Firm Profile > Howes Percival LLP > Northampton, England
Howes Percival LLP Offices
NENE HOUSE
4 RUSHMILLS
NORTHAMPTON
NN4 7YB
England
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Howes Percival LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Commercial litigation: elsewhere in the East Midlands Tier 1
Based in Leicester, Howes Percival LLP's practice represents public and private companies in a wide range of claims, including partnership and company disputes, professional negligence and public law cases. Geraint Davies has a strong track record acting for clients in High Court litigation, judicial reviews and in ADR proceedings. In a recent highlight, he recently secured a favourable settlement for Intertek Inspection Services UK in a £15m contractual dispute relating to an oil platform off the coast of Nigeria. Satnam Chayra has a wealth of experience of shareholder, director and partnership claims. Associate Gary Pitt has notable expertise in litigation under the Companies Act 2006.
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Testimonials
‘Strong commerciality, combined with legal and technical expertise, is very evident throughout the team.’
‘Satnam Chayra is technically very sound but stands out because of her clear and direct communication and her constructive approach to problem-solving and resolution.’
Key clients
Welcome Break Group Ltd
Getronics Services UK Limited
MPAC plc (formerly Molins plc)
Renewi UK Services Ltd
Intertek Group plc
Grace Foods UK Limited
Just Hype Limited
Michael Ryan
Trent Pottery Company (Leicester) Limited
Pete Norris Limited
Commercial property: elsewhere in the East Midlands Tier 1
Howes Percival LLP's 'strong team', which is spread between Northampton and Leicester, specialises in land acquisitions and disposals, lending and refinancing, residential and commercial development, and landlord and tenant work. Northampton-based partner Lucy Lord, who was described by one client as 'highly professional and commercially astute', focuses on land acquisitions and sales, where she acts for developers and lenders. 'Practical and pragmatic' partner Nicholas James, who is based in Leicester, has notable expertise in strategic land acquisitions, promotion agreements and investment transactions. Associates Jasmine Mason and Alexandra Kirkwood, who are based in Leicester and Northampton respectively, are also recommended.
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Testimonials
‘They are always clear in their objectives and upfront about costs and timescales.’
‘The team give pragmatic advice to get deals done quickly.’
‘Able to react quickly and work to tight timescales even on complex transactions.’
Key clients
HSBC Bank plc
Handelsbanken plc
Santander UK plc
Barclays Bank plc
C.Brewer & Sons Limited
Westmoreland Properties Limited
Davidsons Developments Limited
TM Sutton Limited and Instant Cash Loans Limited
Stoneygate Football Club Limited
Kaplan Property Ltd
Persimmon Homes Limited
Raynsway Estates Limited
Wilson Enterprises Limited
Westmoreland Investments Limited (Part of Charles Street Buildings (Leicester) Limited group)
Mulberry Property Developments Limited
Mulberry Industrial Properties Limited
Motorvogue (Northampton) Limited
TM Sutton Limited and Instant Cash Loans Limited
Corporate and commercial: Elsewhere in East Midlands Tier 1
In 2019, Howes Percival LLP's team expanded significantly, with corporate partners Jahid Ali and Oliver Brookshaw joining the practice from Spearing Waite alongside banking specialists Haydon Simmonds (also of Spearing Waite) and Ian Ilersic (former Head of Legal at Deutsche Bank). The firm predominantly advises medium and large corporates on M&A, investments, joint ventures and commercial agreements. In a recent work highlight, Daniel Banton served as lead adviser to vendor group Persian Properties Limited on the sale of the entire share capital of Station Road Developments (Management) and SRD (Trading). 'Exceptionally talented' partner Gerald Couldrake continues to regularly act for selling shareholders in various industries.
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Testimonials
‘Small but good team more than capable of managing acquisitions.’
‘All I want from my legal team is piece of mind that my business is not exposing itself to risk and this team gives me that reassurance in a timely and supportive manner.’
‘They care and are always willing to go the extra mile. No matter the issue nor their internal workload they are always willing to be on the end of the phone to provide reassurance and support.’
‘I have worked with Daniel Banton for over 12 years and would not consider going anywhere else.’
Key clients
Persian Properties
Money Redress Limited
Buckingham Plant Hire Limited
Atana Limited
HSBC Bank plc
Progress Bedford Limited
Euro Food Brands Limited
The British Racing Drivers Club Limited
Stonbury Limited
Garashield Limited
KickTown Limited
Ataraxia Broking Ltd
Longwall Venture Partners
Connells Limited
RCI Europe
Leicestershire Cricket Club
Abbey Commercial Investments Limited
Erskine Murray Limited
Retail Realisation Limited
The Property Investor Partnership Limited
Tetenal UK Limited
Block Technology Limited
The Deltic Group
Employment Tier 1
Howes Percival LLP's team has particular experience of undertaking employment matters for clients in the automotive, food and drink, manufacturing and education sectors. The team handles high-value acquisitions, complex tribunal claims, TUPE, enforcement of restrictive covenants and senior executive exits. Key individuals at the firm include Leicester-based practice head Paula Bailey and Northampton-based partner Graham Irons. Director Alex Payton is praised for his 'professional' and 'approachable' manner.
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Testimonials
‘I was hugely impressed by the deeply knowledgable and at the same time approachable way that Howes Percival engage with their clients. We were dealing with complex and often urgent problems and it was so valuable to have received responsive, high quality and yet accessibly explained advice at each stage.’
‘Alex Payton is the senior partner we worked with and he was consistently excellent throughout the engagement. Readily available, supremely calm and reassuring in every call, it was noted by several colleagues and trustees how effectively he guided us through a challenging process. Exceptionally thorough and yet he always got straight to the heart of issues so that time never felt wasted. Utterly professional and yet highly approachable, I have found Alex to demonstrate a disarming humour and a personable nature resting atop enormous levels of expertise. Too often I have found experienced solicitors to be condescending and keen to flaunt their knowledge while with Alex I just found someone ready to help us when we needed it.’
Key clients
Activ Projects Limited
All3Media Group
Arzon Limited (a company registered in Canada)
Bosch Siemens Home Appliances
British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing
Children’s Investment Fund Foundation
De Montfort University
Getronics Services UK Limited
GraceKennedy Limited
Hillarys Blinds Limited
Home-Start UK
Leicester Freemen’s Deputies
Marston’s PLC
Mercedes-Benz
Milton Keynes College
Nampak Plastics Europe Limited
RASE Distribution Limited
RS Components Limited / Electrocomponents plc
Saffron Apothecaries (Leicester) Limited
Terex Corporation
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
The Gym Limited
Tsys EMEA
World Vision UK
Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 1
Howes Percival LLP's Leicester and Northampton team handles a wide range of contentious and transactional mandates, which includes restructurings, debt collection proceedings and insolvencies connected to investment fraud. The practice also distinguishes itself through its work on the government's Insolvency Service Panel; this includes public interest winding up proceedings involving allegations of fraud. Leicester-based partner Carl Mifflin, who is described as 'technically excellent' by one client, often advises business owners on their duties and options during periods of financial difficulty. Katie Summers, who is based in Northampton, is an expert in contentious insolvency.
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Testimonials
‘Carl Mifflin is arguably one of the best insolvency lawyers in the region.’
Key clients
Mazars LLP
BDO UK LLP
RSM
Grant Thornton
Smith Cooper
Quantuma LLP
Begbies Traynor
FRP Advsiory LLP
Elwell Watchorn & Saxton
BRI UK LLP
Intellectual property Tier 1
Howes Percival LLP acts for the Business Software Alliance (whose members include leading names such as Microsoft and Siemens), regularly receiving enforcement instructions from the client. In addition, another key client is streetwear clothing brand Just Hype, for whom the firm handles trade mark registrations and applications in more than 50 countries, as well as multijurisdictional IP litigation. Practice head Matthew Talbot is an experienced IP litigator with an interest in food and drink law. Hannah Steggles and legal director Jenna Bruce are also recommended.
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‘I have worked with Hannah Steggles in particular. She is very knowledgeable, on top of the issues and commercially focussed. She is also a lovely person to work with.’
Key clients
Business Software Alliance, Inc.
Coventry University
De Montfort University
Start-rite Shoes Limited
FibreFab Limited
Sequin Art Limited
Just Hype Limited
Toatee Limited
Shoe Zone Retail Limited
Charles Martell & Son Limited
APT Training & Consultancy Ltd
Robovision Limited
Memorial Walls Ltd
Imperial International Ltd
The National Forest Company
Autodesk Ltd
National Business Register
Internetwork Media Ltd
Samworth Brothers Ltd
Evolve IT Consulting Ltd
E-Bate Limited
Viridian International Limited
Property litigation Tier 1
Howes Percival LLP's property litigation team, which is based in Leicester, is particularly strong in landlord and tenant disputes involving contentious break clauses and dilapidation claims. In addition, it also has notable expertise in insolvency disputes. Geraint Davies has a strong track record in landlord and tenant and project-based disputes, which he has developed over the course of more than 25 years. Satnam Chayra focuses primarily on landlord and tenant claims, and she also excels in general property disputes. Jane Bloomer is also recommended.
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Key clients
C Brewer & Sons Limited
Kettle Interiors UK Limited
O Donovan Waste Disposal Limited
Welcome Break Group Limited
Nampak Plastics Europe Limited
Renewi UK Services Limited
Banking and finance Tier 2
With its main office in Leicester, Howes Percival LLP's banking and finance practice specialises in real estate finance and management buy-outs. Haydon Simmonds advises lenders (including large banks) and borrowers on leveraged and acquisition finance, corporate banking and real estate transactions. Simmonds co-heads the practice with Ian Ilersic, who was hired from Deutsche Bank in 2019 and is based in Milton Keynes.
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Testimonials
‘Very visible and available. Highly polished and well-known in their local markets.’
Key clients
HSBC UK Bank plc
National Westminster Bank plc
Santander UK Plc
Handelsbanken Plc
RQ Capital Limited
Barclays Bank plc
MMPV Holdings Ltd
Family Tier 2
Howes Percival LLP's family practice has a notable multidisciplinary approach, with its specialist practitioners working closely with the estates and private client teams. This allows the family group to advise clients more effectively on wealth preservation and complex financial disputes involving businesses, estates and property assets. The team also handles divorces and civil partnership dissolutions, as well as pension arrangements. Justine Flack leads the Leicester-based team.
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Testimonials
‘Howes Percival is a very professional yet friendly family team. They work very hard for their clients and give practical, sensible advice.’
‘Alishia Marrocco is a pleasure to work with. She is proactive, approachable and excellent with clients.’
‘Justine Flack is excellent.’
IT and telecoms Tier 2
Howes Percival LLP has a strong presence in the IT and telecoms sector, and it handles contentious and non-contentious work for household-name clients. One key client is the Business Software Alliance, for whom the firm advises on issues such as software piracy and IP infringement, among other matters. Elsewhere, the firm handles a broad range of non-contentious matters for clients, including software development and maintenance, as well as outsourcing arrangements. Practice head Matthew Talbot has a strong background in IT litigation.
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Key clients
Business Software Alliance (BSA)
Getronics UK Limited
FibreFab Limited
University of Coventry
DeMontfort University
Just Hype Limited
Autodesk Inc.
Internetwork Media Limited
Public sector Tier 3
Howes Percival LLP has considerable expertise in the education sector, particularly in relation to academy conversions. The team has experience of advising on different structures available to converting schools, including single academy conversions and converting schools to multi academy trusts. Mark Davies, Daniel Banton, and Graham Irons are the main contacts in the East Midlands.
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Testimonials
‘Howes Percival LLP is well placed to provide us with legal advice on care regulation matters, I recommend them for their insight and expertise.’
‘Rob Starr is our key contact and comes with a wealth of knowledge in relation to the care services sector, he understands how our business works and how we are regulated. This enables them to provide high-quality advice. Rob has good relationships with colleagues is trusted to provide good advice and assists us with a number of matters and helps colleagues through legal processes.’
Key clients
Anchor Hanover Group
P J Care Limited
Anchor Carehomes Limited
Learners Trust
Agriculture and estates Tier 1
The estates group at Howes Percival LLP in Norwich acts primarily for substantial landowners, trusts and partnerships. It handles agricultural property matters including farm and estate sales, purchases and tenancies, long-term funding, environmental schemes and the registration of titles. Its estate management work for landed estates is closely tied to the firm's expertise in tax planning, succession issues and farming partnerships. Catherine Scott leads the estates practice and the private client services group. Wealth management specialist Stuart Maggs also plays a key role in the practice. Newly promoted partner Katharine Danks is a Fellow of the Agricultural Law Association.
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Key clients
The Cholmondeley Estates (Norfolk and Cheshire)
The Holkham Estate
Commercial property: Norwich Tier 1
Howes Percival LLP has 'a specialist and responsive team who are available when required with the advice needed to progress matters efficiently.' The five-partner real estate group excels in commercial and residential development, property investment and finance, and transactions in sectors such as energy, automotive, leisure, tourism and healthcare. Practice group head Tessa Haskey, head of development Tracey Hughes and head of residential Joanna Nicholls are the key partners in Norwich. Newly promoted partner Nicola Curle is 'pragmatic and supportive'. New hire Christopher Cubitt from Hatch Brenner LLP has a broad practice that includes residential development projects and development site set-ups.
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Testimonials
‘A specialist and responsive team who are available when required with the advice needed to progress matters efficiently.‘
‘They are personable, responsive and understanding of our specific structure and requirements with the expertise to tailor advice accordingly.‘
‘The team has been very good at developing an excellent understanding of our particular context and needs and tailoring their service and support to those needs. They appreciate the importance of value for money solutions and take a very pragmatic approach. They take the trouble to be clear and concise in drafting – something that other firms could learn from. They have worked hard to find suitable and relevant expertise from within the wider practice, not just Norwich, so that we can see there is strength in depth. They always seem to be working together as a practice, not as individual professionals.‘
‘I have worked mainly with Nicola Curle and Helen Stewart, both of whom embody the pragmatic and supportive approach we need.‘
Key clients
Ford Retail Limited
Lothbury Broadland Unit Trust and Lothbury Property Trust Company Limited
Persimmon Homes Limited (Persimmon Anglia, Suffolk, Essex & North London regions)
Hughes Electrical Limited
Braintree District Council
Norwich University of the Arts
The Trustees of the Holkham Central Estate
Big Sky Developments Limited
Citygate Developments Limited
Debt recovery Tier 1
Howes Percival LLP provides advice that is 'clear and easy to understand'. The firm's strength in insolvency work gives it the experience to advise corporate clients on complex, high-value and high-profile debt recovery matters, including fraud recovery matters, asset tracing and urgent injunctive relief to freeze assets for recovery. Michael Green in Cambridge and, in Norwich Morris Peacock and director Gordon Simpson are the main contacts. They frequently act for clients in the insolvency, education, professional services, agriculture, retail, automotive, construction, energy and tourism sectors. Former practice head Alison Kirby joined a litigation funder.
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Testimonials
‘I have found it very quick and easy to arrange a face-to-face meeting. All correspondence is clear and easy to understand.‘
‘The staff respond to telephone and email messages quickly. When the appropriate member of their team is not available, either because of ill health or holiday, the other members of the team are briefed and already up to speed on your case.‘
Key clients
M & K (UK) Ltd
Select Franchise Limited
Matthew Body Plant Hire Ltd
Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 1
Howes Percival LLP is one of only five firms on the UK's Insolvency Service Panel, as part of which it conducts complex public interest winding up matters, often involving large-scale frauds, and directors disqualification matters. It also leads on insolvency work through its appointment to the Crown Commercial Services legal panel. It also receives high-value corporate and personal insolvency litigation instructions from regional and national insolvency practices. In Cambridge, Michael Green has many years of experience in the restructuring and insolvency sphere, while in Norwich, Morris Peacock, William Shirley and senior associate Patrick Manning act for the Insolvency Service.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘Howes Percival is an excellent firm, made even better by Michael Green’s team. They have consistently high-quality work which is carried out efficiently and to a standard one would ordinarily associate with top 10 firms.’
‘Michael Green’s experience is simply second-to-none, and he couples his in-depth knowledge of the law with an effortless commerciality. There are few people in the insolvency field who can match him.’
Michael Green’s broad knowledge of many legal aspects, in addition to his core insolvency skillset, has been invaluable given the wide asset base of the case.’
Key clients
The Insolvency Service
Grant Thornton UK LLP
RSM (formerly Baker Tilly)
Price Bailey LLP
Kingston Smith & Partners
McTear Williams & Wood
Ensors
BDO UK LLP
Mazars LLP
Larking Gowen
PEM
Antony Batty & Co
Personal tax, trusts and probate: Norwich Tier 1
The 'enthusiastic and engaging' team at Howes Percival LLP 'has an exceptional depth of knowledge and provides good, reasoned advice with the right answers not the ones you may want', remarks one client. From domestic and cross-border estate planning to inheritance tax advice, from setting up trusts to handling complex probate issues, Catherine Scott's practice handles the full range of private client work. Stuart Maggs, whom one client calls 'the Gandalf of tax, trusts and anything complex ', Tom Lawrence and Jonathan Wortley are all vastly experienced partners.
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Testimonials
‘The firm has an exceptional depth of knowledge within the team, providing good, reasoned advice with the right answers not the ones you may want. It has a mix of personality types to suit all clients and generally an enthusiastic and engaging team.‘
‘Stuart Maggs is the Gandalf of tax, trusts and anything complex. Catherine Scott is cool, calm and fiercely bright. Katherine Danks is a machine who just gets it done. Katie Easter has youthful enthusiasm and a very keen mind.‘
‘They provide value for money with excellent knowledge and skills.‘
‘Stuart Maggs absolutely knows his stuff and provides value for money advice with minimum of fuss. Stuart is able to make difficult structures simple to follow and understand.‘
‘A diverse team full of individual strengths but which works as a team. As a result, the sum of the parts is greater than that of each individual.‘
‘Jonathan Wortley is incredibly experienced, approachable and immensely knowledgeable.‘
‘An excellent, client service-oriented firm, delivering client-specific and focused advice.‘
Planning and environment Tier 1
Howes Percival LLP handles large-scale projects for housebuilders, land promoters and local authorities nationwide. The practice, which one client describes as 'bright and enthusiastic with unwavering depth and breadth of experience', is regularly instructed to negotiate complex planning obligations and to handle judicial review proceedings. It also has a particularly strong reputation for projects in the retail and leisure sectors. Practice head Paul Wootton, who excels in compulsory purchase matters, director Jay Mehta and highly regarded senior associate Jamie Childs work in both the Cambridge and Norwich offices.
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‘Bright and enthusiastic with unwavering depth and breadth of experience.‘
‘Jamie Childs is very bright and capable. Paul Wootton has limitless knowledge and experience. The firm has an unbeatable commercial approach. Jay Mehta’s relaxed manner belies his energy and buzzing inside!‘
‘First-class legal knowledge combined with commercial awareness.‘
‘Jay Mehta is highly rated. He is always quick to respond to queries and on-hand to provide first-class legal advice, combined with a commercial awareness.‘
‘The team is made up of distinctly different individuals, each excellent, who compliment one another to ensure clients’ needs are comprehensively covered.‘
‘Paul Wootton, Tracey Hughes and Jay Mehta are all highly experienced, proactive and commercially practical.‘
Key clients
Persimmon Homes
Flagship Group (including Victory Housing)
Pigeon Group
Endurance Estates
Turnstone Estates
Breckland District Council
South Holland District Council
This Land Limited
East Cambs Trading Co Limited T/A Palace Green Homes
Big Sky Developments Limited
Axis Land Partnerships
Marden Homes Limited
Serruys Property Company Limited
NEEB Holdings
Eurovia Infrastructure Limited
FW Properties Limited
Heritage Developments Limited
Laragh House Developments Limited
Enterprise Residential Development Limited
ESCO Developments Ltd
Crosslane Student Developments UK Limited
Wellington Construction
Bennett Plc
Fleur Developments Limited
Orchard Homes (East Anglia) Limited
Property litigation Tier 1
Litigation is the largest practice at Howes Percival LLP and property litigation accounts for a significant proportion of its work. Jamie Kidd in Norwich and Simon Murphy in Cambridge co-lead the practice. Kidd's team focuses on land and development issues for clients including the Ministry of Defence and Ford Retail. It also acts for landed estates and major housing associations. Murphy oversees the firm's work on landlord and tenant matters. Among his clients are Greene King and Cambridge University. Cambridge-based senior associate Leanne Davis is one to watch.
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‘Howes Percival has one of the leading property litigation practices in East Anglia. They undertake a wide range of work (landlord and tenant, real property, environmental) in the commercial, residential and agricultural sectors. Clients include large corporates, charities, landed estates and private individuals. The lawyers are all highly competent and practical with a good knowledge of the law.’
‘Jamie Kidd has a great deal of experience and is trusted by his clients because of his sound judgement. He achieves good results, often without needing to go to court.’
Key clients
Co-Operative Group Limited
Greene King Plc
Cambridge University Endowment Fund
Iron Mountain
Ministry Of Defence
Cholmondeley Estate
Norwich Cathedral
Classical Property Services Limited
Lothbury
Hughes Electrical
Banking and finance Tier 2
Howes Percival LLP in Norwich focuses on real estate and development finance, building on the strength of its commercial property and agriculture teams. 'The stability of the team means that they know the historical context of current transactions and understand what we are trying to achieve', remarks one client. Alongside corporate borrowers, the firm counts lenders such as HSBC and Lloyds Bank among its clients. Lead partner Joanna Nicholls, head of real estate Tessa Haskey and Cambridge-based real estate finance specialist Will Stokes are highly recommended.
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‘The stability of the team means that they know the historical context of current transactions and understand what we are trying to achieve.‘
‘Scott Smith is always very helpful and Michaela Henson is very knowledgeable.‘
Key clients
RQ Capital Limited
HSBC UK Bank plc
Lloyds Bank plc
Barclays Bank plc
Santander UK Plc
Handelsbanken Plc
National Westminster Bank Plc
Bank of Scotland plc
C Hoare & Co
Cambridge and Counties Bank Limited
Charities and not-for-profit Tier 2
The Norwich office of Howes Percival LLP is home to core expertise within the firm-wide charities practice. The group frequently deals with governance issues and reorganisations, as well as charity formation and administration. Head of the private client and estates practice Catherine Scott, who is a trustee of numerous charities, is the main contact. She calls on the firm's respected planning, property and corporate practices to assist clients, among which is The Woodland Trust.
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History of Advertising Trust
The Woodland Trust
Commercial litigation: Cambridge Tier 2
'A powerful regional practice with first-class London quality and superb value for money,' is how one client describes Howes Percival LLP. The firm's Cambridge office has grown its litigation capability since the practice was created four years ago, bringing more regional, national and international cases including contractual, shareholder and partnership disputes. The 'extremely astute, commercial and unflappable' Michael Green leads a practice that is praised for its 'active, hands-on partner engagement and excellent associates'. Director Victoria Sandell is 'bright, incredibly hard-working and efficient'.
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‘A good commercial litigation practice with very active, hands-on partner engagement and excellent associates. A powerful regional practice with first-class London quality – superb value for money.‘
‘Michael Green, partner in the Cambridge office, is a highly experienced and excellent commercial litigator: extremely astute, commercial, unflappable and focused on the interests of the client.‘
‘Victoria Sandell, a director in the same office, is a superb case-handler: bright, incredibly hard-working, efficient, far-sighted and a total pleasure to work with.‘
Key clients
BDO
Mazars
Bowker BMW
Algean Sarl
Ben’s Cookies
Masters Logistical Services Ltd
Frampton International
Saxton 4×4
Willis Gambier UK
Dave Thomas Management Ltd
Commercial litigation: Norwich Tier 2
Howes Percival LLP has a well-established litigation practice in Norwich that frequently handles high-value, urgent, complex and high-profile matters both in the UK and overseas. Michael Green, who splits his time between Norwich and Cambridge, now leads the practice following the departure of Alison Kirby to a non-legal role. Director Gordon Simpson handles a broad palette of litigation work but has particular expertise in cases in the energy sector.
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‘Good litigation team led by Gordon Simpson.’
‘Gordon Simpson is ostensibly very measured and calm but with a steely core and tenacity.’
Key clients
Select Franchise Limited
C E Davidson Limited and Irwin Leasing Limited
Smith of Honingham
The Leech Partnership
Welsomer Limited
Patricia von Sachsenburg
Wicksteed Leisure Limited
Robin Holden – Farming Partnership Dispute
Saxton 4×4 Ltd
Commercial property: Cambridge Tier 2
Howes Percival LLP is 'responsive and knowledgeable providing concise advice when required'. The three-partner practice excels in residential and commercial development, property investment and property finance, with particular expertise in the leisure, tourism, education, technology and public sectors. Head of office Jonathan Greenhalgh specialises in complex development work. Steven Beach has more than 30 years' experience in property investment and development work. Michaela Henson stands out for advice to landowners, developers and commercial clients on commercial and housing development, investments and site assembly. Director Will Stokes acts for landlords and occupiers in the negotiation of high-value building lease agreements.
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‘Responsive and knowledgeable providing concise advice when required.‘
‘The team is personable and keen to assist with reasoned advice.‘
‘The commercial property team provides a very client-focused and professional service. They are good at understanding our approach to business and transactions which is achieved by a consistent partner-led service. They integrate well with their construction and planning teams to ensure we get a holistic approach to solutions which is delivered quickly.‘
‘Jonathan Greenhalgh provides a very straightforward and pragmatic approach to every instruction and takes a genuine personal interest. This is the lawyer you need by your side in every tricky negotiation.‘
‘Elizabeth Thomas is a no-nonsense lawyer who delivers a high-quality service with speed, attention to detail and with a smile.‘
Key clients
Cambridge University Endowment Fund
Turnstone Estates Limited
Greene King Limited
Newcore Capital Management LLP
Ely Cathedral
Luton Hoo Estate
East Cambs Trading Company Limited (trading as Palace Green Homes)
Abcam Plc
Girton College, Cambridge
Artisan (UK) Developments Ltd
BPP Holdings Limited
Corporate and commercial: Norwich Tier 2
Howes Percival LLP has a new lead partner in Oliver Pritchard, who is practice head for both the Norwich and Cambridge offices. He joined from Browne Jacobson LLP in early 2020 and has specialist expertise in the healthcare sector, in which he acts for a national client base. The firm is also heavily involved in transactions in the leisure and tourism sector, in which it has recently completed high-profile deals for clients such as Craft Leisure Limited. The firm principally acts for owner-managed businesses, high-net-worth family estates and agriculture businesses. Nathan Horton left the firm to pursue a career outside the law.
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Testimonials
‘The firm has a strong bank of knowledge within the corporate team and good attention to detail. Willing to go the extra mile particularly at the back end of a deal to get things done to the client’s desired timescales.‘
‘Associate Richard Turner is extremely hardworking and goes the extra mile to get deals across the line whilst protecting the client’s best interests at all times. Happy to roll his sleeves up to get things done.‘
‘Oliver Pritchard is new in post, but is already working with us on a couple of live cases and has proven to be commercially-minded, early indications are that this is a very positive recruitment move.‘
Key clients
Ford Retail Limited
Hughes Electrical Group
Norse Care Limited
Craft Leisure Limited
Lind Triumph Limited
O’Callaghan Hotels Group
Tufts Development Limited
Lind Triumph Limited
Bossick Hotels Limited
Employment Tier 2
Howes Percival LLP has employment law capability in both its Cambridge and Norwich offices. The practice focuses mainly on Employment Tribunal claims, in which it acts mainly for employers. 'Highly pragmatic and commercial' practice head Matthew Potter in Cambridge has 25 years' experience, with a particularly strong track record in Employment Tribunal work. He is supported by associates Jonathan Mumby, who frequently acts for senior executives, and Norwich-based Caroline Illing, who focuses predominantly on the automotive sector.
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‘The firm provides specialist employment law advice from routine matters such as HR policy formulation and staff handbook preparation right through to the most complex TUPE, IR and Senior Executive advice.‘
‘Matthew Potter is always alive to changing legalisation and regulations and offers highly pragmatic and commercial advice. He is easy to do business with and responsive at all times.‘
‘I get sound practical advice, with the various options and risks outlined. Advice is explained in easy to understand terms.‘
‘They are always available and go out of their way to help. When dealing with tricky or urgent situations they help to resolve the situation. They don’t over complicate advice or processes.‘
Family Tier 2
Howes Percival LLP provides family law services through its Cambridge and Norwich offices, with partner Amy Walpole and associates Sophie Key and Laura Clay-Harris working in both locations. They also support the wider practice in the Leicester, Milton Keynes and Northampton offices. The practice, in which all lawyers are Resolution members, has particular expertise in complex financial cases particularly those involving businesses, landed estates, complex investments, tax and jurisdictional issues. The firm acts for numerous high-net-worth clients, including CEOs from the banking and property sectors, barristers, medical consultants, entrepreneurs, and agricultural and business owners.
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‘Solid, professional and sensible. Amy Walpole is a calm presence in complex cases, with real quality.‘
Media and entertainment Tier 2
With significant experience in publishing and TV, the media and entertainment team at Howes Percival LLP is particularly known for its work in copyright, defamation and privacy disputes. Coordinated by Matthew Talbot, it also features James Howarth, a contentious specialist with representative experience in both the Intellectual Property Office and High Court. More broadly, the firm covers legal issues such as passing-off, image rights and a broad spectrum of trademark issues. Jenna Bruce, renowned for her expertise in commercial areas, is recommended for the drafting of rights agreements. Vicki Howe is another name to note.
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Testimonials
‘James Howarth and Vicki Howe are a good team with whom I work regularly. They have a good knowledge of the media and entertainment field and provide an excellent service to their varied clients‘.
Key clients
Time Out
Quarto Group plc
Lion Hudson
Goldstein Music
Sounds Like Publishing
DOLCE Music Limited
Social housing Tier 2
Howes Percival LLP has a multi-disciplinary social housing team that has strength and depth in property transactions, development work and contentious matters. the firm has a strong following across East Anglia, having advised on numerous golden brick agreements, development purchases and site assembly matters. Housing management specialist Simon Murphy in Cambridge leads the practice, which calls upon property development partner Michaela Henson. In Norwich, property litigator Jamie Kidd and new hire from Leathes Prior Christopher Cubitt, who is a commercial property partner, also act for RPs.
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Key clients
Hundred Housing Society Limited
The Papworth Trust
Flagship Housing Limited
East Cambs Trading Company Limited
Corus Homes Limited
Accent Housing Limited
Commercial property: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 3
The Milton Keynes-based team at Howes Percival LLP provides commercial advice to local development clients on property finance matters such as complex funding and strategic land disposals. It is also known for investment fund acquisitions and disposals and has recently seen growth in banking and property finance work. Practice leader Lisa Mantle specialises in property finance work for both lenders and borrowers, as well as advising on high-end residential property. Mark Davies has experience in leasehold re-gears and the formation of joint venture vehicles.
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Key clients
Milton Keynes College
InDome Developments Ltd.
Construction Tier 3
'From start to finish, the service is excellent,' says a client of Howes Percival LLP. 'You know when he gives you advice it is sound,' says a client of practice head Simon Franklin in Cambridge who focuses on non-contentious construction work. The practice, which also handles construction disputes, acts for developers, institutional landowners, banks, occupiers, contractors and consultants, as well as a growing number of designers and suppliers of modular holiday homes and manufacturers of specialist steelwork.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Always prompt initial availability and dedication to client needs. The firm provides good support through all processes and is on hand quickly when required through the ongoing process.‘
‘From start to finish, the service is excellent.‘
‘The firm has the capability to tune in quickly to requirements and is always able to give good guidance and clear information which is comprehensible. The lawyers are always accessible, approachable and very supportive with a constructive approach.‘
‘Simon Franklin and Carl Mifflin have provided us with excellent guidance and service.‘
‘Howes Percival LLP has a personal approach to client interaction that you no longer get with other practices. It is far more akin to professional relationships of old and that builds trust. It tailors its advice to individual needs without compromising professional standards.‘
‘Our relationship is with Simon Franklin who we trust to give sound and common sense advice. A person who is happy to use a few words instead of pages of description with no meaning.‘
‘You know when Simon Franklin gives you advice it is sound. If there are any holes he will identify them, if he doesn’t know and needs to refer back he has no shame in telling you. We trust him because he has a no-nonsense approach.‘
‘Excellent engagement with an extensive knowledge base. As it is a wide-ranging practice covering many aspects of law, you receive competent advice where issues cross disciplines as well as access to partners specialising in other fields.‘
‘Very knowledgeable and approachable, they translate very complex issues into plain English. Simon Franklin feels like an extension to our own business and goes to great lengths to understand our business model and requirements. We cannot recommend him highly enough.‘
Key clients
Alaris Developments Limited
Onesite Solutions Limited
Hampton Brook (UK) Limited
Corporate and commercial: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 3
Howes Percival LLP 's corporate team received a major boost in 2020 with the return of ex-partner Andrew Harris from Dentons, where he had led the Milton Keynes corporate and commercial practice. The team acts for family-owned businesses and larger multinational corporates, as well as private equity funders and management teams interested in primary and secondary buyouts. It has extensive expertise in acting for owners selling their businesses, particularly to foreign-based buyers. The practice also covers banking, restructures, acquisitions and disposals. In May 2019, Daniel Banton was promoted to practice head; he specialises in M&A and restructurings. Gerald Couldrake advises on joint ventures and commercial contracts, while Edward Lee's primary practice is in M&A, undertaking complicated cross-border transactions. Partner Ian Illseric joined from Deutsche Bank in December 2019.
Practice head(s):
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Key clients
The shareholders of MAC Consulting Limited
Craft Leisure Limited
Administrate Limited
Milton Keynes College
Corporate and commercial: Cambridge Tier 3
Howes Percival LLP continues to build the profile of its Cambridge office, with corporate and commercial work a growing feature of its work. Practice head Oliver Pritchard, who works between the Norwich and Cambridge offices and joined in 2020 from Browne Jacobson LLP, brought with him a long track record in the health sector. The firm also hired director Brigitta Naunton in Cambridge from Thomson Webb & Corfield LLP to handle private company M&A, equity investments, corporate reorganisations, joint venture and shareholder arrangements. Nathan Horton, who previously led the practice, left the firm to pursue a career outside the law.
Practice head(s):
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Key clients
Ford Retail Limited
Hughes Electrical Group
Norse Care Limited
Craft Leisure Limited
Lind Triumph Limited
O’Callaghan Hotels Group
Tufts Development Limited
Lind Triumph Limited
Bossick Hotels Limited
Employment: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 3
The Milton Keynes team at Howes Percival LLP is known for its work advising clients in further education, the food and drink sector, and the automotive sector on a wide range of matters, such as the employment aspects of high-value and complex acquisitions, disposals, and restructurings, as well as matters regarding senior terminations. It also has a history of dealing with complex tribunal claims and severances for senior executives. Practice leader Simon deMaid focuses on disability discrimination claims and high-value, complex restructures. Director Hannah Pryce is an employment tribunal advocate specialising in sex discrimination and gender pay issues.
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Key clients
Bosch Siemens Home Appliances
PJ Care Limited
Milton Keynes College
Dachser Limited
World Vision UK
Digital Post Solution Limited
Mercedes- Benz
AlphaCure Limited
Barton Petroleum Limited
HRG UK Limited
Getronics Services UK Limited
Tsys EMEA
RS Components Limited
Radius Group Limited
FibreFab Limited
Health and safety Tier 3
'The firm has a strong understanding of clients' needs,' says a client of Howes Percival LLP. Practice head Alan Millband is mainly based in Leicester but increasingly works from the Norwich office, which handles both contentious and non-contentious work in a range of sectors but is particularly well known for its work in the minerals and extractives industry. Legal director Robert Starr, who works in both Cambridge and Northampton, handles health and safety and fire safety matters, often in the rail, food, retail and care sectors.
Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘The firm has a strong legal understanding and knowledge of H&S matters. It provides detailed responses to client queries and advice.‘
‘The firm has a strong understanding of clients’ needs.‘
Key clients
Citation Professional Solutions (H&S Services)
Hamilton Deed (H&S Services)
AHR Consultants (H&S Services Division)
Rotherham United Football Club
Logistex Limited (Warehouse Installations)
Poundstretcher Limited (Retail)
Institute of Quarrying
Anchor Hanover Group (Care Services)
Intellectual property Tier 3
Contentious IP specialist James Howarth leads the south east offering at Howes Percival LLP from the firm's Milton Keynes office. With a particular focus on publishing and tech manufacturing, the team is specifically known for handling disputes involving software and licensing issues. In addition, clients can benefit from the firm's provision of in-house trade mark and domain name watch services as well as its association with the Silverstone Technology Cluster.
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Key clients
Bartington Instruments
Time Out Group plc
DX Group
ATSI Limited
Ultimate Performance (business of celebrity trainer Nick Mitchell)
Akuma Sports
Contact Partners
AFL Hyperscale (subsidiary of Nikkei listed Fujikura)
Security Alliance Limited
Goldstein Music Publishing
Business Software Alliance
Quarto Group Plc
Sounds Like Publishing
Personal tax, trusts and probate: Cambridge Tier 3
Howes Percival LLP has a small private client team in Cambridge, but it calls upon the significant resources of the firm-wide practice that is led by Catherine Scott in Norwich. Senior associate Amy Wallhead in Cambridge handles estate planning, probate, powers of attorney and trusts, as well as acting for deputies in the Court of Protection. She also has a focus on mental capacity issues and dementia.
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Testimonials
‘This is a strong team with a depth of knowledge and experience.’
‘I like the mix of personalities within the team – there is someone for everyone (young and older). Also value their depth of experience, especially the senior team members.’
Public sector Tier 3
Howes Percival LLP provides corporate, employment, property, construction, commercial contracts and data protection advice to clients in the education and healthcare sectors. The firm assists numerous universities and colleges across East Anglia. Steven Beach in Cambridge handles commercial investment property transactions and property development. Strategic land specialist Michaela Henson also plays a key role. Nicola Curle in Norwich advises FE clients on land disposals, development and student accommodation projects. Also in Norwich, new hire Oliver Pritchard from Browne Jacobson LLP has experience in corporate transactions in the healthcare sector.
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Key clients
Cambridge University Endowment Fund
Girton College
Norwich University of the Arts
BPP Holdings Limited
Public sector Tier 4
Spanning across four locations, the education and healthcare practice at Howes Percival LLP has extensive expertise covering corporate, employment, construction, commercial contract and data protection mandates. Oliver Pritchard, who joined from Browne Jacobson LLP, has a wealth of expertise handling corporate transactions in the healthcare sector and regularly advises on mergers.Daniel Banton heads up the academies and schools sub-group of the education team and specialises in conversions. The practice also counts an increasing number of universities and colleges as part of its client roster. Other key partners include Mark Davies and Graham Irons.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Anchor Hanover Group
P J Care Limited
Anchor Carehomes Limited
Learners Trust
South East > Public sector > Public sector Tier 4
Spanning across four locations, the education and healthcare practice at Howes Percival LLP has extensive expertise covering corporate, employment, construction, commercial contract and data protection mandates. Oliver Pritchard, who joined from Browne Jacobson LLP, has a wealth of expertise handling corporate transactions in the healthcare sector and regularly advises on mergers.Daniel Banton heads up the academies and schools sub-group of the education team and specialises in conversions. The practice also counts an increasing number of universities and colleges as part of its client roster. Other key partners include Mark Davies and Graham Irons.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Anchor Hanover Group
P J Care Limited
Anchor Carehomes Limited
Learners Trust
Howes Percival LLP > Firm Profile
The firm: Howes Percival is a leading regional, full service law firm operating across the heartland of England. The firm has expertise and resources usually associated with much larger national and City firms and provides legal services to businesses, the government and individuals. The firm prides itself on the agile, energetic and commercial approach of its lawyers.
Howes Percival values excellent client relationships and invests time and resources in understanding its clients’ businesses, the sectors they operate in and their requirements. The firm’s offices and teams work closely together with clients to provide them with a seamless, high-quality service. The location of the firm’s office network helps it provide services to clients across the country.
In 2020, the firm was named as a ‘Sunday Times Best Company to Work For’ and was the fourth highest ranking law firm featured in the list.
Types of work undertaken: Howes Percival provides services to a range of clients including, Marston’s, Mercedes-Benz, Persimmon Homes, the University of Cambridge, Greene King and All3Media. However, it also has a large client base of owner-managed businesses and individuals. It has particular expertise in the automotive, development and construction, education, food and drink, and leisure and tourism sectors.
The firm is also appointed, as part of a consortium, to the Government’s Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Full Service Panel for England and Wales and is a Tier 1 supplier to CCS’s General Legal Advice Services panel, used by all UK central government ministerial and non-ministerial departments.
Corporate: Howes Percival is a market leader in corporate work and has particular expertise in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, disposals, MBOs and MBIs, and private equity transactions.
Commercial: In the commercial space the firm is recommended for outsourcing agreements, joint ventures, manufacturing and supply agreements, IT work and intellectual property agreements.
Banking: All aspects of banking law (both transactional and advisory) are dealt with by Howes Percival’s specialist banking and finance team. The firm acts for both lenders and borrowers, across a range of corporate and real estate credits, on transactions of all sizes.
Commercial property: Howes Percival has a highly skilled and extremely well-regarded commercial property team providing specialist advice on all aspects of the sale and purchase of residential and commercial development land and built out sites, option and clawback arrangements, commercial leases and property portfolio management, banking and finance, planning, environmental issues, mines and minerals, construction and property tax.
Dispute resolution: The firm has an extremely experienced dispute resolution team which advises national and international companies, government clients and individuals on commercial disputes in the UK and overseas.
Insolvency and corporate recovery: Howes Percival’s extensive insolvency and corporate recovery team operates nationally and has a strong reputation for handling insolvency work both in the UK and overseas. Alongside offering advice on formal insolvency proceedings, the team advises businesses suffering financial stress – from sole traders through to large public limited companies.
Intellectual property: Howes Percival’s intellectual property team advises clients across a range of business sectors and is experienced in contentious and non-contentious intellectual property matters. The firm’s solicitors handle an extensive caseload of litigation in the English High Court, the Intellectual Property and Enterprise Court and the European Courts, as well as the UK and European Intellectual Property offices.
Property litigation: The firm’s property litigation team predominantly advises large organisations as well as investment funds, institutional landlords, developers, owner managed businesses and private individuals. The team also regularly manages property portfolios for landlords and tenants alike and handle their lease renewals and exits. Howes Percival’s property litigation lawyers have a particularly exemplary and meticulous approach to contentious break clauses and dilapidations claims as well as a significant amount of experience working with clients in the development sector, landed estates and regularly consults on land diversification.
Health and safety: The team has a deserved reputation for pragmatism, client-focus, commercial awareness and strategic-thinking in the health and safety field, where it handles a full range of contentious and non-contentious work. It is known for its work across a variety of sectors, including construction, manufacturing, healthcare and education, and is renowned for its work in the minerals and extractives sector.
Employment: An award-winning team providing the full range of contentious and non-contentious work for clients. The team carries out high quality work for a range of clients across the country, from household names to owner managed businesses, gaining new instructions based on reputation alone. Members of the team provide solution-focused commercial employment advice, taking a robust approach to litigation (having gained a number of costs awards in favour of clients) and are particularly experienced in handling complex, high-value litigation disputes.
Family: The team provides high-level and solution-focused advice upon the financial aspect of divorce and relationship breakdown. They regularly advise upon pre-nuptial agreements and other strategies for wealth preservation in families. They specialise in representing high net worth individuals including company directors, entrepreneurs and celebrities or their spouses. They have expertise in cases involving family businesses, farming businesses, complex corporate structures and trusts. The team also advises on private children law issues and domestic violence. They benefit from two qualified collaborative lawyers.
Private client: A highly respected team providing advanced estate planning including preparation of wills, formation of trusts and bespoke tax solutions for landowners, directors and high-net-worth individuals with extensive experience advising farms and estates, administering trusts and advising charities. The team includes three Fellows of the Agricultural Law Association and is a retained adviser on Camelot’s legal panel. Team memberships include ACTAPS and STEP.
Offices: Cambridge, Leicester, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Norwich
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
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Banking | Daniel Banton | ||
Banking | Haydon Simmonds | ||
Banking | Ian Ilersic | ||
Banking | Tessa Haskey | ||
Wills and probate | Tom Lawrence | ||
Commercial contracts | Gerald Couldrake | ||
Commercial property | Tessa Haskey | ||
Commercial property | Jonathan Greenhalgh | ||
Commercial property | Lucy Lord | ||
Commercial property | Nicholas James | ||
Corporate finance | Gerald Couldrake | ||
Corporate finance | Robert Colman | ||
Corporate finance | Daniel Banton | ||
Corporate finance | Edward Lee | ||
Education | Graham Irons | ||
Education | Daniel Banton | ||
Employment | Paula Bailey | ||
Employment | Graham Irons | ||
Employment | Simon DeMaid | ||
Employment | Matthew Potter | ||
Family | Amy Walpole | ||
Family | Justine Flack | ||
Farms and estates | Catherine Scott | ||
Farms and estates | Stuart Maggs | ||
Farms and estates | Jonathan Wortley | ||
Fraud recovery | Geraint Davies | ||
Government recovery | Morris Peacock | ||
Health and safety | Alan Millband | ||
Insolvency | Carl Mifflin | ||
Insolvency | Katie Summers | ||
Insolvency | Deborah Nigh | ||
Insolvency | Michael Green | ||
Intellectual property | Matthew Talbot | ||
Intellectual property | James Howarth | ||
IT and telecoms | Matthew Talbot | ||
Litigation and dispute resolution | Geraint Davies | ||
Litigation and dispute resolution | Satnam Chayra | ||
Litigation and dispute resolution | Michael Green | ||
Planning and environment | Paul Wootton | ||
Planning and environment | Chris May | ||
Planning and environment | Alan Millband | ||
Commercial Property | Mark Davies | ||
Corporate | Jahid Ali | ||
Commercial Property | Steven Beach | ||
Corporate | Oliver Brookshaw | ||
Commercial Property | Stuart Burns | ||
Commercial Property | Christopher Cubitt | ||
Commercial Property | Nicola Curle | ||
Estates | Katharine Danks | ||
Commercial Property | Michaela Henson | ||
Commercial Property | Tracey Hughes | ||
Planning | Paul Hunt | ||
Property Litigation | Jamie Kidd | ||
Tax | Stuart Maggs | ||
Private Client | Stuart Maggs | ||
Commercial Property | Lisa Mantle | ||
Property Litigation | Simon Murphy | ||
Commercial Property | Jo Nicholls | ||
Insolvency | Deborah Nigh | ||
Insolvency | William Shirley | ||
Intellectual Property | Hannah Steggles | ||
Insolvency | Katie Summers | ||
Healthcare | Oliver Pritchard | ||
Corporate | Oliver Pritchard |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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Gerald Couldrake | Gerald is a partner and, after a spell running the firm’s Northampton… | View Profile |
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Mr Graham Irons | Graham is a partner and provides advice to clients in both the… | View Profile |
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Lucy Lord | Lucy is a partner and has wide experience in real estate transactions,… | View Profile |
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Deborah Nigh | Deborah qualified as a solicitor in March 1999 and has specialised, since… | View Profile |
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Katie Summers | Katie has over 25 years’ experience of dealing with all aspects of… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 51 Number of other UK fee-earners : 119Memberships
Resolution Abacus Worldwide Agricultural Law Association Employment Lawyers AssociationDiversity/Community
Howes Percival is committed to ensuring equality and diversity in everything we do. This commitment is set out in our Equality & Diversity Policy which is available upon request.
We are also a signatory to the Law Society’s Diversity and Inclusion Charter which requires us to take steps to take action to help ensure equality and diversity and carry out an annual assessment of our performance.
As part of the action we take to ensure equality and diversity, we carry out an annual survey completed confidentially by staff and partners. The results of the survey assist the firm in implementing its equality and diversity policy and ensuring compliance with the SRA’s code. A summary of the latest survey can be found here: https://www.howespercival.com/equality-diversity/
The firm also has an Equality and Diversity committee which meets on a regular basis to review and implement the firm’s equality and diversity strategy and carry out awareness campaigns on diversity issues.
Please contact Jahid Ali, our Equality & Diversity Partner, for any further information: jahid.ali@howespercival.com
Client Testimonials
CLIENT: Angela Robson, Deputy Vice Chancellor
COMPANY/FIRM: Norwich University of the Arts
TESTIMONIAL: The Howes Percival team are always extremely helpful and quick to respond. They are very approachable and always able to provide clear, practical advice that is tailored to our needs. We would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Howes Percival to other organisations.
CLIENT: Leanne Bonner-Cooke, Managing Director
COMPANY/FIRM: Evolve Consultants
TESTIMONIAL: Our Howes Percival lawyer provides us with intellectual property and trademarking legal advice. She has a real business head and quickly identifies the issues that really matter. Her views are always balanced and impartial and I can honestly say she brings true clarity to a topic. She speaks in plain English, in easy to understand terms, which is very important because the law is something that most people find complex. She offers the right intellectual property and trademarking advice and, importantly, at the right time.
CLIENT: Stuart Bizley, Non-Executive Director
COMPANY/FIRM: Big Sky Developments Ltd
TESTIMONIAL: Howes Percival acted for Big Sky Developments Ltd in the acquisition of a high value residential development scheme which included multi-party planning and infrastructure agreements. The team maintained excellent response times throughout the matter and were able to work effectively to tight deadlines. Part of the matter involved a funding arrangement in connection with the development for which the team were able to negotiate a favourable position. The team is made up of experienced individuals who are approachable, helpful and quick to respond. I continue to work with them on a range of projects and would have no hesitation in recommending them.
CLIENT: Alison Shaw (Head of HR Shared Services)
COMPANY/FIRM: Marston’s Plc
TESTIMONIAL: We really enjoy working with the team at Howes Percival. A consistently efficient and friendly service and we always appreciate their sound advice, support and guidance.
CLIENT: Robert Wilkinson, Founding Shareholder
COMPANY/FIRM: Paragon Automotive Limited (acting for shareholders in its £105 million sale to British Car Auctions)
TESTIMONIAL: Howes Percival was my obvious choice as my lawyers to handle this significant transaction. They’ve acted for me for the last 30 years and as usual, I trusted them to execute and deliver a complex deal to a tight timescale, to cut through the detail and keep focused on the big picture. Once again, we have achieved a superb result for the shareholders and the business and its employees. Howes Percival is an integral part of my team.
CLIENT: Michelle Williams, Director
COMPANY/FIRM: Anglia Restaurants
TESTIMONIAL: Howes Percival’s leisure and tourism sector specialists have looked after our portfolio of restaurants, bars and hotel for nearly 15 years, providing efficient, effective and valuable advice on property transactions, licensing, planning and litigation matters. We would have no hesitation in recommending them as leading legal specialists in the sector.
Student (The Lex 100 )
The Lex 100 Verdict
With a 'very good regional reputation and a strong commercial property team' plus 'good work/life balance', Howes Percival sets the bar high for regional commercial firms across the UK. Trainees are enthusiastic about the firm's 'approachability and inclusivity'. One trainee 'was a paralegal here so I knew how the firm operated, the high-level clients, the great support network, and that I fitted in well before I applied for a training contract'. In terms of the training itself, respondents praised the amount of trust placed in trainees. One said 'in contrast to some of my peers at City law firms, I have more client contact, freedom to take the lead on projects (with partner supervision, of course) and work on more varied matters'. Another trainee adds that 'all staff, including partners and fee earners, are approachable and will try to help and/or guide you where possible. I don't feel afraid to ask questions and there is always a really positive environment for personal development and learning'. These comments are in line with the overall feedback and lead to the firm's five Lex 100 Winner awards for overall quality of work given, amount of client contact, work/life balance, inclusiveness of the workplace environment, and approachability of supervisors and partners. With offices in Cambridge, Leicester, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Northampton and Norwich, trainees often move between locations for seats, a process which some claim could be better organised. Work highlights include 'going to court on my own to present an order to a judge' and 'working on a multi-million pound freezing injunction which included cryptocurrencies'. If you are looking for top-quality regional training, Howes Percival is a strong contender.Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Commercial litigation: elsewhere in the East Midlands
- Commercial property: elsewhere in the East Midlands
- Corporate and commercial: Elsewhere in East Midlands
- Employment
- Corporate and commercial: Nottingham and Derby
- Insolvency and corporate recovery
- Intellectual property
- Property litigation
- Agriculture and estates
- Commercial property: Norwich
- Debt recovery
- Commercial property: elsewhere in East Anglia
- Insolvency and corporate recovery
- Personal tax, trusts and probate: Norwich
- Planning and environment
- Property litigation
Top Tier Firm Rankings
Firm Rankings
- Banking and finance
- Family
- IT and telecoms
- Public sector
- Banking and finance
- Charities and not-for-profit
- Commercial litigation: Cambridge
- Commercial litigation: Norwich
- Commercial property: Cambridge
- Corporate and commercial: Norwich
- Employment
- Family
- Media and entertainment
- Social housing
- Commercial property: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx
- Construction
- Corporate and commercial: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx
- Corporate and commercial: Cambridge
- Employment: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx
- Health and safety
- Intellectual property
- Personal tax, trusts and probate: Cambridge
- Public sector
- Public sector