Blake Morgan LLP is one of the leading banking and finance practices in the south east with a diverse client base consisting of banks, universities, airlines, SMEs and healthcare providers. The team provides specialist asset finance advice to lenders and support on property and development finance transactions. Kath Shimmin heads the practice with expertise in secured, syndicated and leveraged debt. Rebecca McCabe-North predominantly acts for banks, corporates and charities while Guy Constant advises a broad range of lenders and borrowers.
Banking and finance in South East
Blake Morgan LLP
Practice head(s):
Kath Shimmin
Other key lawyers:
Rebecca McCabe-North; Guy Constant; Richard Humphreys
Key clients
HSBC UK Bank Plc
Barclays Bank plc
Santander UK Plc
Coutts
Investec Bank plc
Metro Bank plc
National Westminster Bank plc
Clydesdale Bank plc
Svenska Handelsbanken
Aldermore Bank
Lawn Tennis Association
Sutton and East Surrey Water Plc
Nash Business Capital
BAWAG PSK
University of Reading
Work highlights
- Advised Nash Business Capital in multiple funding transactions.
- Advised University of Reading in its latest bank debt fund-raising.
- Advised HSBC in multiple debt finance transactions this year.
Dentons
The experienced banking and finance team at Dentons is accustomed to advising on bilateral acquisitions, leveraged financings, syndicated lending transactions, real estate and Islamic financings. The firm has been highly involved in Covid-19 related work such as covenant waivers and renegotiation of financial covenants. A strong international presence is reflected in the firm’s client base with several overseas banks including Bank of Montreal and Fifth Third Bank. Practice head Christopher Colclough and Robert Wyatt focus on real estate finance transactions. Faye Garvey handles leverage and acquisition finance transactions.
Practice head(s):
Christopher Colclough
Other key lawyers:
Robert Wyatt; Faye Garvey
Testimonials
‘Denton’s have a diverse team who are able to deal with any legal matter that arises. Their billing structure also recognises the needs of a medium sized company.’
‘The team at Denton’s practice are always quick to respond and provide solutions to issues. Ryan Chia and Chris Colclough have helped recently navigate a challenging management incentives scheme.’
Key clients
HSBC Bank
NatWest
Metro Bank
QIB (UK) plc
Lloyds Banking Group
Santander
Bank of Montreal
Royal Bank of Canada
Home Décor GB Limited
Work highlights
- Advised National House-Building Council on an agreement and associated security arrangements with Drakar Limited.
- Advised QIB (UK) plc with the on-shoring of three master murabaha facilities and underlying property assets.
- Advised Metro Bank plc on two loan facilities to the Gardening Express group to assist with the refinancing of two properties.
DMH Stallard LLP
DMH Stallard LLP handles a broad range of mandates including acquisition finance, corporate banking facilities, real estate, CBILS and RLS loans. Recent highlights include advising clients on the transition away from LIBOR on their existing facilities. Sarah Naylor leads the practice and is experienced in acting for lenders including major banks, ABL lenders and challenger banks. Ralph Crane specialises in secured lending and the purchase, sale and re-finance of businesses. Anne Milne focuses on property finance while Gwen Godfrey handles debt finance.
Practice head(s):
Sarah Naylor
Other key lawyers:
Ralph Crane; Anne Milne; Gwen Godfrey
Key clients
Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for a leading UK bank in relation to preparing two development facility agreements.
- Advised a client in the social housing space on a new CBILS facility provided by a UK Bank.
- Acted for Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending Limited in relation to the provision of facilities to UK Security Doors.
Osborne Clarke LLP
Osborne Clarke LLP is acknowledged as a leading firm for its banking and finance practice, acting for both borrowers and lenders. The team handle a wide range of work from syndicated lending to acquisition financing and private equity transactions. The firm is the preferred business lending counsel for top banks such as HSBC, Lloyds, Santander and Natwest with panel positions for challenger banks such as Clydesdale. Hugh Jones
heads the practice with a focus on big-ticket acquisition finance and private equity funds while Rebecca Scott is a key practitioner.
Practice head(s):
Hugh Jones
Other key lawyers:
Rebecca Scott; Daniel Barnhouse; Laura Hanley
Testimonials
‘Very professional, readily available and well-versed in market norms.’
‘Very committed and responsive.’
‘Very approachable, make it easy to discuss cases. Provide good guidance and support where needed. Professional, knowledgeable and speed of response is excellent.’
‘Solutions driven, highly efficient, knowledgeable and always available. You always feel like a priority in their lives.’
‘Task orientated. Pleasurable personalities. Professional and an absolute “can-do” attitute.
Key clients
National Westminster Bank plc
HSBC UK Bank
Lloyds Bank
Santander UK
Bank of Ireland Corporate Banking
Alcuin Capital Partners
Lloyds Development Capital
Growth Capital Partners
Tenzing
RJD Partners
Excell Group
ECI Partners and the management team of Investis Digital
Windsor Telecom Limited
Work highlights
- Advised the Excell Group on finance aspects of the disposal of the Excell Group to Wavenet in November 2021.
- Advised Tenzing on a number of areas including private equity, banking, tax and employment.
- Advised CTS, a portfolio company of UK mid-market investor, Tenzing, on the funding of its acquisition of Sprout IT, a legal specialist managed service provider.
Shoosmiths LLP
Shoosmiths LLP is one of the leading banking and finance teams in the South East and continues to work on significant local transactions. The practice regularly focuses on leveraged and acquisition finance transactions, real estate finance and bespoke ABL transactions. The team also regularly advises lenders and borrowers on complex multi-jurisdictional financings and unitranche facilities. The firm is increasingly acting on transactions with an ESG focus across sectors such as aviation and healthcare. Ali Triptree heads the banking and finance team with extensive experience in leverage finance. Rebecca Mauleverer is well-versed in corporate lending while Sarah Fairweather specialises in asset financing arrangements.
Practice head(s):
Ali Triptree
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Fairweather; Rebecca Mauleverer
Testimonials
‘The team we work with shows strong gender diversity with female partners and several female senior associates. They bring a city outlook to a regional practice (out of Reading) and are well equipped to handle our cross-border deals in emerging markets in Africa and South Asia.’
‘Rebecca Mauleverer brings all of her city and international magic circle experience as as a seasoned deal-doer. She’s proactive and practical in her approach to getting things done. She focuses on the big issues and can incisively explain to some of our clients what is needed, why and when. She manages her team fairly and keeps client service front of mind.’
‘Sophie Tyler is an excellent Senior Associate and has worked on our matters for several years. She has really got to know how we operate and our working relationship gets smoother with each deal. She is focused on the end goal and keeps the deal driving forwards to get us there.’
‘Ben Churchyard is developing into an excellent associate. Ben has quickly built a strong rapport with us and with our clients on deals. He is strong on the details and is another proactive lawyer, so the whole of the Shoosmiths team are all geared to getting us over the line.’
‘Good knowledge of existing client documentation arrangements and borrowing structure. Time invested with lending team to determine key requirements and explain background to any queries.’
‘Very personable in approach to engagement, always willing to assist lending deal team with queries to arrive at solutions to issues.’
‘The firm operates a flexible national banking team so they are able to call on whatever resource is necessary to staff the deal and whatever skill set is required wherever this may be located. This also enables them to provide a very cost effective service unlike their competitors who have a single office or a much smaller network.’
‘Ali Triptree is a first class banking partner. She is very hands on, understands the client’s needs and gets the job done. She has many years experience as a partner in a major city firm and it shows, her ability to close a transaction is second to none and she provides at least the same level of service as city and US firms, but at a significantly lower cost.’
Key clients
Shawbrook Bank Limited
Santander Bank UK Plc
Octopus Investments
Stek Advocaten
LDC
British International Investment plc
Boilerjuice Limited
Net1 International Holdings AS
Cohort plc
Foundation Investment Partners Limited
Alpha Group Bidco Limited
Pareto Facilities Management Limited
Terido LLP
Five Arrows Principal Investments
Five Arrows Growth Capital
Livingbridge VC LLP
FRP Advisory LLP
Investec plc
NVM Private Equity LLP
Work highlights
- Advised Shawbrook Bank Limited as senior lender, providing a £20m loan to the Bridge Farm Group alongside Tosca Debt Capital who provided a further £9m loan in a second-lien position.
- Advised Agora Bidco Limited in respect of a large USD facilities provided by a leading global investment banking company in order to refinance the acquisition of the BioPhorum group.
- Advised Alpha Group Bidco Limited on a loan provided by Thincats as part of the private equity backed £18m MBO of Pareto Facilities Management Ltd.
Stevens & Bolton LLP
Stevens & Bolton LLP is engaged in high-calibre work with a good balance of borrower and lender matters in addition to mandates for stakeholders in finance transactions. On the borrower side, the team works with corporates and entrepreneurs on day-to-day banking facilities and M&A support. The firm advises lenders such as clearing and challenger banks on financings and loan agreements. Andrew Dodds heads the practice and Laura Barrett is a key practitioner.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Dodds
Other key lawyers:
Laura Barrett
Testimonials
‘Very high quality team, with strength in depth and a range of banking and finance experience.’
‘Very hands-on and easy to use ,we have particularly appreciated the work done by Matt Padian and Andrew Dodds.’
Key clients
ICP Nurseries
OakNorth Bank
Lloyds Bank
Cresswell Nurseries
Aspria
Rydon Homes & Construction
FBN Bank
Pipe Technologies
Zenitech
Papa Johns
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
The banking and finance team at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP principally covers real estate finance, asset finance and project finance in addition to some borrower-based work. The firm acts for a range of lenders from high street banks, debt funds and private equity investors to local and national government bodies. Practice head Graham Jeffries specialises in complex financing structures with a focus in sectors such as renewable energy, retail and the motor industry. Cole Stacey is experienced in acting for clearing banks and institutional borrowers primarily in real estate finance.
Practice head(s):
Graham Jeffries
Other key lawyers:
Cole Stacey
Testimonials
‘Very interested to understand what we do and to suggest solutions. Very responsive and diligent.’
‘Graham Jeffries is a trusted adviser. His team is also very joined up, committed and responsive.’
‘Innovative and experienced finance team who really take the time to understand the client’s requirements and work with them, not in silos, to create a bespoke solution.’
‘Graham Jeffries continues to skillfully advise on the asset finance market, and really is a superb contact who masterfully and quickly penetrates tricky and cumbersome issues as our partner, not teacher.’
‘The strength of this team is the consistently high standards which are maintained over a prolonged period irrespective of the make up of the team under the leadership of graham Jeffries.’
‘I have nearly 40 years experience of the legal profession and Graham Jeffries epitomises everything a great lawyer should be, namely technically excellent, commercially astute, personable and a good team leader. Historically Cole Stacey has been a great assistant but on this occasion Emilie Gas worked with us and as ever with this team delivered a seamless service.’
Key clients
Chemring Group PLC
Adventure Forest Limited
Renewable Energy Systems Limited
Invest and Fund Limited
First Alliance Properties Limited
VFS Legal Limited
Rockspring Property Investment Managers LLP
Santander UK PLC
Lloyds Bank PLC
Work highlights
- Advised in relation to Chemring’s refinancing.
- Advised RES it in relation to a new £25,000,000 bonding and guarantee facility provided by Santander UK PLC.
- Supported Adventure Forest in negotiating the amendment and restatement of its core working capital facilities as provided by Clydesdale Bank.
Cripps
Cripps is an established practice with strong capabilities in real estate on bridge loans, development finance and mezzanine finance. The team also has expertise across the spectrum of a fund’s life cycle from structuring, operating and exiting alternative investment structures. Craig Bowers leads the team and has experience in acting for banks including Santander and Close Bros. Victoria Symons advises on collective investment schemes and alternative investment funds. Julie Hughes is well-versed in acquisition finance matters.
Practice head(s):
Craig Bowers
Other key lawyers:
Victoria Symons; Julie Hughes
Testimonials
‘We used this practice for the conveyancing ad due diligence in order to sell our business. Julie provided a detailed fixed fee quote and any extras were clearly communicated. I found Cripps the best solicitors I have worked with having used numerous firms in the past.’
‘Julie Hughes headed the business sale legal matters and was excellent in moving the sale forward and negotiating the various stages towards completion. I can’t speak highly enough regarding the service I received from Cripps.’
Key clients
TBH Property Holdings Ltd
Chapel Down Group PLC
Adept Technology Group Plc
CH1 Investment Partners LLP
HiiROC
Perry Ellis Group
Sahara Holdings Limited
Close Brothers Limited
Knowledgemotion Ltd
Bioclips
Paydens
Brazilian Nickel Plc
Santander
Work highlights
- Advised TBH Property Holdings Ltd on a £44M refinance which involved a complex group of companies and properties.
- Advised Chapel Down Group on its new finance facility and equity fundraising campaign.
- Provided CH1 Investment Partners LLP with regulatory and structuring advice on numerous alternative investment fund structures for high net worth investors.
EMW Law LLP
EMW Law LLP is known for its work in general banking and lending, leveraged finance and real estate finance. The team has a good reputation in the real estate finance sector as it advises lenders and borrowers on investments and development financing. The firm acts for most of the main high street banks as well as a range of smaller and challenger banks. Ian Mabbut heads the team with experience acquisition finance transactions while Terence Ritchie focuses on real estate investment portfolios. Ian Sharrock is a key practitioner.
Practice head(s):
Ian Mabbutt
Other key lawyers:
Terence Ritchie; Ian Sharrock
Testimonials
‘Always approachable when dealing with them and you are able to have an open conversation with any member of the team. If deadlines are required they try their best to hit these. With the knowledge that they are putting the Bank’s risk at the forefront.’
‘The team collaborate well across disciplines – from experience, banking, property and commercial when dealing with acquisitions and refinances.’
‘Ian Sharrock always responds to queries in a timely manner and provides practical and detailed explanations that enable the bank to make informed decisions. This enables matters to progress quickly and enhances the overall experience of our clients.’
Key clients
Santander UK Plc
National Westminster Bank Plc
HSBC UK Bank Plc
Metro Bank Plc
Clydesdale Bank Plc
Virgin Money
Barwood Capital Limited
Recognise Bank
AIB Group (UK) Plc
ThinCats Group Limited
Monument Bank Plc
Northampton Saints PLC
Riverside Capital
Cynergy Bank Limited
IW Capital Limited
Work highlights
- Advised a leading bank on a £26,500,000 real estate finance facility on LMA terms to a property investment company.
- Advised a client in the food sector on the amendment and restatement of a £25,000,000 facility with a corporate Bank.
- Advised Northampton Saints RFC on financing made by the secretary of state for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Field Seymour Parkes LLP
Field Seymour Parkes LLP advises lenders and borrowers on a wide range of transactions such as acquisition finance, real estate investment, motor manufacturer investment and project finance. The practice continues to be on the panel for a number of banks and financial institutions such as Santander, HSBC, Clydesdale and NatWest. Experienced lawyer John Barker heads the team and advises on a number of real estate finance transactions. Associate Alex Illingworth regularly works with borrowers, banks and private lenders on finance matters.
Practice head(s):
John Barker
Other key lawyers:
Alex Illingworth
Testimonials
‘A proactive firm that feel like having our own internal legal team.’
‘Alex Illingworth is an exceptional lawyer. You just know your ‘back is covered’.’
‘FSP’s banking & finance term provide consistently high quality advice. Response times are excellent. Advice is always clear, protective of our interests whilst maintaining a commerciality that characterises the firm.’
‘John Barker is an excellent banking lawyer. John’s advice is sound, his responses times swift and communication with all parties consistently clear.’
‘Marcus Francis is an excellent property lawyer and head of the real estate team at FSP. His advice is highly regarded and communication skills strong. He maintains a broad business network and consistently looks for opportunities to collaborate and make mutually beneficial introductions.’
‘Excellent, friendly and exceptionally competent team.’
‘Joe Preisner is excellent, as is Alex Illingworth. All of the people there are.’
Key clients
Santander UK PLC
HSBC UK Bank PLC
Honda Finance Europe PLC
National Westminster Bank Plc
Secure Trust Bank PLC
We Are Kin (Students) Limited
Bewley Homes PLC
On Direct Limited
Quadriga Systems Limited
Lloyds Bank plc
BGF Investments LP
Work highlights
- Advised Santander UK plc on a total of 26 different matters.
- Advised We Are Kin/WAKmoor Limited on a series of substantial facilities secured on portfolios of student accommodation.
Paris Smith LLP
Paris Smith LLP is one of the largest debt finance teams in the South East advising on acquisitions, projects, general corporate banking matters and property and asset finance. The department is divided into three primary groups consisting of acquisition finance, property finance, project and asset finance with a client portfolio that includes retail banks, higher education institutions and leisure entities. The team, headed by James McNeil, has acted on matters involving in excess of £1bn of debt with notable clients such as Santander UK Plc. Liam Doughty handles asset finance while Jonathon Roy specialises in acquisition finance.
Practice head(s):
James McNeil
Other key lawyers:
Jonathon Roy; Liam Doughty; Edward Watson; Stuart Allen; Ed Power; David Eminton
Testimonials
‘I have had dealings with Paris Smith for over 30 years through different organisations. In comparison to other firms I have always found them to be very helpful and extremely prompt when responding to urgent requests. Recently I have dealt with Liam Doughty and his property/banking team and all team members are readily available to discuss any challenging cases we may have and offer advice as the best way forward for their clients. I have personally found this to be invaluable.’
‘I have found Liam Doughty and his team to be extremely knowledgeable and helpful in all areas of banking related law. The other team members include Shaun Piesley, Fred Chandler and more recently Tom Fish. What I like about Paris Smith is their ability to nurture newly qualified talent and develop their skills with Liam’s overall guidance and support.’
‘Very easy to deal with, good sector knowledge and insight.’
‘They always answer the phone and provide necessary feedback, legal opinion and common sense advice. Always happy to talk to wider stakeholders.’
‘Liam Doughty is my go to person for more complex queries. An invaluable point of reference. I just don’t have that from any other practice.’
Key clients
Interbay Funding Ltd
Hampshire Trust Bank Plc
PCF Bank plc
Santander UK Plc
Chordis Capital Limited
Hampshire Sport
Leisure Holdings Limited
Yacht Havens Limited
Haskins Garden Centres
Stelling Properties Limited
Unilife Limited
National Westminster Bank plc
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
Work highlights
- Advised on the leveraged buyout of an independent trust company operating in Jersey, Hong Kong, Singapore, Anguilla and BVI., involving a global re-organisation and group-wide security.
- Advised the BontexGeo Group on a LMA-based senior facilities agreement and all English law governed security documents in connection with a €44m funding package.
- Advised Interbay Funding Ltd on the £26.5m term loan facility provided to a national residential lettings group to refinance a real estate portfolio of over 400 units.
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP
The banking and finance team at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP undertakes a range of transactions including real estate finance, acquisition finance, project finance and general corporate banking work. The firm acts for a number of prominent clearing banks and an increasing number of overseas bank, enhanced by the arrival of Jose Millan Martin from the Madrid office. The firm is on the panel for a number of impressive clients such as Bank of China and Commonwealth Bank of Australia. John Chater leads the team and has experience in bilateral and syndicated transactions.
Practice head(s):
John Chater
Other key lawyers:
Jose Millan Martin
Key clients
Santander UK plc
AIB Group (UK) Plc
Burhill Group Limited
Punjab National Bank (International) Limited
HSBC UK Bank plc
Link Group
Bangkok Bank Public Company Ltd
Bank of China
Apex Corporate Trustees
Hightown Housing Association
Work highlights
- Advised Santander on a complex term loan facility for the purpose of assisting with a private equity transaction proposed by the Borrower following completion of the loan.
- Instructed by AIB Group UK plc to act on a £15,000,000 secured RCF facility agreement for an international construction group.
- Acted for HSBC UK Bank plc in drafting and negotiating a new unsecured revolving credit facility based on Loan Market Association documentation for one of the Oxford colleges.
Trethowans LLP
Trethowans LLP has expertise in acquisition finance, property and development finance, agricultural and rural property finance and asset based lending. The team is also well-versed in debt restructuring and Islamic Finance mandates. Steve Cole leads the banking and finance team with specialist expertise in the education and leisure sectors. Emma Earp works primarily with corporate borrowers and lenders while Nick Gent acts for public companies, SMEs and individuals.
Practice head(s):
Steve Cole
Other key lawyers:
Emma Earp; Nick Gent
Testimonials
‘An engaging and pragmatic team of lawyers who provide concise and understandable communication throughout a process. Communication is key and that comes frequently which is hugely helpful. Additionally small things like weekly billing updates are very helpful.’
‘Steve Cole is a valuable addition to the Trethowans team and Nick Gent leads from the front. They are ably supported by a team of knowledgeable banking lawyers who are able to translate the complex into understandable clearly and concisely. You feel you can pick up the phone at any time and ask questions that maybe you feel you should know the answer to and you will be supported fully. Steve is a respected partner and I like the way he protects the banks and therefore our customers position robustly where needed.’
‘Marcus Thorpe, Emma Earpe and Amanda Inch are quick to respond, commerciality and good at working with other firms.’
Key clients
HSBC Bank plc
Santander UK plc
Lloyds Bank plc
National Westminster Bank plc
CT Automotive Group Limited
Just Develop It Limited
The MCG Group Holdings Limited
Doorway Capital Limited
Work highlights
- Advised The MCG Group Holdings Limited in relation to debt facilities provided by Tosca Debt Capital.
- Advised Santander UK plc on the refinancing of a well-known luxury hotel group.
- Acted as principal lawyers for Just Develop It Limited who are specialist providers of both asset and development finance.
Birketts LLP
The banking and finance team at Birketts LLP principally acts for lenders with strength in real estate finance, acquisition finance and development finance in addition to invoice discounting and Islamic Finance. Alex Schaafsma is experienced in real estate finance matters and heads the practice with support from James Allen
.
Practice head(s):
Alex Schaafsma
Other key lawyers:
James Allen
Key clients
HSBC Bank plc
Lloyds Bank plc
OakNorth Bank plc
Santander plc
Triple Point Capital
National Westminster Bank plc
RBS
Time Holdco Limited
Time Group Holdings Limited
One Savings Bank
Alpha Bank London Limited
Secure Trust Bank plc
Oxbury Bank plc
Lendinvest
Muntons plc
Green Label Foods Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Alpha CRC Limited on two term loan facilities and a revolving credit facility from Shawbrook Bank Limited.
- Advised the Marden Homes Group on their financing arrangements.
- Advised Green Label Foods on its new £50m receivables, inventory and real estate financing facilities from HSBC UK Bank plc.
Clarke Willmott LLP
Clarke Willmott LLP‘s banking and finance team has expertise in advising lenders and borrowers across the healthcare and real estate sectors. Practice co-head Rich Eldridge is experienced in advising clients on a variety of loan, security and intercreditor arrangements. Peter Swinburn is an expert in secured lending within the real estate field. Co-head Joseph Campbell regularly acts for a number of high street and other lenders on commercial real estate.
Practice head(s):
Rich Eldridge; Joseph Campbell
Other key lawyers:
Peter Swinburn
Testimonials
‘The team communicates well with us as the client but also well with each other, so that we get a seamless service. All the fee earners we deal with come over as enthusiastic and make us feel our work is important to them. Billing is invariably as quoted.’
‘Stand-out individuals for us are Joe Campbell, Kristian Johnson and Alexandra Davies. Each has their own area of expertise but all are efficient and a pleasure to deal with.’
‘I deal with the real estate team and they know exactly what I need as a lending manager. They are responsive and efficient and work well to deadlines. They are also quick to provide help and advice with on-going cases or even non Clarke Willmott cases where I need general assistance.’
‘Joseph Campbell is my go-to lawyer and goes above and beyond to help. Also Peter Swinburn.’
‘The personnel involved with us have a good understanding of our business. Service is always, prompt, efficient and precise. They always deliver on time and “go the extra mile” All the people we deal with are polite and extremely helpful.’
‘Politeness, prompt response time. Efficient.’
Key clients
Lloyds Bank plc
Atelier Capital Partners Limited
Unity Trust Bank plc
Fairlie Holdings Limited
UKE City Properties Limited
Work highlights
- Advised UKE City Properties Limited on finance provided by Coutts & Co.
- Advised Atelier Capital Partners Limited on the provision of short term bridging finance.
- Advised Lloyds Bank plc on the provision of finance.
IBB Law
IBB Law regularly advises borrowers such as residential property developers on lending facilities and arrangements in addition to maintaining a strong relationship with lenders such as National Westminster Bank plc. Gemma Coles co-heads the practice with Harriet Jones who works with owner-managed businesses and established SMEs.
Practice head(s):
Gemma Coles; Harriet Jones
Testimonials
‘Always available for initial guidance on structures/security requirements prior to formal instruction.’
‘Gemma Coles is the go to person on real estate transactions and to obtain early indication of costs. Flexible on pricing where possible.’
Key clients
AIB Group (UK) plc
National Westminster Bank plc
Secure Trust Bank plc
Handelsbanken plc
Work highlights
- Advised an institutional lender on the restructure of a £7.2m facility.
- Advised a large construction group on a new £15m revolving credit facility.
- Advised a property development client on a £14.6m senior facility and £4.75 mezzanine acquisition and development finance facility.
PDT Solicitors
The banking and finance team at PDT Solicitors is recognised for its expertise in the field of asset-based finance in addition to advising on factoring documentation, financing of MBOs, development of finance products and security documentation. Co-head Noel Ruddy specialises in advising on invoice finance and asset-based lending. Other co-head Dawn Shadwell has expertise in refinancing and restructuring matters.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Long standing partner law firm with excellent track record and product knowledge.’
‘Dawn Shadwell is professional, cost/value aware, encyclopedic technical knowledge.’
‘PDT have a good understanding of the not for profit sector and the peculiarities that arise as a result. As a lender to this sector, their knowledge enables us to deal with clients in a timely and professional manner.’
‘We deal in the main with Holly Goacher and Chehraz Fox for all of our transactions and the service we receive is of the highest quality. They are both professional, personable, efficient and always available to answer questions which may arise. We also deal with James Clewlow who again is a pleasure to deal with and his knowledge and experience has assisted us in various matters over the year.’
‘The PDT provide us with a dedicated team to fulfil the execution of our security requirements in relation to our commercial base lending. They have moved to e-signatures in the past 12 months which has helped remove some obstacles around legal document execution that were exacerbated during the pandemic. They work in a collaborative fashion to ensure our legal documents are fit for purpose across the variety of funds we manage.’
‘Ruth Clinton, Laura Sutton and Dawn Shadwell are open, honest and responsive to feedback and find solutions to more complex challenges. Their approach is often both pragmatic, understanding and interested.’
‘Access to the team and the partners is excellent, particularly when there are time constraints.’
‘The team are communicative using email and video team meetings.’
Key clients
ABN AMRO Asset Based Finance N.V.
Bibby Group
Breal Zeta CF Limited
BNP Paribas Commercial Finance Limited
Pulse Cashflow Finance Limited
Pulse Cashflow Finance (MK) Limited
Close Invoice Finance Limited
FSE Group
Investec Group
Nucleus Commercial Finance Limited
Pulse Outsource Limited
Select Invoice Finance Limited
Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending Ltd
Growth Lending Group of Companies
Satago Financial Solutions Limited
Advantedge Commercial Finance Limited
Work highlights
- Assisted the Investec Group with the refinance of a group of international logistic companies.
- Assisted the financier with providing pan European senior secured receivables financing facilities.
- Advised the lender who were providing a £5,000,000 revolving loan facility to a company that specialises in the accident and repair market.
Thomson Snell & Passmore
Thomson Snell & Passmore‘s banking and finance team advises clients on multiple forms of debt finance including secured lending structures, asset finance, project and acquisition finance. The team acts for lenders and borrowers in financing transactions with experience in handling security, debenture and legal charge documentation. Joanne Gallagher heads the practice with support from Faye Cook.
Practice head(s):
Joanne Gallagher
Other key lawyers:
Faye Cook
Testimonials
‘The banking team are extremely knowledgeable and have a full understanding of banking processes and requirements.’
Key clients
Motorline
ICAS
Goldeggs Properties Limited
North Kent College
Rhokett
Credit 4
Close Brothers Limited
Paragon Development Finance Limited
Shawbrook Bank Limited
D&B Lending Designated Activity Company
Work highlights
- Advised Motorline on its sale to Marshall Motor Holdings plc.
- Advised North Kent College on transitioning their banking facilities away from LIBOR.
- Advised Close Brothers Limited on loan facilities with a total value in excess of £1.8 million.