Corporate Governance
United Kingdom
19 August 2025
Macfarlanes LLP advises market‑leading clients from the financial services, technology, hospitality and sports sectors on complex commercial contracts, with particular strengths in outsourcing, franchising arrangements and services linked to corporate carve‑outs. The team is noted for hotel management and asset‑management mandates in the hospitality industry, and regularly negotiates operational agreements for global hotel brands. In the sports sector, it handles high-profile contracts, covering notable football clubs, cricket projects, and the new Premier Padel tour. Will Hedges leads the firm’s commercial practice, advising on outsourcing, hospitality, brand and franchising, and acting as relationship partner for many of the firm’s most significant clients. Malcolm Walton and Rosie Duckworth are also important members of the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Macfarlanes have always been thorough yet efficient, taken the time to understand our business and propose well thought out and practical solutions.’
‘In the past year, Will Hedges has provided fantastic support, at short notice, which was very gratefully received.’
‘The Macfarlanes commercial team combines technical excellence with a highly commercial mindset. They quickly get to the heart of an issue and focus on delivering practical, business-focused advice.’
‘William Hedges and Rosie Duckworth are outstanding lawyers who consistently provide high-quality, commercial advice. They’ve taken the time to understand the nuances of our business, which ensures their advice is always relevant and tailored. Both are excellent at handling complex legal issues and distilling them into clear, pragmatic recommendations. ’
Key clients
- Evelyn Partners
- Lebara
- Premier Padel LLC
- Investec Bank
- Surrey County Cricket Club (SCCC)
- Avellemy
Practice head
Will Hedges
Other key lawyers
Malcolm Walton; Rosie Duckworth