South East

Dentons has advised Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK), the Polish development bank, on a long-term investment loan of up to US$60 million granted to the Molo Group, owned by the Slominski family. The financing will be used to build a hotel complex with 251 rooms and suites on Providenciales, the main island of the Turks and Caicos archipelago in the Caribbean. The buildings will be constructed from equipment and modules manufactured in Poland. “It has been a great pleasure and satisfaction to assist BGK with this prestigious financing transaction, supporting the expansion of Molo Group in their largest investment to date. This project not only promotes Polish exports but also features exceptional hotel developments in some of the most stunning locations in the Caribbean”, said Tomasz Zwoliński, partner in the Banking and Finance practice in Warsaw. The complex includes two modular hotels: the 4-star boutique Indigo hotel and the 5-star Kimpton hotel. Both brands are owned by the international IHG group. The Indigo hotel is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, while the Kimpton is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2027. Tomasz Zwoliński supervised and led the cross-border project, advising on English and Polish law matters related to preparing, negotiating and signing the finance documents and securities, which covered five jurisdictions and involved collateral and mechanisms related to hurricane risk. He was supported by Jakub Zienkiewicz (counsel) and Kamil Bator (associate) from the Banking and Finance team in Warsaw. The transaction team also included partner Babette Märzheuser-Wood, Global Head of the Franchise Group, and Agnieszka Nagórska-Kordeczka (counsel), who advised on hotel franchise agreements. Dentons worked alongside teams from Griffiths & Partners, who served as Turks and Caicos counsel, and Massiah Law, acting as Gibraltar law counsel, both members of the Nextlaw referral network. About Dentons Across over 80 countries, Dentons helps you grow, protect, operate and finance your organization by providing uniquely global and deeply local legal solutions. Polycentric, purpose-driven and committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and sustainability, we focus on what matters most to you. dentons.com Media contact Lidia Adamczyk Communications, Marketing & Business Development Manager +48 513 045 352 [email protected]  

Thomas Mansfield Solicitors has strengthened its family law practice with the appointment of three new partners, further enhancing its expertise across complex financial, international and specialist areas of family law.Nazia Rashid, Mandeep Benning and Stuart Clark join the firm’s growing team, bringing extensive experience in advising clients on high-value and often sensitive matters arising from relationship breakdown.Nazia Rashid joins as a partner with a strong reputation in complex financial remedy cases and international family law, alongside a recognised specialism in Islamic family law. Her expertise strengthens the firm’s ability to advise clients whose matters involve both civil and faith-based considerations, reflecting the evolving and diverse needs of its client base.Mandeep Benning brings over 15 years’ experience advising on all aspects of relationship breakdown. She is particularly experienced in financial settlements and private children disputes, and is known for her pragmatic, client-focused approach in resolving often sensitive and high-conflict matters.Stuart Clark specialises in international family law, advising on cross-border divorce, jurisdiction disputes and complex financial claims involving multiple legal systems. His experience further enhances the firm’s capability in handling cases with a strong international dimension.Kate Rayner, Head of Family Law at Thomas Mansfield Solicitors, said:Nazia, Mandeep and Stuart’s appointments represent an important milestone in the growth of our family law team. Each brings distinct strengths - from Islamic family law expertise, to complex financial and children matters, through to international specialism - which together broaden and deepen the service we offer our clients.These appointments ensure we are well placed to support an increasingly diverse client base, while continuing to deliver the high standards of care, clarity and professionalism that define our approach.’Thomas Mansfield Solicitors is a specialist family law firm recognised by leading legal directories including The Legal 500 and Chambers, advising clients on divorce, financial settlements, children matters and alternative dispute resolution.

Paris Smith is delighted to announce that it has been named as a finalist in the Corporate Law Firm of the Year category at the South Coast Deals Awards 2026.The awards celebrate excellence across the South Coast’s corporate and dealmaking community, recognising the advisers, funders, investors and professional teams supporting the region’s most significant transactions and business growth.Paris Smith’s shortlisting recognises the strength, expertise and commitment of its Corporate team, which advises businesses, owners, entrepreneurs and investors across the South Coast and beyond on a wide range of corporate transactions.Richard Atcherley, Corporate Partner at Paris Smith, said: “This shortlisting is a testament to the hard work, expertise and commitment of everyone in the team, as well as the trust placed in us by our clients and professional partners.  We are proud to support businesses, owners, entrepreneurs and investors across the South Coast, and it is a real honour to be recognised among the region’s leading dealmaking advisers. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of the corporate finance community at the awards evening in September.” The winners will be announced at a black-tie awards evening on Thursday 10 September 2026 at Leonardo Royal Southampton, West Quay Road, Southampton. The event will be hosted by Mark Durden-Smith.Paris Smith will be sharing the news across its social media channels using the event hashtag #SCDA26.

Paris Smith has been named Employer of the Year at the Solent SME Growth 100 Awards, celebrating the region’s most successful and forward-thinking businesses.The award recognises organisations that demonstrate outstanding commitment to their people, workplace culture, and investment in employee development. Paris Smith was recognised for its inclusive and supportive working environment, strong focus on wellbeing, and dedication to nurturing talent across all levels of the firm.This achievement reflects the firm’s continued investment in its people, including structured career development opportunities, flexible working initiatives, and a culture built on collaboration, respect, and trust.Huw Miles, Managing Partner at Paris Smith, said: “We are humbled to have been named Employer of the Year. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and this recognition reflects the culture we have built together. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone can develop, feel supported, and perform at their best, in a business which values its freedom to do so.”The Solent SME Growth 100 Awards celebrate high-performing businesses across the region, recognising excellence in growth, innovation and leadership. Winning Employer of the Year further reinforces Paris Smith’s reputation as a leading regional law firm and an employer of choice in the South of England.