Hall Of Fame

IT and telecoms in South West

Ashfords LLP

Ashfords LLP employs a multidisciplinary team in Bristol that comprises corporate, IP and commercial lawyers with expertise in TMT and telecoms work. The firm is well versed in assisting startups in the technology space as well as investment funds in the fintech and digital health industries. Practice head Chris Dyson enjoys a strong reputation for his expertise pertaining to M&A and technology investments. Venture capital and fintech transactions form part of Jocelyn Ormond‘s portfolio, while Suzie Miles sports strength in software licensing as well as IT transformation and outsourcing work. Andrew Braithwaite left the firm for an in-house position in March 2022.

Practice head(s):

Chris Dyson


Other key lawyers:

Jocelyn Ormond; Suzie Miles; Hannah Pettit; Charlotte Kingman; Brett Lambe; Scott Preece


Testimonials

‘The team has a broad range of expertise and have always been helpful in finding the right person efficiently.’

‘They are very diligent and client focused. They helped to guide me in the right direction and produced great results when I needed them.’

Key clients

Network Merchants Limited (NMI)


Griffin Financial Technology (Griffin)


CaptionHub


Prophix Inc.


Holland & Barrett


Materna IPS UK


Nevaya


Stratiphy


Vamstar


Eseye


Post Office Limited


Form3


Capficiency


Anorak


Volution


Notion Capital


Work highlights


  • Advised Form3 on all commercial and corporate aspects of its business including group restructure and customer contracts.
  • Advised Holland & Barrett on a digital and technology transformation project.
  • Advised a syndicate of technology venture capital funds on a funding round in digital mortgage broker Habito.

Burges Salmon LLP

Burges Salmon LLP‘s ‘professional and accurate’ technology practice is highly regarded in the market for advising on large-scale IT projects with an emphasis on outsourcings. The latter is a particular area of expertise for Andrew Dunlop, whose clients range from financial institutions and technology vendors to international corporations. The team also includes telecoms and IT project specialist in Lucy Pegler, technology transactions expert David Varney, as well as Martin Cook, who benefits from longstanding in-house experience in the technology sector; all three were promoted to partner in May 2022. Consultant Martin Cuell joined from Foot Anstey in September of the same year and sports a vibrant practice with matters spanning transformation projects, licensing issues and emerging technologies.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Dunlop; David Varney; Lucy Pegler; Martin Cook


Other key lawyers:

Marcus Clayden; Martin Cuell


Testimonials

‘Professional and accurate, the team are responsive and clearly highly knowledgeable in their field.’

‘Personable and approachable.’

Key clients

ATOS


British Standards Institute


Embark


Thesis


Mark43, Inc


BDO


Smart Buildings Limited


Erika Technologies


PinguinoPonics


Work highlights


  • Advised Mark43 on its expansion into the UK, which involved the sale of its SaaS product (public safety software solution) to Durham and Cumbria constabularies.
  • Acted for Embark Group on a number of IT arrangements associated with its sale to Lloyds Banking Group for £395m.
  • Acted for tax, auditing and business services advisory firm BDO LLP on its outsourcing agreement with Exponentials and the implementation of its cloud back up services via Acronis’ SaaS products.

Foot Anstey

Foot Anstey represents both clients and technological solution suppliers, which it regularly assists with large-scale technological initiatives, procurement processes and outsourcings, among others. Clean tech, fintech, and retail tech are among the key sectors for the practice, which is based across Bristol and Exeter. Legal director Annalisa Checchi, who is adept at handling commercial agreements, software development matters, and licensing issues, took over as practice head in light of the departure of Martin Cuell to Burges Salmon LLP in April 2022. The firm further bolstered its cross-border capabilities with the addition of former Baker McKenzie Hong Kong partner Paolo Sbuttoni in summer 2023.

Practice head(s):

Annalisa Checchi


Other key lawyers:

Ashley Avery; Paolo Sbuttoni


Testimonials

‘The team’s expertise is broad, and the advice provided is clear and pragmatic.’

‘Great practice full of high quality individuals and a real sense of team support – they understand our business and are available to step in when needed with smart, commercial and high quality advice. Very highly recommend.’

‘Ashley Avery leads our relationship and provides excellent advice – we can’t recommend her highly enough. Just pleased she’s on our side of transactions!’

Key clients

Chivas Brothers International Limited


Tickitto AI Ltd


Lottie Organisation Limited


My Coast Limited


Chartered Institute of Taxation


Lubberger Lehment Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft mbB


Eastland Arena Limited


Virtu Solutions Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Lottie Organisation Ltd trading as Lottie on the launch of its Seniorcare by Lottie service offering to businesses.
  • Advising Chivas Brothers International Limited on a number of technology related contracts arising from the increase in popularity of brand collaborations and the ways in which brands want to engage with consumers.
  • Advising Eastland Arena Ltd, part of Oak View Group, on the establishment of Co-op Live in partnership with City Football Group.

Osborne Clarke LLP

With a strong base in the South West, Osborne Clarke LLP‘s technology practice excels on both a regional and international level. The team handles matters such as IT contracts, technology transactions, financings, and commercial concerns, and is also known for its expertise in technology disputes. Will Robertson helms the practice and is particularly well versed in the outsourcing and procurement of IT systems and services. Associate director Eleanor Williams is sought after for her experience in advising and negotiating contractual agreements within the technology, software and telecoms sectors.

Practice head(s):

Will Robertson


Other key lawyers:

Tom Harding; Eleanor Williams


Key clients

Department for Transport


Dell Emerging Markets (EMEA) Limited


Bristol Airport


Shareholders of Spherics Technology Limited


Hunter Boots


Business Growth Fund


National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED)


Barratt Homes


Wales & West Utilities


Super Payments


TLT

With a ‘relaxed and professional’ approach, TLT‘s technology and intellectual property practice is most recognised for its involvement in transformational IT projects. The Bristol-based team, which also provides guidance on regulatory matters, has developed a strong portfolio acting for clients within sectors such as fintech, retail, telecoms, and the public sector. James Touzel leads the team and is regularly involved in a number of strategic projects. Daniel Read is noted for his expertise pertaining to AI and innovation, and also focuses on outsourcing projects.

Practice head(s):

James Touzel


Other key lawyers:

Daniel Read; Ed Hayes; Emma Erskine-Fox


Testimonials

‘This is the first time I have worked with a practice where I felt part of the team, we worked in a very collaborative way. The service is both relaxed and professional and I was made to feel at ease. It was very easy to discuss the issues I wanted to resolve without needing to speak in legal speak.’

‘Speed and pragmatism.’

‘Quickly identify the main issues.’

‘Dan Read set aside plenty of time to fully understand the current state and what we were trying to achieve, this really helped with communications further down the line as the matter became more complex.’

‘Good, they understand us, can-do attitude.’

‘Dan Read is good, to be honest all of their team is.’

Key clients

Aquis Exchange PLC


Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP‘s IT and telecoms practice is known for its extensive and diverse practice, which has a stellar client portfolio featuring both public and private sector clients. Alongside outsourcing advice, the group also advises technology companies on licensing issues and scaling up their businesses, among others. Alastair Mitton leads the team, which also counts Gareth Jones and associate Georgie Morgan-Giles as key members.

Practice head(s):

Alastair Mitton


Other key lawyers:

Gareth Jones; Georgie Morgan-Giles


Key clients

NHS Digital


Post Office Limited


AIG


Coverys


Quilter (previously Old Mutual Wealth)


Ministry of Justice


NCR Corporation


END Clothing


LV


Highways Agency


FACTON GmbH


Parkdean Resorts


ScienceLogic


Unicard


Digital Giant


The Modular Analytics Company (TMAC)


Clarke Willmott LLP

Clarke Willmott LLP is known for its focus on representing landowner clients in cases against telecoms operators. Practice head Kary Withers, who is adept at handling litigation, is praised for her ‘really deep knowledge of the sector, excellent tactical judgement and great way with clients’. The drafting and negotiation of lift and shift arrangements forms part of Beverley Pike‘s advisory portfolio. Sarah Mogford, previously at Lewis Silkin, joined the firm in February 2022 and excels in matters relating to the Electronic Communications Code.

Practice head(s):

Kary Withers


Other key lawyers:

Beverley Pike; Henry Russell; Aimee Davies; Sarah Mogford


Testimonials

‘CW’s telecoms practice has a national reach, attracting great clients from all over the country. They have been involved in some of the most significant telecoms cases since the new code. They have extensive experience of dealing with code operators on behalf of landowners and get great results for their clients.’

‘Kary Withers – very experienced, really deep knowledge of the sector, excellent tactical judgement and a great way with clients. I cannot recommend her enough.’

‘Aimee Davies – really excellent ground-level knowledge of the area and great experience of negotiating hard for her clients. Capable of being really tough, but she is still really pleasant to work with.’

‘The Clarke Willmott telecoms team is excellent. They offer a first class, personal service which is quick and efficient and very knowledgeable. They certainly inspire confidence and trust.’

‘Aimee Davies is excellent. She provides a first class, personal service which is quick and efficient and she is very knowledgeable. She is very personable and certainly inspires confidence and trust.’

Key clients

Lidl UK


L&Q Group


NG Devco (Orion Capital)


The PG Group


Mapeley Estates


Eris Media Solutions


The Guinness Partnership


The Peabody Trust


Pinnacle Towers


Sovereign Housing Association


Southern Housing Group


Work highlights


  • Acting for the Guinness Partnership Limited against Cornerstone Telecommunications Limited regarding the renewal of a telecoms lease situation in central London.
  • Acting for a national hotel chain defending proceedings against a major telecoms operator seeking the imposition of a contentious Code agreement.
  • Advising Pinnacle Towers Limited in relation to the management of its portfolio of telecoms sites throughout the UK.

Michelmores LLP

Acting across contentious, regulatory, corporate and commercial matters, Michelmores LLP fields an active technology practice which has capabilities including aiding public sector customers with technology transactions and supporting startups with investment projects and day-to-day operations. Practice head Tom Torkar advises clients stemming from the aviation, e-commerce and financial services sectors, among others.

Practice head(s):

Tom Torkar


Other key lawyers:

Chloe Vernon-Shore; Philippa Collison; Justin Barrow


Testimonials

‘The team know our business inside out, and are always available and willing to assist. They often feel like an extension to our current legal team, which is how you want to feel about external providers.’

‘Tom Torkar is always a stand out partner. His knowledge of our business is invaluable, and his work is of extremely high quality (as is the work of associates who work with him). He is willing to impart knowledge on our team to enable their education and stretch as well.’

‘Their unique focus on supporting their clients beyond law.’

Key clients

Daily Mail and General Trust plc


Bally’s Corp and Gamesys Limited


Landmark Information Group Limited


Limitless Technology Limited


Deko (Pay4Later)


DeGould Limited


Natural Capital Research Limited


Sycurio Limited


Wildanet Limited


StopNCII.org (SWGfL)


Livescore Group Limited


Role Mapper Technologies Limited


Intelsat


Saba


Searchflow Limited


Evexia


Seasalt Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Landmark Information Group (part of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc) in respect of the launch of a range of API services and the launch of its online property auction service Optimus.
  • Advising Ballys Corp and Gamesys on game content acquisition and its core strategy of global growth through game distribution across the full range of its global sites and native applications.
  • Advised Limitless Technology on its major customer deals with international corporates including leading tech companies, consumer brands and consumer electronics manufacturers.

Roxburgh Milkins Limited

The IT and technology practice at Roxburgh Milkins Limited fields a ‘knowledgeable and strategically minded’ team that offers a broad scope of services to technology clients, notably those within deep tech. Under the leadership of the ‘efficient and effectiveIan Grimley, the group advises national and international companies on matters ranging from contracts and risk management to data production and funding rounds. Corporate transactions in the technology and telecoms sector are handled by Charles Van Der Lande. Helen Naylor stands out at associate level and is praised for ‘consistency, engagement and thinking from multiple perspectives’.

Practice head(s):

Ian Grimley


Other key lawyers:

Charles Van Der Lande; Carl Spencer-Spear; Helen Naylor; Laura Guest


Testimonials

‘Fantastic team who are empathetic, very knowledgeable and strategically minded. They really make a great effort to operate as an extension of the team. Also very likeable and straightforward.’

‘Very knowledgeable and fastidious with detail but at the same time interested and humble. Really make an effort to listen to priorities and context – helping to translate the strategic goals into tactical outcomes.’

‘Good reliable firm that provides reliable advice.’

Key clients

TransFICC


EnSilica


Concirrus


One Big Circle


Fathom


Blu Wireless


Dynisma


Reactive Markets


4OTC


Contracts Advance


Peak Technologies


Work highlights


  • Advised TransFICC on customer agreements with global banks as well as supporting its funding rounds with the firm’s corporate team.
  • Advised EnSilica on customer agreements, contract negotiations and development agreements as it expands into high growth tech sector businesses such as wearable tech and satellite communications.
  • Advised Concirrus on customer contracts, service and data agreements for its artificial intelligence insurance software platform.

Bevan Brittan LLP

Praised for its ‘high strategic competency’ and ‘detailed capability’, Bevan Brittan LLP‘s IT and technology practice centres around public sector technology implementation and procurement mandates. Under the leadership of Richard Lane, the Bristol-based team is also regularly involved in technology disputes. Another key member of the group is Liz Fletcher, who is well versed in matters such as outsourcings and regularly advises government bodies on IT and technology projects.

Practice head(s):

Richard Lane


Other key lawyers:

Liz Fletcher


Testimonials

‘The team has high strategic competence as well as more detailed capability. This allows for excellent advice to clients across a wide range of strategic and novel projects as well as more regular assignments.’

‘Richard Lane has particular strategic capability, excellent interpersonal and client management skills.’

‘The collaborative nature of the team, focused on understanding my needs and that of my organisation, and putting their advice in context.’

‘Liz Fletcher has in particular great client relationship capabilities with an engaging style.’

‘Richard Lane has been fantastic to work with. Customer focused, he provides clear advice in context when I need it. He is a clear communicator, helping me to understand risk and potential mitigations. Richard and his team have been excellent negotiators, too.’

‘Bevan Brittan LLP consistently goes the extra mile to provide excellent service. Its biggest strength are the people who consistently provide sound advice in a pragmatic manner that is easy to understand.’

‘Richard Lane provides robust legal advice and is very focused on the needs of the client and consistently goes the extra mile in meeting challenging deadlines.’

‘Liz Fletcher is a key part of our team and uses her excellent communication and interpersonal skills to advise and represent our position with external partners.’

Key clients

NS&I


Sunderland City Council


Defra


Work highlights


  • Advising on procurement of National Savings and Investments core technology and wrap around services to replace its existing business process outsourcing arrangement with Atos.
  • Advising Sunderland City Council on the procurement of a partner to design and deliver a 5G neutral host network to Sunderland and associated projects relevant to 5G.
  • Advising Defra on the procurement and contract management of its software solution for managing grant funding schemes around land stewardship (previous part of the common agricultural policy grant).

Keystone Law

The technology practice at Keystone Law supports startups and national corporations on the full range of matters pertaining to IT and telecoms, including contractual arrangements, software licensing issues, and dispute resolution. Jessica Bent, an ‘excellent partner with lots of experience’, is sought after by clients from the digital, creative, and technology sectors, while Charlie White is regularly engaged for his expertise in commercial and IP arrangements.

Other key lawyers:

Jessica Bent; Charlie White


Testimonials

‘Jessica Bent is an excellent partner with lots of experience. She offers pragmatic advice to her clients and is commercially savvy.’

‘Jessica Bent is excellent. She has decades of experience in the sector and remains at the cutting edge. She is down to earth and approachable but has great heft as an adviser, instilling confidence in clients.’

Key clients

Adam Matthew Digital Limited


Anglia Home Furnishings Limited


Bath Spa University


Bitmap Books Ltd


Blubolt Limited


Carbohydrate Synthesis Limited


The Coconut Collaborative Ltd


Icon Scientific Limited


Octavius Infrastructure Limited


Exabel SA


Nevaya Limited


Nature’s Finest Food Products Ltd


SRI Consultants Limited


Stormjar Limited


SmartRecruiters Inc


Work highlights


  • Advised Adam Matthew on data protection issues relating to its customer licensing agreements, and the extent to which the academic exemption as an academic publisher applies, which provides exemption from much of the data protection framework.
  • Advised the Coconut Collaborative on data protection matters.

Pritchetts Law

With a focus on data protection, Pritchetts Law is a go-to outfit for owner-managed businesses, SMEs and international companies in the technology space and other sectors such as the financial services and healthcare industries. Data protection specialist Stephanie Pritchett leads the practice together with Ben Wootton, who splits his time between London and Bristol and complements his expertise in data protection with in-depth knowledge of IT and commercial contracts.

Practice head(s):

Stephanie Pritchett; Ben Wootton


Other key lawyers:

Al Goodwin


Testimonials

‘City-level experience with personal attention.’

‘I have known the team at Pritchetts Law for a number of years and their advice has always served me well.’

‘Since forming Pritchetts Law, Stephanie Pritchett’s sage counsel and effective advice has made her a ‘go to’ expert.’

Key clients

Yeo Valley Farms (Production) Limited


The Ceuta group of companies


Northumbrian Water Limited


The DataRobot group of companies


National Foundation for Educational Research


Voice and Script International Limited


The UPP group of companies


Link Maker Systems Limited


Symmetry Limited


Mathys & Squire LLP


Sable International Group Limited


PDP Companies Limited


Breast Cancer Now


CFH Docmail Limited


Unison


RAC


The AXA Health group of companies


Work highlights


  • Advised Yeo Valley on its data protection audit, drafting privacy notices, responding to data subject access requests and implementing new processes to manage future individual rights requests.
  • Advised VSI on compliant use of individual actors’ personal data and voice recordings; international data sharing with its numerous group companies; TV and movie production contracts; and arrangements with international business partners such as Amazon and Netflix.
  • Advised NFER, a UK-based educational research organisation, on the expansion of its existing school assessment system to allow longitudinal data analysis outside the schools across the UK to establish, among other things, the impact of Covid-19 on pupils’ education.

Steer & Co

As a popular choice for deep tech businesses, Steer & Co focuses on advising clients from within the technology, media and digital sectors. IT, IP, data protection and commercial advice are some of the firm’s key areas of expertise. Rebecca Steer helms the Bristol-based outfit and is experienced with matters pertaining to technology supply agreements and licensing issues, among others.

Practice head(s):

Rebecca Steer


Key clients

Evolv Technology


Vaayu Tech


Graphcore


XMOS


The Data House and Global Bay (Formerly Basker Roberts)


Curtis Fitch


Eavesdrop Music


Work highlights


  • Advised and drafted Master Agreement for Security HSAAS provider Evolv’s UK and European customers including advice on the regulatory aspects around personal data transfers.
  • Drafted an international Customer SaaS Agreement for the Vaayu carbon monitoring platform and provided advice on international data transfers.
  • Negotiated a semiconductor IP technology licence between XMOS and Agile Analog to use Agile’s technology in the XMOS XCORE AI product which is designed to be used in digital voice activated IOT devices.

Stephens Scown LLP

At Stephens Scown LLP, the IT and telecoms practice handles a broad array of work ranging from outsourcing agreements and software development mandates to emerging technologies issues.Thomas Chartres-Moore, who is experienced in dealing with contractual arrangements, compliance work and licensing agreements, took leadership of the practice after the departure of former practice head Ben Travers to Knights plc in November 2022.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Chartres-Moore


Key clients

Software Solved


Egremont Group Limited


Alchemist/Interact Training Group Limited


Greyparrot.AI


Drone AG Limited


University of Plymouth


Work highlights


  • Advising Software Solved on a complete overhaul of its client-facing contracts.
  • Advising Egremont Group Limited on a complete overhaul of its client-facing contracts.
  • Advising a client on the development of a master services framework for the business to cover its wide service offering including consultancy, IT support and security testing services.