With expertise in IT, data protection and technology matters, Mincoffs Solicitors LLP represents high-profile private and public sector clients across a range of sectors, including the technology, MedTech and IT spaces. Spearheading the department, Newcastle-based Antony Hall has vast experience in information technology work, providing advice in relation to the protection and exploitation of software and digital media, as well as software issues, including outsourcing, licensing and distribution matters. Maddie Rippon is an expert in the technology start-up space, and, since joining in June 2023, Jennifer Wade bolsters the technology team’s offering. Commercial solicitor Alicia MacRae joined from Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP in March 2023.
IT and telecoms in North
Mincoffs Solicitors LLP
Practice head(s):
Antony Hall
Other key lawyers:
Maddie Rippon; Jennifer Wade; Alicia MacRae; Hannah Nagel
Testimonials
‘The individuals at Mincoffs have been excellent and very responsive, including Antony Hall and Hannah Nagel.’
‘The Mincoffs team have been very responsive to a number of varying enquiries. As a practice they have the diversity to manage any work that we require legal counsel for.’
‘Everyone we have dealt with at Mincoffs is very friendly and put often complex legal jargon into simple terms so we can understand the implications on our business.’
Key clients
Dexory Limited
LB Foster Rail Technologies (UK) Limited
ART Health Solutions Limited
The Station Hotel (Newcastle) Limited
Duo Global Consulting Limited
Nebula Labs Limited
Prospector Pro Limited
IT Professional Services Ltd
Wind Training Solutions Ltd
Durham Scouts County Council
Work highlights
- Assisted Dexory with the negotiation of terms and conditions relating to its robotics and data visualisation platform.
- Assisted in preparing a software as a service agreement and privacy notice for ART Health Solutions Ltd for its One Wellbeing platform.
- Advised LB Foster Rail Technologies (UK) Limited on a collaboration agreement between the University of Sheffield, LB Foster and a further commercial entity.
Muckle LLP
Muckle LLP‘s IT offering includes advising on the procurement of IT services, IT transactions, contractual structures, service and development agreements, and data protection issues. The Newcastle-based team is led by Alex Craig who has a background in IT, data and IP; she regularly advises on data protection related matters including SAR, policy and process issues, contracts and compliance work. George Festing is the firm’s key contact for contentious IT work across a range of sectors such as the media, IT and gaming industries. Senior associate Alex Speirs regularly advises on IT disputes, while Anthony Evans, Adam Rayner and Matthew Walsh advise on a range of corporate matters and have been involved in several IT and tech M&A and investments.
Practice head(s):
Alex Craig
Other key lawyers:
George Festing; Anthony Evans; Adam Rayner; Matthew Walsh; Alex Speirs
Key clients
Mandata
ISG
Aspire Technology
Global Bridge
Trustack
TVCA
The Algorithm People Limited
Great North Air Ambulance
Fairstone
Parkrun
ClearCourse
Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust
Work highlights
- Assisted Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust with running a managed procurement for a complex Management Information System.
- Acted for Aspire Technology Solutions on its acquisition of Glasgow-based IT managed service provider, Cloud Cover IT.
- Advising and representing an individual in a Freedom of Information appeal at the FTT Information Tribunal, for access to historic police information in the public interest.
Ward Hadaway LLP
Based in Newcastle, Ward Hadaway LLP assists clients with outsourcings, privacy issues, AI work, technology agreements and IT disputes. The firm’s commercial department is led by Damien Charlton, who is adept in a range of company and commercial matters, particularly in the drafting and negotiation of contractual arrangements, including outsourcing contracts. The team is comprised of IT law specialist Judy Baker, who is also a data protection practitioner; Phil Tompkins, who is particularly experienced in IT and technology contracts; Tim Toomey, who covers IT disputes; and Matthew Cormack, who regularly advises technology businesses. Alex Shiel retired in March 2023.
Practice head(s):
Damien Charlton
Other key lawyers:
Judy Baker; Phil Tompkins; Tim Toomey; Matthew Cormack
Testimonials
‘Judy Baker is detailed, analytical, proactive, responsive, and helpful.’
‘Efficient, quick and friendly. Well recommended.’
‘Judy Baker is an excellent lawyer offering timely and clear advice. Great experience and makes clients feel in good hands.’
Key clients
Bannatyne Fitness Limited
NBS Enterprises Limited t/a NBS
Hartlepool Borough Council
Medisoft Limited
Isagenix International LLC
The General Optical Council
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC)
NW FireControl Limited (NWFC)
Weightmans
Based in Newcastle, Weightmans’ information technology team is reputed for its depth of experience in advising technology companies and corporates on technology projects and disputes. Paul Wigham is head of the technology team and provides corporate advice, particularly regarding acquisitions and disposals, as well as private equity investments in the technology sector. Specialising in the technology, financial services, waste and leisure sectors, Duncan Reid assists with a range of corporate matters. Principal associate Nick Gray is a key member of the team, while commercial lawyer Nathan Bilton, who specialises in technology, telecoms and data protection work, joined from Ward Hadaway LLP in July 2023.
Practice head(s):
Paul Wigham
Other key lawyers:
Nick Gray; Nathan Bilton; Duncan Reid
Testimonials
‘Nathan Bilton listens to our requirements diligently and drafts exceptionally accurate agreements with often little or no amends being required. Nathan is extremely likeable and personable, which helped enormously whilst negotiating with the customers in-house legal team. The knowledge that Nathan possesses of our unique industry is second to none.’
Key clients
Northstar Ventures
Hicomply Limited
Oak Engage
Perwyn Advisors UK
Maven Capital Partners
Givepanel Inc
Screenreach Interactive Limited
Redu Group
Drone AG
Altitude Angel
Lead Ventures
Runecast Solutions
Recite Me
Foresight Group LLP
BoomFi Ltd
Red Rover Interactive Ltd
Grid Finder Ltd
Lloyds Development Capital (LDC)
Work highlights
- Advised Northstar Ventures Limited (together with co-investors) on 21 investments representing over £32m in total investment proceeds.
- Acted for Runecast Solutions in relation to its disposal to US-listed corporate Dynatrace Inc.
- Acting for a leading provider of temporary traffic management solutions on an IT contract dispute relating to a failed project for the implementation of a new integrated IT system.
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
Experienced in digitalisation and emerging technology projects, Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP‘s digital team has a high level of experience and knowledge across a broad range of industries, including the financial services and insurance, manufacturing and chemicals, transport, retail and public sectors as well as the technology and digital spaces. Caroline Churchill, who has vast experience in technology solutions and data protection work, leads the Newcastle-based team. Sarah Daun is adept at handling e-commerce and data protection issues, and Paul Armstrong is praised by clients for his commercial contract expertise.
Practice head(s):
Caroline Churchill
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Daun; Paul Armstrong
Testimonials
‘The whole team have been excellent to deal with. We have used several different departments to work with us on a number of areas. In all areas their advice has been exemplary.’
‘Caroline Churchill is always ensuring our needs are looked after fully. She is happy to give advice and suggest areas for us to consider also.’
‘Womble Bond Dickinson has an excellent depth of resource.’
‘Paul Armstrong provides us with regular advice on commercial contracts, particularly those in IT services and development. Paul’s communication is excellent – we are always kept up to date and turnaround times are always as promised. The service is great value for us. Paul’s down-to-earth style of communication and ability to suggest constructive, commercially pragmatic approaches to negotiations particularly appeals to me and my team.’
Key clients
The Centre for Digital Trade and Innovation
Centrica PLC
Northumbria University
Work highlights
- Advised the Centre for Digital Trade and Innovation on data sharing agreements for cross-border collaborations and legal compliance for emerging trade initiatives.
- Advised Centrica PLC on all aspects of an outsourcing agreement required for a transformation programme, including strategic advice on the data protection and property aspects.
- Advised Northumbria University on a pro bono basis on the legal aspects of a digital supply chain testbed for spare parts which includes data sharing and collaboration arrangements, together with the terms of use for the testbed.
Sintons LLP
Sintons LLP support local businesses and start-ups in a range of mandates, including advising on template terms and conditions, SaaS contracts, data protection issues and the development and commercialisation of new and emerging technologies. Areas of expertise stem from the firm's experience in tech and healthcare work. Karen Simms leads the information technology team within the commercial department and regularly assists with commercial transactions and commercial contracts. Following his arrival into the practice in August 2023, Matthew Strain, who has a particular expertise in tech, AI and cyber-related issues, bolstered the team’s commercial contracts offering, and Louise Weatherhead is noted for her data protection knowledge.
Practice head(s):
Karen Simms
Other key lawyers:
Matthew Strain; Louise Weatherhead
Testimonials
‘Excellent support and advice when you need it. Clear advice and always feels like a collaboration when working on projects.’
‘Very personable and approachable. The team there always look to provide the advice on just the areas you need and at an appropriate communication level, explaining the reasons behind any alterations.’
Key clients
Decerna Limited
Cockerel Software Limited
Lamp House Strategy Limited
Creative Lighthouse Limited
Elisian Software Limited
National insurance intermediary
International Veterinary Orthopaedic Academy LLP
Twinview Limited
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Co Wheels UK Limited
Work highlights
- Assisted Decerna Limited with contractual projects relating to the rollout of a new piece of software which will enable the calculation of and reporting on carbon emissions.
- Advising on documentation for Creative Lighthouse, which has developed software called “Establishment Genie”, supporting senior nurses and their teams to review, plan and budget for safe and affordable nursing and midwifery staffing.
- Advising IVOA on its licensing of patented assets to a US LLC.