Mr Richard Butts > Ward Hadaway LLP > Newcastle upon Tyne, England > Lawyer Profile

Ward Hadaway LLP’s corporate tax team is acclaimed for advising entrepreneurial hi-tech companies on structuring, investment and exit planning. Other teams in the firm, such as the private client department, collaborate with the corporate tax practitioners on IHT issues and employee share ownership schemes. Paul Christian is often active on corporate-related tax, while Richard Butts and Imogen Holland act on private equity funded transactions, exits, buy and build strategies, as well as management incentive schemes. Nicole Axon is also key.

Ward Hadaway LLP’s corporate and commercial team supports clients across a range of sectors, namely leisure, human capital, independent healthcare, manufacturing, and healthcare. The team covers a diverse array of mandates, including commercial matters involving contractual IP and data protection, as well as corporate matters concerning debt investments and sale of share capitals. The commercial team is headed by Damien Charlton, while former team leader Colin Hewitt remains a key contact. Recent promotions to partner level Matthew Cormack and Tom Pollard advise clients across pharmaceuticals, energy, retail, aviation, engineering and technology on corporate governance, corporate transactions and commercial agreements. Head of the corporate team Robert Thompson is experienced in dealing with acquisitions, disposals, mergers, corporate restructurings, and reorganisations for public and private sector clients. Richard Butts is the key contact for growing businesses seeking advice on funding and investments. Commercial practitioner Steven Roper focuses on supporting infrastructure, renewable energy and technology companies with non-contentious and contentious advice on contractual arrangements. James Nightingale is the go-to for corporate finance mandates, while Clare French supports on investments and acquisitions at a managing associate level. An additional name to note is Phil Tompkins, a specialist in IT-related commercial arrangements. Corporate associates Danielle Borley and Liam Stubbs are key members of the team.