The Cambridge office of Howes Percival LLP plays a pivotal role in its national commercial property offering, which is known for ‘value, high standards, and quick turnaround’. Practice head Michaela Henson has long been acknowledged as a standout adviser on strategic land development. She recently assisted Mortar Investment Group with the financing of a portfolio of buy-to-let properties. Commercial property investment partner Steven Beach, emerging partner talent Elizabeth Thomas, who handles complex matters in the education, commercial investment and development sectors, and experienced landing and tenant adviser Susanne Hinde round out a practice that is ‘helpful and delivers consistently’. Tim Bacon joined the practice in June 2024.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I have been using the practice exclusively for estate-related matters. Compared to other firms I have used their ability to provide and deliver on timescales is a major advantage. The practice has a varied skill set so even when something unusual crops up on a property matter they have staff on hand with more specialist knowledge that can step in to assist.’
‘The fact that timescales will be given and consistently met, great communication to keep me updated on progress, and any alterations to fees are always transparent with sound rationale provided. I wouldn't go anywhere else, and fully trust them to act in my best interest and always willing to break things down to ensure I fully understand the implications.’
‘This is a team that is helpful and delivers consistently. They have a tenacity and understanding to complement our internal teams.’
‘Scott Smith is always will to help, not just providing advice but assisting with negotiations too.’
‘Their team gives me excellent personal service and always respond in a timely fashion to my needs.’
‘Emma Bowman is polite, knowledgeable, instantly accessible and helpful, as is partner Susanne Hinde.’
‘Emma Bowman is a brilliant property lawyer with lots of time and expertise, her personal touch is always appreciated, she obviously cares deeply for her clients and ensures we spend time outside of the transaction to get to know one another.’
Key clients
- University of Cambridge
- Greene King PLC
- Xaar plc
- Bidwells LLP
- Raspberry Pi Ltd
- Ansys UK Limited
- Ieso Digital Health Limited
- Turnstone Estates Limited
- East Cambs Trading Company Limited (trading as Palace Green Homes)
- Welch’s Group Holdings Limited
Work highlights
Advised Turnstone Colchester Limited in relation to the development of the 160,000 sq ft Northern Gateway leisure park with GDV of £70 million.
Advised Raspberry Pi Ltd in taking an assignment of an £800,000 per annum lease on Cambridge Science Park from CMR Surgical Limited to aid the client’s expansion plans.
Advised an almshouse charity client on the acquisition of 25 affordable homes to add to its portfolio of properties for rent worth circa £5 million.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Michaela Henson
Other key lawyers
Steven Beach; Susanne Hinde; Elizabeth Thomas; Scott Smith; Emma Bowman; Tim Bacon