
Hill Dickinson LLP
Lawyers

Ian Gillis
- Phone0161 817 7297
- Email[email protected]
Work Department
Corporate.
Position
Partner – Head of Professional Services
Career
Trained DWF - 1997 to 1999 (Qualified 1999)
Associate DWF - 1999 to 2005
Partner DWF - 2005 to 2008
Partner Hammonds - 2008 to 2010
Partner Hill Dickinson - 2010 to date
I am a Partner in Hill Dickinson’s corporate team and lead our Professional Services sector. I specialise in equity capital markets, private equity and mergers and acquisitions, with expertise in IPOs, public takeovers and complex transactions.
Over the past two decades, I’ve advised founders, management teams and investment banks on high-profile deals across retail, professional services, transport and healthcare.
Clients trust me as a close adviser who knows their business inside out. My approach is to be available, be curious and focus on adding value. This has led to board positions with private equity-backed businesses, as well as enabling me to build robust long-term relationships.
Beyond work, I have two daughters, chair TEAM GB Taekwondo, teach karate to young people and draw inspiration from high-performance sport. As a committed advocate for social diversity, I’m proud to have launched the firm’s first apprentice scheme.
Notable transaction include:
Advising accountancy firm Xeinadin on the investment from Exponent Private Equity Advising Hakim Group on the investment from All Seas Capital Advising Fox Group on the investment from Stellex Capital Advising Stobart Group on the £280 million partial disposal of its transport and distribution business Advising on the Main Market IPO of Ultimate Products plc Advising on the AIM IPO of DSW plc Advising on the take private of Styles & Wood plc Advising GENDA Inc on the acquisition of a UK holiday parks business from Inspired Entertainment Advising AMS Accountants on the investment from Macquarie Capital Advising Equilibrium Financial Planning on the investment from Sovereign Capital PartnersLanguages
English
Memberships
Law Society
English Shotokan Karate Academy
Vistage - 2018 to date
Chair of GB Taekwondo - 2025 to date
Director of PAM Healthcare Group – 2025 to date
Senior independent director of GB Taekwondo - 2019 to 2025
Board member of Hakim Group - 2020 to 2025
Board member of Hill Dickinson – 2014 to 2018
Education
Sutton High School - 1985 to 1992
Sheffield University – 1992 to 1995 (1995 Law LLB)
Chester College of Law -1996 to 1997 (LPC)
Personal
Two daughters
Leisure
6th dan black belt Shotokan Karate, karate instructor, boxing, hiking, Japan, music and Liverpool Football Club