Commercial property: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 in South East

Boyes Turner

Boyes Turner‘s real estate practice is one of the largest in the region, and is suitably well placed to handle the full suite of commercial real estate transactions, advising high-end clients on their investment portfolios and the full life-cycle of commercial projects. Niche specialisms, including advising offshore trusts and investors, acting for lenders regarding general secured funding arrangements as well as charities, round out the group’s service portfolio. Three lawyers comprise the leadership team: Nick Carter acts on behalf of domestic and international clients across various sectors, while William Nassau-Lake serves as head of development and house building, and Alan Tibber leads the residential and plots team. Mark Appleton‘s specialism lies in acting for owners and occupiers involved with industrial premises, investments, and development properties. Sarah Webb left the team to join Gateley Legal in January 2023.

Practice head(s):

Nick Carter; William Nassau-Lake; Alan Tibber


Other key lawyers:

Mark Appleton; Derek Ching; Brian Dowling; Steph Richards; Philip Jacques; Russell May


Testimonials

‘Boyes Turner are always very focused on client satisfaction and maintain high standards of communication when advising throughout the duration of a project.’

‘I have worked with Boyes Turner on numerous commercial property projects over the years, specifically with Nick Carter. Nick is really ‘hands on’ and always strives to be your primary point of contact so you always have consistency in terms of lines of communication.’

‘Philip Jacques: depth of understanding of the property market beyond legal grounds. Thorough service with brilliant communication skills.’

‘Attentive, reliable and approachable with breadth of knowledge and skills across the commercial property disciplines.’

‘We have used Boyes Turner for about thirty years in connection with the leases etc. on our various sites and have always found them to be efficient and entirely reliable. They are prompt, knowledgeable and have given us good advice. In our opinion they are exactly as commercial solicitors should be.’

‘Mark Appleton – a good and highly efficient but personal relationship has been established between us. The work gets done without fuss and bother.’

‘We deal with a small team, who are able to co-ordinate work in different areas. We have high levels of confidence that any matter can be dealt with quickly and nothing will fall through the cracks.’

Key clients

4th Dimension Limited


Ericsson Group


Alpha 3 Manufacturing Limited


Occuity Limited


Brickability plc


Ssassy Group


Area Square Limited/Fourfront Group


Avnet Logistics Limited


Allerton Group


Guardian News and Media


Work highlights


  • Acted for Ssassy on acquisition, development, and disposal of passivhaus scheme in South Oxfordshire.
  • Advised Occuity Limited on taking office and laboratory space in The Blade, an office building in central Reading.

Blake Morgan LLP

Blake Morgan LLP is home to a full-service real estate group that advises major corporate occupiers, institutional real estate investors and higher education organisations on the whole gamut of commercial property matters. Andrew Farmery leads the Thames Valley team, which is spread across Oxford and Reading. George Panteli focuses his practice on acquisitions, disposal, as well as landlord and tenant matters, whilst Michael Ward is the name for financing, leading the real estate finance and corporate support team within the Thames Valley. Legal director Angela Mildenhall advises institutional investors and occupiers with an emphasis on landlord and tenant work for corporate occupiers.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Farmery


Other key lawyers:

Michael Ward; George Panteli; Robert Lynch; Zoe Wright; Angela Mildenhall; Rachel Sales; Sophie Boswell


Testimonials

‘Blake Morgan are exceptional in what they do, specifically their real estate team in Reading. The team are highly knowledgeable, always on hand when required, proactive and provide a high level service on all transactions that they manage.’

‘Michael Ward is our main contact who is brilliant at what he does. He is highly knowledgeable, friendly, quick to reply to any enquiries, proactive, provides sound advice when needed etc. He is credit to Blake Morgan and is very highly thought of.’

‘Offer a personal service, tailored to our needs.’

Key clients

IWG plc


DX Networks Services Limited (part of DX Group plc)


Canal & River Trust


Sorbon Estate Limited


The Methodist Church


Canary Wharf Group Plc


Aldermore Bank plc


Montpelier Estates Limited


HSBC Bank plc


Work highlights


  • Advised IWG on the project to negotiate lease restructures of a significant proportion office leases
  • Advising DX on a series of leasehold acquisitions over the last year to support its rapid growth plan, alongside the legal aspects of managing its nationwide property portfolio.
  • Acting for Sorbon Estates Limited undertaking estate management work in respect of its office, retail and industrial premises.

Osborne Clarke LLP

Osborne Clarke LLP remains among the market leaders for commercial property in the Thames Valley, notable for a service portfolio that includes acquisitions and disposals, portfolio and asset management, mixed-use development schemes, residential development, and real estate financings. The latter three are all key focuses of practice leader Rebecca Tuffs, who is praised as a ‘first-rate property lawyer’. Substantial corporate occupier experience, particularly among life sciences clients, is another defining feature of the group’s practice and part of Steve Schofield's advisory portfolio.

Practice head(s):

Rebecca Tuffs


Other key lawyers:

Steve Schofield; Nick Simpson


Testimonials

‘Very knowledgeable across all disciplines – property, construction and environmental. Fast and pragmatic. Friendly to work with.’

‘Rebecca Tuffs is a first-rate property lawyer. She understands the commercial needs of her clients and delivers pragmatic advice whilst having a depth and breadth of expertise that is hard to find in the field.’

Key clients

Barratt/David Wilson Homes


Topland Jupiter


British Land plc


Taylor Wimpey


Lonza Biologics plc


Laufin Properties Limited


QinetiQ Limited


Rotch Property Group


Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Company


LevertonHELM


Persimmon


Vistry


Work highlights


  • Advised Nuveen Real Estate on the planning and real estate aspects of its £15m freehold acquisition of Calder House in Essex.
  • Acted for Topland Jupiter Limited, a provider of alternative finance to the real estate market, in a transaction.
  • Acted for LevertonHELM as corporate occupiers at St Modwen Park, Viables, Basingstoke for their new factory and office site.

Shoosmiths LLP

Shoosmiths LLP's commercial property offering spans high-value investment projects, house building and strategic land matters on behalf of a high-end client list that comprises major automotive brands and real estate investment funds. Nathan Rees chairs the practice, representing property investors on acquisitions, disposals, and financing transactions. Head of the southern real estate offering Alan Corcoran remains an experienced practitioner in the space with an extensive track record in the investment and corporate occupancy fields. Daniel Halstead and Ben Pariser come highly recommended as key names in the living and housebuilding sectors, respectively. Legal director Marcus Devanny represents institutional investment funds, property funds and corporate occupiers on the full range of cases.

Practice head(s):

Nathan Rees


Other key lawyers:

Alan Corcoran; Daniel Halstead; Ben Pariser; Marcus Devanny; Liz McKillop Paley


 


Testimonials

‘Great breadth to the team both in their detailed knowledge, regional presence and abilty to present situations in a clear and concise way.’

‘Daniel Halstead is great at quickly understanding the issues and providing clear, concise ways forward and delegating roles to the wider team.’

‘Liz McKillop Paley’s approach to transactions is very diligent, hard working and comes with good commerciality to assist our goals.’

‘Very personal service and willing to go above and beyond in time-critical situations.’

‘The team provides good commercial advice and works well to achieve the client’s goals. Strong use of technology and organisation that assists with transactions.’

Key clients

AEW Europe


AIB Group (UK) plc


Bellway Homes South West


Bang & Olufsen UK Limited


Deeley Group


Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals


McKay Securities Limited


Persimmon Homes Limited BDW Trading Limited


Regional REIT


Taylor Wimpey


The Nissan / Renault Alliance


Third Space


Workspace Group Plc


UKRO Property Holdings


Vistry Group – Housebuilding, strategic land and partnerships division


Work highlights


  • Advised Nissan Motor Limited on a major project relating to a series of strategic disposals of its West Way Nissan dealership network, in three phases.
  • Advised AIB Group Plc on £110m investment facility to fund the acquisition of a 999 bed new build PBSA scheme in Liverpool for Tristan Capital Partners’ CCP 5 Fund.
  • Advised Lou Ware Limited on the acquisition of a part of GSK’s operational site at Park Road, Ware, which is to be redeveloped into a life sciences campus, with potentially residential units in addition.

BDB Pitmans

BDB Pitmans fields a deep bench of experienced real estate practitioners in a national practice group, advising on high-value development projects, site purchases and lease negotiations throughout the Thames Valley. Jonathan Fewster leads the practice group out of London. Sarah Potter heads up the Thames Valley team, running a diverse practice that covers all facets of commercial property from acquisitions to management and finance. Marcus McCluggage comes highly recommended for residential development.

 

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Fewster; Sarah Potter


Other key lawyers:

Marcus McCluggage


Key clients

Cala Homes


Bewley Homes


Shanly Homes


Ashill Land


Brookworth Homes Limited


Palatine Homes Limited


Work highlights


Blandy & Blandy LLP

Leveraging support from the firm’s planning and environmental law team, Blandy & Blandy LLP is well-regarded for its strategic land development, landlord and tenant, as well as transactional expertise. The team is led by Katja Wigham, while experienced practitioner John Dingle is well-versed in both public and private health sector work, in addition to property finance. Gemma Smith is often sought out by charities and educational institutions.

Practice head(s):

Katja Wigham


Other key lawyers:

John Dingle; Gemma Smith; Jane Gunnell; Paul Wilkinson


Testimonials

‘Our relationship with Katja Wigham is excellent and I am delighted that she acts for me and my business.’

‘John Dingle has provided us with excellent support on land and property issues.’

‘John Dingle is a delight to work with. Knowledgeable and able to navigate complexities without creating a drama.’

‘Compared to other firms, Blandy & Blandy excel in providing realistic, comprehensive and cost effective advice whilst navigating clients through difficult processes.’

Key clients

Englefield Estate Trust Corporation Ltd


University of Oxford


SAS International Limited


InHealth Limited


Handelsbanken plc


Giganet Limited


R Collard Limited


Crest Hotels Group Limited


Cove Construction Limited


H & T Properties Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised on the acquisition of the Hotel Metropole and ancillary properties in South Wales.

Clarkslegal LLP

Clarkslegal LLP is known for its work on major development projects and associated transactions, alongside managing portfolios of real estate investment funds. Partner Simon Ralphs leads the practice and counts institutional investors, large retailers and property funds as key clients. At associate level, Pierre Dutton advises on acquisitions and disposals of investment property, developments, insolvency and restructuring matters, among others.

Practice head(s):

Simon Ralphs


Other key lawyers:

Pierre Dutton


Testimonials

‘The practice is very professional, with helpful and friendly people.’

‘Simon Ralphs and Pierre Dutton are the people who mainly work for us. Both are approachable, helpful, professional, knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with.’

‘I have worked with Clarkslegal for several years and recommend their services at every opportunity. They are highly experienced, have a pragmatic approach and are always focused on getting the deal done which is exactly what I look for in a solicitor.’

‘Simon Ralphs, one of the partners, is my go to solicitor when recommending a local lawyer. I have completed over a dozen deals with him and we have a perfect record of getting deals over the line so I can completely trust that he will do a good job. He is very experienced and knows the local area very well.’

‘Pierre Dutton is another member of their team who I can call for advice and help and would also happily recommend.’

‘An outstanding firm and always reliable.’

‘The team are efficient, value for money and always looking out for us as clients. The people we have looking after our legal work, from leases to disputes are the best we have come across. Always willing to go the extra mile for us.’

‘Simon Ralphs is excellent in what he does for us and always delivers. Pierre Dutton is brilliant. Extremely knowledgeable and doesn’t make mistakes.’

Key clients

NTT Data UK Limited


Crown Packaging Manufacturing UK Limited


Newham Sixth Form College Further Education Corporation


Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


St Clair Developments Limited


Lafarge UK Pension Trustees


Eden Motor Group


Offsite Archive Storage and Integrated Services (OASIS)


Liquidators of Carillion plc


The Really Local Group


Work highlights


  • Acting for a London-based urban regeneration specialist, including advising on the redevelopment of a large indoor shopping centre in central Reading to create a new cinema and cultural hub and further schemes in Canning Town, Catford, Sutton, Nuneaton and Sidcup.
  • Acting on a number of real estate projects across the UK for Offsite Archive Storage and Integrated Services Holdings Limited.

Clifton Ingram LLP Solicitors

Clifton Ingram LLP Solicitors comes recommended for its ‘professional, responsive, cohesive and cogent advice’, specialising in freehold acquisitions and disposals, leasehold, residential development, and agricultural-related work across a range of asset classes including office, industrial, educational, licensed, and retail premises. Jonathan Foulds leads the Thames Valley commercial property team, splitting his time between Reading and Wokingham. Ian Graham is a go-to lawyer on advisory work for charities regarding property matters, whilst Spencer Grimshaw is a key name for commercial leases for offices, developments, as well as investment sales and purchases. Partner Tim Read retired in 2022.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Foulds


Other key lawyers:

Ian Graham; Spencer Grimshaw; Lydia Methven


Testimonials

‘Jonathan Foulds really is the best! He is always on the ball and proactive and will work out the solutions without asking.’

‘Their corporate team and commercial property teams work closely together and I have worked with them on several company acquisitions in the last year – professional, responsive, cohesive and cogent advice. Problem solving has been approached with a “can do” attitude and quite clearly they enjoy working with their clients to achieve best outcomes.’

‘Lydia Methven is an up-and-coming star in the commercial property team. Extremely intelligent with a tremendous grasp of property law, and eye for detail. One to watch.’

‘The whole team is outstanding especially Jonathan Foulds. They always complete as promised.’

‘We have worked with Clifton Ingram for many years. This has included a variety of services but we use them now mostly for Lease renewals on our properties. They are always helpful and proactive with good communication and sound advice.’

‘Jonathan Foulds is very committed and knowledgeable. Takes a sensible approach to get the job done.’

‘There are specialists in every area we require for our very varied business requirements from domestic conveyancing, commercial purchases and leases, personal tax planning and dispute resolution. Where work crosses divisions, Clifton Ingram are able to coordinate their work to ensure all our needs are met.’

‘Jonathan Foulds keeps the pressure up on other solicitors involved in the transaction and keeps us well informed on issues and how best to resolve them quickly.’

Key clients

Lawsons Holdings Limited


Nike Group


Natta Group


Todhunter Limited


Egbury Developments Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advising the Natta Group on disposals of new build residential properties with a value of excess of £18m over a year.
  • Acting for the Nike Group on a sale of freehold land and premises comprising a disused ice rink and parking areas for a value of just under £6m.
  • Advising Lawson Holdings Limited on the property aspects on a number of company acquisition transactions including due diligence of several leased properties, and also advising on both freehold and leasehold acquisitions and lease management for existing branches.

Field Seymour Parkes LLP

Marcus Francis chairs the practice group at Field Seymour Parkes LLP, representing blue-chip corporate clients and high-net-worth private real estate investors on the team’s premier matters. ‘Diligent, pragmatic and commercially-minded’ lawyer Dean Bickford is another key point of contact as deputy head of department – he acts for developers, investors and corporate occupiers. James Burgess enjoys a strong reputation in the real estate space throughout the Thames Valley and is the go-to name for strategic land work on the commercial property team.

Practice head(s):

Marcus Francis


Other key lawyers:

James Burgess; Dean Bickford; Michael Higgin; Lauren Walker


Testimonials

‘Dean Bickford is diligent, pragmatic and commercially minded.’

‘The real estate Team at FSP are leaders in Reading and the wider Thames Valley and have been for many years. They can tackle a multitude of client needs and have served us consistently and strongly.’

‘Marcus Francis in particular as leader of the team brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his profession. Fast, efficient work and has a detailed eye – which has uncovered issues others have missed. He also takes time to guide less experienced members of our team who need to learn more about the legal side of property lending.’

Key clients

Rank Group (Grosvenor Casinos and Mecca Bingo Venues)


Bewley Homes plc


Whistl (National Logistics Business)


Euro Car Parts


Westbury Street Holdings


Shanly Homes


Sorbon Estates


Ascot Racecourse


University of Reading


Grant and Stone


Thames Properties Group


Work highlights


  • Advising a private family investment on the re-structuring of a c. £50m property portfolio company with financing from two lenders.
  • Advised WSH on the acquisition of Notes Coffee.
  • Acting for private investors on s trade counter sale for £18.5m.

Freeths LLP

Freeths LLP’s Oxford-based multi-disciplinary commercial property offering undertakes commercial development work for long-standing corporate clients, alongside representing national operators in the logistics and industrial sector, and fostering a growing specialism in transactions arising out of the life sciences and healthcare sectors. Experienced real estate practitioner Patrick Whetter leads the team, and is praised as ‘capable, knowledgeable and approachable’. Philip Gray is a specialist when it comes to acting for occupiers and advising on the property elements of corporate work. Laura Brown is another important port of call within the department.

Practice head(s):

Patrick Whetter


Other key lawyers:

Philip Gray; Laura Brown; Kelly Sawyer; Richard Collett; Michael Healey


Testimonials

‘We have found Freeths to be a pro-active firm. They will point out potential problems with an area of our business before it gets to a stage where fire engine practice becomes necessary.’

‘Practical and pragmatic advice. Thorough and yet also converse plainly. Tight, well-experienced team.’

‘Laura Brown is an extremely proficient lawyer who has a no-nonsense straightforward approach to problems and delivering advice.’

‘Patrick Whetter is a joy to work with. He is capable, knowledgeable and approachable. I am very confident in his ability to get the job done and his representation of me as a client. Patrick understands our needs and the challenges that we work with.’

‘We receive an excellent service from Freeths – responsive, supportive and knowledgeable. While most of our work is in one area, they also have a wider team we can access if necessary and this has been useful to us on more than one occasion.’

‘The two solicitors we deal with regularly are Philip Gray and Kelly Sawyer and they are outstanding; responsive, supportive and knowledgeable as well as willing and able to explain legal issues and terminology in everyday language which is very welcome.’

‘A very focused and sensible approach that suits my business, Freeths deliver often complex legal advice and support delivering it in a straightforward and easy to understand manner.’

‘Laura Brown leads on projects and is skilled on bring colleagues on board when specialist input is required outside of Laura’s remit.’

Key clients

Micheldever Tyre Services Limited t/a Protyre Oxford University Press


Perspectum


Kerridge Commercial Systems Limited


Dogs Trust


Clasado Research Services Limited


Feefo Holdings Limited


First Touch Games Limited


Idverde Limited


Stine Goya


JCC Lighting Products Limited


ResMed UK


Pembroke College


Kitchen Architecture Ltd


Helen & Douglas House


Work highlights


  • Advising Micheldever Tyre Services Ltd on the portfolio management of its circa 240 sites across the UK, and advising on share acquisitions of 5 retail businesses incorporating 23 new sites into its retail property portfolio.

Gardner Leader LLP

Both local businesses and large international corporate players comprise the client list represented by Gardner Leader LLP, for whom the team act on a full range of commercial property matters including acquisitions, financing, developments, and landlords and tenant work. Newbury’s Greg Humphreys, an experienced lawyer praised as having ‘surpassed all expectation when it comes to all mechanics of commercial leases’, leads the practice. Suki Hardy also comes highly recommended and focuses on acquisitions, dispositions, leasing and development of land. Richard Buckeridge is another important name of note and advises on all aspects of real estate. At associate level, Tim Blackman  focuses on acquisitions, disposals and landlord & tenant work across the Thames Valley.

Practice head(s):

Greg Humphreys


Other key lawyers:

Richard Buckeridge; Suki Hardy; Karron Whitter; Joanna Bullard; Tim Blackman


Testimonials

‘Gardner Leader have provided excellent guidance in regard of our retail property portfolio.’

‘Tim Blackman is knowledgeable and thorough with strong communication skills.’

‘Greg Humphreys has always surpassed all expectation when it comes to all mechanics of commercial leases.’

‘Suki Hardy is the definition of professional. Attentive, detailed-orientated and dedicated to the client’s needs. She is fair in negotiations and her knowledge of the market allows her to adeptly advise when to push back on or accept certain terms.’

‘Greg Humphreys is extremely professional and has a thorough understanding of the law and how it would pertain to your case and affect your outcome as the client.’

Key clients

Saietta Group PLC


Haseltine Lake Kempner LLP


Rivar Limited


Rapid7 International Limited


Naomi House


Swift Logistics Group


Nutravita Ltd & Pro Teeth Whitening Co Ltd


Newbury Building Society


CloudHQ UK Limited


Kerridge Properties Limited


Maidenhead United Football Club


Work highlights


  • Advised Haseltine Lake Kempner LLP on the pre-letting agreement and lease of one of Bristol City Centre’s highest office rents for 2022.
  • Acted for Rivar Limited in the multi-million pound sale of a development for the provision of 157 new homes.
  • Acted for Maidenhead United Football Club in connection with the documentation for the first stage of the delivery of a new community stadium incorporating a range of football, athletics and wider wellbeing facilities.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Landlord and tenant, mixed-use development, investment and franchising are the core work streams for Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP’s commercial property offering. Simon Knott leads the team, representing mixed-use developers in large-scale schemes and lending his expertise to the full spectrum of commercial property work. Justin Winterbottom is well experienced across the full life-cycle of property ownership, from acquisition to estate management. Consultant Charles Seaward handles acquisitions, disposals, portfolio management, and development work. The team also frequently handles complex matters in the life sciences sector, acting for university spin-outs. Laura Gorman is the key name at associate level.

Practice head(s):

Simon Knott


Other key lawyers:

Justin Winterbottom; Charles Seaward; Laura Gorman; Catherine Bradshaw; Roberta Bombaci; Lauren Winch


Key clients

Grafton Group (UK) Plc


Torus Angle Limited


Quadratiks Ltd


Patrizia Hanover


Selco Trade Centres Limited


Fortitudo


23.5 Degrees Limited


Frontier Estates Limited


White Stuff Clothing


Work highlights


  • Acting for Fortitudo in connection with the acquisition and development of a large mixed-use scheme in the centre of Bournemouth known as Glen Fern & Fir Vale Road.
  • Acting for Frontier Estates Limited in relation to a major new retail and industrial scheme incorporating two food retail stores, six non-food retail units, gym, drive-thru cafe, petrol station and car wash, hotel and ten units for B2/B8.
  • Acting for 23.5 Degrees Limited in relation to all its UK property matters.

Gateley Legal

Gateley Legal‘s Thames Valley-based residential team is headed up by Andrew Wilson and Callum Nuttall , and has carved out a niche representing land promoters, regeneration specialists, registered providers and large-scale landowners in selling land for residential development. Well-respected practitioner Delphine Mehouas joined the team from BDB Pitmans in 2022.

Practice head(s):

Callum Nuttal; Andrew Wilson


Other key lawyers:

Delphine Mehouas


Work highlights


Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Harrison Clark Rickerbys handles acquisitions, disposals and leasing matters on behalf of a national client base. Practice head Clare Day specialises in real estate finance and all aspects of property investment, whilst Lewis Djemal acts on the full range of commercial property transactions.

Practice head(s):

Clare Day


Other key lawyers:

Lewis Djemal


Testimonials

‘We liked the way we were able to describe our business and its needs and they then decided who in his team would best fit our style/rhythm. Got this right first time.’

‘Lewis Djemal is excellent. Very good and delivered the service expected.’

‘Knowledgeable and worked together to ensure we had the best solution. There was always cover when one of the team was away. The partner was always copied on correspondence so was able to stay up to date with the activity.’

‘Friendly and down to earth. Ensured explanations were simple and understandable to non-legal people.’

Key clients

Darcliffe Homes (Country Estates Group)


Elstree Land


War Child


Biocrucible Limited


Procook Limited


Secure Trust Bank Plc


Cambridge & Counties Bank Limited


Proplend


Lloyds Bank Plc


Cynergy Bank Limited


Eton Bridge Partners Limited


Avon Capital Estates


Work highlights


  • Advised internationally recognised charity, War Child, on the acquisition of their new head office location in London.
  • Advised retailer Procook Limited in acquiring their latest 167,000 sq ft warehouse space.

RWK Goodman

RWK Goodman‘s commercial property service is led by Vicky Hernandez who is a specialist in the retail sector, advising the firm’s retail clients on acquisitions and disposals, alongside day-to-day property management and strategic advice in relation to store portfolios.

Practice head(s):

Vicky Hernandez


Testimonials

‘RWK Goodman provide a unique personal and business service by being agile and well connected internally to seamlessly manage all support needed for our business and individual needs. I would describe them as easy to do business with and complex situations are explained and presented in a common and easy-to-understand manner.’

‘Highly responsive and supportive service. Vicky Hernandez walked me through a complex purchasing process involving a difficult seller and indecisive lender, despite tight time pressures we were able to get the transaction done in good time.’

‘Vicky Hernandez was vital in assisting an acquisition on time and with the minimum of fuss.’

Key clients

No Ordinary Designer Label Limited (Ted Baker)


All Saints Retail Limited


Wood Green Animal Shelters


Zzoomm PLC


St Hilda’s College in the University of Oxford


Homeless Oxfordshire Limited


Alma Barn LLP


Cognatum Estates Limited/Cognatum Estates II Limited and Cognatum Estates III Limited


Cognatum Property Limited


Blue Cedar Homes Management Company Limited


Shaw Gibbs Limited


Cellmark Forensic Services


Wellers


Eath Investment Ltd


Oxford Optronix Property Ltd/Oxford Optronix Limited


DHA Corporates Limited


Pulsant Limited


Ashken Limited


Elder Kennedy Limited


Sila Property Investments Limited


2B Investment Properties Limited


Calex UK Limited


John Liggins and Jonathan Thomas as trustees of the Liggins Thomas Limited Pension Scheme


Auntie Anne’s


Work highlights


  • Advised St Hilda’s College in the University of Oxford on its £18m acquisition of two new student accommodation blocks at 38 St Giles and 11 Norham Gardens, Oxford.
  • Acted for Alma Barn LLP in the sale of 150 acres of farmland in Didcot to Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon Homes for a purchase price of circa £50m.
  • Assisted not-for-profit Cognatum Estates III Limited and Cognatum Property Limited with the property and corporate aspects of conditional purchase contracts and operator agreements relating to two new (half built) retirement estates in Wantage and Chigwell from the funder of the original (insolvent) developer.

SE-Solicitors

SE-Solicitors handles high-value and complex transactions for local, regional, and national clients for whom they provide sector-specific knowledge across industries including commercial, residential, hospitality, aviation and automotive. Andrew Woods heads the team and provides strategic advice on complex real estate matters. Director Andrew Querelle acts for both developers and owner-occupiers in the space and is well-versed on issues pertaining to the automotive industry.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Woods


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Querelle


Testimonials

‘The commercial property team continue to impress. Commercial property of course goes in ebb and flows. Spratt Endicott do not differentiate between years with multiple transactions and years where matters are just ticking along. Their commitment to their client remains unwavering’

‘Andrew Woods has always been my lead contact. He ensures work is done in a very timely fashion, and always sensible advice that fully understand the commercial reality of transactions and situations.’

‘You deal with a team that are dedicated to sorting out your interests , and are allotted one person who is responsible for you, and it works!’

‘Andrew Woods is very efficient and responsive, he gets things done.’

‘We are constantly recommending this firm to our clients because they are of such good quality.’

Work highlights


Winckworth Sherwood LLP

Jamie Barton leads the commercial property team at Winckworth Sherwood LLP which has expertise in corporate occupier transactions alongside the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors as well as in charity, education and ecclesiastical matters.

Practice head(s):

Jamie Barton


Other key lawyers:

Richard Mulcock; Amy Brown; Richard Goodlad


Key clients

McDonald’s Restaurants Limited


Oxfam


Simon Hegle Logistics & Service Limited


Oxford Diocesan Board of Finance


Harleyford Estate Limited


Hot Pickle Trading Limited


Kettle Interiors Limited


Anglican Consultative Council


Allbright Properties Limited


Bishop of Oxford


Diocesan Trustees (Oxford) Limited


Oxford Diocesan Board of Education


Church Commissioners


Diocese of Chichester


Work highlights


  • Acted for the property arm of an ecclesiastical client on the property investment purchase of a fully let laboratory/office building on an office/science park in Oxford for a purchase price in excess of £8m.
  • Acted for Hot Pickle as it opened the first Coca-Cola merchandise store in Europe in Covent Garden.
  • Acting for McDonald’s on property matters throughout England and Wales including development agreements for new restaurants, acquisitions (freehold, long leasehold and rack rent leases), portfolio management and franchising.