Next Generation Partners

Rising Stars

Commercial property: Kent, Surrey, Sussex in South East

Brachers

Brachers’ Maidstone commercial property team provides legal support informed by sector expertise. Team head Sarah Gaines has a special interest in the agriculture and charities sectors. Ash Jilani  specialises in primary care property, acting on the development of new GP premises and advising primary care corporates on the acquisition of practices. Bill Butler  has extensive expertise in the education sector. Sarah Webster  advises on a full range of agricultural property matters, with significant experience of property related waste, recycling, and energy matters. Lee May  has specialised in planning, environmental and health and safety law since qualification in 2001.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Gaines

Other key lawyers:

Ash Jilani; Bill Butler; Sarah Webster; Lee May; Katherine Morgan; Ben Gallafant; Helen Stonham

Testimonials

‘Brachers has a synergy between departments that delivers a holistic advice set but always with a commercial sensitivity ensuring the clients interests are paramount and protected but without losing sight of the ultimate transaction goal – they choose the right battles!’

‘Brachers provide an excellent service to us relating to property matters – leases, tenancies at will, land ownership, etc. We have used Brachers for a number of years and they have a wealth of knowledge relating to our various sites – both historical and current.’

‘The team are knowledgeable and responsive and have access to other teams outside of their team to provide comprehensive advice where the job diverse and requires different specialties and knowledge in order to bring jobs to a timely and beneficial conclusion.’

Key clients

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

Plumpton College

Sea Street Developments Limited

Bromley College

Ashford Borough Council

East Kent College

Alan Firmin Limited

Durtnell Limited

Greensands Medical Practice

Saga Group Limited

Medway Practices Alliance

CAF Bank Limited

Chaucer College

Canterbury Medical Practice

Gallagher Group Limited

The East Malling Trust (Horticultural/ Agricultural Research)

Edenbridge Medical Practice (Healthcare – Primary Care)

CAF Bank Limited

The Merit Group

Gravesham Borough Council

Work highlights

  • Acted on the disposal by the East Malling Trust of surplus land to a housing developer for 300 units of housing.
  • Acting for CAF Bank in it secured lending, mainly to charity borrowers.
  • Acted for the Plumpton College in obtaining a commercial property development facility with Clydesdale Bank Plc, to be drawn in a number of tranches tied to completion of development milestones.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP’s Guildford real estate team specialises in complex transactions in the sectors including healthcare, retail and leisure, with rare expertise in industrial gas production facilities and pipelines. Team head Ingrid Saffin  has particular strength in the healthcare, retail, food and beverage, and industrial sectors. She is a member of retail and leisure industry body, REVO, and serves on its Sustainability Committee.

Practice head(s):

Ingrid Saffin

Other key lawyers:

Aidan Welton; Charlotte Major

Testimonials

‘Decades of experience in dealing with our somewhat niche property matters, and understanding our company position regarding particular aspects of our property portfolio and how our associated commercial agreements feed into the drafting of property agreements. Good availability – and they meet deadlines.’

‘It is a real pleasure to work with Ingrid Saffin; she is friendly, knowledgeable and will go the extra mile to deliver client care. Ingrid is simply as good a commercial property lawyer as you will find. She is smart, strategic and level headed.’

Key clients

Retail BV/Nike (UK) Limited/Converse Retail (UK) Limited and Converse Netherlands BV

Dentex Healthcare Group Limited

Avicenna Retail Limited

Royal Caribbean

Athena Properties

Warrant Investments Plc

Barnardo’s

Air Products Group

Work highlights

  • Acting for multibillion-dollar industrial gases giants Air Products Group on all UK based property issues, including advising on sites for their market leading hydrogen production business.

Cripps

Cripps’s Tunbridge Wells real estate team, jointly led by Stephen Hedley , Sarah Ferguson , and Richard Blackman , is a multidisciplinary practice which comprises lawyers in property, planning, development, construction and dispute resolution. Hedley has expertise in commercial real estate, investment work (sales and purchases), portfolio management (leases, lease renewals, landlord and tenant), and property finance. Ferguson has strong expertise in the affordable housing sector. Ed Fowler  has expertise in acting for luxury UK and international retailers and restaurateurs breaking into the UK market.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Hedley; Sarah Ferguson; Richard Blackman

Other key lawyers:

Ed Fowler; Ben Johnston; Elizabeth Robertson; Lorna Young

Testimonials

‘The organisation is always receptive to new challenges adopting a methodical and well structured approach to each project. Ability to look at the task as a whole with good networking connections with other professional advisors.’

‘Richard Blackman gets our work done quickly, always exceeds our expectations and meets our deadlines for transactions.’

‘The most important thing about working with Cripps Pemberton Greenish is the consistency of work across the whole team so that levels are maintained across the full array of fee earning levels. Emails and recommendations are presented in a consistent manner which saves client time in reviewing and instructing.’

‘Ben Johnston has been fantastic – he gives well considered, commercial, advice on complex leasing and investment transactions.’

Key clients

AEW

AroundtownSA

Cadogan

Federated Hermes

Fender Musical Instruments Europe Limited

Gopuff

J Clubb

Kennedy Wilson

The Prudential Assurance Company Limited

The Zetter Group

Work highlights

  • Negotiating the lease to help Fender expand on their existing presence in East Grinstead.
  • Acting for the grocery delivery start-up Godija (now Gopuff) in January 2020 as their sole real estate property advisors, securing twelve sites across London In August 2021.
  • Acting in the sale of the assets of the Zetter Hotel Group including their luxury boutique premises.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP’s Guildford real estate team, 'a dynamic, hard-working, personable and knowledgeable group of individuals', serves a diverse client base beyond its regional office location. Team head Mike Busby specialises in development work and high value asset acquisitions, disposals and portfolio refinancing. Tony Burns  specialises in the acquisition, development, and management of industrial and logistics sites, together with related planning agreements, utility documentation, and subsequent sales and lettings. Tim Davies has extensive experience dealing with option agreements, conditional contracts and promotion agreements.

Practice head(s):

Mike Busby

Other key lawyers:

Tony Burns; Tim Davies; Sam Davies; Graham Dixon; Sarah Jordan; Jamie Lynch; Lyndsey Whittell

Testimonials

‘The team are a dynamic, hard-working, personable and knowledgeable group of individuals and I have absolute confidence on the quality of the work produced, the levels of communication and the value they bring to each instruction via their previous experiences.’

‘A good size team that are always willing to assist, good technical expertise and a broad practice so able to assist in wider matters.’

‘Penningtons have provided a very personal and bespoke service to us. We have had outstanding service on all of our property projects, their attention detail and the speed and quality of responses has been excellent. We have had a number of challenging structures on projects that Penningtons have simplified and managed very well.’

‘Mike Busby always provides experience and commercial insight into each instruction whilst being mindful of costs. His significant experience and willingness to ensure the best possible outcome for his client allowed us to rapidly make significant changes to our property portfolio as a result of COVID.’

‘Sam Davies has worked our our instructions for a number of years and consistently approaches all our instructions with a keen attention to detail, provides prompt responses to both myself and 3rd parties and brings a wealth of commercial awareness and expertise. COVID resulted in a spike of work and time-critical matters and Sam responded with absolute commitment and a wealth of excellent work product.’

‘Tony Burns is very personable and very easy to deal with. He is very good at breaking down complex legal issues into manageable elements for us and has excellent attention to detail. His responses on our projects are always very prompt and accurate. Sam Davies is our stand out Associate – qualities as Tony’s.’

‘Tony Burns and Sam Davies are two of the very best real estate lawyers we have come across in the industry.’

Key clients

Knowsley (Image Business Park) Limited

Adanac Business Park Limited

Flight Centre

Cracknore Investment Limited

Flexford Mill LLP

Micro Bar Box Ltd

Thatcham Research

Wooldridge Developments Limited

Caravan Club

Work highlights

  • Advising Adanac Business Park on a c190,000 square foot programme of speculative development for light industrial use a £43m deal.
  • Advising Oceanic Woolston Limited on the sale of a bespoke new build, state of the art 31,881 sqf industrial unit, together with associated yard and quay zone at Marine Employment Quarter, Centenary Quay, Woolston, fronting the Solent.
  • Advising Thatcham Research on the acquisition of the ownership of a company operating a working airport in the East Midlands worth £10.5m.

Stevens & Bolton LLP

Stevens & Bolton LLP’s Guildford real estate team is well known for its practice in corporate occupier, development, investment, and real estate finance. Team head Andrew Steele , described as ‘very knowledgeable, affable and approachable’, is actively involved in the healthcare, logistics and leisure sectors, having dealt with many assets including offices, nurseries, GP surgeries and pharmacies, car dealerships, care homes, residential development sites, warehousing and distribution, pubs, shops and restaurants. Howard Lupton  advises on a wide range of commercial property transactions and particularly on land assembly, options, promotion agreements, joint ventures and development and investment projects. Alex Watt , ‘very thorough, personable and quick to understand commercial requirements’, regularly advises on complex option, promotion and overage arrangements.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Steele

Other key lawyers:

Howard Lupton; Alex Watt; Daryl Rivero; Ian Craig; Sarah Kirwan; Joanne Purnell; Alice Donzelot

Testimonials

‘Strong performing team with eclectic and diverse knowledge of all legal fields. Efficient service with clients put first ahead of fees income’

‘Unfailingly professional and responsive, they guided us through the process and gave clear advice at all stages. Very proactive – we were constantly updated on the progress of negotiations.’

‘Excellent access to partners and other colleagues. Advice is succinct and highly valued. Real estate team are exceptional when compared with much larger practices.’

‘Andrew Steele is very knowledgeable, affable and approachable.’

‘Alex Watt is very thorough, personable and quick to understand commercial requirements. He is excellent at explaining detailed points without being condescending.’

Key clients

Alpha/Social Long Income Fund – PAIF

Boundary Real Estate Partners

Day Group Ltd

Diebold Nixdorf

Hambridge Ltd

Lloyds Bank plc

OakNorth Bank

Octopus Healthcare Development Ltd

Store Property Investments Ltd

University of Surrey

Work highlights

  • Advising Boundary Real Estate Partners on the real estate aspects of a mixed portfolio acquisition of multi-let industrial estates and offices, a Marina and future development land to the north of Leicester from Raynsway Properties.
  • Advising a major investment fund client on the acquisition of a prominent London office building for £32.5m.
  • Advising Social Long Income Fund, an investor in long-term, resilient assets which generate a positive social impact, on the acquisition of three children’s day nurseries.

Thomson Snell & Passmore

Thomson Snell & Passmore’s Tunbridge Wells commercial property and development team is known for being ‘responsive and personal in their approach’. The practice has had a busy year, with particular strength in property finance, residential development, large-scale corporate projects, portfolio asset management, and rural and agricultural work. Team head Richard Ellard  advises on property finance, development and property management work. Sarah Easton  undertakes residential development work. Joanne Wright  deals with all aspects of commercial property and investment acquisitions and disposals.

Practice head(s):

Richard Ellard

Other key lawyers:

Sarah Easton; Joanne Wright; Laura Keatley; Penelope Edgar; Nicole Priestley; Douglas Leapman; Oliver Butler

Testimonials

‘The team members that I deal with are diligent, hard working, accessible and most importantly first class at what they do.’

‘Thomson Snell & Passmore is always responsive and available acting professionally. So often you need to talk to a partner/senior lawyer and they aren’t available and don’t respond in a timely manner. This isn’t the case at Thomson Snell & Passmore.’

‘We have worked with TSP for over 8 years. Their partners works closely with their clients and seems to have great collaboration between their partners and departments. Always up to speed with the case at hand.’

Key clients

Aldermore Bank

Pentland Homes Limited

COOK Trading Limited

Shawbrook Bank Plc

The Motorline Group

Fernham Homes Limited

Millwood Designer Homes Limited

Close Brothers Limited

The Association of Conservative Clubs Limited

Sticks ‘N’ Sushi

Paragon Developments Limited

Keystone Property Finance Limited

Rhokett Limited

The Goldex Group

North Kent College

Work highlights

  • Advised long-term client the Motorline Group on its sale to Marshall Motor Holdings plc, in a multi-disciplinary and complex M&A transaction which involved the acquisition of the entire share capital of Motorline for a cash consideration of £64.5million.
  • Advised Shawbrook Bank, a new but rapidly growing lender, on over 55 transactions to date with the largest loan facility being over £23,000,000.
  • Acingt for longstanding client Fernham Homes Limited in connection with the acquisition of sites for residential development.

DMH Stallard LLP

DMH Stallard LLP’s Crawley real estate team is well known for its secured lending/finance, work for developers and housebuilders, and its specialist utilities knowledge. It is also one of few firms with the capacity to offer bespoke in-house legal and chartered planning advice to clients. Team head Tina George has a particular reputation for high value and complex collective enfranchisement claims, and for managing substantial and complex portfolios for high net worth clients.

Practice head(s):

Tina George

Other key lawyers:

Richard Pollins; Tina George; Anne Milne; Ben Price; Cathy Searle; Ian Greenfield; Jonathan Crook; Nick Pentecost; Becky Miller; Tom Trowbridge; Tom Watkins; Michelle Broscombe; Michael Daniels

Testimonials

‘Ben Price has been an exceptional partner to deal with. He guided us very carefully with every challenge we faced and ensured we got the best outcome. I valued his explanations of risk and quantifying the options available to address them. Great listener, very patient and professional at all times. I would recommend Ben and his practice without any reservation.’

‘Jonathan Crook provides sound technical knowledge (and shows an engaging interest in the subject) and delivers outstanding service while being excellent value for money. City of London quality and service for a fraction of the price.’

Key clients

HSS Hire Limited

Motoring & Leisure Services Limited

Dorrington PLC

Crawley Borough Council

Concept Developments Land Limited

LV (Liverpool Victoria)

Friday Media Group

Roffey Homes Limited/Westbrooke Developments Limited

Orbit Housing Association

PIB (Group Services)

Work highlights

  • Undertaking significant property advice and enforcement work on Dorrington PLC’s behalf, as well as some transactional property matters.
  • Acting for a number of LV’s entities including Namulas and ReAssure and undertaking substantial property work including new leases and sales of properties within SIPPS/Pension funds, sales of their Equity Release portfolio and general advice on commercial property across their portfolio.
  • Advised Sigma Strategic Land Ltd on the impact of a historic s106 agreement that incorporated an agricultural tie to the owner’s adjacent home.

Hart Brown

Hart Brown’s commercial property department, based in Guildford and Woking, assists businesses and private individuals with all types of commercial property, including both transactional and advisory work, including a good deal of corporate support work. The team is on the panels of many major banks. Team head Roderick Campbell has over 35 years’ experience in property law and has in recent years developed a specialism in acting for large residents’ associations operating freehold estates.

Practice head(s):

Roderick Campbell

Other key lawyers:

Tamzin Mandelli; John Guthrie; Anne Bridger

Testimonials

‘Roderick Campbell of Hart Brown has been very good with a significantly more complex contract, selling to a property developer.’

‘Roderick Campbell gives consistent professional advice. Never feel rushed in any conversations and can ask questions which will be explained in non legal terms.’

‘My family have been clients of Hart Brown for 40 years and have always received exceptional service from them. We have always dealt with Roderick Campbell and without exception he has guided us through some challenging situations. He is always available and we have never experienced delays or had to chase him for advice or the completion of legal documents. He is our rock and we have found his advice to be highly dependable.’

‘I have found Hart Brown to be a firm who are committed to regular and reliable communication with not only their clients but also other professionals during the course of transactions, the ability to deal with or turn around any enquiries, documents or provide information ensures transactions are give the greatest chance of success. With a broad base of legal specialities you really can rely on them to have an expert legal brain whatever the matter.’

‘An unbelievably professional approach throughout the pandemic period. A complete service covering all aspects of law and property. Immediate availability of senior personnel no matter what time.’

‘Small enough to care, big enough to deal with difficult issues. Excellent customer service. Focus on client first.’

‘The advice is impeccable, the experience wide-ranging, everyone is incredibly helpful and if someone doesn’t know the answer, they go off and find it. The entire team is very polite and quick to respond to queries.’

Key clients

HSBC UK Bank plc

Handelsbanken plc

National Westminster Bank plc

Abyss One Foundation

Alexson Developments Limited

Beechworth Properties Ltd

Boyce Thornton Limited

Burwood Park Estate Limited

Quintige Consulting Group Limited SSAS

CGC Technology Limited

Design Vintage Limited

EMP Research Limited

Filanthropia Consulting Limited

Greenbank Homes Limited

GTITE Ltd

Haulystic Limited

HGL Dynamics Limited

Hydronix Limited

K2 Corporate Mobility Limited

Kellys Self Storage Limited

Mont Calm Asset Management Limited

NW Publishing UK Ltd

OKR Regeneration Limited

Parade Holdings Limited

Park Lane (UK) Limited

Shenton Investments Limited

SC Properties Limited

SG Townhouse Company Limited

Surrey Wildlife Trust

The Classic Home Company (Southern) Ltd

The Fairmile Estate Limited

Wellden Turnbull Limited

Wyndham Property Group Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Acventure (Brookland) Limited, a SPV, in the acquisition of a complex development site, part of which was a former petrol station.
  • Advised Surrey Wildlife Trust on a complex transaction to take a 500 year term lease of a significant swayth of Surrey Hills chalk downland.
  • Advised Greenbank Homes Limited on the sale of a complex housing development site to another developer for £1 million+, with significant issues over easements, existing rights, restrictive covenants, rights of way, parking and planning issues.

Herrington Carmichael LLP

Herrington Carmichael LLP completed the acquisition of Bonnetts Solicitors in April 2022. , and the real estate team has benefitted from the takeover by gaining access to a wider client pool in the South East region. Team head Tim Hardesty has particular experience of residential development work for both developers and landowners, regularly dealing with high-value land acquisitions and disposals. Daniel York has extensive experience in landlord and tenant matters and secured lending. He has also fostered a close relationship with Metro Bank.

Practice head(s):

Tim Hardesty

Other key lawyers:

Daniel York; Rachel Duncan; Joshua Watkins; Lauren Ainsley

Testimonials

‘They have always been efficient and effective communicators and able to deliver on time.’

‘A down to earth and personable approach with a clear ability to explain things to a layman.’

‘In 18 years of being a client I have never once been made to feel that my queries are unimportant, and my questions are always handled in a way which gives me complete confidence that I am getting good solid information.’

‘Efficiency, knowledge, professionalism and friendliness.’

‘There are so many intelligent qualified people in H&C and so many specialist departments, that whatever the the query or the issue – there always seems to be someone who has that as a speciality. It gives me great confidence that I am always acting well and in line with the law and always fairly.’

Key clients

Grundon Waste Management

Metro Bank

National Westminster Bank

Irwin Mitchell

Irwin Mitchell’s Chichester and Gatwick real estate teams offer a specialised service in complex development projects and strategic land, as well as a full service in commercial and corporate real estate, finance, construction, and planning. Guy Sackett , head of the Gatwick team, has particular expertise in the strategic land, later living and student accommodation sectors. Tina Webster, head of the Chichester team, has a particular specialism for groups of landowners and developers entering into long term strategic development agreements over large green field estates.

Practice head(s):

Guy Sackett; Tina Webster

Other key lawyers:

Richard Purcell; Hannah Nix

Key clients

Artisan Real Estate Investors

Balfe’s Bikes Limited

Berkeley Strategic Land Limited

Chichester College Group

Coolground Properties Limited

Dorrington Estates PLC

EC1 Residences Limited

Greater Brighton Metropolitan College

Hanbury Properties Limited

Hendy Group

HTH Harrogate LLP

Idverde Limited

Infrastructure Investments Limited

Landacre Developments Limited

Landlink Estates Limited

Langtons Farm Partnership LLP

National Grid

Option Two Developments Limited

Roffey Homes Limited

Saabon Limited

Seaward Properties Limited

Shellwin Limited

Shopland Gray Developments Limited

Skeller Limited

Social Income LLP

South Essex College

Store Property Investments Limited

Thesis Asset Management Limited

Welbeck Strategic Land Limited

Wooldridge Developments Limited

XP Factory PLC (formerly Escape Hunt PLC)

Work highlights

  • Advising in connection with the sale of Phase 2 of its Saltbox Business Park in Bognor Regis to Kier PGIM Logistics Propco 1 Limited (the first deal of a newly formed JV between Kier and PGIM).
  • Advising EC1R on all aspects of obtaining planning consent for and dealing with refinancing and ongoing development issues ahead of the redevelopment of its trophy student accommodation premises.
  • Acting on the acquisition by AIM listed XP Factory PLC of Boom Battle Bar. The team advised on the property aspects of the acquisition which included multiple sites.

Moore Barlow

Following the merger of Barlow Robbins and Moore Blatch in May 2020, Moore Barlow ’s real estate team now has offices in Southampton, Guildford, Woking, Lymington, Richmond, and Central London. Jo Farr heads up the commercial property department and is based in the Guildford office. She has a broad client base, including national retailers, investment landlords, banks, and property developers. She also has particular expertise in entrepreneurial ventures.

Practice head(s):

Luc Algar (Real Estate Division); Jo Farr (Commercial Property); Sam Willey (Land Development); Jolanda Peters (Leasehold Enfranchisement); Zoe Owen (Plot Sales); Sarah Jordan (Rural Property)

Other key lawyers:

Helen Archibald; Julian Parkes; Archie Sherbrooke; Richard Hughes; Lee Edwards; Martin Duck; William Warnock; Louise Campbell

Testimonials

‘I worked with Moore Barlow on two separate matters. I was very happy with them as they were very professional and efficient. I can’t praise them high enough.’

‘Jo Farr represented me during the transactions. I was very impressed by her effort. She was happy to answer all my questions clearly as I found the whole process very complicated. The whole team was responsive and extremely professional.’

‘Richard Hughes and Callum Leary have learned intimately what makes our company tick, so we can trust them to negotiate actively on our behalf and our best interests. For a company like ours that is used to in-house legal in the rest of Europe, giving such trust can be a big ask, but Richard and Callum have very much earned this.’

Key clients

Vesta Investments Management Limited; and Vesta Investments Residential Limited

Family in Surrey

Fastned UK Limited

Albion & East Limited

Russbrit Limited

Inland Homes

Leith Limited and Bellstar Limited

Handelsbanken plc

Churchill Retirement Living Plc

Hall & Woodhouse Limited

The Halebourne Group

Orchard Farm Kennington Limited

Cloud Retail Ltd

Work highlights

  • Advised Leith Limited and Bellstar Limited on the disposition of a £8.6 million industrial business park.
  • Advised on the commercial terms and real estate transactional elements of a cross jurisdictional joint venture agreement for a 105 plot self-build development in Kent.
  • Advising on a Joint Venture with another care home operator to construct and then operate a 70-bed care home site at Bedhampton.

PDT Solicitors

In the past year, PDT Solicitors’ real estate team has completed deals involving more than 20 development sites and more than 25 promotions and option agreements. The team has also advised a number of housing associations on both acquisitions for development and portfolio and estate management. Team head James Clewlow focuses on work for house builders, developers, and housing associations, conditional planning contracts, and development agreements, with particular expertise in the pharmacy, dental and healthcare sector.

Practice head(s):

James Clewlow

Testimonials

‘What makes this practice unique is the pragmatic and sensible approach taken with the various issues,’

‘The team was very responsive and put in substantial resource to help get a complex sale and leaseback over the line by the deadline. This included providing advise on complex charging issues, as well as more standard property transaction conveyancing and related advice’

‘James Clewlow was very responsive and solution focused.’

‘I have dealt with PDT Solicitors for over 20 years and have always found them to be approachable, communicative and incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of commercial property law. They have an excellent team of lawyers that are always available to assist on any given project. Excellent communication.’

‘James Clewlow has an incredible breadth of legal knowledge and is adapt at finding solutions to what are often complex legal issues. He is very thorough and is genuinely interested in the project and achieving the end goal, very supportive to the client. He is also excellent at applying a pragmatic approach to any given project’

‘Personable staff, pragmatic & client led on all legal matters. Technically adept & good communication on all legal matters. Look to find solutions rather than escalate issues.’

‘PDT are big enough to provide a specialist for individual situations but small enough to feel like a family concern which is important to me. The people are easily approachable, professional, and easily contactable.’

‘Craig Burton is my stand out solicitor at PDT – he is my first port of call, always easily contactable when something needs doing in a hurry. Craig is a modern-day professional who can explain things in layman’s terms and get the job done.’

Key clients

Bedford Park Developments Limited

The Salt Room Limited

CAF Bank Limited

Sigma Homes Limited

Sunley Estates Limited

Alexander (Gatwick) Limited

Sunley (Bath) Limited

CAF Bank Limited

Sunley Holdings Limited

Turnbull Land and Homes Group

RLHA

MMA On Point Limited

Wiston Business Park Limited

JRD Innovations Limited

Nucleus Commercial Finance Limited

Aldridge Holdings Limited

Peartree (Fields) Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Bedford Park Developments Limited on a large development site with a sale price on excess of £11m.
  • Advising a national charity on a number of matters including a sensitive disposal of major property assets and a new lease of large London premises for office use.
  • Acting for CAF Bank on a number of complex matters including issuing a loan facility of £9,000,000 to a well-known homelessness charity secured over 2 separate properties.

TWM Solicitors LLP

Led by Adrian Price, TWM Solicitors LLP’s commercial property department operates across the firm’s offices in Guildford, Epsom, London, Reigate, and Wimbledon. The team now offers specialist construction law advice in order to provide a full-spectrum development service to clients from project inception all the way through to plot sales. In addition to its strength in care home developments, the team has also developed a unique specialism in advising golf clubs.

Practice head(s):

Adrian Price

Other key lawyers:

Anne Fowler; Claire Campbell; Matthew Truelove; Simon Child; Victoria Butt

Key clients

Cheylesmore Estates Limited

Hurley Partners Limited

Main Course Associates Limited

Handelsbanken PLC

Lucas Design & Construction Limited

Shilton PLC

Lodgecrest Limited

Asprey Homes Limited

Aspire LPP Limited

Kingmead Homes Limited

Adams & Remers

In the past year, Adams & Remers has handled a significant amount of options and promotions agreements. Cooperation between the teams based in the firm’s Lewes and the London offices enables the practice to cover a wide range of work. Robin Illingworth is head of property; Katherine Haslam heads the commercial property team, while Joanna Clark  heads the care home team.

Practice head(s):

Katherine Haslam

Other key lawyers:

James Turner; Joanna Clark

Bennett Griffin

Kate Hallin is the head of the growing commercial property team at Bennett Griffin. Isabel Alderton-Sell joined the team in June 2021, bringing her experience as an in-house practitioner for Croudace Homes Limited. Chrissie Edwards has expertise in matters with complex, technically challenging or particularly detailed elements.

Practice head(s):

Kate Hallin

Other key lawyers:

Isabel Alderton-Sell; Chrissie Edwards

Testimonials

‘Bennett Griffin have a good all-round team which offers a quality and personal service.’

‘They have a positive, can-do attitude to dealing with issues and problems that arise when dealing with property matters. Fees are more reasonable than other firms we have used.’

‘Isabel Alderton-Sell is efficient and gets things done promptly and without over complicating matters. I don’t feel a need to chase progress as I know she will be on top of the work and always pressing tenants agents who may be dragging their feet.’

Coole Bevis LLP

Coole Bevis LLP is a Sussex-based full-service firm with offices in Brighton, Horsham, Hove and Worthing, serving a diverse client base. The team is led by Oliver Maxwell-Jones. Nicola Hunt has expertise in a wide range of transactions. The firm is dedicated to providing cost-effective and efficient services – this year the firm has introduced new anti-fraud technology.

Practice head(s):

Oliver Maxwell-Jones

Other key lawyers:

Nicola Hunt; Jeff Streater

Testimonials

‘Excellent, very professional solicitors practice, whose fees are very reasonable. One can depend on them to deliver on time in a very efficient manner.’

‘Oliver Maxwell-Jones is very friendly, efficient, fast moving and solutions focussed.’

‘The team at Coole Bevis have always been responsive and highly professional. They offer a personal service, and I know that I can speak to my solicitor at any time. Most important I trust their expertise, and always feel confident that I can rely on this firm.’

‘Personal service, good relationships, and good to work with. Nicola Hunt is an outstanding professional.’

‘Uniqueness is difficult to attribute to any lawyer, but Coole Bevis are a very professional, friendly and easy firm to deal with. They are fast to respond and always provide excellent service and advice. They are large enough to be able to provide the depth of experience and knowledge that most people need but also small enough to provide a personal service that makes you feel valued as a client.’

‘Jeff Streater has looked after my company’s property interests for several years. I have always found him extremely knowledgable and professional and prepared to take a pragmatic view when required. I would highly recommend him for any commercial property matters.’

‘They have many very skilled individuals. It is very refreshing to have so many autonomous knowledgable groups of staff conversant in a very useful number of areas.’

‘Jeff Streater has been a pleasure to work with. He exudes knowledge and experience with just the right amount of conviction and charm. He is always willing to go the extra mile in the support of his client.’

Key clients

Royal Docks Management Authority Limited

Tate Bros Limited / Tates of Pyecombe Limited / Tates Property Limited

Downs Solicitors LLP

Downs Solicitors LLP’s commercial property team is ‘cohesive, knowledgeable with a breadth of expertise’. Andrew Peach , head of the Dorking team, advises on all areas of commercial property and also advises a number of off-shore clients in connection with their UK property portfolios. Madeleine James, head of the Godalming team, works on a wide range of properties including offices, storage and distribution warehouses, depots and retail, golf courses, hotels, and industrial estates.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Peach; Madeleine James

Other key lawyers:

Heather Kershaw; Aman Johal

Testimonials

‘We find the whole team cohesive, knowledgeable with a breadth of expertise for ourselves and our clients. Their friendly and approachable manner is valued by clients and we enjoy a good and relaxed working rapport with them.’

‘Their personable approach and putting clients first and welcoming our interest in monitoring transactions is critical.’

Furley Page Solicitors

Furley Page Solicitors’ Canterbury real estate team has had a particularly busy year, especially with regards to the acquisition of land for residential development and all associated types of work. Team head Jeremy Licence is a specialist in the healthcare, waste, and student accommodation sectors. Liz Brady  specialises in commercial and residential development and commercial landlord and tenant. Darren Philpot acts for a diverse client base including landed estates, high-net-worth individuals, business owners and farmers.

Practice head(s):

Jeremy Licence

Other key lawyers:

Liz Brady; Darren Philpot; Catherine Wolstencroft; Rebecca Crane; Sophie Green

Testimonials

‘Friendly and professional. Very knowledgable and passionate.’

Key clients

Day Lewis PLC

Stema Shipping (UK) Limited

Countrystyle Recycling Limited

Envar Limited

G H Dean Limited

FGS Agri Limited

Work highlights

  • Acting for a large Kent landowner in relation to the grant of Options for dedication of wetlands for nutrient mitigation, enabling planning permission to be granted for large residential development schemes.
  • Acting for a consortium of Lincolnshire landowners in granting options for several hundred acres of solar energy.
  • Acting for Stema Shipping Limited in relation to the grant of a lease at Tilbury Docks

Girlings

Girlings‘ Ashford commerical property team, known as ‘reliable, efficient and trustworthy with a very personal approach to their clients’, offers a wide range of service including assisting developers at every stage of the development cycle, advising leases for landlords, and supporting clients to resolve property disputes. The team works closely with the firm’s corporate and commercial team to deal with high value and complex corporate support work. Team head Jeremy Burke has over 22 years’ experience working with companies, charities, educational institutions, banks, developers and individuals based in the UK and abroad.

Practice head(s):

Jeremy Burke

Other key lawyers:

Amrita Bartram; David Redgate

Testimonials

‘I have been dealing with Girlings for over 20 years now and have always found them to be reliable, efficient and trustworthy with a very personal approach to their clients.’

‘Great communication between departments. Straightforward language used so as not to alienate clients. Easy to get hold of. Feel as though the client’s needs are front and centre.’

‘The team is comprised of lawyers of varied experiences and knowledge in various legal aspects, whose skills and resources are tapped into when needed. In my personal experience with Girlings, we have faced various particularities in our business (both in leasehold agreements, and freehold agreements, and various security demands) where the Girlings team has provided clarity and support throughout.’

Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP

Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP’s Sevenoaks commercial property team is led by Richard Cripps , who provides specialist agricultural property advice and is often involved in complex and large-scale land development projects for rural landowners and developers. The ‘professional , courteous, prompt and informativeDavid Ashton has extensive experience in property development and investment. Oliver Bussell  has expertise in the niche area of planning law.

Practice head(s):

Richard Cripps

Other key lawyers:

David Ashton; Oliver Bussell

Testimonials

‘An extremely professional law firm with solid and reliable teams, all of whom are highly experienced in their field.’

‘David Ashton provides an exceptional level of service and you can always rely on receiving sensible, pragmatic and straightforward advice, regardless of the apparent complexities of the situation.’

‘Oliver Bussell and his team work collaboratively to advise and provide sound advice. Communication is clear and concise and the team can always be reached.’

‘David Ashton and his team have helped us with a number of matters in recent years. Every piece of work had it own challenges, and David with his team have seen me through any detail that has arisen. I have full confidence with all of David’s work.’

Key clients

Turkey Mill Investments Limited

Lenham Storage Company Limited

Chartwell Land and New Homes Ltd

Hazelbrook Homes Ltd

Work highlights

  • Advised Turkey Mill, landlord of a sought after Business Park in Maidstone, on all its negotiated leases with business tenants as well a range of other property related advice including planning and real estate disputes.
  • Advised Lenham Storage, a specialist warehousing and logistics business, on more than a dozen transactions relating to its industrial portfolio including the purchase of an additional 4 warehouses within an estate in Sittingbourne, Kent
  • Advised Chartwell Land and New Homes Ltd on a range of matters relating to their large scale development projects including securing Option Agreements on land for development and secured development funding facilities.

Thackray Williams LLP

Real estate is a key practice at Thackray Williams LLP , contributing to around 60% of the firm’s turnover. Vikki Herbert heads residential property, while Yildiz Betez heads commercial property. The commercial property team has experience acting for both landowner and developer. With the firm’s network across London and the South-East, the team is able to attract many high-value work. ‘Friendly, personal attention’ has underpinned the success of the team during the pandemic.

Practice head(s):

Vikki Herbert; Yildiz Betez

Testimonials

‘Yildez Betez is responsive, knowledgable and consistent in her approach to Clients needs. A rare find in this day and age.’

‘I appreciate the friendly, personal attention and the fact that I am listened to and feel well supported.’

‘Vikki Herbert seeks to achieve all the amendments which I need in the companies’ new leases, and usually succeeds. She is very prompt, practical and straight to the point in her dealings.’