Howes Percival LLP > Norwich, England > Firm Profile

Howes Percival LLP
FLINT BUILDINGS
1 BEDDING LANE
NORWICH
NR3 1RG
England

Dispute resolution > Debt recovery Tier 1

Howes Percival LLP is best known for its work for government departments, including Official Receivers, and it is on the Crown Commercial Services Panel. This work encompasses fraud recovery matters, asset tracing and urgent injunctive relief to freeze assets for recovery. It continues to assist major companies with recovering unpaid invoices, and frequently conducts enforcement actions in court. The lead partners are insolvency specialists Michael Green in Cambridge and Morris Peacock in Norwich. Peacock leads the firm's work for the Insolvency Service, working closely with William Shirley. Litigator Gordon Simpson is another key name.

Practice head(s):

Michael Green; Morris Peacock

Other key lawyers:

Key clients

The Insolvency Service

Credo Capital Finance Ltd

Quattro Recruitment Limited

Pure Resourcing Solutions Limited

Select Franchising Limited

Marine & Industrial LLP

M&K (UK) Ltd t/a Anglia Access Platforms

Bussey & Sabberton Bros. Limited

Ben Burgess & Co Limited

Collease Truck and Trailer Rentals Limited

Archimedean Limited

Wicksteed Leisure Limited

Work highlights

  • Select Franchising Limited – Recovery of sums due under a franchise agreement totalling £47,000.
  • Continuing to assist Bussey & Sabberton Bros. Ltd with recovery of unpaid invoices. Largest individual recovery was £33,448 from a guarantor.
  • Assisting the widow of John Self Agency in recovering £70,000 Commercial Agents (Council Directive) Regulations 1993.

Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 1

At Howes Percival LLP, the insolvency and corporate recovery practice is ‘cohesive, collaborative and well-run‘. Michael Green in Cambridge, who ‘combines his excellent technical knowledge with a commercial approach‘, leads the practice, while Morris Peacock in Norwich is the lead partner for the firm’s work for the Insolvency Service. Peacock advised on the investigation into the failure of BHS Limited and connected companies and subsequently on directors’ disqualification proceedings against three defendants. Also in Norwich, William Shirley, who has ‘great experience at dealing with knotty disputes‘, is the client partner for the work carried out on behalf of the Official Receivers across England and Wales, which includes both contentious and non-contentious corporate and personal insolvency matters.

Practice head(s):

Michael Green; Morris Peacock

Other key lawyers:

William Shirley; Leon Head

Testimonials

‘The team is cohesive, collaborative and well-run. Work is delegated to associates, trainees and paralegals where appropriate, and hourly rates are incredibly competitive given the range and complexity of the matters that the team works on.’

‘The team really ought to be regarded as a ‘national’ one: it does good work for proper clients (well-known IPs and the Official Receiver, for example).’

‘William Shirley leads the team, and has great experience at dealing with knotty disputes. He’s a safe pair of hands who is both approachable and knowledgeable. Leon Head is a strong technical lawyer and ‘one to watch’.’

‘Howes Percival’s insolvency team delivers client-focused legal advice and adopt a team approach to dealing with complex contentious matters.’

‘Mike Green combines his excellent technical knowledge with a commercial approach and his management of stakeholders is second to none. His experience in and knowledge of the workings of the judiciary are invaluable.’

Key clients

The Insolvency Service

Grant Thornton UK LLP

RSM (formerly Baker Tilly)

Price Bailey LLP

McTear Williams & Wood

BDO UK LLP

Mazars LLP

Larking Gowen

The Official Receivers for England and Wales

Work highlights

  • Instructed by the Insolvency Service to provide advice on the investigation into the much publicised failure of BHS Limited and connected companies and subsequently to have conduct of directors’ disqualification proceedings against Dominic Chappell and two other defendants.
  • Acting for Mazars in a matter concnerning a complex multi-jurisdiction bankruptcy estate involving assets in Slovakia, India, BVI and Jersey. Representing Trustees tracing assets through complex off shore schemes to pursue them through the bankruptcy of a former Times 100 Rich List bankrupt. A multimillion-pound bankruptcy that has been running for 7 years now.
  • Acting for the Trustees in a complex bankruptcy estate seeing circa 100 properties enter receivership and tracing millions of pounds through accounts in the Middle East to unravel family finances; and pursuing transactions at undervalue through to a successful recovery.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate: Norwich Tier 1

At Howes Percival LLP, ‘the team has strength in depth so you receive a seamless service‘ and clients praise its ‘great depth of knowledge‘. The firm has four partners in Norwich whose work covers lifetime estate planning, specialist advice in IHT and capital gains tax, gifting, trust planning, probate services for high-net-worth and complex estates, and a host of trusts matters. Catherine Scott is head of the private client services group and head of the estates team. She is a specialist agricultural lawyer who frequently acts for landed estates. The ‘professional, diligent and personableTom Lawrence has extensive experience acting for high-net-worth non-UK domiciled clients, while Stuart Maggs is head of the tax practice and a key adviser to ultra-high-net-worth families and trustees.

Practice head(s):

Catherine Scott

Other key lawyers:

Stuart Maggs; Jonathan Wortley; Tom Lawrence

Testimonials

‘The team has strength in depth so you receive a seamless service.’

‘Our main point of contact has been Tom Lawrence. Tom is professional, diligent and personable.’

‘Great depth of knowledge.’

‘Stuart Maggs is excellent- really bright.’

Real estate > Commercial property: Cambridge Tier 1

Howes Percival LLP has a diverse practice with expertise in residential development on behalf of national and regional developers, among them Laragh House Developments, and numerous social housing providers. It also handle commercial development projects for clients such as Turnstone Estates. The firm is also busy with the management of national property investment portfolios, and frequently acts for private overseas investors in commercial acquisitions. Practice head Michaela Henson is a recognised expert in strategic land development. Jonathan Greenhalgh, who handles complex development work, delivers 'exceptional client care and understanding'. Steven Beach has a strong reputation in commercial property investment work. Director Elizabeth Thomas and senior associate Scott Smith also play key roles in the practice.

Practice head(s):

Michaela Henson

Testimonials

‘Exceptionally good coordination, always knowing what’s going on with different teams and areas of our work. Seamless integration.’

‘Jon Greenhalgh – exceptional client care and understanding. Scott Smith – simple explanation of complex situations, always making life easier. Ewan Treadgold – set efficiency and friendly. Charlotte Brumby – very keen and great insight for younger member’

‘The team are all very responsive, professional and hardworking. They are able to react quickly to issues by being resourceful within their network and their knowledge base is vast in the real estate arena. They are also able to get the deal done at tight timeframes when required and also able to handle multiple transactions simulataneously.’

‘Responsiveness and being very experienced in this field is key for me. I have worked with parties on the other side of the transaction and they always complain to me about not being able to get hold of their lawyers or their lawyers are not responsiveness to the clients needs. I don’t have that complaint about Howes Percival.’

Key clients

University of Cambridge

Greene King PLC

Loughborough Town Properties Limited

Turnstone Estates Limited

East Cambs Trading Company Limited (trading as Palace Green Homes)

Welch’s Group Holdings Limited

Newcore Capital Management LLP

Ely Cathedral

Laragh House Developments Ltd

Luton Hoo Estate

Abcam PLC

Girton College, Cambridge

Enterprise Residential Development Limited

Mortar Investments PTE Limited

Camel Projects Limited

Work highlights

  • Acting for Singapore-based investor Mortar Investments PTE Limited and York City Properties 2 Limited in the purchase of a Bristol portfolio and a York portfolio of student accommodation properties as a mix of SPV and property purchases.
  • Advised on sale of Chesterton Mill, a multi-let office building in Cambridge conditional upon client Camel Projects (Caxton Works) Limited completing refurbishment works including a café.
  • Acting for the University of Cambridge in relation to its lettings and surrenders at the prestigious Broers Building at the Hauser Forum on the West Cambridge Campus.

Real estate > Commercial property: Norwich Tier 1

Howes Percival LLP has 'a pragmatic and responsive practice with a good range of specialisms'. 'We have valued the trouble the people we have worked with have taken to understand our business and its idiosyncracies', remarks one client. The firm is active across the whole waterfront of commercial property, with particular expertise in residential and commercial development, investment portfolio management, property finance and projects in the energy, leisure and tourism sectors. Real estate finance specialist Tessa Haskey leads the practice, which has a strong team in Norwich. Joanna Nicholls is adept in development, landlord and tenant and investment work; Nicola Curle in transactions for public sector clients, among them education institutions and local authorities; and Christopher Cubitt  in residential development projects, strategic land deals, and complex land acquisitions. Tracey Hughes  retired from the practice in 2022.

Practice head(s):

Tessa Haskey

Other key lawyers:

Joanna Nicholls; Nicola Curle; Christopher Cubitt

Testimonials

‘Howes Percival is a pragmatic and responsive practice with a good range of specialisms; we have particularly relied upon them for property, construction and planning support though I am aware that they have a much wider range of expertise available.’

‘We have valued the trouble the people we have worked with have taken to understand our business and its idiosyncracies!’

Key clients

Hughes Electrical Limited

Flagship Housing Group

North Hertfordshire College Further Education Corporation

Anglia Maltings

Ford Retail Limited

Lothbury Broadland Unit Trust and Lothbury Property Trust Company Limited

Persimmon Homes Limited (Persimmon Anglia, Suffolk, Essex & North London regions)

Norwich University of the Arts

Braintree District Council

Work highlights

  • Advised Persimmon Homes Limited’s Suffolk region on the acquisition of a development site for 560 new homes in Felixstowe of value circa £16 million.
  • Advised North Hertfordshire College in the section 106 agreement, sale and finance for £18m surplus land disposal and campus sports redevelopment project.
  • Acting for St Vincent Developments in expedited lease grant to Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust to facilitate emergency COVID Vaccination Centre to be opened.

Real estate > Planning and environment Tier 1

Howes Percival LLP in Norwich is 'a regional practice with national expertise, especially in planning, development and commercial property', and clients remark that the firm has 'first-rate planning legal advice combined with high levels of commercial awareness'. It frequently advises local authorities and other interested parties on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, as well as the negotiation of complex planning obligations, retail and leisure developments and judicial review proceedings. Jay Mehta leads the planning practice following the retirement of Paul Wootton in early 2022. Mehta is 'incredibly approachable and the way in which he speaks is so clear and concise'. Director Jamie Childs is 'calm, speedy, proactive and a trusted asset to the team'. In 2021, they advised Persimmon Homes on developments in Clacton, Colchester, Earls Colne, Stanford-Le-Hope and Exning.

Practice head(s):

Jay Mehta

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Jay Mehta is incredibly approachable and the way in which he speaks is so clear and concise. I go to Jay for all of my planning legal queries. He is personable and reliable.’

‘Howes Percival is a regional practice with national expertise, especially in planning, development and commercial property. The solicitors have very good knowledge of the region and the key contacts within it. We tend to work with trusted key contacts over a long period of time which is appreciated. Fee levels are acceptable for the quality of advice offered.’

‘The solicitors are responsive and enthusiastic and keep their clients informed of changes and developments in their respective fields. They are team players who seem to enjoy working together. The Planning team is particularly strong with Jamie Childs a key, long term contact.’

‘An excellent team providing top class advice but friendly and eminently approachable.’

‘Jay Mehta – Jay is really pleasant to deal with, provides excellent advice and is able to distil complex matters and present in simple terms’

‘The team is well led and professional in all its dealings, ensuring clear, concise and helpful advice is given and charges are explained. Their proactivity and responsiveness throughout a long process has been exemplary.’

‘Jamie Childs has been our valued partner for over two years of legal wranglings with many complex stakeholders. He has been very responsive, always professional, calm, speedy, easy to contact, proactive and generally a trusted asset to our team. I cannot fault his knowledge or application of the law, which seemed far superior to other solicitors he came up against.’

‘First-rate planning legal advice combined with high levels of commercial awareness. The HP Planning and Environment Team manage to provide first class planning legal advice, whilst understanding their clients commercial objectives.’

Key clients

BDW Trading Limited t/a BDW Cambridgeshire

Minster Property Group Limited

Saffron Housing Trust Limited

Tilia Homes Limited

Pentaco Construction Limited

Linden (Thurston) LLP

Linden (Highfields Caldecote) LLP

Vistry Homes Limited

Suffolk County Council

Persimmon Homes

Taylor Wimpey UK Limited

Flagship Group (including Victory Housing)

Pigeon Group

Endurance Estates

Turnstone Estates

Breckland District Council

South Holland District Council

Braintree District Council

This Land Limited

East Cambs Trading Co Limited T/A Palace Green Homes

Big Sky Developments Limited T/A Big Sky Living

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

Norfolk Homes Limited

Lovell Partnerships Limited

Hundred Houses Society Limited

Wellington Construction

Bennett Plc

Fleur Developments Limited

Orchard Homes (East Anglia) Limited

Burgess Homes Limited

Building Partnerships Limited

Shockingly Fresh Limited

Eutopia Homes

Crisp Maltings Group / Anglia Maltings (Holdings) Limited

Work highlights

  • Led on planning obligation negotiations for Suffolk County Council in relation to the development consent order application for Sizewell C. This work involved a particularly novel approach to securing obligations and resulted in planning obligations worth in excess of £200 million in financial and “in-kind” contributions.
  • Advised Endurance Estates in connection with its planning application for in excess of 140 new dwellings in Stowmarket.
  • Continued to advise Turnstone Estates on a £65 million leisure development in Colchester. Work involved a wide range of planning law advice and section 106 negotiations, including ongoing advice to ensure the permission was safe from legal challenge through judicial review.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 1

Howes Percival LLP provides 'high-quality service to the local market' and clients remark that the firm has 'a very high reputation with property legal matters'. Simon Murphy in Cambridge, who acted on a high-value lease interpretation claim where proceedings have been issued in the High Court, and Jamie Kidd in Norwich, whose work includes rent review and dilapidations claims, lead the practice. Director Leanne Davis, who is the key contact for portfolio clients including Greene King, and senior associate Bill Trow, are also key figures in the Cambridge office. Kidd acted for Iron Mountain in a high-value dilapidations claim issued in the Technology and Construction Division of the High Court.

Practice head(s):

Jamie Kidd; Simon Murphy

Other key lawyers:

Leanne Davis; Bill Trow; Georgia Wood

Testimonials

‘High-quality service to the local market.’

‘They have a very high reputation with property legal matters and this was very much confirmed with the manner in which they dealt with what became a rather difficult matter to deal with and conclude.’

‘Our main contact was Georgia Wood who was exceptional with the service and attention that she gave us, delivering the best possible outcome that could be managed.’

‘Jamie Kidd and Bill Trow are on top of their cases and client-focused.’

Key clients

Co-Operative Group Limited

Greene King Plc

Cambridge University Endowment Fund

Iron Mountain

Ministry Of Defence

Cholmondeley Estate

Norwich Cathedral

C Brewer & Sons Limited

Lothbury

Hughes Electrical

Newcore Capital Management LLP

Celfone Trading Limited

Work highlights

  • Acted for Iron Mountain in relation to a high value (£1m+) dilapidations claim which had been issued in the Technology and Construction Division of the High Court.
  • For Cambridge University, dealing with a complex central London involving serving 1987 Act notices on approximately 200 leaseholders and then serving s8 notices to seek the consent of the leaseholders to the release of former landlords obligations pursuant to the 1995 Act.
  • Acting for Sugarich Limited in a high-value lease interpretation claim where proceedings have been issued in the High Court in London.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Elsewhere in East Midlands Tier 1

Howes Percival LLP continues to invest and grow its corporate and commercial practice, recruiting Leicester-based Paula Dumbill from Browne Jacobson LLP in June 2021 to head its commercial practice. Matthew Thompson was also promoted to lead its Northampton corporate team and the team has also added a number of senior associates to further bolster its bench strength in M&A, commercial contracts and technology. Other key sectors include automotive, food and drink, healthcare and manufacturing. Jahid Ali heads the corporate department, specialising in venture capital and private equity transactions while Oliver Brookshaw is experienced in public company work. Gerald Couldrake is another key Northampton-based partner.

Practice head(s):

Jahid Ali; Matt Thompson; Paula Dumbill

Other key lawyers:

Oliver Brookshaw; Gerald Couldrake

Testimonials

‘The team has strengthened further in the year and now offers additional strength in depth, with 3 senior associates supporting their partner team. One of the strongest teams in the Leicester market and operating across a breadth of lower-mid and mid-market deals.’

‘Jahid Ali is highly responsive, thoughtful and engaged with his clients and the local market.’

Key clients

Randall Parker Food Group Limited

Carbon Component Solutions Limited

Frem Group Limited

Alimak Group

C.Brewer & Sons Limited

Euro Food Brands Limited

Cadman Capital

Shareholders of Technical Foam Services

Agar Dry Mortar Holdings

Mulberry Property Developments

Connells Limited

Longwall Venture Partners

Eurokey Recycling Limited

Innovate Recycling Limited

Leicestershire County Cricket Club

Office Depot Europe

Work highlights

  • Acting for the shareholders of Randal Parker Foods Limited on the multi-million pound sale of the business to Pilgrims Pride.
  • Acting for the shareholders of Eurokey Recycling Limited on the sale of the company to the PE backed Reconomy group.
  • Advisors to Euro Food Brands Limited, a major food and drink distributor on a range of complex commercial contracts, including cross border advice.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: elsewhere in the East Midlands Tier 1

The dispute resolution team at Howes Percival LLP acts in a broad array of claims, including multijurisdictional and high-value claims that span from trust claims to tax claims, injunctions and judicial reviews. The practice is headed by Geraint Davies, who acts for a range of clients, which include large publicly listed corporations as well as owner managed businesses, and is experienced in High Court litigation as well as alternative forms of dispute resolution such as mediation. ‘OutstandingSatnam Chayra shows ‘exceptional dedication to legal detail’ and specialises in shareholder, director and partnership claims.

Practice head(s):

Geraint Davies

Other key lawyers:

Satnam Chaya

Testimonials

‘I would also definitely like to praise Satnam Chayra. Satnam’s dedication to legal detail is exceptional and she is quite outstanding.’

‘From my experience being an on oing client of Howes Percival, I feel trust is everything when being guided within the minefield of the legal sector. Therefore, my recommendations come without question.’

Key clients

Getronics Services UK Limited

MPAC plc (formerly Molins plc)

Renewi UK Services Ltd

Intertek Group plc

Grace Foods UK Limited

Pete Norris Limited

Work highlights

  • Acted in relation to high value and complex trust related litigation.
  • Handled high value and complex professional negligence claim against a firm of accountants and legal advisors.
  • Acted for a claimant in respect of an ongoing £250,000 claim against the supplier of ingredients later used by the client to make animal feed. The supply was not as represented and led to temporary closure of various sites and the quarantine of livestock.

Employment Tier 1

Howes Percival LLP‘s employment team in Leicester is led by Paula Bailey , a well-known figure in the Midlands for large scale redundancy, restructuring and outsourcing/TUPE projects and the negotiation of senior exits. In Northampton, Graham Irons and director Hannah Pryce undertake all aspects of contentious and non-contentious employment law. Key sectors of expertise include automotive, media, food and drink and manufacturing.

Practice head(s):

Paula Bailey

Other key lawyers:

Graham Irons; Hannah Pryce

Testimonials

‘The employment team at HP are some of the best I have ever dealt with. Always polite quick to assist and gives comprehensive advice covering all aspects of the employment field. ‘

‘Graham Irons provides a great depth of business knowledge. Graham is a down to earth, practical, lawyer and with a sense of humour too which always helps in often difficult circumstances.’

‘What makes HP unique, the people. They are empathetic to the issues raised, work to understand the business they are working with to be able to provide understandable and relatable guidance. There is a strong theme of trust within the employment team at HP that ensures that our business is secure under their guidance.’

‘Hannah Pryce and Graham Irons are the two individuals that stand out, for me, especially Hannah Pryce, delight to deal with. She is easy to talk to and discuss issue with. Her manner and the way she communicates is also very impressive. For us, she is outstanding.’

Key clients

All3Media Group

Children’s Investment Fund Foundation

De Montfort University

First Circle Packaging Limited

Getronics Services UK Limited

GraceKennedy Limited

Hunter Douglas UK Retail Limited t/a Hillary’s Blinds

Home-Start UK

Marston’s PLC

Mercedes-Benz

RS Components Limited

Terex Corporation

The Gym Limited

Tsys EMEA

World Vision UK

Work highlights

  • Advised Leicester Theatre Trust in relation to high profile religious discrimination case.
  • Advised Carbon Component Solutions, a leading composite component manufacturer situated in Silverstone, on its purchase of Arnold Engineering Plastics.
  • Advised leading crane manufacturer Tadano on the integration of its UK entities and sites.

Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 1

Howes Percival LLP‘s team is ‘diverse with a wealth of expertise‘ in all aspects of insolvency. Contentious work is a key area of strength; the practice successfully settled a claim acting for the liquidators of a company in which the directors utilised a series of tax avoidance schemes to deprive HMRC of more than £24m. Leicester’s Carl Mifflin continues to win complex high value investigative and transactional non-contentious insolvency work from insolvency practitioners. Katie Summers in Northampton specialises in antecedent claims and acting on high value bankruptcy claims for various insolvency practitioners.

Practice head(s):

Carl Mifflin

Other key lawyers:

Katie Summers

Testimonials

‘Team is commercial and pro-active. Very approachable, which make them easy to work with. Diverse and with a wealth of experience.’

‘I find Carl Mifflin helpful and approachable. He is easily accessible to give advice as needed and generally reacts to queries in a positive amenable way. He is very easy to work with.’

‘Without doubt, Katie Summers is the best insolvency solicitor I have the pleasure to work with. She gets to understand the issues and works alongside my team in strategy and fully understands the costs and risk issues surrounding insolvency litigation.’

‘We use the firm for insolvency related work, but also general corporate work. They are excellent, very knowledgeable in their sector and have a collection of individuals I trust to look after my interests. I am also often pleasantly surprised by the level of their fees which seem reasonable compared to their peers.’

‘Carl Mifflin is incredibly commercial and understanding of the insolvency legislation. I would not hesitate in using him on complex situations and have referred him into many situations.’

Key clients

Mazars

Grant Thornton

BDO

Begbies Traynor

RSM

FA Simms

PBC Business Recovery & Insolvency

Parker Getty

Bridge Newland

Bretts Business Recovery

R2 Advisory

Elwell Watchorn & Saxton

Quantuma

Griffins

ReSolve

Larking Gowen

Menzies Corporate Recovery

BRI Business and Recovery

FRP Advisory (Milton Keynes)

Work highlights

  • Acted for Elwell Watchorn & Saxton, the administrators of Linkham Services Limited, a specialist insurance brokerage dealing primarily with travel insurance, whose business was decimated by COVID. We acted for the administrators in relation to their appointment and sale of the company’s business and assets for total consideration of £700,000.
  • Acted for the liquidator of AFM (1932) Limited in pursuing complex claims against an off-shore (BVI) limited company. The claims were disputed by the respondents on various grounds at a contested hearing resulting in a widely-reported judgement being handed down in favour of the liquidator.
  • Acted for the administrators of JTF Wholesale Limited, a large national wholesale business.  Dealing with the appointment documentation for the administrators to be appointed by the charge-holder, reviewing and advising on the validity of the charge-holder’s security and acting on the sale of the company’s business and assets.

Real estate > Commercial property: elsewhere in the East Midlands Tier 1

Howes Percival LLP provides a comprehensive offering of legal services in regard to commercial property matters. The ‘professional, efficient and cost effective’ team, which includes investment transaction focused Stuart Burns in Leicester, advises on disposals and acquisitions for investment funds, property finance matters, commercial and residential developments as well as landlord and tenant issues. ‘Ultra commercial’ head of the Leicester office Nicholas James specialises in land acquisitions, collaborations and large scale investment transactions. Northampton-based Lucy Lord  ‘provides timely, expert and pragmatic advice’ with a focus on land acquisitions, site set-up and plot sales, including housing association disposals. Clients feel that the team is ‘excellent at the balance between legal detail and deal commerciality’.

Practice head(s):

Nicholas James; Lucy Lord

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Howes Percival are excellent at the balance between legal detail and deal commerciality.’

‘Nicholas James – ultra commercial. Stuart Burns – superb at detail’

‘Strong across the board; very hands-on partners, but backed up by able team members; seamless transition in and out of various lockdowns over the last two years.’

‘Stuart Burns appears to have an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law, coupled with a highly commercial attitude, which means that the job always gets done.’

‘Professional, efficient, cost effective, experienced in their field.’

‘Lucy Lord is the real estate partner that looks after our business. She provides timely, expert and pragmatic advise. Does not get stuck on trivial matters.’

Key clients

C.Brewer & Sons Limited

Mulberry Property Developments Limited

Al Zahra Medical Ltd

Motorvogue (Northampton) Limited

Eurokey Recycling Limited

Cold Higham

McGowan Investments Limited

Nene Group plc

In ‘n’ Centres Ltd

Work highlights

  • Acted for C. Brewer & Sons Limited in the conditional sale of a freehold commercial building in London to an established developer and lease back of the ground floor to the client.
  • Acted for Mulberry Property Developments Limited in the phased sale of 48 affordable housing plots on a large residential scheme to an affordable housing provider.
  • Acted for Al Zahra Medical Ltd in the purchase of a large commercial building (subject to occupational leases) for future refurbishment as a state of the art medical centre.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 1

Howes Percival LLP acts predominantly for a variety of corporate clients, including large companies, owner-managed businesses, institutional landlords, developers and investment funds, as well as private individuals on both the landlord and tenant side. The 'very diverse team' provides 'a Rolls-Royce service at a regional cost' and is particularly experienced in dealing with insolvency related property work and has specialisms in handling contentious break clauses and dilapidation claims while being able to boast an 'excellent track record of commercial settlements in litigation'. Practice head Geraint Davies advises on a variety of complex and high-value disputes, such as development disputes. Head of the East Midlands property litigation team Satnam Chayra 'never shies away from a fight' and is someone who clients 'recommend unreservedly'.

Practice head(s):

Geraint Davies

Other key lawyers:

Satnam Chayra

Testimonials

‘The team provides a Rolls-Royce service at a regional cost; batting well above its weight. The client service is second to none and very, very commercial. Very diverse team; good use of technology; and sound commercial judgement characterise this team. Excellent track record of commercial settlements in litigation but when necessary they are well-placed to take the matter through to trial. Compares very favourably with all of the other firms in the region and also to many London firms.’

‘Satnam Chayra is fantastic. Commercially minded, approachable, accessible and leads from the front. A partner I would recommend unreservedly to clients.’

‘They are just very good all-rounders; they know the law, they are easy to work with, and they never lose sight of what their clients want from litigation. Their facilities are also excellent, and they have been particularly responsive in the era of remote working.’

‘Satnam Chayra is a punchy, direct solicitor who never shies away from a fight. I can imagine that she is a real handful for her opponents. With counsel, she has always been polite, honest, and straightforward. With clients, she is an intuitive and effective communicator – in which respect, her linguistic skills are an obvious asset.’

Key clients

C Brewer & Sons Limited

Kettle Interiors UK Limited

O Donovan Waste Disposal Limited

Nampak Plastics Europe Limited

Renewi UK Services Limited

Gravity Media UK Limited

Work highlights

  • Successfully represented a tenant in defending a landlord’s dilapidations claim in its entirety on the basis of no diminution.
  • Advised a tenant in relation to the landlord’s unlawful termination of an implied periodic business tenancy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Defended and settled a claim for the defendant in relation to a damages claim of over £2m for alleged breach of various collaboration agreements.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 1

Howes Percival LLP's ‘outstanding' team, which 'stands out from the competition’, is a popular choice among fashion brands, retailers, food and drinks companies and manufacturers for IP and trade mark portfolio work. Litigator and a food and drink specialist Matthew Talbot heads the team, which includes Hannah Steggles , an expert in IT and data protection matters. Fellow GDPR expert in Northampton, James Howarth has a background in publishing and focuses on defamation and privacy matters. In the same office, Jenna Bruce takes the lead on software mandates. Trade mark attorney Sarah Dacre is a recent addition to the team in Leicester.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Talbot

Other key lawyers:

James Howarth; Jenna Bruce; Hannah Steggles; Sarah Dacre

Testimonials

‘The team is outstanding and stand out from the competition. They offer expert knowledge in these areas and really know their stuff. I have consistently found the team to offer an excellent arrive to clients.’

‘I have worked with a number of associates and partners and have found them all to be excellent. Hannah Steggles combines excellent legal knowledge with a pragmatic approach.’

‘The team are very knowledgeable and work well with the client to understand their objectives and can then provide a fixed priced quotation.’

‘Hannah Steggles is without doubt head and shoulders above any other Solicitor, anywhere! She is honest, gives a realistic view of success and a true reflection of what fees to expect to pay and she is never wrong. She gives advice that you understand, regardless of the complexity of the situation.’

‘Matthew Talbot and Jenna Bruce are always available when required. Speedy responses, knowledge, and updates of where we are in the process have been invaluable.’

‘Jenna Bruce has a wealth of IP experience and is always on hand to discuss IP issues. Jenna is able to give solid commercial and legal guidance in the required timescales.

Key clients

Business Software Alliance, Inc.

Start-rite Shoes Limited

FibreFab Limited

Prokon Software Limited

Just Hype Limited

Toatee Limited

Shoe Zone Retail Limited

Robovision Limited

Craft Buddy Limited

Work highlights

  • Advising Business Software Alliance on infringement actions.
  • Acting for Just Hype Ltd in various contentious and non-contentious matters including cross border infringement actions, licensing and international trade mark portfolio management.
  • Advising Prokon Software, a South African engineering company on its IP strategy in the UK and Europe including obtaining trade mark protection and protection measures.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 1

The corporate team at Howes Percival LLP are well known for their expertise across the automotive, healthcare and not-for-profit sectors. The team regularly handles restructuring matters, acquisitions and disposals for a range of large multinational corporates and owner-managed businesses. Andrew Harris  heads the corporate, commercial and banking team with support from Paula Dumbill who is experienced in commercial matters such as outsourcing and joint venture mandates.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Harris

Other key lawyers:

Paula Dumbill

Testimonials

‘Very practical firm and advice. Do the basics well which is not always easy to achieve. Always on budget and fair with billing and cost management. Really seem to appreciate clients relationship.’

‘Andrew Harris provides pragmatic advice and his experience leads to real world solutions.’

‘Combines high quality legal expertise with excellent commerciality in approach and recommendations.’

‘Andrew Harris is very grounded and an effective provider of high quality commercial advice.’

Key clients

Polyco Healthline Group Limited

Russell Hopcraft and Sashenka Milston

Stonbury (Holdings) Limited

PCS Business Systems Limited

Fascel Group Holdings Limited

Meller Designs Limited

CSL 2021 Holdings Limited

Syrinix Limited

RO Investments Limited

Blue Alligator Company Limited

Work highlights

  • Acted for Polyco Healthline Group Limited on their sale of 75% of the share capital to an ownership employee trust (EOT).
  • Advised early-stage water technology and intelligent pipeline leak detection company Syrinix on its Future Fund matched investment.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Cambridge Tier 2

Howes Percival LLP has 'the ability to be commercial while protecting the clients interests and ensuring their client's needs are met'. Clients note that the practice has 'a tenacious attitude towards negotiation to get deals over the line'. The firm has a growing presence in SME and mid-market corporate transactions. Oliver Pritchard leads the corporate group in East Anglia, which is part of an eight-partner practice across all of the firm's offices. He advised on the multimillion-pound management buyout of Falcon Tower Cranes, the UK's largest tower crane supplier.

Practice head(s):

Oliver Pritchard

Testimonials

‘When dealing with corporate transactions, the important attributes for me in a lawyer is for them to have the ability to be commercial while protecting the clients interests and ensuring their client’s needs are met.’

‘Corporate transaction can often be lengthy and draconian. A good lawyer should be able to maintain the momentum and have a tenacious attitude towards negotiation to get us over the line.’

Key clients

Hughes Electrical Limited

Falcon Cranes

Bulgin Limited

Marfa Stance Limited

Eurokey Recycling Limited

Welch’s Transport Limited

Garashield Ltd

Mossbourne

Vehicle Procurement Solutions

Hunter Douglas

Work highlights

  • Advising on the MBO of Falcon Tower Cranes, the UK’s largest supplier of tower cranes to the construction industry.
  • Undertook a pre-sale capital reduction demerger and subsequently acted for the selling shareholders of Eurokey Recycling Limited on the sale of the Company.
  • Advised EdPeritus on its collaboration with De Montford University (DMU) with regards to the establishment and running of the DMU campus in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Norwich Tier 2

Howes Percival LLP has ‘a great corporate team with experts in their field who are commercially minded and always focused on maintaining momentum in negotiations‘. The firm is active in local M&A transactions, among recent examples being its work for Falcon Group Services Limited, the UK’s largest tower crane supplier, on its MBO, and its commercial advice to trade association British Marine Federation regarding the Southampton International Boat Show. Oliver Pritchard leads the corporate practice in East Anglia and is ‘diligent, with a high level of expertise, and he always makes himself available‘. Associates Richard Turner and Lizzy Page are highly recommended by clients.

Practice head(s):

Oliver Pritchard

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘They consistently provide high quality, practical advice on a timely basis and you always feel that they go the extra mile when looking after your business.’

‘Oliver Pritchard is diligent and has a high level of expertise, makes himself available and will always respond to calls or emails. Lizzy Page understands our business well and is always practical in advice and responds to our requirements quickly.’

‘A great corporate team who are experts in their field. Just as importantly, they are commercially minded, always focused on maintaining momentum in negotiations and getting the right deal completed for their client.’

‘Excellent team including specialists in all areas of business. In project communications and timeliness was on point throughout. Attention to detail was absolute with no oversites. Furthermore they were able to create seamless partnerships with other external advisors such as my accountants and incumbent specialist IP attorneys.’

Key clients

Hughes Electrical Limited

British Marine Federation

Falcon Cranes

Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA)

Ben Burgess Holdings Limited

Drayton Insurance Limited

Marfa Stance Limited

Lind Group

Shareholders of Stuga Machinery Limited

E-Surgery / Total Access Health Ltd

Raynsway Properties Limited

Raepak Limited

ACR Leisure Limited (formerly Waveney River Centre (2003) Limited)

Horning Pleasurecraft Limited

Pedal Revolution Holdings Limited

Payplus Limited

JMR Healthcare Limited

Vision Norfolk / Thomas Tawell Care Home

Little Sutton Energy Company Limited

Wilco Motorspares

Abacus Hotels Limited

Fleur Developments Limited

Work highlights

  • Advising Falcon Group Services Limited on the MBO of Falcon Tower Cranes, the UK’s largest supplier of tower cranes to the construction industry.
  • Advising Hughes Electrical Limited on a major group restructuring of Hughes Electrical, the region’s largest independent electrical goods retailer.
  • Advising British Marine Federation / Southampton International Boat Show Limited as sole legal adviser to the 2021 Southampton International Boat Show, which involved providing all necessary commercial legal advice to the Show’s organisers.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Licensing Tier 2

Howes Percival LLP acts for a diverse diverse client base that includes London-based residents’ groups to registered charities and owner-managed bars and restaurants. Planning solicitor Jamie Childs, who works from both the Norwich and Cambridge offices, is the lead practitioner. He has extensive experience in advising on applications for new premises licences or variations to existing premises licences, representing clients at licensing sub-committee meetings and also assisting with the firm’s corporate and real estate matters involving the sale or acquisition of licensed premises. His work also encompasses advocacy work at licensing authority sub-committee meetings where objections have been made to premises licence applications, and niche advice to clients who are looking to apply for new or varied premises licences in connection with a redevelopment of their property.

Practice head(s):

Jamie Childs

Key clients

Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association

Pedro’s Restaurant Limited t/a Harry’s

Dragonfly HQ Ltd

J. Bunn Homes (Blakeney) Limited

Cambridge Union Society

73 St James’s Street RTM Company

Bee World UK Limited t/a Jollibee

Work highlights

  • Acted for Cambridge Union Society in securing a variation to the premises licence for the Society’s Cambridge city centre premises following a £3.4 million redevelopment project. The premises lies within a cumulative impact zone.
  • Secured a pavement licence for Jollibee’s (Bee World UK Limited t/a Jollibee) flagship Leicester Square restaurant.
  • Made representations on behalf of 73 St James’s Street RTM Company in relation to a licensing application affecting the London premises it manages.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Cambridge Tier 2

The litigation group at Howes Percival LLP is 'responsive and empathetic'. It handles high-value, complex and high-profile matters both domestically and internationally, in part due to its Government Panel status. As a Crown Services panel member, the firm frequently acts for government departments in multimillion-pound litigation and matters of public interest. It also acts for major corporate clients, notably in the agriculture and rural sectors. Practice head Michael Green handles a broad range of commercial disputes but focuses predominantly on company/shareholder matters, warranty claims, technology disputes, and and cases concerning restraint of trade. Director Victoria Sandell is also highly recommended.

Practice head(s):

Michael Green

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘They are responsive and empathetic. This is my first commercial dispute and the first time I am on my way to the UK courtroom. One of the most important aspects for me is that I feel understood and address my concerns. Being a novice, it can be very hard to navigate the ups and downs as well as how to get to justice when you are a small company against a large one.’

Key clients

Cambridge Intelligence Ltd

Ben’s Cookies

Algean Group Sarl

Saxton 4×4 Ltd

Masters Logistical Services Limited

Bowker BMW

Work highlights

  • Acting for a shareholder in family business dispute with Worldwide assets worth in excess of £50 million.
  • Advising a software developer in breach of contract/contractual interpretation claim where claim is for £1,000,000+ in cryptocurrency.
  • Acting for a logistics client in a professional negligence claim against insurance brokers where significantly under-insured in respect of damage caused by a fire.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Norwich Tier 2

The litigation practice at Howes Percival LLP is 'approachable, understanding of the situation, knowledgable in their field'. Practice head Michael Green splits his time between Norwich and Cambridge, leading the firm's work in large and complex commercial disputes with a particular emphasis on company and shareholder disputes, warranty claims, partnership advice, restraint of trade matters, technology claims, and contractual disputes. He advised a large farming business on a £50m shareholder dispute. Director Gordon Simpson is 'patient and thorough in his explanations and advice, and his experience in his field was evident as he could almost predict what the other side would be doing', according to one client.

Practice head(s):

Michael Green

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Howes Percival has demonstrated flexibility with billing allowing me to fund my litigation in a way that has helped me, as well as providing they with regular payments.. I like the way that HP actively encourages juniors into their business and the profession. When dealing with HP there has been a number of juniors that have collaborated on my case and all have been excellent.’

‘Gordon Simpson has been extremely supportive through some difficult moments which has helped me deal with these testing times. Gordon has always provided support and has replied to communiactions even when he is on holiday or at a weekend. This level of assistance and proffesionalism that Gordon provides is over and above what I would expect from any organisation.’

‘The team were approachable, understanding of the situation, knowledgable in their field.’

‘Gordon Simpson was patient and thorough in his explanations and advice, his experience in his field was evident as he could almost predict what the other side would be doing. Gordon wanted to get everything sorted out as effectively as possible, which he ultimately did. I would recommend Gordon Simpson to anyone needing assistance using his particular expertise.’

‘Gordon Simpson is highly knowledgable in his field and works tirelessly for his clients. He is calm and collected, highly professional and extremely personable.’

Key clients

Ben’s Cookies

Crown Services (Government legal department)

The Cotswold Company

Wicksteed Leisure

Work highlights

  • Acting for a 50% shareholder in a large complex shareholder dispute involving other parties and now running into its third year before the High Court.
  • Acting for one of East Anglia’s largest farms in a shareholder/partnership dispute with a value of circa £50m.
  • Advised Ben’s Cookies on a shipping/insurance matter in the Middle East.

Employment Tier 2

Howes Percival LLP provides ‘a full comprehensive range of legal services with the added value of sound, commercial advice‘. The firm has a substantial respondent-based Employment Tribunal practice and also provides day-to-day advice on HR matters. ‘I have the greatest confidence in their employment team to solve any issues we might have‘, remarks one client. The ‘ knowledgeable, resourceful and always responsive‘ Matthew Potter in Cambridge is the lead partner and he has extensive experience in board-level disputes and exits. Legal director Laura Brown in Norwich joined from Birketts LLP to add experience in domestic and cross-border matters in the leisure, technology, education, energy and renewables, motor, manufacturing and food sectors.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Potter

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Everyone, without exception, at Howes Percival in my experience has given me every reason to recommend their services and I have the greatest confidence in their employment team to solve any issues we might have. They are very highly recommended by me.’

‘Dynamic, good-sized law firm with a well known brand name.

‘Laura Brown dealt with my case with a high level of professionalism as one would expect from a lawyer, but what made her stand out is that she had the canning ability to understand the thoughts and emotions within my case. If any area was misunderstood, she was able to express in layman’s terms. Laura put me at ease from the off and displayed the right level of intelligence to understand what was going on.

‘Empathy is much needed trait for employment lawyers and I was glad that Laura Brown was recommended to me.’

‘What you get with Howes Percival is a full comprehensive range of legal services with the added value of sound, commercial advice. The team have complementary skills and expertise from different areas of law that are brought in, as required to give you the answers you need.’

‘Matt Potter is an exceptional exponent of providing me with commercially focused employment related solutions. Matt is knowledgeable, resourceful and always responsive. What is also impressive is the fact that no issue, challenge of problem is too small for Matt to assist with. If it’s something we need help with, Matt is always there on hand.’

Employment > Health and safety Tier 2

Howes Percival LLP‘s Cambridge office has ‘a niche health and safety practice providing all round excellent client care and advice‘. Led from Leicester but acting for clients across the firm’s office network, the group assists clients in numerous sectors, among them construction, manufacturing, healthcare and education, and it is especially well known for its work on behalf of companies in the minerals and extractives sector. The firm frequently advises health and safety professionals, and also provides in-house services to facilitate compliance and defence work. Robert Starr is the key partner in Cambridge. He is ‘a household name in the health and safety world and always goes that extra mile bringing a commercial, practical and real-world approach to his work‘.

Practice head(s):

Alan Millband (Partner)

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘A niche health and safety practice providing all round excellent client care and advice.’

‘Rob Starr is a household name in the health and safety world. With a stable of well known clients, he always goes that extra mile bringing a commercial, practical and real-world approach to his work. often he will conduct his own advocacy giving even the top health and safety silks a run for their money.’

‘The support that we receive is wide ranging and always relevant and practical to the circumstances that we are dealing with at any particular time. Howes Percival have helped us to change our standard modus operandi during the pandemic and ensure that we are communicating with our clients to make them aware of issues that may impact them in the ever changing world we find ourselves in.’

‘The practice adapt their approach to you needs and bill in a fair and competitive way.’

‘Rob Starr is one of the best regulatory solicitors I have appointed in many years. Rob’s knowledge, professionalism and competence are exemplary. His advice and support are second to none.’

Key clients

Citation Limited

AHR Employment and Safety Services Ltd

M&J Engineers Limited

Hamilton Deed

Anchor

Poundstretcher Limited

Logistex Limited

Home Group

Direct Scaffolding Contractors Limited

Finance > Banking and finance Tier 2

The Norwich office of Howes Percival LLP is a key hub for the firm’s cross-office banking and finance practice, and it works closely with teams in Leicester, Northampton, Cambridge and Milton Keynes to advise a strong roster of clients, among them HSBC, Lloyds Bank and Handelsbanken. As well as banks, the firm also acts for corporate funders and private clients and property investors. Practice head Joanna Nicholls is a specialist in real estate finance, as is head of real estate Tessa Haskey, who frequently acts for private lenders in relation to property security. So, too, do property partners Steven Beach and Michaela Henson in Cambridge. Norwich-based agricultural law partner Katharine Danks advises landowners, landlords, tenants and lenders on secured lending transactions.

Practice head(s):

Joanna Nicholls

Other key lawyers:

Tessa Haskey; Steven Beach; Michaela Henson; Katharine Danks

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

The Property Investor Partnership Limited

Cambridge and Counties Bank Limited

HSBC Asset Finance (UK) Ltd

Coutts and Company

Work highlights

  • Advising National Westminster in relation to refinancing various property assets held by a settled trust.
  • Advising RQ Capital Limited in relation to financing the development of a large grade II listed site in East Midlands.

Private client > Agriculture and estates Tier 2

Howes Percival LLP has a broad practice that advises on farm and estate sales, environmental schemes, tenancies and tax structuring, though its forte is trusts and estate matters. Practice head Catherine Scott leads a four-partner group in Norwich, in which private client partner Stuart Maggs provides strategic advice for families and trusts on their business and personal matters, including preparing wills, estate planning, trusts, powers of attorney. Katharine Danks is a Fellow of the Agricultural Law Association and advises on a range of matters including trusts, taxation, land law, agricultural holdings, Town and Country Planning and the Common Agricultural Policy.

Practice head(s):

Catherine Scott

Other key lawyers:

Katharine Danks; Stuart Maggs

Key clients

The Cholmondeley Estates (Norfolk and Cheshire)

Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 2

Howes Percival LLP has numerous partners who sit as charity trustees and who have extensive experience in governance matters. The firm has a multi-disciplinary team that advises charities on their formation, property and employment matters, and day-to-day administration issues. The estates practice has tax specialists who provide advice on Gift Aid and enhanced legacy income as well as Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax planning for potential donors. Head of the firm's private client services group Catherine Scott in Norwich oversees the charities practice and also leads the estates team.

Practice head(s):

Catherine Scott

Key clients

The Paul Bassham Charitable Trust

Hillside Animal Sanctuary Limited

History of Advertising Trust

Flagship Housing Limited / Flagship Housing Developments Limited

Work highlights

  • Advising Trustees of The Paul Bassham Charitable Trust on general charity administration.
  • Instructed by a residential care operator to support it in relation to CQC intervention at one of its care homes.
  • Instructed to represent a client at inquest following a fatal fire at one of its extra-care schemes.

Public sector Tier 2

Howes Percival LLP's education and health practice is 'well led and professional in all its dealings, ensuring clear, concise and helpful advice is given, and their proactivity and responsiveness are exemplary'. The firm acts for a growing number of universities and colleges across East Anglia, as well as regional and national care home operators. Land development partner Michaela Henson in Cambridge and, in Norwich, insolvency expert Morris Peacock and healthcare specialist Oliver Pritchard are the practice heads. Also in Norwich, emerging partner talent Nicola Curle frequently handles land disposals, developments and student accommodation projects, and planning specialist Jamie Childs is 'responsive, calm, speedy, easy to contact and proactive'. In Cambridge, Steven Beach assists corporate tenants and landlords, higher education bodies and other public sector clients on property matters.

Practice head(s):

Michaela Henson; Morris Peacock; Oliver Pritchard

Testimonials

‘The team is well led and professional in all its dealings, ensuring clear, concise and helpful advice is given and charges are explained. Their proactivity and responsiveness throughout a long process has been exemplary.’

‘Jamie Childs has been our valued partner for over two years of legal wranglings with many complex stakeholders. He has been very responsive, always professional, calm, speedy, easy to contact, proactive and generally a trusted asset to our team. I cannot fault his knowledge or application of the law.’

‘We worked primarily with Jamie Childs. Great technical knowledge, professionalism, easy to work with, availability, and working in consortium with other legal firm.’

‘From the start of the work, Jamie Childs allocated to the project sought to establish himself as a member of our team rather than a stand alone legal adviser. Jamie is extremely knowledgable, and he also had a firm grasp of the complexity of the political environment within which the negotiations took place, and was able to exlain complex legal matters in plain English.’

Key clients

Anchor Care Homes Limited

Anchor Hanover Group

Braintree District Council

Breckland Alliance / Breckland Surgeries Limited

Cambridge University Endowment Fund

Enterprise Retirement Living

E-Surgery / Total Access Health

Girton College, Cambridge

Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind

Norse Care Limited

Norwich University of the Arts

South Holland District Council

South Norfolk Healthcare C.I.C

Suffolk County Council

The Insolvency Service

The Official Receivers for England and Wales

University of Cambridge

Work highlights

  • Led on planning obligation negotiations for Suffolk County Council in relation to the development consent order application for Sizewell C. This work involved a particularly novel approach to securing obligations and resulted in planning obligations worth in excess of £200 million in financial and “in-kind” contributions.

Real estate > Social housing Tier 2

'Their local knowledge and experience over a number of years and their commitment to diversity and inclusion is also appreciated', says a client of Howes Percival LLP. Another highlights the firm's 'genuine interest in our organisation, including their willingness to share experiences and knowledge of local resources that might be relevant and useful'. The firm has a four-partner team that counts Accent Housing and Chorus Homes among its clients. The practice is led by Estelle Corner in Norwich, who joined with a team from Spire Solicitors LLP and handles development, property and sales, and Cambridge-based Simon Murphy who focuses on housing management. They draw on the expertise of property partners including Michaela Henson in Cambridge, who frequently assists Hundred Houses Society with real estate matters.

Practice head(s):

Estelle Corner; Simon Murphy

Other key lawyers:

Michaela Henson

Testimonials

‘They have local knowledge and experience over a number of years. Their commitment to diversity and inclusion is also appreciated.’

‘They have genuine interest in our organisation, including their willingness to share experiences and knowledge of local resources that might be relevant and useful.’

‘Howes Percival have built a very knowledgeable team. The service we receive is second to none.’

‘Estelle Corner is responsive to our needs and our strange and complicated queries, and yet always manages to make us feel like we’re her only client… and the amazing thing is, I bet ALL her clients feel the same way!’

Key clients

Accent Homemade Limited

Accent Housing Limited

Chorus Homes Limited

Crimson Development Homes Limited

Crocus Contractors Limited

East Cambs CLT

East Cambs Trading Company

Flagship Housing Developments Limited

Flagship Housing Group Limited

Hundred Houses Society Limited

Saffron Housing Trust Limited

Work highlights

  • Completed acquisition of land for development of a 100% affordable housing scheme for a leading regional housing association and now instructed on shared ownership disposals.
  • Advised housing association on the acquisition of 27 affordable housing units with associated development agreement with value of over £6.5m.
  • Acting for a local authority trading company and a CLT on the acquisition and disposal of 15 shared ownership units within a framework of complicated lending arrangements.

Finance > Banking and finance Tier 2

Howes Percival LLP‘s banking team is divided between its Leicester and Northampton offices and offers specialist expertise in acquisition financing transactions in the automotive, food and drink, healthcare, manufacturing and technology sectors. Haydon Simmonds and Lucy Lord , a real estate finance specialist, are its leading partners.

Practice head(s):

Haydon Simmonds

Other key lawyers:

Lucy Lord

Testimonials

‘Haydon Simmonds is great when it comes to service, collaboration, support and engaging. They are always there to connect and work with us and are very proactive to support clients.’

‘Communication is always clear, mutual clients speak highly of the service and transparency of any dealings. Nothing seems too much trouble for the partners I work with (available almost at all hours)’

‘Howes Percival are very active in the market and their advice is second to none and always provide feedback.’

‘Having a dedicated Banking and Finance practice in the East Midlands is fairly rare, and the HP team have a good quality offering.’

‘Haydon Simmonds is highly engaged in the local market and seems to be building a strong reputation locally.’

‘Great knowledge and experience across the team. Very commercial & pragmatic. Good at keeping all parties informed.’

Key clients

HSBC UK Bank plc

National Westminster Bank plc

Santander UK Plc

Handelsbanken Plc

RQ Capital Limited

Barclays Bank plc

Lloyds Bank plc

Bank of Scotland plc

Cambridge and Counties Bank plc

Randall Parker Food Group Limited

Euro Food Brands Limited

Cadman Capital

Mulberry Property Developments

Connells Limited

Longwall Venture Partners

Leicestershire County Cricket Club

Work highlights

  • Advising HSBC Bank UK plc in relation to acquisition finance facilities supporting the MBI of an East Midlands based packaging company.
  • Advising a regionally based multinational plc in relation to the financing arrangements for a cross border joint venture and related restructuring and acquisition.
  • Advising HSBC Bank UK plc in relation to the refinancing of a large East Midlands based care home group, plus acquisition finance facilities for an additional asset.

Private client > Family Tier 2

Howes Percival LLP is noted for its expertise handling complex financial cases involving businesses, land and estates. Justine Flack leads the East Midlands family law department across the Leicester and Northampton offices and is a seasoned divorce lawyer, with a background advising on wealth preservation, drafting prenuptial agreements and all private client matters.

Practice head(s):

Justine Flack

Testimonials

‘Justine Flack has an excellent ability to collate a large amount of information and condense it succinctly and accurately. She gives sensible pragmatic advice about when to pursue certain matters and when to let others alone.’

‘All the team know what is going on in my case and they all speak very knowledgeably about the options available to me simplifying legal terms into language I understand.’

‘The team is friendly and hardworking.’

‘Thoroughness, approachability, legal knowledge.’

‘Very detailed orientated. Personable. Justine Flack absolutely outstanding and the best in the sector.’

‘A great team. Sure footed and confident, they are fantastic with clients.’

‘A client focussed and determined team who provide an excellent service.’

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 2

Howes Percival LLP continues to build its bench strength following Paula Dumbill ‘s recruitment last year, with the addition Chris White, who joined from Dentons; he likewise has a broad practice spanning hardware procurement, SaaS/PaaS agreements, and licensing, among other areas. The practice is co-led by litigator Matthew Talbot and Hannah Steggles .

Practice head(s):

Matthew Talbot; Paula Dumbill; Hannah Steggles

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Very proactive and gives clear advice, with a speedy turnaround. Sticks to agreed timescales and communications are excellent.’

‘Hannah Steggles is very pragmatic in her approach to a brief and takes the time to understand the clients requirements. Producing a balanced agreement whilst protecting the clients interest requires a balanced approach, which Hannah has.’

‘Working with Howes Percival is so easy – a true business partner. Great advice, great suggestions. I’m always pleased to have them in my corner.’

‘All of the those I work with at Howes Percival are just great. The best compliment I can offer is that they’re so down-to-earth, but super-smart with it. It’s like having extended members of our own team. Hannah Steggles and Matt Talbot are worthy of special mention.’

Key clients

Business Software Alliance (BSA)

Getronics UK Limited

FibreFab Limited

DeMontfort University

Just Hype Limited

Autodesk Inc.

Internetwork Media Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Just Hype in relation to e-commerce strategy including reviewing and advising upon e-commerce agreements.
  • Advising Autodesk Inc on protection strategies.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment Tier 2

James Howarth leads the team at Howes Percival LLP  in representation of its clients in disputes, particularly those operating in the publishing industry, he is a specialist in defamation matters. On the non-contentious side, associate Jenna Bruce heads up the department, with her extensive expertise in copyright and contracts she advises clients like Massive Music and Sounds Like Publishing.

Practice head(s):

James Howarth; Jenna Bruce

Testimonials

‘I work closely with James Howarth, who is an excellent solicitor, with good knowledge of this specialist area of law.’

Key clients

Captain Sir Tom Moore

Lion Hudson Publishing

Welbeck Publishing

Sounds Like Publishing

DOLCE Music Limited

Quarto Group plc

MassiveMusic

Relay Publishing

Work highlights

  • Representing Gareth Bull in a libel case against a party who had published a book which infringed the client’s privacy.
  • Advising Captain Sir Tom Moore’s representatives on image rights, copyright and licensing, and passing off.

Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 3

Howes Percival LLP has seen significant growth in the number of contentious trust and probate instructions over the past two years, particularly in multimillion-pound disputes arising from the administration of estates and trusts. The practice is led from Milton Keynes, but ‘thorough, authoritative and personable‘ Cambridge-based litigation partner Michael Green is a full member of ACTAPS and is closely involved in key matters. He ‘understands the imperatives of settling a dispute and how to assist the parties with that process, even when in a non-contentious or neutral position‘.

Practice head(s):

Jennifer Laskey

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Most of my dealings have been with the excellent, thorough, authoritative and personable Michael Green. He has imposed order and objective, commercial sense on what was a very messy family dispute. He is ably supported by his team – we have appreciated the way in which the team has collaborated to carry out work at the appropriate rate, while retaining Michael’s oversight.’

‘Michael Green has been very astute on the commercial assets in the estate but was equally fast to understand the family dynamics and sore points. Although he must and has remained neutral as an administrator, he has avoided bowing out and has always provided sensible guidance to the parties to the dispute.’

‘Michael Green’s experience as a litigator and a District Judge means that he is very well placed to act as an independent administrator – he understands the imperatives of settling a dispute and how to assist the parties with that process even when in a non-contentious or neutral position.’

Key clients

Bradley Green

Work highlights

  • Represented a JP Morgan banker in a £2/£3m Estate dispute involving an allegation of undue influence in relation to the changing of a Will.
  • Represented multiple parties in an application to vary the terms of a Settlement with an application also being made for an anonymity order.

Private client > Family Tier 3

Howes Percival LLP is ‘a well-respected regional firm that draws on a breadth of expertise between offices that work collaboratively together‘. The firm handles complex matters for high-net-worth individuals, notably those involving pre-nuptial agreements and other wealth preservation strategies. Sally Harris in Norwich, who joined from Steeles Law when it merged with Ashtons Legal, leads the practice. Clients describer her as ‘a very experienced and safe pair of hands, a problem solver with a kind and non-confrontational approach‘. Also in Norwich, senior associate Caroline Eaton joined from Clapham & Collinge Solicitors. Both are members of Resolution. Partner Amy Walpole and senior solicitor Sophie Key both moved to Hatch Brenner LLP.

Practice head(s):

Justine Flack

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Sally Harris is a very experienced and safe pair of hands. She is a problem solver and is a kind and non-confrontational person. I would highly recommend her.’

‘Sally Harris an experienced and able family lawyer.’

‘HP is a well respected regional firm with strong presences in various cities countrywide. They appear to draw on this breadth of expertise between offices who work collaboratively together.’

‘Sally Harris has extensive experience, an empathic yet pragmatic approach with clients and a solution-focused outcome. She knows which battles to fight and which will inflame for no gain.’

‘The Norwich team is headed by Sally Harris. The team regularly collaborates with other offices and they form part of a wider support network. The team regularly engage with social media platforms to promote their services and to provide legal information on topical issues.’

‘Sally Harris is an experienced family practitioner with a wealth and knowledge and expertise. She has a keen interest in resolving family finances as a result of divorce. She is known in the area for her “no nonsense approach” and dedication to try and get the best result possible for her clients.’

Real estate > Construction Tier 3

Howes Percival LLP has a small construction practice that nevertheless acts for numerous commercial developers, institutional lenders, contractors and consultants. The firm focuses on niche areas such as offshore windfarm projects and cutting-edge waste management developments. Director Simon Franklin in Cambridge is the firm's only construction practitioner in the region. He acted for Loughborough Town Properties Limited firm in relation to the purchase and development of student accommodation projects for an international client, which included advice on the procurement of the works.

Practice head(s):

Simon Franklin

Key clients

Turnstone Colchester Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Loughborough Town Properties Limited relating to the purchase and development of student accommodation.
  • Advised Braintree District Council: in respect of commercial development.
  • Advised Westmoreland Investments Limited in respect of new build office and facilities.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 3

Howes Percival LLP‘s team is a solid choice for all manner of private client personal tax, trusts and estate work, and displays specialist capabilities in IHT and CGT structures, cross-border work and complex probate mandates. Alexandra Hornsby is the main contact in the Leicester office, and is supported by the Catherine Scott led team, based in Norwich.

Practice head(s):

Catherine Scott

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Attention to detail, sound advice and availability when urgent advice was required. Sensitivity when dealing with personal matters. The practice is helpful in as much as referring you to the department which would be best suited to your enquiry, without undue delay. Through personal contact with Alexandra Hornsby I would have no hesitation in recommending the practice.’

‘Alexandra Hornsby showed attention to detail and prompt advice which was of great assistance in dealing with a personal and stressful situation.’

‘We have worked with Alexandra Hornsby on a number of occasions both collaboratively and as part of a bigger project. Alexandra is very personable and takes time to discuss delicate matters with clients and gives her time to understand the particular needs and dynamic being presented to her.’

Public sector Tier 3

Howes Percival LLP is particularly adept at advising its public sector clients, which include universities and colleges as well as care home operators and specialist care providers, in relation to employment, construction, property, data protection and contractual matters. The practice is experienced in academy conversions having acted for a number of primary, secondary and faith schools across the country. Norwich-based Oliver Pritchard and Northampton-based Graham Irons jointly head the practice. Irons is well-versed in advice regarding transfers of undertakings in the context of academy conversions.

Practice head(s):

Oliver Pritchard; Graham Irons

Key clients

Anchor Carehomes Limited

Anchor Hanover Group

BHR Pharmaceuticals Limited

De Montfort University

EMCare

Enterprise Retirement Living

E-Surgery / Total Access Health

HSBC

Learners Trust

Medigold Health Consultancy Limited

Milton Keynes College

P J Care Limited

Polyco Healthline

St Matthews Healthcare

University of Coventry

Real estate > Planning and environment Tier 3

Howes Percival LLP advises national house builders, land promotors and corporate clients on planning matters including contentious matters, such as judicial reviews and statutory challenges, and is further adept at advising on environmental and habitat issues. Paul Hunt and Chris May are both 'extremely knowledgeable' and 'can provide assistance across a range of matters including appeals'. Senior associate Sarah Hollis is another key member of the team. Paul Wootton heads the team from the Norwich office.

Practice head(s):

Paul Wootton

Other key lawyers:

Chris May; Paul Hunt; Sarah Hollis

Testimonials

‘The people are hard-working and responsive, always pushing to get things through as efficiently and effectively as possible.’

‘Howes Percival not only offer a high standard of service in terms of their level of expertise and professionalism, but also deliver this with personality and pragmatism.’

‘They set themselves apart from competitors as the team are always easy to contact, meet deadlines, return calls/emails without fail, willing to talk through potential matters to provide their initial thoughts and are always transparent regarding fees.’

‘We work with Paul Hunt extensively across a broad range of planning matters. His attention to detail and depth of knowledge is excellent, and provides significant comfort that your best interests are being promoted at all times.’

‘They are a very capable firm who always provide excellent advice to sometimes very complex matters.’

‘The team are all very friendly and down to earth, no question is too big or small. I also like that they provide very clear quotations and fee updates.’

‘Paul Hunt and Chris May are extremely knowledgeable and can provide assistance with a range of matters including appeals. No query is too small for either of them and regularly provide quick advice over email or the phone. Both have exceptional work ethics and also are able to provide multiple solutions tailored specifically to client desires.’

‘Sarah Hollis has provided many years of assistance with general planning advice and also completion s106/S106A agreements, working quickly and effectively with all parties.’

Key clients

/CODE Student Ltd

Vistry Partnerships Limited

Kler Group Limited

Anchor Hanover Group

CVS Group Plc

Mulberry Property Development Limited

Sowden Group Limited

Persimmon Homes (North Midlands) Limited

FPC (Banbury) Limited

Kaplan Property Group

Davidsons Developments Limited

Hazelton Homes (Midlands) Limited

Countryside Properties (WPL) Limited

Hampton Brooks

Langton Homes

Fisher German

Summix Ltd

Manor Oak Homes

Christchurch Properties Ltd

Persimmon Homes (East Midlands)

Jelson Ltd

Memoria Ltd

CJC Development Company Ltd

Grace Homes Ltd

Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd

Persimmon Suffolk

HNC Developments LLP

HGT Developments LLP

Windermere Capital Ltd

Palmer-Tomkinson Trust

Parkers of Leicester Limited

Parker Strategic Land Ltd

Work highlights

  • Represented an owner/developer consortium in securing a grant of planning permission for a new garden village north of Birstall, Leicester, including 1950 houses, a care village, 15 hectares of employment land, retail centre, new primary school etc.
  • For KBC Developments LLP; instigating proceedings in the High Court – Business and Property Court seeking a declaratory judgement as to the rights to connect a multi-million pound railway bridge to a highway and the rights of the owner of the land where the highway is located, to block such a connection without payment of compensation.
  • Acted on behalf of a major house builder in respect of a project for the development of a major housing lead urban extension including two new primary schools and a site for a new secondary school together with a new southern distributor road to Melton Mowbray. Working in collaboration with other developers / promoters and the county highway authority.

Employment > Employment: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 3

The employment team at Howes Percival LLP has expertise in dealing with complex tribunal claims, redundancies, restructurings, TUPE issues and enforcement of restrictive covenants. The practice has experience in matters across sectors such as retail, automotive, manufacturing, healthcare and education. Practice head Simon deMaid has particular specialism in dealing with disability discrimination claims, large scale redundancies and high value executive terminations. Hannah Pryce has an excellent record as an advocate in the employment tribunals.

Practice head(s):

Simon deMaid

Other key lawyers:

Key clients

AFL Hyperscale

Alphacure Limited

Barton Petroleum Limited

Clare James Automotive Limited

Dachser Limited

Mercedes-Benz

Milton Keynes College

P J Care Limited

Radius Group Limited

Sugarich Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Milton Keynes College on staffing implications, TUPE consultations, pensions, pay and director service agreements in relation to its successful application for Government funding to create a new Institute of Technology.
  • Acted for a large national charity in the defence of an employment tribunal claim brought by an employee alleging discrimination, unfair dismissal and automatic unfair dismissal.
  • Acted for a major automotive retailer in the defence of two connected employment tribunal claims.

Real estate > Commercial property: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 3

The commercial property team at Howes Percival LLP has been strengthened immensely by the arrival of Marcus Carter from EMW Law LLP. The Milton Keynes office has grown in size with new recruits such as Graham Jones from Machins Solicitors LLP and the relocation of experienced practitioner John Herd from the Northampton office. The practice specialises in corporate occupier and investment work with some prominent clients including Getir UK Limited.

Practice head(s):

Marcus Carter

Other key lawyers:

Graham Jones; John Herd, Fleur Chapman

Testimonials

‘New team that is keen to offer good all-round service. Very responsive to achieve deadlines.’

‘Marcus Carter. Able to offer very quick response times and an overall commercial approach.’

‘The commerciality of the team’s advice sets them apart from their competitors. You don’t just get the legal answer you get a legal answer that is then applied to the real life situation. They take the time to understand the needs of the business for each property they work on for us. They also fundamentally know their stuff and are not trying to be something they are not.’

‘Marcus Carter is always available and his experience in dealing with retail warehousing is excellent. This experience gives him an inherent understanding of our requirements and he makes things happen without me needing to trouble myself with them. Marcus and his team work seamlessly alongside ours.’

‘They just get us and make ever transaction smooth.’

‘Marcus Carter makes it happen.’

Key clients

Steven Eagell Limited

Steven Eagell Properties Limited

Getir UK Limited

Movus Logistics Limited

Work highlights

  • Acted for Movus Logistics Limited on 3 leases that together make up their new 100,000 plus square foot central London distribution centre.
  • Acted for Steven Eagell Properties Limited on their first non car dealership acquisition of a commercial property for £2,750,000.
  • Advised the Directors of a Hampton Brook Company on the acquisition of a 140 acre site at South Caldecotte which will be the UK’s first net zero carbon logistics park.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 3

Matthew Talbot leads the Howes Percival LLP team out of Leicester. In Milton Keynes, James Howarth heads up the firm's regional presence. An experienced litigator, Howarth focuses on contentious matters, particularly in the publishing, tech, and media sectors.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Talbot

Other key lawyers:

James Howarth

Key clients

Captain Tom Moore

Tabbers Limited

Welbeck Publishing Group

Owen Mumford Limited

Golf Holidays Direct Limited

DX Group

ATSI Limited

Juxt Limited

AFL Hyperscale (subsidiary of Nikkei listed Fujikura)

Security Alliance Limited

Goldstein Music Publishing

Bartington Instruments

Sounds Like Publishing

Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club

Massive Music

Raw Energy

Ocean On Land

Work highlights

  • Providing contentious and non-contentious IP advice to DX Group.
  • Represented Ocean on Land in trade mark and patent litigation.
  • Acted for Tabbers Limited in enforcement actions against unauthorized online copies of distinctive sunflower lanyards.

Public sector Tier 4

Howes Percival LLP operates across multiple practice areas to assist clients in the education and healthcare sectors. Jointly leading the team is employment law specialist Graham Irons in Northampton and healthcare expert Oliver Pritchard in Norwich, who has over two decades of expertise in the field.

Practice head(s):

Oliver Pritchard; Graham Irons

Key clients

Anchor Carehomes Limited

Anchor Hanover Group

BHR Pharmaceuticals Limited

De Montfort University

EMCare

Learners Trust

Medigold Health Consultancy Limited

Milton Keynes College

P J Care Limited

Polyco Healthline

St Matthews Healthcare

The Insolvency Service

The Official Receivers for England and Wales

University of Coventry

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Nottingham and Derby

East Midlands > Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate

Howes Percival LLP‘s team is a solid choice for all manner of private client personal tax, trusts and estate work, and displays specialist capabilities in IHT and CGT structures, cross-border work and complex probate mandates. Alexandra Hornsby is the main contact in the Leicester office, and is supported by the Catherine Scott led team, based in Norwich.

Practice head(s):

Catherine Scott

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Attention to detail, sound advice and availability when urgent advice was required. Sensitivity when dealing with personal matters. The practice is helpful in as much as referring you to the department which would be best suited to your enquiry, without undue delay. Through personal contact with Alexandra Hornsby I would have no hesitation in recommending the practice.’

‘Alexandra Hornsby showed attention to detail and prompt advice which was of great assistance in dealing with a personal and stressful situation.’

‘We have worked with Alexandra Hornsby on a number of occasions both collaboratively and as part of a bigger project. Alexandra is very personable and takes time to discuss delicate matters with clients and gives her time to understand the particular needs and dynamic being presented to her.’

East Midlands > Public sector > Public sector

Howes Percival LLP is particularly adept at advising its public sector clients, which include universities and colleges as well as care home operators and specialist care providers, in relation to employment, construction, property, data protection and contractual matters. The practice is experienced in academy conversions having acted for a number of primary, secondary and faith schools across the country. Norwich-based Oliver Pritchard and Northampton-based Graham Irons jointly head the practice. Irons is well-versed in advice regarding transfers of undertakings in the context of academy conversions.

Practice head(s):

Oliver Pritchard; Graham Irons

Key clients

Anchor Carehomes Limited

Anchor Hanover Group

BHR Pharmaceuticals Limited

De Montfort University

EMCare

Enterprise Retirement Living

E-Surgery / Total Access Health

HSBC

Learners Trust

Medigold Health Consultancy Limited

Milton Keynes College

P J Care Limited

Polyco Healthline

St Matthews Healthcare

University of Coventry

East Midlands > Real estate > Planning and environment

Howes Percival LLP advises national house builders, land promotors and corporate clients on planning matters including contentious matters, such as judicial reviews and statutory challenges, and is further adept at advising on environmental and habitat issues. Paul Hunt and Chris May are both 'extremely knowledgeable' and 'can provide assistance across a range of matters including appeals'. Senior associate Sarah Hollis is another key member of the team. Paul Wootton heads the team from the Norwich office.

Practice head(s):

Paul Wootton

Other key lawyers:

Chris May; Paul Hunt; Sarah Hollis

Testimonials

‘The people are hard-working and responsive, always pushing to get things through as efficiently and effectively as possible.’

‘Howes Percival not only offer a high standard of service in terms of their level of expertise and professionalism, but also deliver this with personality and pragmatism.’

‘They set themselves apart from competitors as the team are always easy to contact, meet deadlines, return calls/emails without fail, willing to talk through potential matters to provide their initial thoughts and are always transparent regarding fees.’

‘We work with Paul Hunt extensively across a broad range of planning matters. His attention to detail and depth of knowledge is excellent, and provides significant comfort that your best interests are being promoted at all times.’

‘They are a very capable firm who always provide excellent advice to sometimes very complex matters.’

‘The team are all very friendly and down to earth, no question is too big or small. I also like that they provide very clear quotations and fee updates.’

‘Paul Hunt and Chris May are extremely knowledgeable and can provide assistance with a range of matters including appeals. No query is too small for either of them and regularly provide quick advice over email or the phone. Both have exceptional work ethics and also are able to provide multiple solutions tailored specifically to client desires.’

‘Sarah Hollis has provided many years of assistance with general planning advice and also completion s106/S106A agreements, working quickly and effectively with all parties.’

Key clients

/CODE Student Ltd

Vistry Partnerships Limited

Kler Group Limited

Anchor Hanover Group

CVS Group Plc

Mulberry Property Development Limited

Sowden Group Limited

Persimmon Homes (North Midlands) Limited

FPC (Banbury) Limited

Kaplan Property Group

Davidsons Developments Limited

Hazelton Homes (Midlands) Limited

Countryside Properties (WPL) Limited

Hampton Brooks

Langton Homes

Fisher German

Summix Ltd

Manor Oak Homes

Christchurch Properties Ltd

Persimmon Homes (East Midlands)

Jelson Ltd

Memoria Ltd

CJC Development Company Ltd

Grace Homes Ltd

Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd

Persimmon Suffolk

HNC Developments LLP

HGT Developments LLP

Windermere Capital Ltd

Palmer-Tomkinson Trust

Parkers of Leicester Limited

Parker Strategic Land Ltd

Work highlights

  • Represented an owner/developer consortium in securing a grant of planning permission for a new garden village north of Birstall, Leicester, including 1950 houses, a care village, 15 hectares of employment land, retail centre, new primary school etc.
  • For KBC Developments LLP; instigating proceedings in the High Court – Business and Property Court seeking a declaratory judgement as to the rights to connect a multi-million pound railway bridge to a highway and the rights of the owner of the land where the highway is located, to block such a connection without payment of compensation.
  • Acted on behalf of a major house builder in respect of a project for the development of a major housing lead urban extension including two new primary schools and a site for a new secondary school together with a new southern distributor road to Melton Mowbray. Working in collaboration with other developers / promoters and the county highway authority.

South East > Public sector > Public sector

Howes Percival LLP operates across multiple practice areas to assist clients in the education and healthcare sectors. Jointly leading the team is employment law specialist Graham Irons in Northampton and healthcare expert Oliver Pritchard in Norwich, who has over two decades of expertise in the field.

Practice head(s):

Oliver Pritchard; Graham Irons

Key clients

Anchor Carehomes Limited

Anchor Hanover Group

BHR Pharmaceuticals Limited

De Montfort University

EMCare

Learners Trust

Medigold Health Consultancy Limited

Milton Keynes College

P J Care Limited

Polyco Healthline

St Matthews Healthcare

The Insolvency Service

The Official Receivers for England and Wales

University of Coventry

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 2021, the firm was ranked in the Best Companies to Work For list for the second year running. In addition, Howes Percival ranked 5th in the Top 20 Best Law Firms to Work For 2021 list.

Types of work undertaken: Howes Percival provides services to a range of clients including, Marston’s, 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

DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
Banking Haydon Simmonds
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 and Commercial Gerald Couldrake
Education Graham Irons
Employment Paula Bailey
Employment Graham Irons
Employment Simon DeMaid
Employment Matthew Potter
Family Justine Flack
Farms and estates Catherine Scott
Farms and estates Stuart Maggs
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
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
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
Commercial Property Marcus Carter
Commercial Paula Dumbill
Corporate and Commercial Andy Harris
Corporate and Commercial Matthew Thompson
Regulation and Compliance Robert Starr
Health and Safety Robert Starr
Planning Jay Mehta
PhotoNamePositionProfile
Laura Brown  photo Laura Brown Laura is a Director in our employment law team and joined the…
Jamie  Childs  photo Jamie Childs Jamie is a specialist planning solicitor at Howes Percival, with a particular…
Christopher Cubitt photo Christopher CubittPartner
Nicola Curle photo Nicola CurlePartner
Katharine Danks photo Katharine DanksPartner
Sally  Harris  photo Sally Harris Sally is focused predominantly on financial remedy cases but with a detailed…
Tessa Haskey photo Tessa HaskeyTessa is a partner and her specialisms include landlord and tenant, sales…
Guy  Houldsworth  photo Guy Houldsworth Guy qualified into the Commercial Property team in March 2013 having previously…
Jamie Kidd photo Jamie KiddJamie is a partner and advises on contentious property issues encompassing residential,…
Tom Lawrence photo Tom LawrencePartner
Stuart Maggs photo Stuart MaggsStuart is a partner in the property and estates team at Howes…
Jay Mehta photo Jay MehtaPartner Jay is a specialist planning solicitor at Howes Percival. He is…
Jo Nicholls photo Jo NichollsJoanna has significant experience of all types of commercial property work, specialising…
Morris Peacock photo Morris PeacockMorris Peacock is a partner and is an experienced litigation solicitor with…
Oliver Pritchard photo Oliver PritchardPartner
William Shirley photo William ShirleyPartner
Gordon Simpson photo Gordon SimpsonGordon has over 20 years experience of handling contentious disputes. He has…
Richard  Turner  photo Richard Turner Richard specialises in advising on corporate transactions and has been involved in…
Number of UK partners : 51
Number of other UK fee-earners : 119
Resolution
Abacus Worldwide
Agricultural Law Association
Employment Lawyers Association

CLIENT: Stuart Bizley, Non-Executive Director
COMPANY/FIRM: Big Sky Developments
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: 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: Owner and Managing Director, Duncan Geddes
COMPANY/FIRM: The Vita Group
TESTIMONIAL: We really appreciate all the help and support provided by the team at Howes Percival. Our deal happened incredibly quickly and the team were able to react and help us meet a really tight deadline, without compromising on the high quality service, ensuring we were protected throughout the transaction.


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: James Knight, Director
COMPANY/FIRM: Craft Leisure
TESTIMONIAL: A very professional, responsive and reassuring organisation, who give the impression that they genuinely have the best interests of their clients at heart. All members of the team were good at listening to our opinions, taking them on board and offering sound and imaginative advice based on our needs and expectations. We would certainly have no hesitation in recommending them to others, and using them for the next project.