Addleshaw Goddard
acts for purchasers of IT solutions on large-scale projects in the financial services, retail, manufacturing, transport and public sectors. The practice offers expertise in cloud matters, enterprise resource planning, AI and telecoms. Practice head James Whittaker handles technology outsourcing arrangements, with a particular specialism in SAP and Oracle software. Paul Bentham advises on major systems implementations, whereas Phil McGough deals with global licensing arrangements and IT infrastructure agreements. Legal director Nadine Waters works on complex IT and outsourcing projects. Claire Edwards joined the firm from Pinsent Masons LLP in May 2022.
IT and telecoms in North West
Addleshaw Goddard
Practice head(s):
James Whittaker
Other key lawyers:
Paul Bentham; Phil McGough; Nadine Waters; Claire Edwards
Testimonials
‘Consistently the strongest IT team in the North West, and a significant national player. A leading-edge expertise on the application of AI to legal services, and always delivers on high-profile, complex IT and outsourcing projects.’
‘James Whittaker, Paul Bentham, Phil McGough and Nadine Waters are all fantastic “go-to” lawyers.’
‘Nadine Waters is very practical and pragmatic, ensuring that the key risks to our business are covered, but also not focusing in on low risk points.’
‘The team are down to earth, pragmatic, and focused on risk. They are trusted partners that now know our business, and our approach, very well, which frees up the inhouse legal team’s time. I would definitely recommend them for IT work.’
‘This team is highly responsive and excellent at quickly understanding a business’ culture, strategy and goals.’
Key clients
The Co-operative Group Limited
Reckitt Benckiser plc
Smart DCC Limited (t/a Smart DCC)
Bruntwood Group of companies
PZ Cussons plc
McDonald’s Restaurants Limited
ASDA Stores Limited
Matalan
Diageo Group Plc
United Utilities
Work highlights
- Acted for CIS General Insurance Limited (CISGIL) in its successful claim against IBM for delay and wrongful termination of a major IT contract for a new IT platform.
- Advised NFU Mutual on a strategic agreement with Risk Solved Limited for a new SaaS risk management solution and associated hosting and support services.
- Acted for JDW in an IT dispute with Welcom Digital Limited (WDL), a software provider.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper supports high calibre domestic and international clients on cloud computing, complex IT and business process outsourcing and insourcing, and systems integration matters. The team has particular capabilities in fintech and is well renowned for its public sector practice. Sarah Bell heads up the team, advising key clients on IT-related procurements. Lee Brierley leads the Manchester technology and sourcing department, while the Liverpool-based Peter Brook handles complex IT matters for the public sector. Legal directors Paddy Dwyer and Gemma Cowap bolster the Liverpool office, dealing with technology contracts and procurements and outsourcing projects, respectively. Stephen Wright joined the firm’s general counsel office.
Practice head(s):
Sarah Bell
Other key lawyers:
Lee Brierley; Peter Brook; Paddy Dwyer; Gemma Cowap
Testimonials
‘Our go-to team for legal contract and commercial matters. They have a wide range of expertise and can be relied upon to provide well thought through advice that is relevant to the technology under discussion.’
‘Peter Brook provides high-quality legal advice and brings in colleagues to advise on specific matters where required.’
Work highlights
- Advised Bentley Motors in respect of its global connected car program, a key component of its strategic digital transformation program.
- Advised The Hut Group and its e-commerce services division, THG Ingenuity, on a number of high-profile end-to-end service partnership deals with the likes of Homebase, Mondelez International, Nestlé, Proctor & Gamble, PZ Cussons, Swedish Match and its own brands, such as Myprotein and lookfantastic.
- Advised TalkTalk, MS3 Networks, OneWeb and other telecommunications service providers on a number of long-term services agreements for the supply of fibre products and services across the UK and broadband satellite internet services worldwide.
DWF
DWF advises on large complex IT, telecoms and outsourcing projects for clients within the financial services, insurance and retails sectors. The team also acts for a stable roster of IT and telecoms suppliers. James Lonsdale oversees the Manchester office, with expertise spanning IT, telecoms and outsourcing agreements as well as other IT contracts. Andrew Whalley, also leader of the Liverpool dispute resolution team, is recognised for managing telecoms disputes and regulatory matters. Catherine Harrison and Richard Meehan departed the firm in 2021.
Practice head(s):
James Lonsdale
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Whalley
Testimonials
‘Andrew Whalley stands out for his strategic guidance and commercial nous.’
‘James Lonsdale is technically very able, has a great technology and BPO subject matter understanding, is commercially savvy and very personable.’
‘James Lonsdale is our main contact and relationship partner. He is great to work with – experienced, knowledgeable and straightforward to deal with.’
Key clients
Virgin Media O2
HHGL Limited (trading as Homebase)
Johnson Matthey Plc
JD Sports plc
Workspace plc
Johnson Matthey plc
First Central Insurance
The Salvation Army General Insurance Company
ESG Global (Energy) Ltd
Secure Trust Bank plc
The Veterinary Defence Society Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for O2 in two groundbreaking Court of Appeal cases flowing from the claim for restitution of annual licence fees.
- Advised Homebase on a range of high-value and/or business-critical IT matters.
- Advised Secure Trust Bank on two business-critical SaaS contracts relating to its digital banking platform, one with Temenos and HID.
Fieldfisher
Fieldfisher’s dedicated IT team of specialist technology lawyers handles matters in relation to traditional software and hardware arrangements, agile technology deployments, artificial intelligence, adtech and facial recognition. The firm also focuses on privacy and data protection issues. The practice acts for clients across the technology, professional services, sport, retail, health and rail sectors. Co-heads Rob Sheldon and Sam Jardine are recognised for their national and international work on IT, outsourcing and complex commercial contracts. Senior associate Laura Johnson is another name to note, working on significant privacy matters. Liam Corrigan departed the practice for an in-house legal role in 2022.
Practice head(s):
Rob Sheldon; Sam Jardine
Other key lawyers:
Laura Johnson
Testimonials
‘Sam Jardine is incredibly knowledgeable and very understanding of our industry, he builds relationships and finds solutions.’
‘Sam Jardine is an excellent lawyer, always delivering very clear and commercial advice in a calm and professional manner, but what makes him really stand out is his attitude towards client care.’
‘Rob Sheldon provides expert pragmatic data protection advice.’
‘The team is thorough, pragmatic and listens to the client. They give practical advice, taking into account the client’s commercial considerations.’
‘The Fieldfisher team has excellent knowledge of the law and our sector and combines the two perfectly to provide commercially focuses and pragmatic advice.’
Key clients
Liverpool Football Club
National Bank of Kuwait (International) plc
Pets at Home
London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER)
The Zoopla Group of Companies
GB Group plc
Phoenix Healthcare/Numark/Rowlands Pharmacies
dunnhumby
UK Biobank
Altro/Autoglym
Co-op Group
E Fundamentals
Fresenius Kabi
Iceland Foods Limited
Intercom, Inc
Olympus KeyMed
Onthebeach.com
Sinclair Pharma
Societe Generale Equipment Finance
Teacherly
Trilliant
UD Software Solutions
Work highlights
- Engaged by Liverpool Football Club to provide critical advice and support on various technology-related matters.
- Provided global tech & privacy advice to dunnhumby, the data-science subsidiary of Tesco providing services to supermarkets and brand-owners in over 30 countries worldwide.
- Advised GB Group (GBG), a London-listed digital identity specialist on a range of technology agreements, on both the supplier and the customer side, as well as supporting GBG on important privacy matters.
Pinsent Masons LLP
Pinsent Masons LLP handles innovative IT solutions, major procurements, outsourcing, cloud computing contracts and personal data matters for national and international clients. The practice acts for a number of household names in the retail, technology and public sector spaces. Samantha Livesey leads the team, whilst also being head of commercial, and has a particular focus on the retail and consumer, sports and technology and science industries. Associate Stephanie Lees focuses on data protection compliance issues. Claire Edwards departed the firm for Addleshaw Goddard in May 2022.
Practice head(s):
Samantha Livesey
Other key lawyers:
Claire Edwards; Stephanie Lees
Testimonials
‘Expertise, flexibility and tenacity. A wonderful team to work with who fully understand and work with demanding timetables and deadlines.’
‘Samantha Livesey adds significant value to the work we do together with practical advice and commercial guidanace in addition to an extraordinary attention to detail. I highly recommend her.’
Key clients
Honda Motor Europe Limited
The Body Shop International
World Athletics
Tesco
Frontier Agriculture Limited
Bandai Namco
The English Golf Union Limited (“EGUL”)
Vaultex
Montagu Evans
University of the Arts
Work highlights
- Acted for the English Golf Union on his digital transition to a new website.
- Acted for crop production and grain marketing company Frontier Agriculture on its material new agri-software IT procurements.
- Advised the University of Arts on its international data protection law compliance program.
Brabners LLP
Brabners LLP’s tech-orientated clients range from start-ups to brand name global businesses in artificial intelligence technology, computer software games and e-commerce. On the commercial side, Richard Hough leads in Manchester, while Matt Brown oversees matters in Liverpoo. Nik White, a specialist in franchising and data protection and electronic business-related matters, splits his time between the two offices. Colin Bell, who also leads the IP team, regularly acts on data protection issues. Piers Dryden heads up the technology offering.
Practice head(s):
Nik White; Richard Hough; Colin Bell ; Matt Brown; Piers Dryden
Testimonials
‘Very good understanding of commercial realities of software contracts.’
‘Matt Brown has done excellent work drafting software contracts for us.’
Key clients
AirAngel Limited
Alpha Vet International Ltd
Applearn Limited
Bibliu Limited
British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC)
C21 Creative Communications Limited
Chargepoint Technology Limited
Checkprint Limited
DLRT Limited
Eocito Ltd
EPG Business Ltd T/A Epic risk Management
Evidential Limited
Gas Tag Ltd
GoLingo Limited
Hospital Compare Ltd
HR Healthcare Limited
Innovation Technology Capital Ltd
Innovative Chat Ltd
James Hall & Company Limited (NW Spar Franchise Operator)
L10N Media pte Ltd
Lucid Games Limited
Matcher Technologies Limited
Myshoots Limited
Parcel2go.com
Peel Ports
Peepl Limited
Personnel Checks Limited
Rathbones Investment Management
Sinara Consultants Limited
Takepayments Ltd
Tall Group of Companies
vTime Limited
Webcare Group Limited
Yourparkingspace Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Applearn International Limited, a Manchester-headquartered software provider in relation to a financing from Silicon Valley Bank and Maven Equity Finance, part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.
- Advised Httpool Holdings UK Limited and its parent company, Aleph Internet Media Services LLC, on the acquisition of 86% of Connect Ads DMCC, a digital media company based in UAE from A15.
- Advised Personnel Checks Limited on the process of transforming its entire service delivery from an offline delivery method to a bespoke SaaS Platform.
Clarke Willmott LLP
Clarke Willmott LLP handles matters across the IT and telecoms space, encompassing fintech, information society services and specialist software development. The practice specialises in data protection and data security matters and also advises clients in the construction, transport and housing sectors on ICT projects. Roy Crozier is another key member of the team, while Andrew Stone handles technology and software contracts and IT disputes.
Practice head(s):
Susan Hall
Other key lawyers:
Roy Crozier; Andrew Stone
Testimonials
‘Showed an excellent understanding of my business, which is unique and non-standard.’
‘Andrew Stone has great command of the technology sector and an unrivalled attention to the detail.’
Key clients
The Berkeley Group Holdings plc
Auga Technologies Limited
Informed Solutions Limited
Otep Technologies Limited
Xpertrule Limited
Lumi Technologies Limited
Denis Ferranti Group Limited
Jonple Limited
Digital Devices Limited
OVO Energy and SSE energy
Findango
Work highlights
- Acted for Otep Technologies Limited and Richard Harris in a claim brought by Hewlett Packard Group in the High Court, in which the damages claimed by HPE amount to over £2m for the alleged supply of parallel imported goods into the EEA.
- Advised Informed Solutions on the legal issues surrounding the Clean Air Zone digital infrastructure, in particular provided advice in relation to sub-contracting structures for the infrastructure.
- Carried out strategic reviews of new partnering arrangements for longstanding client Xpertrule Ltd.
Pannone Corporate LLP
Pannone Corporate LLP handles a wide range of IT matters, including IT systems development and implementation, SaaS, SLAs, outsourcing, and data privacy compliance. The practice acts for various IT software, technology and application providers as well as e-commerce businesses. Amy Chandler leads the non-contentious IT team, advising on IT-related contracts and projects. Co-head David Brown oversees the IT litigation team, while Paul Jonson offers expertise in IT and software-related disputes, specifically in dealing with issues relating to delayed delivery projects.
Practice head(s):
Amy Chandler; David Brown
Other key lawyers:
Paul Jonson
Testimonials
‘I have experienced working together with Amy Chandler as pleasant, delivering clear and useful feedback and quality advice.’
‘The team’s strength lies in efficiently making complex matters understandable and providing practical tools to achieve the desired goal.’
Key clients
K3 Business Technology Group plc
Brother International Europe Limited
Represent Clothing Limited
UKROEd Limited
Marlborough Fund Managers Limited
Naveo Commerce Group
eSales Limited
Miss Kick
Caters News Agency
Work highlights
- Advised a metaverse investment platform from an IP perspective in connection with its $8m share acquisition of a market leader in the development of digital games and experiences, including for Roblox, metaverse, Minecraft and Core.
- Advised ResponseTap from an IT and data perspective on the disposal of the company to Infinity Tracking.
- Advised a Building Society on a number of key IT agreements.
TLT
TLT offers specialist knowledge in fintech and payments to clients across the financial services, retail and leisure and public sectors. The national technology team combines the work from the firm’s Manchester, Bristol and London offices. David Gardner leads the Manchester practice, advising clients on technology-driven procurement, outsourcing and digital transformation matters. Senior associates Adam Pickavant and Grace Roddie are further key members of the team, with the latter recognised for handling data protection compliance issues for large-scale businesses.
Practice head(s):
David Gardner
Other key lawyers:
Adam Pickavant; Grace Roddie
Work highlights
Weightmans LLP
Weightmans LLP is instructed by vendors and purchasers of software systems within the private and public sectors, including niche software providers, major video games, NHS bodies, insurance organisations and police authorities. The Manchester-based Sean Crotty leads the team and is recognised for his expertise in data protection. Sarah Walton, also head of the firm’s national corporate, commercial and wills, trusts & estates teams, handles corporate finance matters for technology companies from the Liverpool office. John Schorah is noted for his work within the video games industry. Victoria Robertson departed the firm in April 2022.
Practice head(s):
Sean Crotty
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Walton; John Schorah
Key clients
Apadmi Limited
Insurance Fraud Bureau
Swissport GB Limited
West of England Combined Authority
The Open University
The shareholders of Frontier Telecom Ltd
Mercarto Limited
British Transport Police
DSW Ventures
Surrey and Sussex Police
Oak Engage Limited
PW Whisper
Side (UK) Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Apadmi on a contract matters with their clients for the development of digital solutions, in particular mobile app development, UX/UI design and system integration.
- Advised a major public body in relation to Department for Transport funded project to provide a Future Transport Zone, including the creation of a Mobility as a Service (MaaS) Solution which will essentially be a public transport app.
- Advised a world leading global airline and transport logistics provider in relation to a major Data Protection compliance and contractual nexus project regarding the handling and processing of sensitive customer information.
DAC Beachcroft LLP
DAC Beachcroft LLP handles contentious and non-contentious technology matters as well as data protection issues for clients within the healthcare and insurance sectors. The team also acts for digital technology suppliers. Richard Watkinson, who splits his time between the Leeds and Manchester offices, focuses on systems integration, procurement and outsourcing technology projects. Harald Loeffler specialises in complex and often high-value IT disputes. Senior associate Chris Air advises on non-contentious technology cases.
Practice head(s):
Michael Peeters
Other key lawyers:
Richard Watkinson; Harald Loefller; Chris Air
Testimonials
‘Always willing to help and understand what you’re trying to achieve in a personable, understanding fashion.’
‘Chris Air always stands out for me, his understanding of intricate topics and ability to relay them in a way that you understand is really impressive.’
‘I have always found the DAC Beachcroft team to be knowledgeable, well versed with our business and industry, responsive and providing excellent advice and service .’
‘In particular, I would single out Chris Air, who provides that thorough, thoughtful analysis and commercial suggestions.’
‘The DACB team have particular strengths in SaaS agreements in one to many and bespoke models and advising on complex data protection issues and asks.’
‘Chris Air’s understanding of our business, supported by excellent technical ability, provides us with a really important resource that we can rely on to take direct instruction from the business freeing up time for our legal team.’
‘Richard Watkinson brings all his experience and know how to both provide both sound legal advice and a well-managed and resourced service.’
‘DAC Beachcroft team provides an excellent service. The team always seems to have the right expertise and resources to meet our needs.’
Key clients
Alcidion UK Limited
Rinicom Limited
Allscripts Healthcare IT UK Limited
CDS Computer Design Systems Limited
Titus Learning Limited
Altro Limited
NHS Professionals
DataCamp
Information Commissioners’ Office
EMIS
Work highlights
- Advised DataCamp on a GDPR compliance project.
- Supported EMIS’ AI division with a complex project involving analysing GP data.
- Defended a large software development claim by Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council.
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP handles technology contracts, cloud computing procurements and agile software development agreements for clients in the energy, retail, utilities and financial services industries. Practice head Tom Bridgford
and Richard Jones,who also leads the firm’s international payment services group, focus on regulatory issues within the financial services arena. Richard Hill was promoted to partnership in May 2021, specialising in large-scale technology outsourcing arrangements, cloud deals, software contracts and data security matters.
Practice head(s):
Tom Bridgford
Other key lawyers:
Richard Jones; Richard Hill
Key clients
Fiserv
Santander
Smiths Business Information Services Limited
Lookers plc
Anglo American
Smiths Group plc
Work highlights
Hill Dickinson LLP
Hill Dickinson LLP's technology practice is led from the London office by Mark Weston. In the North West the key names key names are Manchester-based commercial, TMT and IP head Mark Fitzgibbon and Liverpool-based commercial litigator Paul Walsh who advises corporate clients on IT, outsourcing, technology and telecoms disputes.
Practice head(s):
Mark Weston; Mark Fitzgibbon
Other key lawyers:
Paul Walsh
Key clients
365 Health and Wellbeing Limited and Mr John Smith
Block Asset Management Ltd
Work highlights
Mills & Reeve LLP
Mills & Reeve LLP advises on matters across the IT sector, including health-tech, ed-tech, and data security. Practice head Paul Knight handles data protection issues around new technologies, including blockchain and artificial intelligence. Senior associate Charlotte Lewis focuses on the healthcare sector, while fellow senior associate Sarah Whyman deals with data protection and technology licensing arrangements for IT providers.
Practice head(s):
Paul Knight
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Whyman; Charlotte Lewis
Testimonials
‘Paul Knight is our main point of contact. His advice is clear and concise and his client care is exceptional. He is a great commercial negotiator who understands our requirements and the need to maintain strong customer relations whilst ensuring that we protect our own position properly.’
Key clients
UK Research and Innovation
British Council
Cantarus Limited
Podium Analytics
National General Insurance Co. (NAGICO) N.V.
Wellola Limited
PHOENIX Group
Turbostream Limited
ODEON Cinemas
VetPartners Limited
Work highlights
- Advised UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) on the collaboration agreements with IBM for the creation of the new £210m Hartree National Centre for Digital Innovation, and research and development projects using innovative AI and quantum technology.
- Advised Podium Analytics, a charity founded by Ron Dennis CBE which officially launched at 10 Downing Street in September 2021 on data protection compliance relating to the sports-related injury data repository it is creating to aid research into youth sports injury.
- Advised NAGICO, the largest privately-owned insurance company in the Caribbean, on a business critical multi-million $ software implementation and subscription deal.
Myerson Solicitors LLP
Myerson Solicitors LLP acts for a diverse range of clients in relation to matters concerning software licencing, SaaS and platform agreements, apps and other cloud services. Carla Murray heads the team, focusing on technology regulations, fintech and cloud-based solutions, and large-scale software implementations. The practice has been bolstered by the arrival of senior associate Richard Meehan from DWF in 2022.
Practice head(s):
Carla Murray
Other key lawyers:
Richard Meehan
Testimonials
‘Carla Murray is skilled in technology related-contracts and goes that extra mile to understand the risks and business aspirations.’
‘Carla Murray is excellent and probably the most proficient legal counsel I have worked with. Her knowledge of the tech sector is second to none.’
Key clients
Reverse Rett
Burnley Savings & Loans Limited
Ironmarket Group Limited
The Creative Corporation & Band Theme
TJC UK & Ireland Group
Elastic Care Limited
Rimini Systems Limited
Matillion Limited
CDL Group
MachineCompare
Work highlights
Shoosmiths LLP
Shoosmiths LLP
handles a wide range of IT and telecoms work for clients, encompassing data processing, cloud, SaaS, and connectivity projects. Other key areas of focus for the team include agile development and systems implementation and the procurement of IT services by financial services clients. Luke Stubbs leads the practice, with expertise in payment services technology and fintech. Co-head Richard Millington specialises in business-critical media and commercial rights projects within the telecoms sector.
Practice head(s):
Luke Stubbs; Richard Millington
Key clients
Zip Payments
Cellnex
Paymentology (part of the Saltpay group)
Roadchef Limited
ABN AMRO
Rhodes Consulting Limited
Derwent Estates
Work highlights
- Advised Zip, a global challenger e-commerce Buy – Now – Pay – Later provider, on the full range of its business agreements and arrangements in the UK, including strategic e-commerce merchant and platform integrations and procurement of data services.
- Advised international bank ABN AMRO on the creation of a series of intra-group services agreements to support their structure post-Brexit and covering a range of IT and technology services.
- Advised Paymentology (part of the Saltpay group) on its contracts for the provision of its API based payment transaction management platform (including to a Middle East bank).