The commercial property team at BHW Solicitors is instructed by a range of prominent clients in the sector on matters on a local and national scale. In particular, the team is known for its track record in matters surrounding secured lending, residential development, pension scheme property and transactions involving storage and distribution. Beverley Merrell handles a range of freehold an non-contentious leasehold commercial property matters while also assisting private pension schemes with their property requirements. Eleanor Rattay specialises in secured lending and agricultural property.
Commercial property: elsewhere in the East Midlands in East Midlands
BHW Solicitors
Practice head(s):
Beverley Merrell
Other key lawyers:
Eleanor Rattay; Ian Sanders; Kate Burlinson; Raj Hundal; Alison Harrod; Molly McLoughlin
Testimonials
‘Exceptional team.’
‘Alison Harrod is proficient, speedy, communicates well via email and will contact me direct as an when needed. She is good at managing expected outcomes. She is exceptionally good at her job.’
‘Beverley Merrell understands the needs and responds quickly.’
Key clients
Alandale Scaffolding
ATL Limited
Bamfords Trust plc
Berkeley Burke
Boolers
Cambridge & Counties Bank Limited
Coutts Bank
Coyote Ugly
Cropston Properties Limited
Crowfoots Carriers
DHL Parcel UK Limited
Foston Park Limited
Gardner Aerospace
Geosynthetics Ltd
Handelsbanken
HSBC UK Bank Plc
Invicta Developments Limited
James Coles and Sons Nurseries
Jordan Developments (UK) Limited
Kaby Engineering Limited
Landmark Property Solutions Limited
Leicester Social Economy Consortium Limited
Mattioli Woods
Morningside Properties Limited
Nationwide Platforms Limited
Parker Motor Services Ltd
Rumrat Limited
T Systems Limited
Vantage Property Group Midlands Limited
Westerby Trustee Services Ltd / WPA Trustees Limited
WKM Trustees Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for the Coyote Ugly chain in completing a lease in the high profile area, Camden Market.
Howes Percival LLP
Split across Leicester and Northampton, Howes Percival LLP‘s commercial property team features a widely varied workload that includes landlord and tenant work, residential and commercial development and investment fund acquisitions and disposals. Lucy Lord spearheads the Northampton side of the practice, where she acts for developer clients in relation to promotion and option agreements and land acquisitions. In Leicester, Nicholas James acts on residential and commercial strategic land acquisitions and offers advice on large scale investment transactions.
Practice head(s):
Lucy Lord; Nicholas James
Other key lawyers:
Stuart Burns; Alexandra Kirkwood; Erica Gradus; Michelle Woolston; Jasmine Mason
Testimonials
‘In depth knowledge, highly efficient, sensible fee levels, excellent service.’
Key clients
Shareholders of Raynsway Limited
Persimmon Homes Limited
Mulberry Property Developments Limited
Mulberry Strategic Land Limited
Motorvogue (Northampton) Limited
Eurokey Recycling Limited
McGowan Investments Limited
Nene Group plc
Davidsons Developments Limited
In ‘n’ Out Centres Ltd
Work highlights
- Acted for client in conditional sale of a freehold commercial building in London to an established developer and lease back of the ground floor to the client.
- Acting for the client in the phased sale of affordable housing plots on a large residential scheme to National affordable housing provider.
- Advising the selling shareholders on the sale of the Raynsway Group to Soar Bidco Ltd,
Shakespeare Martineau LLP
Shakespeare Martineau LLP acts for a range of significant promoters, landowners and housebuilders on strategical land promotions and residential developments, including the the acquisition and disposal of land for student housing, build to rent and senior living. The later living and healthcare sector is another key area of focus, where the firm acts for care home operators and investors. Team head Louise Ingram specialises in strategic land promotion for residential and mixed-use development alongside broader residential development matters. Martin Jones handles large and complex real estate projects, while Kate Hall takes the lead on the team’s work in the healthcare sector.
Practice head(s):
Louise Ingram
Other key lawyers:
Martin Jones; Kate Hall
Key clients
Drummond Trust
Stickney Manor Developments Limited
Everards Brewery Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Drummond Trust on sales and ancillary legal matters to achieve the milestone of 1,000 homes on the new urban extension, New Lubbesthorpe.
- Advised Stickney Manor Developments Limited on the purchase of land for 14 dwellings with a GDV of £3.7million.
Wilkin Chapman LLP
While being based in Lincolnshire, Wilkin Chapman LLP regularly handles matters on a national scale. The team is experienced in the full range of commercial property issues, with particular specialisms in social housing, residential development and renewable energy schemes. Investment and retail have also been recent areas of growth. Practice head Rachael Dicken is experienced in residential development and specialises in acting for major house builders and social housing providers. Jonty Pearson focuses on large scale residential development for developers, housebuilders and landowners.
Practice head(s):
Rachael Dicken
Other key lawyers:
Jonty Pearson; Peter Hanson; Nikki Hawkins; Emma Ellinor
Testimonials
‘Fresh, proactive and innovative service delivered in a timely cost effective way. There is a great spread of expertise and a postive approach to their services and finding solutions.’
Key clients
Linden Limited
Beal Developments Limited
Lincolnshire Co-operative Limited
Lincoln Science and Innovation Park
Lincoln Corn Exchange and Markets (1991) Limited
Vistry Homes Limited
Crest Nicholson
NAVIGO Health & Social Care CIC
LACE Housing Limited
Cyden Homes Limited
Work highlights
- Advised plc housebuilder Vistry Homes Limited (part of Vistry Group) on complex sale of affordable housing units
Freeths LLP
The real estate team at Freeths LLP handles a wide range of matters in the sector, particularly on the transactional side. This includes acquisitions, landlord and tenant, real estate finance and mines and minerals. Simon Abbott leads the team with particular experience in landlord and tenant matters, retail and development. Sam Pancholi focuses on property finance and investment with particular expertise in supporting clients in the healthcare sector. Harjit Saund is another key name with experience in property investment and asset management.
Practice head(s):
Simon Abbott
Other key lawyers:
Sam Pancholi; Harjit Saund; Kishen Ravalia
Key clients
Abbey Commercial Investments Group
Deichmann-Shoes Limited
Flogas Britain
Jelson Homes
Minster Property Group
Tarmac
Travis Perkins
HCR Hewitsons
The merger of the firm’s Milton Keynes and Northampton office has bolstered HCR Hewitsons‘ real estate offering in the East Midlands, where the team specialises in residential development, commercial property, asset management, education and public sector work. Claire Howard-Amos leads the team, advising on all aspects of strategic land and residential development. Yvette Morgan is a public sector specialist with experience in large mixed use development projects. Patricia Kempson is another key name with experience in a variety of commercial real estate matters.
Practice head(s):
Claire Howard-Amos; Yvette Morgan
Other key lawyers:
Patricia Kempson; Katie Wall
Testimonials
‘We have used the Hewitsons team for many years and although this has now evolved with the partnership with HCR the core values remain the same and we can rely on the team to provide a great service to our company. We have a lot of idiosyncrasies in our deals but that does not phase them and they are always ready to listen, evaluate and advise us through complicated deals without judgement.’
‘Claire Howard-Amos is superb at drilling down to the nuts and bolts of what is required. She has patience and perseverance in abundance.’
‘There is a wide diversity of skills with this practice. We have used them for site acquisition and conveyancing, but specialist advice was also available when we needed it.’
‘Special mention goes to Claire Howard-Amos for acquisitions (very thorough).’
Nelsons Solicitors Limited
Nelsons Solicitors Limited provides support on all aspects of commercial property to client list containing international, national and local developers, pension schemes and investors. In particular, the firm is active in matters concerning development funding, option agreements and investment purchases. Riaz Dudhia leads the national commercial property department, while James Coningsby leads the team in Leicester.
Practice head(s):
Riaz Dudhia; James Coningsby
Key clients
GS Residential Limited
Transfigure Limited
Aimrok Holdings Limited
Abode Nottingham Limited
Prime Life Limited
GS Property Holdings Limited
Cambridge & Counties Bank
Chattertons
Chattertons‘ commercial property department provides support across the full spectrum of the sector with particular expertise in development work, charity property and agricultural property. The team also features strong capabilities in real estate disputes. Practice head Jonathan Blythe supports large corporate and private landowners on commercial property transactions and property finance matters.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Blythe
Other key lawyers:
Neil Etherington; May Ozga; Stephen Fielding
Testimonials
‘Good breadth of knowledge across the team’
‘Commercial, understand your requirements and available for contact, especially Neil Etherington.’
Key clients
NG Bailey Group Limited
Larkfleet Group Limited
Class Q Ltd
Allison Homes Limited
Renew Land
Belvedere Care Homes
The Freedom Group Of Companies
Oldrids & Co Limited
Lincoln Diocesan Trust and Board of Finance Limited
Gusto Homes
Castle Square Developments
Gleeson Regeneration Limited
Sportsbikeshop Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for Gleeson Regeneration Limited on multi-million pound acquisitions and property matters.
- Advising NG Bailey Group on property acquisitions relating to the well-publicised ‘Gigaplant’ battery factory
Excello Law
Richard Osborn is the key name for real estate at Excello Law. With long-standing experience in commercial and residential development, he acts for a broad client list containing national house builders, developers and local landowners with particular experience in the retail, leisure and education sectors.
Practice head(s):
Richard Osborn
Testimonials
‘Very quick on its feet; we dealt with engaged senior people at all times; first-class specialist industry knowledge.’
‘Richard Osborn has been an exceptionally good partner since we were introduced to him a few months ago. His responsiveness and proactive approach are excellent; his commercial awareness, negotiation skills, energy and common sense have been consistently top drawer.’
Key clients
University of Leicester
Seven Capital PLC
Village Partnerships Limited
Bespoke Construction Services Limited
Modus Partnerships Limited
Blyth Group (Paragon Living Space, H2B Homes & H2B Investments)
GNM Developments Ltd
Eagle Rock Investments Limited
GL Consultants Limited
Cambridge & Counties Bank Limited
Work highlights
- Advising University of Leicester on all aspects of their £70m Space Park Leicester Project, now completed on Phase 2 and imminently starting work on Phase 3.
- Advising Paragon Living Space Limited on the £40m redevelopment of the former Sunbeam Car Factory site in Wolverhampton.
- Advising Modus Partnerships Limited on a number of social housing developments in Leicestershire for various Registered Providers.
Roythornes Solicitors
Roythornes Solicitors‘ commercial property team is led by Iain Hibbert, who specialises in handling high value renewable energy projects and commercial property ventures on behalf of both developers and landowners. Alex Armstrong is another key name, dealing with all aspects of commercial property, including acquisitions and refinancing.
Practice head(s):
Iain Hibbert
Other key lawyers:
Alex Armstrong
Testimonials
‘They are easy to deal with, totally straightforward and just get on with it.’
‘Technically very good and detailed approach.’
‘I find the team we use to be hard working, quick to respond, technically very assured and totally reliable.’
‘Always reliable, accomplishes at what they do and being a provincial practice, not as expensive as their national competitors.’
Work highlights
- Acting for a landowner in connection with a large urban town extension development in Lincolnshire of 1,450 dwellings with ancillary school and retail facilities.
- Acting as lead landowner solicitor on a hybrid option and promotion agreement with a plc housebuilder in respect of a new garden village settlement of 6,000 – 8,000 dwellings in Bedfordshire.
- Acting as lead landowner solicitor on a multi landowner hybrid option and promotion agreement with a plc housebuilder in respect of the possible future delivery of circa 1,000 dwellings in Leicestershire.
Sills & Betteridge LLP
Sills & Betteridge LLP‘s commercial property team is fully integrated with the firm’s corporate, employment and litigation team, giving them the ability to tackle a wide spectrum of matters. In particular, specialisms of the firm include freehold sale and purchases, leasehold sales, secured lending and section 106 agreements. The team is led by ‘patient and helpful’ Malachy McGill, who handles all aspects of commercial property. Susan Thomas and Melissa Kirk are also key names.
Practice head(s):
Malachy McGill
Other key lawyers:
Susan Thomas; Raj Blackburn; Melissa Kirk
Testimonials
‘Susan Thomas was friendly and clear about how she could help me.’
‘Melissa Kirk and her team have been stellar in the work they have done for me on a very complex leasehold situation. Melissa is an excellent problem-solver and is extremely clear about ethics, potential legal barriers and options, and contract negotiations.’
‘Malachy McGill was most patient and helpful . He explained what was required in a clear and precise manner and negotiated a successful deal.’
‘They are open and honest and always suggest what is right. This is one of the most reliable team I worked with. Even if we miss or forget something, they will follow up for us and always works in our best interest. They give all round suggestion including financial and legal viability of a project.’
Key clients
Winter Event Catering Limited
Morgan Lowe Bucknall Ltd
CMF Investments Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised members of a family on their sale of The Elms Retirement Park to Canadian based investment company Cove Communities.
- Acted for Morgan Lowe Bucknall in relation to development finance for a residential development for £3.2 million.
- Advised CMF Investments on the completion of a new conditional sale contract to include, amongst other things, warranties from the New Company in respect of complying with section 106 obligations, and negotiating provisions with the planning authority.
Wilson Browne Solicitors
The commercial property team at Wilson Browne Solicitors handles all types of commercial property transactions for a wide range of clients, including farmers, landowners, developers, trading companies and housing associations. The team is led by Ika Částka, who specialises in commercial, agricultural and rural property matters. Tom Warrender specialises in the acquisition and disposal of commercial property. John Punni and Nina Wilson are also key names.
Practice head(s):
Ika Částka
Other key lawyers:
Tom Warrender; John Punni; Nina Wilson; Vincent Skiplorne
Testimonials
‘Tom Warrender very knowledgeable in his field, excellent communicator, prompt and excellent replies . The same applies for Vincent Skiplorne and all of his team.’
‘Nina Wilson and the team provide excellent advice which has been crucial on many occasions to ensure our Charity was protected and achieved a good deal in any negotiations. They are expert in the law and in the circumstances locally. They also understand our organisation in depth.’
‘The team have experience in a number of areas concerning agreements relating to strategic and development and.’
Key clients
Roquette UK Limited
Storefield Group
Cooney South Limited
Team Gill Limited
United Pallet Network (UK) Limited
Rodericks Dental Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Roquette UK Limited in connection with the disposal of the land for industrial development. The combined value of the land exceeds £25m.
- Advised Storefield Aggregates Limited in connection with taking a mineral extraction and infill lease of a land in Northamptonshire with deal value in excess of £15m
- Advised an asset manager in connection with sale of a farm which included residential and commercial lettings with £4.1m deal value