The ‘highly recommended’ group at Butcher & Barlow LLP is well-placed to assist its sizable roster of clients on the whole remit of commercial property matters, including in high-value property acquisitions, sales and purchases, and lease agreements. At the Gadbrook Park office, team head Zoё Paton-Crockett has a specialism assisting clients in large-scale development contexts; Seema McWilliam has expertise spanning various sectors, including high street and shopping centre retail, leisure, agriculture and mining; and Daniel Woodcock has experience advising financial institutions and charities across an array of matters. In Sutton Weaver, Andrew Mackenzie assists clients in the purchase, establishment and improvement of commercial estates, whereas the Bury-based James Hodgson assists pension scheme members and professional trustees on acquisitions and disposals. The Bramhall-based co-head Rachel Martin has landlord and tenant, and investment expertise. David Burrows and Rebecca Jepson also come recommended in Gadbrook Park. Jo Ormiston departed the team in May 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I have had the pleasure of dealing with Seema McWilliam in connection with several commercial property transactions. Seema is a true professional with exceptional legal acumen. She understands her subject and is able to explain difficult concepts with ease. Seema has excellent interpersonal and communication skills, is very dependable and can be relied upon to provide sound legal advice and deliver excellent results on time.’
‘Rachel Martin, Zoë Paton-Crockett and Rebecca Jepson are accessible and efficient.’
‘I have been dealing with Rebecca Jepson and David Burrows and they are both fantastic. Communication is excellent and I would highly recommend the firm. ’
‘Jonathan Aldersley, John Hyatt and George Flanders have been outstanding in their attention-to-detail.’
‘Working with Tom Newman was enjoyable and he succeeded for us.’
‘James Hodgson is my go-to person for commercial property: he has a unique way of finding solutions that are commercial and realistic - clients love him.’
Key clients
- Joseph Holt Limited
- The Trustees of the Booth Charities
- Alderley Group
- Fords of Winsford Limited
- Kenny Waste Management Limited
- Carlton Property Holdings Limited
- Warburton
- G N Booth (Furniture) Limited
- KAP Property Holdings Ltd
- Branley Estates Limited
- Dappa Homes Limited
- Barlows Holdings Limited
Work highlights
Advised KAP Property Holdings Ltd on a acquisition of a multi-let business/industrial park in Cheshire for £4.65m.
Advised Kenny Waste Management Ltd in connection with a purchase of a large site in Wigan to accommodate the client’s new recycling facilities for £4.4m.
Advised Fords of Winsford on a new lease of a site in the vicinity of the Trafford Centre.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Zoë Paton-Crockett; Rachel Martin
Other key lawyers
Seema McWilliam; Adam Shawcross; Rebecca Jepson; David Burrows; John Hyatt; George Flanders; Jonathan Aldersley; Tom Newman; James Hodgson; Daniel Woodcock; Andrew Mackenzie; Nicholas Ball