Rising Stars

IT and telecoms in West Midlands

DLA Piper

With a strong ‘depth of understanding’, DLA Piper‘s IT team have particular expertise in regard to artificial intelligence (AI) and its application in a variety of sectors and industries, such as banking, insurance, manufacturing and life sciences. The practice is helmed by Gareth Stokes, who specialises in outsourcing, whilst Jen Dale has expertise in the fields of financial services, telecoms and outsourcing. Senior associate Dan Cowley‘s broad experience includes IT issues in the energy sector, and fellow senior associate Michael Stead strengthens the team with his expertise in the tech and life sciences fields, handling negotiations and contract strategy for the firm’s clients.

Practice head(s):

Gareth Stokes


Other key lawyers:

Jen Dale; Michael Stead; Dan Cowley


Testimonials

‘It is impressive to see how knowledgeable the Birmingham IPT team is from partners to associates across the tech sector.’

‘They are able to translate complex new legislation and developments into bite-sized, easy to understand concepts.’ 

‘Gareth Stokes and Michael Stead are both very easy to do business with.’

‘They are transparent and understand the subtleties of dealing with massive global organisations.’

‘Both Gareth Stokes and Michael Stead are able to apply otherwise difficult legal concepts in a manner that everyone in the business can digest easily.’

‘The DLA team has a depth of understanding of our industry that helps us to quickly arrive at decisions.’

‘Michael Stead balances progression, pragmatism and protection that meets our needs as a scaling business.’

‘Gareth Stokes is timely and provides actionable advice.’

Key clients

AIB


Dyson


VISA


Cydea


Dignity Funerals


HSBC


Jaguar Land Rover


Rolls Royce


Heineken


Medtronic


Thomas Murray


Wickes


Avison Young


National Grid


Standard Life


Work highlights


  • Supporting AIB with its major sourcing contract with HCL to provide a variety of services including client take on and ID processes.
  • Supporting EY on the supplier side of the table, getting a deal closed in short order to support delivery of a core banking platform to short timeframes.
  • Developing for Medica a template agreement for use with third party medically qualified technicians for remote consultancies and diagnosis of CT scans. The project covers the provision of physical assets to technician locations, training and service delivery and service standards of remote examinations. The team also provided advice on regulatory standards and policies for remote diagnostics.

Shoosmiths LLP

With notable expertise in the automotive, consumer and finance sectors, the IT team at Shoosmiths LLP routinely handles significant IT transactions on a domestic and international scale. The team is also particularly experienced in the FinTech space, especially in regard to payment services, as well as expertise in Web3 and Metaverse matters. The practice is spearheaded by Joe Stephenson, whose broad expertise encompasses procurements and outsourcings, Industry 4.0 and Web3 issues with a focus on the retail and consumer spaces. Bolstering the practice is Craig Armstrong, who routinely handles large technology projects, and Nichola Jenkins, who is experienced in working with new and innovative technologies.

Practice head(s):

Joe Stephenson


Other key lawyers:

Craig Armstrong; Nichola Jenkins


Key clients

Estée Lauder Companies


Volkswagen Group


Molson Coors Beverage Company


Deliveroo


Three


Motorway.com


Morgan Advanced Materials plc


Dignity plc


CDW


Central Co-op


Work highlights


  • Advised Molson Coors Beverage Company on the procurement of its multi-million pound supply chain management system for its UK enterprise.
  • Advised the FTSE 250 global manufacturing group – Morgan Advanced Materials – on its multi-million pound framework for contractual arrangements with global IT services provider, HCL Technologies.
  • Advised M·A·C Cosmetics on its first major global NFT campaign – M·A·C Viva Glam NFT – a campaign which attracted global press coverage.

Squire Patton Boggs

The ‘excellent team’ at Squire Patton Boggs are particularly strong in handling technology matters in the automotive sector, involving autonomous and hydrogen vehicles, as well as the acquisitions of IT systems across a broad range of sectors, such as financial services and energy. Its capabilities also include global IT outsourcings and data usage issues, among others, and the team is led by Stuart James, whose expertise includes the procurement of IT systems for healthcare, retail, pensions and utilities sector clients. Simon Jones bolsters the practice with his vast experience in outsourcing projects, as well as advising on a range of contracts, while Sam Tibbetts’s ‘broad expertise’ includes handling IT contracts.

Practice head(s):

Stuart James


Other key lawyers:

Simon Jones; Sam Tibbetts


Testimonials

‘Excellent team with a good balance of experienced partners and specialists in the IT field covering such areas as GDPR, data protection, outsourcing contracting, TUPE, and IT contracting as part of acquisitions and divestments.’

‘Stuart James has been very effective in several situations in the past year and brings in specific SME specialists in the wider team at appropriate points in the process. His expertise and counsel sprinkled with a healthy dose of common sense has been invaluable.’

‘Expertise is available on all topics and their energy mirrors our organisation’s, which leaves us with a sense that they are actually inside counsel.’

‘Sam Tibbetts’s energy and availability, matched with his broad expertise, has been a key part of our success.’

‘They have a wide understanding of our business and excellent delivery on complex subjects.’

‘The practice is led by Stuart James who has an exceptional legal mind, allied with deep commercial knowledge and experience.’

‘The practice has become a regular and trusted advisor to the business and the supporting team is well managed, and we always seem to get the right level of advice at the appropriate moment (which indicates that they are managed effectively).’

‘Over the years, we have become more and more dependent on Stuart James and his team; but it is hard to justify going elsewhere.’

Key clients

Aston Martin Lagonda


Rimac Technology


P3 Mobility


Evolve Business Group Ltd (EvolveODM)


Homeserve


Transport for Greater Manchester


University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust


IDS Indata


Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders


Action Artificial Intelligence Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised University Hospitals Birmingham on the development and supply of a hosted genomics data management system, and related support/maintenance arrangements for use by NHS England and Genomic Laboratory Hubs across England.
  • Advising on contracts to support Rimac’s fast-growing high-performance electric vehicle technology business.
  • Advised on Luceco PLC’s contract for the development and use of applications and back-office systems to support their electric vehicle smart charges business.

Browne Jacobson LLP

Browne Jacobson LLP‘s capabilities includes handling large IT projects, and also extends to outsourcing and fintech, as well as disruptive technologies such as AI and blockchain, to name a few. Its client roster is sourced from a variety of sectors, including healthcare, government and education. Practice head Richard Nicholas’s expertise encompasses digital projects and data issues, and he also routinely advises clients on the procurement of new technologies. Selina Hinchcliffe‘s strengths lie in the energy and utility sectors, with particular experience in outsourcing.

Practice head(s):

Richard Nicholas


Other key lawyers:

Selina Hinchcliffe


Key clients

NTT Data Business Solutions Ltd


Cloud Technology Solutions


The National Trust


Euro Car Parts ltd


Digital Catapult


Castore


NHS England


BUQ Limited


Medicines Healthcare Regulatory Authority


National Audit Office


Work highlights


Codified Legal

Providing a ‘high-quality, client-focused service’, Codified Legal‘s specialist expertise involves major IT projects and outsourcing contracts. Its clients range from technology providers to software development companies, supporting such clients with issues that include contracts for systems and data protection, amongst others. The ‘incredibly knowledgeable’ Stephen Ollerenshaw leads the practice, with key expertise in offshore and pan-European outsourcing projects, alongside IT and outsourcing contract negotiations. Specialist corporate lawyer Barry Doherty and consultant Conan Chitham strengthen the practice.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Ollerenshaw


Other key lawyers:

Barry Doherty; Conan Chitham


Testimonials

‘Codified Legal is a specialist firm run by outstanding individuals with enormous amounts of experience, who are able to provide a high-quality, client-focused service at a very reasonable cost.’

‘Steve Ollerenshaw is incredibly knowledgeable and makes complex issues digestible.’

‘Steve Ollerenshaw is easy to work with, accessible and knows exactly which points to negotiate. There is no one I would rather work with.’

‘A boutique firm with an exceptional depth of knowledge in the IT field.’

‘Extremely practical and pragmatic, they make a virtue of their small size to avoid overloading advice and fees with unnecessary elements, which makes them flexible and highly valuable.’

‘ Steve Ollerenshaw has a wealth of experience in IT transactions.’

‘They take a hands-on approach and create a seamless connection with the in-house legal team, which makes them extremely easy and low-friction to deal with.’

Key clients

Broadridge


Aker Systems


EPAM Systems


Draycir


Promotigo


Sitenna


LettsVentures


Klarus Global


Bryt Energy


Cloudreach


Atos UK Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Broadridge, a global Fintech leader, on contracts for software and outsourced services with major banks and other financial institutions in the UK and worldwide.
  • Advised Cloudreach, a world-leading cloud services reseller, on contracts with blue-chip customers including a major UK newspaper group, a Swiss health insurance company and one of the world’s largest energy companies.
  • Advised Bryt Energy, a Midlands-based renewable energy company, on the negotiation of a contract for the supply of hosted IT services relating to core systems that communicate with the digital spine of the UK energy industry.

Freeths LLP

Freeths LLP‘s practice routinely advises various clients on outsourcing projects and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) contracts, as well as assisting with GDPR-related issues. Mark Neale leads the practice, with extensive experience in assisting suppliers and customers with IT and data matters, alongside considerable expertise in working on large transactions. Nigel Gardner often aids clients with the application of automation and other IT solutions, while associate Shireen Eliyas‘s broad experience includes the drafting and negotiation of IT contracts.

Practice head(s):

Mark Neale


Other key lawyers:

Nigel Gardner; Shireen Eliyas


Testimonials

‘The team are highly skilled and experienced, sharing unique insights to solve problems and offer potential solutions.’

‘They are very hands-on and join meetings, supporting our teams and working collaboratively.’

‘They are also very responsive and helped when timescales were tight.’

‘They are skilled, articulate and levelled.’

‘Competitive, risk averse problem solvers.’

Key clients

Tranxactor UK PTE Limited


Micheldever Tyre Services Limited


Cromwell Tools Limited


Fosse Healthcare Limited


Abode Systems Inc


Lyle & Scott Limited


Skarn Associates Limited


The British Dietetic Association


Wickes


Highbourne Group


PVH


ShoeZone


TerraQuest


NCR Ltd


Arkphire/Presidio


ALDI Stores Limited


Tarmac


Travis Perkins PLC


Carlsberg


Navitas Group


IPV Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised several different clients in relation to their arrangements for the implementation of complex, substantial and high-value automated/robotic warehouses, including ALDI’s largest ever distribution centre in Leicestershire.
  • Advising Tranxactor on its provision of IT solutions powering the Subway® App and Subcard® loyalty programme.
  • Acting for Cromwell Group/Grainger on the sale of specialised ERP solution Merlin Business Software Limited to US PE backed Aptean Limited.

Gowling WLG

Gowling WLG‘s practice encompasses a range of issues, including cloud computing, e-commerce, outsourcing and systems implementation. In addition, its client base is diverse, from small start-ups to public sector organisations and blue-chip clients, advising in sectors such as retail and financial services. Jocelyn Paulley helms the practice, leading the non-contentious IT team with notable experience in the retail and technology fields. Patrick Arben specialises in the technology sector, leading the firm’s IT and outsourcing dispute resolution practice, while Helen Davenport’s expertise covers technology-related commercial disputes, including those that arise from contracts, software licensing matters and data loss, to name a few.

Practice head(s):

Jocelyn Paulley


Other key lawyers:

Patrick Arden; Helen Davenport


Testimonials

‘Good understanding of what is the driver of any deal for the business, looking to agree points, not to grandstand on a legal argument!’

‘Jocelyn Paulley is the partner I have worked with extensively. She brings common sense and clear legal advice, enabling commercial discussions to flow while keeping the organisations protected by giving clear, unambiguous advice..’

Key clients

Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Limited


Virtus Data Centres


Smartest Energy


Keyloop (UK) Limited


LCH (London Clearing House) Limited


Mazda Motors UK Limited


National Farmers Union Mutual Society Limited


The Birmingham Organising Committee for the 2022 Commonwealth Games


Mixmove Limited


Lloyd’s Register Group Services Limited


Dudley Building Society


The Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office


Statkraft GmbH


The Shrewsbury and Nottingham Maternity Services Inquiries


Work highlights


Mills & Reeve LLP

Mills & Reeve LLP is involved in a braod range of IT areas, including, but not limited to, AI, blockchain, Metaverse matters and cloud computing. Practice head Jagvinder Singh Kang‘s vast expertise encompasses large-scale technology transactions, as well as GDPR and data protection.

Practice head(s):

Jagvinder Singh Kang


Key clients

Macmillan Cancer Support


Otsuka Pharmaceutical Europe


Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)


Trax


Miles Partnership


Indicia Worldwide


Beauty Bay


MySense


Work highlights


  • Advised Trax on its global arrangements, including complex global SaaS framework arrangements with leading consumer companies, including those listed on the FTSE 100.
  • Advised MySense on its technology SaaS offering in the field of wellbeing data analytics using its proprietary AI platform and IoT technology.
  • Assisted Beauty Bay on technology law aspects.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Recommended by clients as ‘a responsive and knowledgeable’ team, Pinsent Masons LLP advises clients on a range of strategic issues, ranging from vehicles and drones to IoT devices. Joint practice head Andrew Hornigold‘s areas of expertise include international M&A transactions, with the capability to advise a range of clients, from tech start-ups to private equity-backed businesses; fellow joint practice head Clare Francis is noted for her ability to handle transformational IT projects.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Hornigold; Clare Francis


Other key lawyers:

Cerys Wyn Davies; Tom Nener; Ben Gardner


Testimonials

‘The team are responsive and knowledgeable and are able to draw on a wide range of expertise across different and complex areas of law.’

‘Cerys Wyn Davies combines pragmatism with creativity and can be absolutely depended upon.’

‘Cerys Wyn Davies has provided sage and robust advice across a number of complex cases. Her experience and judgement are superb, and she is particularly good at seeing the entirety of complicated situations, then breaking them down into manageable components to provide routes to resolution.’

Key clients

Sage Group plc


Node4 Limited


Fortescue Metals Group Limited


Olympus Corporation


Datum Bidco Limited


On Tower UK Limited (part of the Cellnex UK Group)


Honda Motor Europe Ltd


Tesco Stores Limited


Chiaro Technology Limited (“Chiaro”) trading as “Elvie”


News UK


Work highlights


  • Advised Sage, the FTSE 100 accountancy, HR and payroll software group, on its acquisition of Futrli Limited.
  • Advised Node4 on its acquisition of Risual Holdings Limited.
  • Acting as the strategic litigation partner for On Tower UK Limited on a variety of cases.

Bevan Brittan LLP

Bevan Brittan LLP’s IT team advises both private and public sectors clients on a range of issues, from outsourcing and licensing arrangements to SaaS contracts. The team has recently been involved in a number of complex IT and technology projects and the ‘versatile and knowledgeable’ Ash Woodcock leads the team; Woodcock advises on IT and technology projects for central and local government clients and is supported by senior associate Lizzie Dunford.

Practice head(s):

Ash Woodcock


Other key lawyers:

Lizzie Dunford


Testimonials

‘Great service, kept up to date on fees and deliveries. Excellent understanding of the procurement process and rules.’

‘Ash Woodcock is responsive and personable, and worked around challenging timescales.’

‘The team are incredibly knowledgeable and are able to easily understand complex technical situations whilst ensuring the advice conveyed is easy to understand.’

‘Ash Woodcock – attention to detail is invaluable, versatile and knowledgeable in his area of expertise.’

‘Ash Woodcock, as our legal lead, has brought a collaborative and pragmatic business approach that has been key in enabling the team to work at pace. This approach and the value it has added has really stood out from other engagements.’

‘Deep IT Strategy and IT Procurement expertise.’ 

‘Bevan Brittany’s IT industry insights and cutting edge advisory skills added substantial value to a complex multi stakeholder requirement.’

‘Ash Woodcock offered immense support and quickly became a critical and trusted advisor to the broader team. Ash is very much one to watch! You want him in your corner.’ 

Key clients

National Savings and Investments (NS&I)


Sanctuary Housing Association


Bristol Water Plc


The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)


National Employment Savings Trust (Nest)


Work highlights


  • Advised NS&I on its c£900m ICT outsourcing project.
  • Advised CITB on its c£200m IT outsourcing project.

Wright Hassall LLP

Wright Hassall LLP utilises its technology sector expertise to aid suppliers and blue-chip clients on IT and technology procurement. The practice is led by Peter Maguire, whose broad experience encompasses the drafting and negotiation of project-based outsourcing and IT contracts, with specific expertise regarding defence sector projects. Lindsay Ellis‘s strengths lie in advising clients on technology procurements and outsourcing.

Practice head(s):

Pete Maguire


Other key lawyers:

Lindsay Ellis; Laura Steel; Patrick McCallum


Key clients

Computer Systems International Limited


Work highlights