution.’

‘Ben Edwards has shown resilience and objectivity in difficult situations; his advice demonstrates clear commercial and technical understanding, and he is a good negotiator.’

‘Martin O’Shea sets the team ethos and attitude and leads from the front, always encouraging and supporting his team and always on-hand to support his clients.’

Key clients

JD Sports Fashion plc


MoneySuperMarket.com


Tosca Debt Capital


Crescent Capital


Castore


COFCO International


Morgan Advanced Materials plc


NCC Group plc


Spirax-Sarco Engineering plc


Tata


DLA Piper

The Manchester-based practice at DLA Piper, which is highly regarded for its capabilities in debt-related work on the borrower side in particular, is led by asset-based lending and real estate finance expert Joseph Frew; his expertise was recently utilised on the £37.5m ABL financing for Aurelius Investments to fund the acquisition of Footasylum from JD Sports Fashion. The ‘very experienced’ Matthew Christmas, who heads up the firm’s international leveraged finance practice, leads on many of the team’s most complex and high-value matters of this nature, for clients including Lloyds Banks and HSBC, as well as national and international private credit funds; legal director Charles Weems also has expertise in this area. Rebecca Williams is described as ‘the market leader in block and complex transaction structures for senior lenders’, while legal director Alastair Carruthers has a focus on asset-based lending work. Alex Yeramian is an associate to watch.

Practice head(s):

Joseph Frew


Other key lawyers:

Matthew Christmas; Charles Weems; Rebecca Williams; Alastair Carruthers; Alex Yeramian; Eleanor Mountain


Testimonials

‘Joseph Frew has deep ABL knowledge and great availability whilst Alastair Carruthers is great at transactional management.’

‘The team are market leading experts in block discounting and structured finance. They have the ability to not only understand our market but the full mechanics, both legal and commercial, of our product. This allows DLA to offer us a slick service where they can keep us safe, but also structure the facility and security package in a way that is straightforward.’

‘Rebecca Williams is the market leader in block and complex transaction structures for senior lenders. She stands out for her unique understanding of the market and individuals operating within it, together with her ability to convey complex structures and areas of law in straightforward terms and plain language to clients.’

‘We are very happy with Alastair Carruthers’ work for us; Eleanor Mountain does a good job; and Matthew Christmas is a responsive partner.’

‘Matthew Christmas is a very experienced and commercially aware lawyer, who we see as a trusted adviser, and who is our go-to for all of our legal advice.’

‘Charles Weems is rapidly coming through the pack and provides commercial and well thought-through advice.’

‘As would be expected from such a large firm, there is always ready resource available and a tangible depth to the expertise that can be found within the team. A strong reputation in the market.’

‘Charles Weems is an important part of our business for his diligence, commercial view, technical knowledge and ability to think and advise around a problem – he is an excellent lawyer. Matthew Christmas has a vast knowledge to draw on and brings that experience to bear in the advice he gives. He brings out the best in the team.’

Key clients

Tosca Debt Capital


National Westminster Bank plc


INEOS


Permira Debt Managers


Pemberton Capital


Lloyds Bank


AO World Plc


Biffa Plc


Close Brothers


ABN Amro


Maslow Capital


Santander UK Plc


Work highlights


  • Acting for Aurelius Investments Limited in respect of the asset-based lending financing arrangement to fund the acquisition of Footasylum from JD Sports Fashion Plc.
  • Advised RBS Invoice Finance Limited with regards to the provision of a £135m asset-based financing facilities agreement in favour of the Thomas Plant Hire group of companies.
  • Acted for Maintel Holdings plc in relation to a new £26m term loan and revolving credit facility with HSBC.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Matthew Morgan, who is an expert in real estate, acquisition and corporate financings, leads the Manchester-based cohort at Pinsent Masons LLP. The team ably assists both lenders and borrowers on a broad range of high-value and complex work, and recently acted for the lenders in connection with the £325m revolving credit facility made available to Boohoo Group. The group's workload predominantly focuses on the provision of transactional advice to key clients on matters involving corporate lending, leveraged and acquisition financing, public sector lending, asset-based lending, and real estate finance elements. The ‘highly experienced’ Samantha Rollason has particular expertise in acting for both lenders and borrowers on the restructuring of real estate funds and transactions, both in the UK and internationally. Tim Fearn leads on many of the team’s highest value work, and has a strong reputation for his leveraged finance focus; associate Catherine Donnelly assists with such matters.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Morgan


Other key lawyers:

Samantha Rollason; Tim Fearn; Catherine Donnelly


Testimonials

‘The team provides exceptional service and a depth of advice which demonstrates a genuine understanding of our needs.’

‘Samantha Rollason is highly experienced and adopts a commercial and pragmatic approach – she can be relied upon to get things done!’

Key clients

National Westminster Bank Plc


Clydesdale Bank plc


Santander Bank PLC


Bank of Ireland


AIB Group (UK) plc


Tosca Debt Capital


PJ Livesey Group Limited


N M Rothschild & Sons Limited


European Metal Recycling Limited


Rothschild & Co Wealth Management UK Limited


Beechbrook Capital LLP


Work highlights


  • Acting for the lenders in connection with the £325m revolving credit facility made available to Boohoo Group plc.
  • Advising Tosca Debt Capital in connection with its funding of the acquisition of Techex Europe Limited by WestBridge Fund Managers Limited.
  • Acting for Oaknorth Bank on three development facilities for Bruntwood SciTech, being bank fundings for the development of two buildings in Birmingham and one in Glasgow.

Shoosmiths LLP

Shoosmiths LLP‘s ‘efficient and friendly’ team is led from Manchester by Liz Sweeney, who ‘provides an exceptional service’, and has strong expertise handling significant transactions in the region, including those that are high-value and structured in nature at a national and international level. The practice ably advises reputable clients such as Time GB Group on matters involving loan facility agreements which fund large-scale acquisitions. Debra Cooper, noted as ‘stand out’, has particular strength in work involving real estate finance. Sam Jadhav is a senior associate to note.

Practice head(s):

Liz Sweeney


Other key lawyers:

Debra Cooper; Alice Casey; Sam Jadhav


Testimonials

‘An excellent team with the ability to manage transactions from start to finish. They always keep all parties informed throughout the whole process.’

‘Liz Sweeney provides an exceptional service and goes above and beyond what is required. Nothing is too much trouble.’

‘Debra Cooper and the team are always approachable and practical in their day-to-day dealings, as well as in providing targeted advice at good value.’

‘Debra Cooper stands out in her proactive approach.’

‘The team is very professional and experienced and provides a high level of service at all levels.’

‘A high quality of work provided in a quick, efficient and friendly way. They are proactive and provide solutions rather than problems. Particular mention is owed to Liz Sweeney and Sam Jadhav.’

Key clients

Time GB Group Limited


GJS (Circle) Investments Limited


Topland Jupiter Limited


Kellen Homes GM Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for Time GB Group Limited on the amendment and restatement of its existing facilities with a European private investment house to fund a corporate acquisition of a luxury caravan/bungalow site.
  • Advised GJS (Circle) Investments Limited on a £62.3m funding from Greater Manchester Combined Authority for the construction of the Three60 Building in Manchester.
  • Advised Kellen Homes (GM) Limited on a £12.58m funding from Greater Manchester Combined Authority for the construction of 167 houses for the scheme known as Mill Vale, Middleton, Manchester.

Squire Patton Boggs

Squire Patton Boggs‘ practice is led from its Manchester office by Matthew Ingram, who is a specialist in complex work involving acquisition and restructuring refinancings, ABL issues, and leveraged and real estate finance work. The team is well equipped to handle complex and high-value work for its portfolio of clients. Much of the team’s workload has cross-border elements; it recently advised FTSE 250 company Genuit Group on a high-value revolving credit facility, which spanned the UK, US and Dubai. ‘Excellent lawyer’ Claire Shepherd regularly leads on high-profile work and recently handled the funding of the construction of Everton Football Club’s new stadium. Legal director Andrew Kirkham is a key name to note.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Ingram


Other key lawyers:

Claire Shepherd; Mariche Chambers; Andrew Kirkham; Michael Atherton


Testimonials

‘Claire Shepherd remains fully engaged in transactions with support from juniors – she keeps involved and fully up-to-date with the transaction. She is fully appraised and fully able to help.’

‘Claire Shepherd is an excellent lawyer: clever, intuitive and able to think laterally and in-depth. She is able to come up with innovative solutions, and she has excellent commercial acumen. You can have a sensible and practical conversation with Claire about issues on transactions, and she has the intelligence and commercial experience to assist with those issues and drive the deal forward. Claire is a class act and consummate professional.’

‘A strong team with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Great service and customer delivery.’

‘A very experienced team with a strong commercial approach.’

‘Matthew Ingram is very experienced, with a commercial approach to problem solving.’

Key clients

HSBC UK Bank plc


Lloyds Bank plc


National Westminster Bank plc


Santander UK plc


OakNorth Bank plc


Handelsbanken plc


Clydesdale Bank plc


Shawbrook Bank Limited


Frontier Development Capital


SME Capital Limited


Assetz Capital


Praetura Commercial Finance Limited


Liverpool City Region Combined Authority


Leeds City Region Revolving Investment Fund


Greater Manchester Combined Authority


ECI Partners


Chiltern Capital


Lloyds Development Capital


Genuit Group PLC


On The Beach Group plc


James Cropper plc


Leisure Resorts Limited


Rothschild & Co Wealth Management UK Limited


Campus Living


Boost & Co


Vital Energi


FORE Advisors


Nonwovven Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised FTSE 250 Company Genuit Group PLC on its new £350m sustainability-linked revolving credit facility and up to £150m note purchase and private shelf facility.
  • Advised Shawbrook Bank Limited in connection with its senior term loan and receivables finance facilities to Medica Packaging Limited used to acquire FG Curtis PLC and provide working capital.
  • Advised Liverpool City Region Combined Authority on funding the construction of the new stadium for Everton Football Club at Bramley-Moore Dock, Liverpool.

Brabners LLP

The team at Brabners LLP, described as ‘brilliant to work with’, is co-led by Liverpool-based Andrew O’Mahony, who also leads the firm’s national banking practice, alongside ‘brilliant’ Manchester-based transactional specialist Richard Cowan. The team represents a broad array of lenders and corporate borrowers on significant, high-value matters. Recent changes to the team include Helen Burns' promotion to the partnership in May 2022, and the arrival of real estate finance specialist Jennifer Potts in July 2022.


Practice head(s):

Andrew O’Mahony; Richard Cowan


Other key lawyers:

Helen Burns; Jennifer Potts


Testimonials

‘A tight-knit and highly experienced team who are brilliant to work with. There’s always someone at the end of the phone to discuss issues – communication is top-notch.’

‘The service and support provided by Helen Burns and Jennifer Potts is always exceptional. I value their expert advice, especially on complex financing cases.’

‘Richard Cowan’s work capacity and thoroughness is brilliant.’

Key clients

National Westminster Bank plc


Skybridge Lending


Yorkshire Bank


Arbuthnot Latham & Co


Santander UK plc


Close Brothers Limited


Bath & West Finance


Quanta Finance


Avamore Capital


Coutts & Co


Stretton Capital


Brown Shipley


The Charity Bank


OakNorth Bank plc


Handelsbanken


Arbuthnot Specialist Finance Limited


Pontis Finance LLP


Work highlights


  • Acting for Egertons Recovery Group Ltd, a vehicle recovery specialist, on a £5.3m asset-based lend from Praetura Commercial Finance.
  • Advised OakNorth Bank plc on its first employee ownership trust transaction, supporting Crookes Walker Consulting Limited’s transaction to employee ownership.
  • Advised Kays Medical in relation to the provision of loan facilities by the LCR Urban Development Fund for the construction of a new warehouse at Kays’ premises.

DWF

The competent and pragmatic’ James Szerdy, who has strong expertise in the full array of matters involving both secured and unsecured lending, leads DWF's Manchester practice, with support from the firm’s national head of banking and restructuring Chris Ramage, who is based in Leeds, in addition to London-based global head Iain Shurwood. The team's portfolio of clients includes key corporate banks, and the practice is increasingly active in energy financings. Paul Brown is experienced in public and private sector funding work.


Practice head(s):

James Szerdy; Chris Ramage; Iain Shurwood


Other key lawyers:

Paul Brown; Eleanor Cook; Zaigham Jaffri


Testimonials

‘A cross-discipline team with a strong presence in Manchester and Liverpool; its banking, corporate and real estate practices are particularly strong.’

‘James Szerdy is a very competent and pragmatic banking lawyer.’

‘The team offers strong sector expertise and experience – they are supportive and consistent in their approach.’

Key clients

HSBC Bank PLC


Santander UK plc


Clydesdale/Yorkshire Bank


Secure Trust Bank plc


Lendinvest


Homes and Communities Agency


NextGear Capital UK Limited


NWF plc


Music Magpie plc


Manchester City Council


Greater Manchester Combined Authority


Salford City Council


North West Evergreen Fund


LXi REIT Plc


Home REIT Plc


Southerns Group


Work highlights


  • Acted for Music Magpie plc on the £30m refinancing of its main banking facilities with HSBC and NatWest.
  • Acted for a UK clearing bank syndicate on a £130m term loan and revolving credit facility relating to the financing of energy storage assets at various UK sites.
  • Acted for a UK clearing bank’s real estate finance team on a £24m term loan to property investors for the refinancing of a retail and leisure park in the North East of England and the acquisition of an additional retail and leisure park in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

Jason Wurzal sits at the helm of Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP‘s practice, which is able to act on a broad range of issues which often feature cross-jurisdictional elements. The group's focus namely involves advising a noteworthy portfolio of clients, ranging from nationally recognised plcs to renowned UK banks, on matters involving corporate lending, as well as real estate, leveraged and education finance work. Hannah McAdam, who ‘goes the extra mile’ for clients, is an associate to watch in the team. Taslima Salam departed to Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner in October 2022.

Practice head(s):

Jason Wurzal


Other key lawyers:

Hannah McAdam; Thomas Donohoe


Testimonials

‘The team proactively manages all projects we have worked on together. They respond quickly and bring in other experts as needed in a seamless manner and truly operate as one team.’

‘Jason Wurzal and Hannah McAdam from the banking team are truly exceptional in their responsiveness.’

‘The team demonstrate extensive legal knowledge and are in tune with the market, they provide pragmatic advice.’

‘Jason Wurzal has very good market knowledge, whilst Hannah McAdam goes the extra mile and puts the client first.’

Key clients

Next plc


Revolution Beauty Group PLC


Epwin Group plc


Lookers plc


Reiss Limited


N Brown plc


Renold plc


Fintel plc


Andium Homes


Globus (Shetland) Limited


Peel Media Limited


Footasylum plc


Cadogan Estates Limited


Topps Tiles plc


Zen Internet Limited


Morses Club plc


Howard de Walden Estates Limited


Barclays Bank PLC


HSBC UK Bank plc


The Royal Bank of Scotland plc


Santander UK plc


Romaco Limited


Perwyn LLP


Meininger limited


Flooid Limited


Morses Club plc


LNT Group Limited


Lakeland Limited


Toorak Capital Partners (UK) Ltd


TLT

The Manchester-based team at TLT has a strong reputation for its expertise in sustainable and green finance mandates. The group also provides advice on the full array of banking and finance matters ranging from the management of private securitisation deals to debt fund issues. The practice is led by Paul Crighton, who is described as ‘always willing to go the extra mile’ and has particular experience in real estate, as well as structured and leveraged acquisition financings. Managing associate Katherine Tyas is one to watch for her developing expertise in acquisition finance transactions and general corporate lending work.

Practice head(s):

Paul Crighton


Other key lawyers:

Katherine Tyas; Paul Brock


Testimonials

‘You always have access to the partners in the team.’

‘Paul Crighton is excellent to work with; always willing to engage and go the extra mile to get things done.’

‘Hands-on approach from the lead partners on every instruction.’

‘With 24/7 commitment to the transaction, Paul Crighton in particular ensures his team are progressing the various work streams whilst keeping the bank fully informed.’

Key clients

Newcastle Building Society


HSBC Bank UK plc


Harland PC Limited


Handelsbanken plc


NatWest


Santander UK plc


The Co-operative Bank p.l.c.


Allied London


Bank of Baroda


Landmark Group


Work highlights


  • Completed a £290m private securitisation/future flow deal for Evolution Money Group Limited, with the capital markets team of a major UK bank providing funding via a notes issuance, and mezzanine debt provided by Castlelake LP.

Weightmans LLP

Liverpool-based public sector finance expert Patricia Grinyer, who is noted for her provision of ‘attention, dedication and support’, heads up the department at Weightmans LLP, which has strength in advising its clients on the structuring and deployment of technical schemes. The team's workload consists of advising on high-profile and high-value matters including Octopus Capital’s creation of the Greener Homes Alliance, worth £175m; the group also continues to advise public sector funds on the impact of Brexit. Gary Jones is experienced in advising on matters at national and international level.

Practice head(s):

Patricia Grinyer


Other key lawyers:

Gary Jones


Testimonials

‘A very hands-on approach when providing advice, which is always well-structured.’   

‘The uniqueness that we have found using Weightmans is their personal service and support provision. They ensure that their clients understand everything that is presented to them. They are also dedicated to ensuring our best interests are always considered. Their advice, support and understanding has been second-to-none.’

‘They provide a very quick turnaround on work, ensuring all bases are covered. Patricia Grinyer in the team is always a pleasure to work with.’

‘Patricia Grinyer in particular needs to be commended on her personal and professional approach. She has been able to navigate a particularly complex situation with a range of different parties involved and has done her best at ensuring that we as her client are represented in the best manner.’

‘Patricia Grinyer goes above and beyond to mediate discussions and get us the results we require. We have never worked with someone from a legal practice that has given this amount of attention, dedication and support.’

‘Weightmans definitely stand out from the crowd.’ 

Key clients

Octopus Capital Limited


Lloyds Bank Plc


Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust


Santander Bank Plc


Maven Capital Partners


North West Business Finance Limited


West Midlands Combined Authority


Progressive Living


Business Enterprise Fund (BEF)


Mercia Fund Managers


Browne Jacobson LLP

Browne Jacobson LLP's banking and finance team is led by Manchester-based Graham Ball who is at the helm of the North West practice. Ball has expertise in leveraged acquisition, and real estate finance work, as well as ABL matters, with a particular specialism in debt financing work; he recently advised LDC Private Equity on a cross-jurisdictional matter in this regard.

Practice head(s):

Graham Ball


Other key lawyers:

Melanie Hilton


Testimonials

‘A highly personable team – they carry out work in a professional and highly competent manner. They communicate well throughout transactions and the depth of the team means that there is always someone to pick up work to meet tight timescales when required.’   

‘Melanie Hilton is very strong technically, and commercially-minded. She makes it easy to discuss a transaction or a clause in commercial terms. She is always available when needed and has never failed to deliver on a deadline.’

‘The team comprises knowledgeable and approachable professionals who are good at talking through issues & risks in building solutions.’  

‘Graham Ball is a noteworthy partner.’

Key clients

HSBC


Virgin Money/Clydesdale


NatWest


Santander


Shawbrook


RBSIF


OakNorth Bank


ThinCats


BOOST&Co


Rcapital


Clyde & Co

The Manchester-based banking and finance practice at Clyde & Co, which was established in 2020, was bolstered by the firm’s 2022 merger with BLM, which resulted in the addition of consultant Caroline Dawson-Gerrard and legal director Nouman Bhatty in July 2022. The team is well equipped to provide advice in relation to the funding aspects of key acquisitions, and the financing elements of development projects. The ‘absolutely brilliant’ Dean Gormley is at the helm of the practice.

Practice head(s):

Dean Gormley


Other key lawyers:

Caroline Dawson-Gerrard; Nouman Bhatty


Testimonials

‘Dean Gormley and his team are brilliant. They go above and beyond for their clients, offering advice and always considering commercial as well as legal sides. No question we ask is seen as silly – they are very approachable and friendly.’

‘The team will always help to get a deal over the line, even if that involves tight time frames or complex matters. They collaborate to ensure their advice is full and considers all aspects.’  

‘Dean Gormley is absolutely brilliant, he is always happy and friendly and goes above and beyond for his clients.’

Key clients

ThinCats


Arora


Rothschild & Co


Vita/Select Group


SME Capital


Salboy


OakNorth Bank


Citu


New Era Development (UK) Limited


Northern Gas Networks


Work highlights


  • Advised ThinCats on the provision of £16m funding to Churchlake Care for the purpose of the acquisition of 6 care homes, via the acquisition of Crystal Care and Exclusive Care.
  • Advising Vita/Select on the financing aspects of a major student accommodation development in Edinburgh, including advising on a £47m development finance facility to finance the forward funding of the scheme.
  • Advising leading developer Salboy on its banking and finance arrangements, including the funding of a joint venture development by FG Victoria House Limited in the historic Ancoats district.

Fieldfisher

The Manchester practice at Fieldfisher, which is described as providing a ‘spot-on service’, is headed up by Charlotte Round, who has significant experience advising lenders and borrowers on the full spectrum of matters at a domestic and global level. The team’s workload involved advising its clients, including well-known UK banks, on financings and acquisitions and the management of loan portfolios.

Practice head(s):

Charlotte Round


Other key lawyers:

Stephen Cull


Testimonials

‘They always deliver on time and know how to prepare documents in a way which aligns well with our operations and minimises queries. They present solutions, not problems.’

‘We receive personal service and timely responses alongside quality and assured advice.’

‘They know how their clients operate, understanding and anticipating needs. They provide a clear range of solutions to issues with recommendations. They respond quickly as a whole team and we get on with them on a personal level.’

‘Spot-on service.’

Key clients

Santander UK plc


Standard Chartered Bank


Cynergy Bank


Downing LLP


Shawbrook Bank


Restore plc


Marlowe plc


Gusbourne plc


Perch Group Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Marlowe plc on facilities of up to £240m from a syndicate of six banks.
  • Advised Perch Capital Limited on funding from Quilam to fund an MBO, refinance and the acquisition of future loan portfolios.
  • Acted for Cynergy Bank Limited on its £27.4m financing of Supreme Hotels LLP.

gunnercooke LLP

The key names to note in the North West region at gunnercooke LLP include leveraged finance expert Rob Fawke and Georgina Tripp, who has significant experience in work involving ABLs and real estate finance mandates; both partners are based in Manchester. The workload of the team ranges from significant sale and acquisition matters to the preparation and negotiation of financing documents for its key client list, which includes Santander UK.

Other key lawyers:

Rob Fawke; Georgina Tripp; Dan Knowles


Testimonials

‘The team are always helpful. They take the time to understand issues, refer to others with different areas of expertise and provide solutions.’

‘Georgina Tripp is collaborative, adaptive and highly knowledgeable. Dan Knowles is quick to respond and never misses a deadline.’

‘The gunnercooke model means that, as a client, you get partner-level resource and support throughout the process.’

‘Rob Fawke is an extremely experienced and capable lawyer. We return to him repeatedly due to his pace and responsiveness, always working to tight timelines and ensuring that we meet the demands of our clients.’

Key clients

Leeds Building Society


Breal Capital Limited


Stafford Capital Partners


Johnsey Estates UK Limited


Jet2.com Limited


Newable Business Loans Limited


BZ Commercial Finance


Bumper International


The Watkin Jones group of companies


The Royal Bank of Scotland plc


Secure Trust Bank plc


Skipton Building Society


Principality Building Society


Santander UK Plc


Work highlights


  • Advising on the refinancing of Stafford Capital Partners (Guernsey) Limited and the buyback of the shares in Stafford Capital Partners Holdings Pty Limited.
  • Acting for Santander UK plc on various relevant matters.
  • Acting for Greater Manchester Combined Authority in relation to the provision of £31m loan facilities to Bruntwood Scitech Limited.

Kuit Steinart Levy LLP

The department at Manchester-based commercial law firm Kuit Steinart Levy LLP has an broad range of experience in the finance sector, which incorporates handling investment and development real estate finance work, debt finance issues and acquisition financings. The ‘highly-respected’ George MacMillan leads the team, which also features specialist partners Alison Kellett and Meave O’Neill. Senior associate Samuel Jackson is praised by clients as ‘exceptional’.

Practice head(s):

George MacMillan


Testimonials

‘There is a strong availability of partners in the team who offer practical advice and expertise. The team is respected as being formed of experts in the business community.’

‘George MacMillan has great thought leadership, always returns calls, is always happy to offer advice, is an expert in his field and is highly respected.’

‘They take a very personal approach, helping with issues and working with you to ensure you overcome any problems.’

‘A very approachable team with great engagement, who always make themselves available.’

‘Samuel Jackson is exceptional in terms of speed of service, provision of advice, availability and quality of service provided.’

‘The team are experienced and always on hand to give guidance and the right advice. Even when we have generic questions there is no hesitation in providing independent views and guidance. They are very helpful and supportive, work is thorough and timely, and they are accessible via calls and emails.’

‘Samuel Jackson and George MacMillan are always available to answer questions, give advice and guidance. They work fluidly across their team and ours. Delivery timescales are always met.’

‘Responsive, super helpful and always sensible and pragmatic.’

Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Trowers & Hamlins LLP‘s ‘highly reliable’ banking and finance practice is led at national level by London-based Adrian Carter, with housing finance specialist Neil Waller leading from the Manchester office. The group's client list is comprised of notable housing group and property development companies including Jigsaw Homes Group. Social housing finance experts Melanie Comer and Eleanor James stand out in the team.

Practice head(s):

Neil Waller; Adrian Carter


Other key lawyers:

Melanie Comer; Eleanor James


Testimonials

‘They really seek to understand our organisation and work to achieve the best outcome for us.’   

‘They have a commitment to getting the job done and ensure that the required activities are completed on time.’

‘They communicate clearly and efficiently, and are highly reliable in driving and meeting project deadlines.’

‘The partners at Trowers are all fantastic. In particular, they have a customer-centric service and this is evident in the speed and quality of responses whenever we have queries on projects. The Trowers team will make you feel like you are their only client.’

‘The team have provided excellent support through our refinancing project, they are very responsive and ultimately have worked tirelessly alongside us to deliver the project on time, ensuring the right governance arrangements are in place and ensuring all parties have a robust understanding of the transaction.’

‘The team is willing to stand up against unreasonable requests from the other side, but strong enough to be able to advise where compromise can be made in order to achieve a deal. Excellent technical skills and good matter administration throughout the team.’ 

Key clients

Peabody Trust


Catalyst Housing Group


Jigsaw Homes Group


Irwell Valley Housing Association Limited


The Guinness Partnership Limited


Tirion Group Limited


Eastlight Community Homes


Accent Group


mhs homes


Chartered Institute of Housing


Work highlights


  • Acted as joint legal counsel for the Catalyst and Peabody groups in advising on the financing aspects of their merger.
  • Advised Jigsaw Homes Group on its first bond issuance of £360m secured sustainability bonds, of which £100m have been retained for future sale.
  • Advised a North West housing association on a complex refinancing project.