The Manchester-based team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP is well-placed to assist clients spanning the tech, retail, professional services, leisure, housing, and charity and care sectors, among others. Laura Welchew‘s areas of expertise include disciplinary and grievance issues, sickness and absence, and contractual issues. ’Standout’ solicitor Vikki Cunliffe advises clients in regulated sectors in particular. Danielle Ingham departed the team in January 2026.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellent, high quality employment law advice.’
‘The team puts in extra effort to get to know my team and my business. They come up to speed with our culture and our needs and always respond quickly and knowledgeably.’
‘Vikki Cunliffe in the employment team is a stand-out. She responds in a pragmatic, commercial way that makes sense for me and for my senior team. Laura Welchew is always someone who is responsive and understands the nuances of complex issues.’
‘They have such a wealth of practical experience and knowledge and give expert legal advice from a business perspective.’
‘Laura Welchew is a stand-out from Trowers who myself and HR colleagues work very closely with. We have developed excellent working relationships and we certainly consider her to be part of our wider team.’
‘A professional and personal service. Response times are fantastic. Advice is relevant, helpful and supportive.’
Key clients
- Costco Wholesale UK Limited
- Secret Escapes Limited
- Peabody Trust
- ForHousing Limited
- Various - collective settlement agreement projects
- The Together Trust
- Financial Services Compensation Scheme
- Bespoke Events Limited
- Trinnovo Group
- Demos HR Limited
- Operational UK Limited
- Alium Medical Limited
Work highlights
Defended Costco Wholesale UK against a multi-day constructive dismissal, age and disability discrimination complaint from an employee who alleged he was forced to resign following a series of complex (but spurious) discrimination complaints.
Supported Secret Escapes on a cross-European restructure of several operational teams.
Provided employment and pensions advice to ForHousing, a North West housing association, on the sale of its property services business, Liberty, to Wates.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Laura Welchew
Other key lawyers
Vikki Cunliffe