Ward Hadaway LLP’s corporate and commercial team, which is comprised of the former Endeavour Partnership LLP group, continues to thrive in the local market and beyond, securing roles in key regional deals while attracting national and international clients. Based in Stockton-on-Tees, the team is frequently sought after for strategic counsel on corporate transactions. Head of department James Butler specialises in corporate advisory work, including M&A, restructurings, and employee ownership structures. Nik Tunley focuses on small to mid-market M&A, while Nigel Williams has over 30 years of experience assisting local owner-managers. Martin McKinnell handles complex corporate matters, Jessica Lenham and Jessica Quayle focus on corporate transactions, and Sean Jackson has a strong presence in the technology sector.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is highly client focused and delivers an excellent standard of client care.’
‘I value their proactive approach and sensible advice.’
‘Proactive, commercial and willing to go the extra mile.’
‘Martin McKinnell never lets me down, always maintains the momentum on transactions and has been faultless.’
‘Nik Tunley is highly respected, pragmatic and very efficient. Martin McKinnell has a real grasp of the details but always focuses on the commercial wishes of the client. In regard to James Butler, it's very rare to find someone with his skill set at such a relatively junior level. One for the future.’
‘The firm has a clear focus on business law and as a result can offer useful, commercially valuable suggestions and guidance on contracts etc. They are not just good at capturing the client's intentions in a legally exact way but can help clients frame their relationships for best outcomes.’
Key clients
- ABCA Systems Limited
- A.V.Dawson Limited
- Coatham Arena Limited
- EMG Solicitors Limited
- FRP Advisory LLP
- Growth Capital Ventures Limited
- Cowie Technology Limited
- Host & Stay Group Limited
- JMAC Group (Holdings) Limited
- JT Atkinson & Sons Limited
- Lindy Electronics Limited
- LJJ Ltd
Work highlights
Acted on the disposal of Arbtech Consulting Ltd, a leading ecological consultancy business, to Inflexion-backed Celnor Group.
Advised the shareholders of Host & Stay Group Limited, one of the UK's premier holiday home management companies, on its investment by Growth Partner.
Acting for Australian company Source Certain International Limited on its acquisition of UK food origin verification and testing/certification company Agroisolab UK Limited.
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Jessica Quayle
Practice head
James Butler
Other key lawyers
Nik Tunley; Nigel Williams; Martin McKinnell; Deborah Kirtley; Jessica Lenham; Sean Jackson; Jessica Quayle