The northwest practice at Butcher & Barlow LLP, noted for its ‘utter professionalism’ has a strong reputation for its capabilities across the full remit of commercial property work, from handling high-value, complex purchases and acquisitions to acting on landlord and tenant disputes. Zoё Paton-Crockett who works from the Northwich office supervises and manages new build and development work, whilst Bramhall Hall-based Rachel Martin‘s focus is on investments and landlord and tenant issues; they co-lead the team. Northwich-based team members Seema McWilliam, who is noted as ‘conscientious and diligent’, and ‘highly skilled’ Nicholas Ball, were both promoted to associate in May 2022. Andy MacKenzie is establishing the practice at the firm’s newly established Sutton Weaver office.
Commercial property: elsewhere in the North West in North West
Butcher & Barlow LLP
Practice head(s):
Zoë Paton-Crockett; Rachel Martin
Other key lawyers:
Daniel Woodcock; Jonathan Aldersley; Rebecca Jepson; Mike Bracegirdle; Andy MacKenzie; Nicholas Ball; Seema McWilliam; Graham Gigg; Alex Sandland; Jo Ormiston
Testimonials
‘Seema McWilliam is extremely capable, conscientious and diligent. Seema has excellent communication skills and always responds promptly. She goes above and beyond to ensure full client satisfaction and excellent outcomes.’
‘Butcher & Barlow LLP provided our company with excellent transparency on both the job at hand and timescale. Attention to details was second to none from all parties involved. During COVID, we had the pleasure of choice to engage in various forms of meetings remotely or in person when available. This is a firm we can highly recommend and will be a returning client.’
‘Andy MacKenzie’s commerciality and input into projects with which I have been involved have proved invaluable. He is practical, professional, extremely efficient and applies a good balance of having broad legal knowledge and offering practical advice.’
Key clients
Anglesey Homes Limited
Aneblans Investment Limited
Apple Best Care Ltd
Avondale and Waverley House Rhosneigr Limited
Barlows Limited/ Barlows Property Portfolio Limited
Belmont Property Investments Limited
BGEN Limited (formerly Boulting Limited)
Blackmagic Design Limited
Blueworm Limited
Branley Estates Limited
Bratt & Evans Limited
Carlton Park Management Limited
Carlton Property Holdings Ltd
Cavalier Estates Limited
CFD Propco2 Limited
Chandos Developments Limited
Dappa Homes Limited
DMK Investments UK Limited
EBS Pensions Limited/ Embark Pensions Trustees Limited
Edward Foster Properties Limited
Evergreen Estates Limited
Fifield Glyn Limited
GK Land Investments Limited
Gormac Developments Limited
Gray Property Company Limited
Habitat Health Limited
Handelsbanken – Manchester, Trinity Way & Bury Branches
Hollands Country Clothing Limited
Holly Tree Homes (Cheshire) Limited
Hornbuckle Mitchell
Hulme Trust Estates
Hungerford Medical Centre
Jacob Homes Limited
Jennings Family Property Limited
J&S Accessories Limited
Joseph Holt Limited
KMP Solutions Limited
KMW Developments Limited
Knotwood UK Limited
Konlow Investments Limited
Kroll Advisory Limited
Land Recovery Limited
Lawrence Mill Harwood Limited
Law Distribution Limited
London Stone Paving Limited
Longton Exchange Limited
Mancunian Spring Company
Mayfield Asset & Property Management Limited
McCombie Developments Limited
Old Capital Limited
Orchard Green Development Limited
OTP Group
Prime Land UK Holdings Limited
Prime Land UK Acquisitions Limited
Red23 Property Limited
Repairdata Limited
Rufus Estates Limited
Scala House Management Limited
S&S Investments (2007) Limited
Same Day Teeth (West Midlands) Limited
Sanderson Weatherall LLP
SHK Properties Limited
Spitfire @ Cheshire Green 1 Limited
Stevelaw Properties Limited
Stockton Road LLP
Stretton Abodes Developments Limited
Stretton Abodes Limited
The Beauty Quarters Limited
The Trustees of the Booth Charities
The Victor Group
Trinity Investments (Stockport) Limited
Triple R Solutions Limited
Westgate Land Lease LLP
Zenith House Developments Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for Gormac Developments Limited in relation to the purchase and grant of an option in relation to a large residential development site with a total deal value of £16m.
- Acted for Carlton Property Holdings Limited in relation to the acquisition of a business park subject to over 50 tenancy agreements for £1.85m.
- Acted for Dappa Homes Limited in relation to a complex conditional purchase of a large residential development site and sub-sale for an undisclosed sum.
Gorvins Solicitors
The team at Gorvins Solicitors, based in Stockport, has commercial property specialists Claire Beaumont and Martin Hoare at its helm, both of who are particularly adept at advising on investment, development and redevelopment work of significant value. The team’s workload is varied and includes advising on complex landlord and tenant-related issues; estate management; and acquisitions and disposals. Its noteworthy portfolio of clients uniquely includes a number of institutional lenders. In June 2022 the team was strengthened with the arrival of partner Paul Dowdall from Addleshaw Goddard.
Practice head(s):
Claire Beaumont; Martin Hoare
Other key lawyers:
Amanda Porter; Colin Mellor; Paul Dowdall
Key clients
Select Group
Bloc/H2O Urban
Williams Motor Co
Investar
Universal Container Services (Holdings) Limited
Fabrica Holdings Limited
Urban Splash UK Residential Fund
PH Property Holdings Limited
Inner City Music Limited
HB Villages
Work highlights
- Advised Inner City Music Limited, and acted for the owner in connection with the redevelopment of an iconic Manchester venue to the cost of £3.5m.
- Acted for Urban Splash UK Residential LLP on the acquisition of Derwent House, Birmingham with a value of £12m.
Land Law LLP
Angus Whyte it at the head of the ‘team of expert commercial property lawyers’ at Altrincham-based boutique Land Law LLP. It is well-equipped to handle high-value, disposals and acquisitions across a range of industry sectors, with a recent increased focus on energy-related work of this nature. Additionally, the team has a strong reputation for its abilities to manage significant client portfolios. Paul Grundy has notable expertise in development work. Experienced partner Sarah Bonwick is described as ‘outstanding even under pressure’, and handles the management of the firm alongside Whyte and Helen Davidson. Landlord and tenant-related work is the focus of Nicola Jackson, who is noted as deserving of ‘special mention for her excellence’.
Practice head(s):
Angus Whyte
Other key lawyers:
Helen Davidson; Paul Grundy; Sarah Bonwick; Nicola Jackson; Louise Belderbos; Fay Wilshaw
Testimonials
‘Sarah Bonwick is outstanding even under pressure – she has a calming influence and great negotiation skills – she is professional, sensible and a star.’
‘They are are as commercially and client aware as they are competent at their day job. I have not experienced this unique blend with any other commercial practice I have had dealings with over the years.’
‘Angus Whyte deserves to be highlighted for not only spotting the opportunity to create a niche practice many years ago but also to be able to grow and adapt over the years to move with the times, using pioneering technology to assist his practice and offering ahead of the pack in what is traditionally a slow and risk averse environment.’
Key clients
Peel
British Salt Limited
Quorum Development Management Limited
Blade Dynamics Limited
The Hut.Com Limited
GE
Tata
Solvay
Eric Wright Group
Swizzels Matlow Limited
Myerson Solicitors LLP
Myerson Solicitors LLP‘s ‘extensive team’ based in Altrincham is renowned for its abilities to handle complex, multi-million pound matters ranging from significant sales and acquisitions to the redevelopment and refinancing of significant multi-use property. The team has been bolstered with the additions of commercial property specialist Leo Rossiter, who joined from Knights plc in May 2022 and of senior associate Sarah Cowen, who moved from Gateley Legal in December 2022. The ‘personable and knowledgeable’ Charlotte Hook was promoted to senior associate in September 2022. Experienced team lead Joanne Perritt who has noteworthy capabilities advising landowners and developers on strategic land work, is described as ‘an excellent partner’. Senior associate Joanne Cookson departed in May 2022.
Practice head(s):
Joanne Perritt
Other key lawyers:
Leo Rossiter; Ian Gordon; Sarah Cowen; Charlotte Hook
Testimonials
‘An extensive team with good knowledge, good response times and good communication. The client document portal is extremely useful for those with extensive portfolios especially.’
‘Joanne Perritt and Charlotte Hook are both very personable and knowledgeable solicitors – it is a well-managed and highly recommended department.’
‘Myerson have for many years given excellent service for me both on commercial and residential property matters. They have given robust, practical and professional advice throughout.’
‘Joanne Perritt is an excellent partner who I can strongly recommend.’
Key clients
Armstrong Brooks Limited
ICI/Dulux/Akzo Nobel
Matillion Limited
Dean Property Group
Fairhome Group Plc
Fireplace Warehouse Ltd/Flue & Ducting Ltd
Dransfield Properties Group
Britannia Group
Pet Healthcare Limited
Philip J Davies Holdings Plc
National Nuclear Laboratory Limited
AQA Education
Renaker Build Limited
Tatton Estates
Tuffnells Parcels Express Limited
Riversdale Homes Limited
Property North West Limited
Hallmark Developments (North West) Limited
Aldbury Homes Limited
Peninsula Business Services Limited
One Heritage Tower Limited
Atzaro Box Clever Limited
CB Homes Limited
DRS Data Services Limited
098 Ltd
Centurion Student Services (UK) Ltd
EM Analytical Ltd
Leymoor Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Britannia Victoria Ltd in relation to the purchase of an urban brown field site from a government department for redevelopment as a mixed open market and social housing estate incorporating 72 homes.
- Advised the Philip J Davies Partnership in relation to the sale of Lowry House, a very prominent site in Chorlton, to Lidl Supermarkets for more than £4m.
Napthens LLP
The ‘top team within a top firm’ at Napthens LLP has numerous offices across Lancashire and Cumbria; its Preston team is led by Martin Beardsworth, described as providing ‘an exemplary standard of service’, with support from partners Stephen Bell and Marc Appleton, its Blackburn-based East Lancashire offering is co-headed by David Hill and Paul Hardy, ‘exceptional solicitor’ Tony Coates leads the Southport team, its Kendal cohort is led by department head and overall lead of the region’s various teams, Jamie Allison and was bolstered in June 2022 with the arrival of associate Yasmin Blamire from Temple Heelis. Its workload consists of complex refinance and lending projects, sales and acquisitions and leasehold-related matters. Southport-based senior associate Stephanie Gray is noted as a ‘strong negotiator’.
Practice head(s):
Jamie Allison
Other key lawyers:
David Hill; Paul Hardy; Tony Coates; Martin Beardsworth; Nicola Ciraolo; Stephanie Gray; Matthew Parr; Yasmin Blamire
Testimonials
‘Tony Coates is an exceptional solicitor with an innate understanding of the law coupled with the ability to quickly understand what the client is seeking to achieve. He can cope with complex instructions and quickly disseminate them. He works well with a wider professional team and is always a positive factor in delivering any deal.’
‘The property team are very experienced and provide a large degree of confidence when dealing with difficult negotiations and contracts. I have full confidence the service they provide.’
‘We hold Stephanie Gray in the highest regard for her work and commitment to her job. She is always available and understands my business needs. I am always reassured by her advice and detailed knowledge. Stephanie is a strong negotiator and will put forward a strong front when representing my interests.’
Key clients
Tangier Central Taunton Limited
Aaron & Partners LLP
The practice at Aaron & Partners LLP is led from Chester by experienced real estate expert Emma McGlinchey who deals with high-value disposals, acquisitions, purchases and developments. The team is noted as having ‘a good reputation for dealing with complex work’, which it consistently does across property development and redevelopment, food and retail-related property assembly, and commercial and industrial management in particular. Iwan Williams is described as ‘an absolute pleasure to work with in all aspects’. ‘Highly experienced’ commercial and agricultural property partner Brent Williams joined the team from Knights plc in July 2022.
Practice head(s):
Emma McGlinchey
Other key lawyers:
Iwan Williams; Joseph Fletcher-Hunt; Brent Williams
Testimonials
‘Interaction with the team is always first-class, timely and relevant, with regular detailed case updates provided.’
‘The practice has excellent technical ability and a good reputation in dealing with complex work. The depth and breadth of their offering and their commercial awareness is all excellent. Their capacity to handle the volume of work required and meet our strategic and operational targets is also very good.’
‘Iwan Williams is a standout partner.’
‘Joseph Fletcher-Hunt has an absolutely positive attitude even if things look difficult. Repetitive contract adjustments and boring work didn’t phase. I highly recommend him.’
‘Brent Williams is a highly experienced and pragmatic real estate lawyer’.
‘Joseph Fletcher-Hunt is excellent – highly professional, knowledgeable and personable. His warmth and good humour put me at ease during a stressful time. His combination of skills makes him endearing and easy to deal with. There were many complex issues he had to unravel and he did so using both skill and initiative.’
‘Iwan Williams deals with matters efficiently, professionally and competently. He always exceeds my expectations in terms of meeting any targets set with excellent communication throughout. Iwan is extremely personable and an absolute pleasure to work with in all aspects.’
Key clients
Dŵr Cymru Cyfyngedig (Welsh Water)
Link Developments (NW) Ltd
Edenstone Homes Limited
Just Go Travel (Trading as Hays Travel)
Chester Diocesan Board of Finance
HBL Leisure Limited
Parkfield Homes Limited
William Fishwick & Son Limited
Castlemead Group Limited
Church Commissioners
Thomas Plant Hire/Thomas Holdings (North West) Limited
Spurstow Estates Limited/Spurstow Properties Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for Edenstone Homes Limited on the sale of Phase 4a St Mary’s Garden Village, Ross-on-Wye as a fully serviced site to Taylor Wimpey.
- Acting for a German discount supermarket chain on the disposal of redundant sites.
- Acting for Spurstow Properties Limited on the sale of the Buckley Shopping Centre.
Brabners LLP
Lancashire-based Charles Hansford, who has a particular specialism acting for landed estates atop his landlord and tenant, and sale and acquisition-focused property experience, leads Brabners LLP‘s practice, alongside Richard Roberts, Iain Gamble and Robert White, all of who work cross-office. The team handles such work as the sales and conversions of high-value properties. Former team lead of the Preston office Ross Shine has relocated to the firm’s Manchester office, from which development and infrastructure partner and team lead Andrew Waugh departed in 2022.
Practice head(s):
Charles Hansford; Richard Roberts; Iain Gamble; Robert White
Other key lawyers:
Nicola Hall
Key clients
Lancaster City Council
Sofology (Part of the DFS Group)
Simply Design
XLR8 (Part of JD Sports)
National Football Museum
The Mobility Group
Zen Jungle Estates Limited
The Dixon Group
Countyroute
Work highlights
- Advised Lancaster City Council on the disposal of land to form the Eden North Project.
- Advising client in respect of development of waste tip as a solar park.
- Advise County route on a joint venture CPO matter relating to the construction of the A130.
DTM Legal LLP
DTM Legal LLP‘s offering has a strong reputation for its capabilities in handling both contentious and non-contentious commercial and residential real estate matters. From Chester, Stephen Lunt is noteworthy for his ability to manage complex portfolios in particular, whilst Paul Makinson stands out for his work on key sales and developments in the region, as well as for his secured lending work. Helen Nash brings expertise in energy-related work, such as wind farm development and onshore gas exploration, to the offering. Head of property Anna Duffy, who works from Liverpool, leads the team alongside Chester-based head of residential Sue Elias.
Practice head(s):
Anna Duffy; Sue Elias
Other key lawyers:
Stephen Lunt; Paul Makinson; Helen Nash; Stephen Yardley
Testimonials
‘The full team has second-to-none knowledge of our company’s activities – we are looked after with whatever we ask.’
‘General knowledge and attention-to-detail with our cases and company activities are notable.’
Key clients
Prestige Homes (Yorkshire Ltd)
Reid Homes Limited
Pro Investments Limited/FI Real Estate
The Anwyl Group
Morbaine Limited
Delamere Homes Pulford Limited
Chester Rugby Union Football Club Limited
Chester Zoo
Urban Space Property Holdings Limited
Clogau Gold of Wales Limited
Tattenhall Dairy Products Limited
Helsby Parish Council
Wastdale Investments Ltd
Legat Owen
Manweb
The Majory Body Tees Ltd
Willan Group
Larchfield Bell LLP
F & O Homes Ltd
A Bernie Queensferry Auction Ltd
FG Whitley & Sons
Dandy’s (Chester) Limited
Vivio Developments Ltd
Marcol Developments
Kingmead Limited
Kinsey Farming
Ursula Keyes Trust
Frodsham Town Council
Work highlights
- Advised in a successful adjudication against a claim related to piling works of circa £1m.
Forbes Solicitors
Adam Bromley, noted as a ‘hugely experienced lawyer’ is at the helm of Forbes Solicitors‘ Preston-based practice, which has strong capabilities handling a broad range of commercial property related issues of significant value and complexity. Its workload includes negotiating leases, property modification, and key disposals and acquisitions in the region, an example being its £3.5m case of this nature for Maytree Homes Ltd. Richard Clithero specialises in sale, leasing and purchase of property, and is described as having ‘a wealth of knowledge and experience’. Mohassan Mehmood is a key senior associate.
Practice head(s):
Adam Bromley
Other key lawyers:
Richard Clithero; Matthew Jones; Helen Marsh; Mohassan Mehmood
Testimonials
‘The team is very sensitive to my position and bills are fair. I would use them again.’
‘Richard Clithero remains as an advisor between deals – he doesn’t cash in and pull down the shutter.’
‘They have good specialists in different departments. Richard Clitheroe is excellent with all aspects of my business.’
Key clients
Maytree Homes ltd
BFCITC (Facilities) Ltd
Senator International Limited
Pets Choice Ltd
Mattioli Woods plc
Bolton Car Centre Limited
McDemott Homes
Lofthouse and Fleetwood (Fisherman’s Friend Lozenges)
Stokers Limited
Trust Inns Limited
Huntapac Produce Limited
Kepak Group
EP Properties Group
Thrive Propco Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Maytree Homes in the acquisition of land in Kirkby Stephens, Cumbria; the site set up and disposal of all units.
- Advised Senator International Limited on a large solar project, involving the installation of solar panels on the roof space of four separate large industrial units.
- Acted in advising and negotiating a lease for a warehouse in the Cardiff Docs for a large UK pet food supplier, Pets Choice Ltd.
Harrison Drury & Co
The north west offering at Harrison Drury & Co has a strong reputation for its ability to advise on the full spectrum of commercial property matters. It advises its array of key clients on matters which span industry sectors, from renewable energy and agriculture – the latter of which is an area of expertise of the ‘exceptionally helpful’ Kendal-based Naomi Fell – to travel, leisure and hospitality. Its workload is consistently of high value and the team also has cross-border capabilities. Preston-based Colin Fenny‘s area of expertise is litigation. Specialist in landlord and tenant-related issues and commercial developments in the renewable sector Simon England is at the helm of the practice from the Clitheroe office. Lancaster office head Hannah Hughes is a noteworthy team member.
Practice head(s):
Simon England
Other key lawyers:
Naomi Fell; Hannah Hughes; Nicola Beneduce; Amanda Marwood; Lara Watts; Colin Fenny; Wendy Newbury; Danielle Leeming; Lucy Beachell; Jackie Bate
Testimonials
‘Wendy Newbury is very professional and always makes sure she is looking after your interests.’
‘Simon England and Hannah Hughes both provide a clear and efficient service together.’
‘Lucy Beachell consistently delivers in terms of getting matters over the line and possesses an uncanny knack for eliciting responses from the most unresponsive of individuals.’
‘Simon England and Lara Watts have persevered through some very frustrating times and delays to achieve a satisfactory outcome in the end.’
‘Notable individuals are Jackie Bate in conveyancing and Naomi Fell in corporate property matters have been exceptionally helpful, and I could not speak more highly of the firm.’
‘They have knowledge of the sector and the institution. Work is conducted with humour and legal jargon is broken down so that even I can understand it! One individual that stands out is Danielle Leeming. They are approachable, personable, and make you feel able to ask questions.’
‘Amanda Marwood is exceptionally professional whilst making her clients feel comfortable and relaxed. She is very approachable, open and treats us with equality. Amanda is happy to take the time and care to discuss the basic principles of items in technical agreements.’
‘Nicola Beneduce handles work in a very professional manner.’
Key clients
PJM Property Investments Limited/MM Acquisions Limited
Cumberland Buildings Society
James Alpe Developments
Westholme Care Home Limited
Applethwaite Homes
Preston North End
Wilson & Co Properties
Derbyshire Projects Ltd
Oxbury Bank
Work highlights
- Advising a not-for-profit in a large-scale development project aimed at addressing the shortage of social housing and lack of energy-efficient sustainable homes.
SAS Daniels LLP
SAS Daniels LLP‘s ‘approachable and helpful’ team is led by Macclesfield and Stockport-based Steven Percy. Nicola Deutsch who also works from the Stockport office is a name to note for her social housing and residential redevelopment experience, a specialism shared by Macclesfield’s Nigel Read. Sale and purchase is another key focus for the team, with Chester-based Andrew Clarke working on notable and high-value matters of this nature for the team. Additionally, the team is well-equipped to manage complex landlord and tenant-related work.
Practice head(s):
Steven Percy
Other key lawyers:
Nigel Read; Nicola Deutsch; Andrew Clark; Rebecca Lea
Testimonials
‘The culture within the company is that they are very approachable and a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Steven Percy is a great guy to assist in all things property.’
‘They provide helpful services and knowledge of many different sectors.’
‘With this team, everything has been straightforward and dealt with in a fast manner. Nicola Deutsch is my main point of contact and I wouldn’t use anyone else.’
‘The team are approachable and helpful.’
‘They are good to get hold of and work well towards deadlines.’
‘Close and quick communication with the client.’
Key clients
Frederic Robinson Limited
Duchy Homes Limited
Cranford Estates (Strategic Investments) Limited
Franklyn Financial Management
Macclesfield FC
Svenska Handelsbanken
Willan Trading Limited
Centec International Limited
Autac Products Limited
Estates & Leisure Holdings Limited
Cotton Estates Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Autac Products Limited on a lease of 12,500 sq. ft. of premises.
- Advised Cetnec International on the property aspects of a multi-million pound share sale, dealing with title irregularities, pending adverse possession claims and extensive warranties.
Slater Heelis
Sale-based residential property specialist Zara Banday co-leads Slater Heelis‘ team alongside Manchester-based Will Henson. It has a reputation for its strength in residential development work, acting for developers on a range of projects; it is described as offering an ‘unrivalled’ quality of advice. Jay Lafinhan acts for an array of key clients on commercial work also, and has a developing expertise in renewable energy and infrastructure projects in particular. The team ably advises on complex sale and purchase agreements, leases and financial aspects of high-value projects.
Practice head(s):
Zara Banday; Will Henson
Other key lawyers:
Jay Lafinhan; Jonathan Kay; Richard Bradbury; Charlotte Padmore
Testimonials
‘Slater Heelis offer a very personal service that makes you feel part of the Slater Heelis family. Great communication and updates on matters that are proactive. They really make you feel that you matter as a client and their quality of advice is unrivalled.’
‘Jonathan Kay is simply exceptional, I can’t say enough about how good he is.’
Key clients
Justice Properties Limited
60 Oldham Street Limited
District and County Investments Limited
The shareholders of Sunnysands Caravan Park Limited
Work highlights
- Acted in the property aspects arising from the disposal of the entire issued share capital of Sunnysands Caravan Park Limited.
- Represented District and County Investments Limited and its group member, DCI 2 Limited, in respect of obtaining a Revolving Loan Facility from Shawbrook Bank Plc.
- Represented Justice Properties Limited on a complex sale of a commercial building in Manchester city centre.
Farleys Solicitors LLP
The ‘very professional team’ at Farleys Solicitors LLP is co-headed by Ian Liddle from Manchester, Tom O’Neill from Blackburn and Stephen Greenwood from Preston. Across the team is a strong ability to handle work ranging from acquisitions, disposals and development work to disposals and secured finance. It predominantly advises on the high-value sale of sites across the region.
Practice head(s):
Ian Liddle; Tom O’Neill; Stephen Greenwood
Other key lawyers:
Graeme Booth; Lydia Griffin
Testimonials
‘A very professional team with ease of accessibility.’
‘The team at Farleys do their best to work with the client, keeping them fully informed of ongoing progress – they have a good grasp of legal and business risks.’
‘Stephen Greenwood, Graeme Booth and Lydia Griffin are all standout for their proactiveness – there is usually no need to ask them to do something in a matter they are dealing with, as they have proactively done this already.’
HM3 Legal
Caroline Jones, who ‘offers first-class support’ from the firm’s Chester office, co-leads HM3 Legal‘s cohort alongside Liverpool-based Ian Millington. The practice is equipped to advise its clients on matters involving lease transactions, sales and acquisitions and development projects of significant value. Notably, associate Beth Sales joined the team in December 2022 from Allington Hughes Solicitors.
Practice head(s):
Caroline Jones; Ian Millington
Other key lawyers:
James Cullen; Beth Sales
Testimonials
‘Forward-thinking, pleasant and efficient in all communications. They go above and beyond to support us.’
‘Caroline Jones offers first-class support, communications and advice.’
Key clients
Progress Schools Limited
Rent A Space LLP
Outerspace Buildings Limited
Oglethorpe Sturton & Gillibrand
The ‘well-respected’ Allan Sumner leads Oglethorpe Sturton & Gillibrand‘s ‘very thorough and diligent’ Lancaster-based team. Alison Kinder, who has a particular strength in property development as well as landlord and tenant work across both residential and commercial property, is described as a ‘star’. The team is experienced in handling all aspects of sales and purchases of property. Charlotte Russell leads much of the team’s work of this nature.
Practice head(s):
Allan Sumner
Other key lawyers:
Alison Kinder; David Park; Charlotte Russell; Catherine Roberts
Testimonials
‘I have worked with Alison Kinder and OSG Property Team for many years, on both a professional basis and on personal work. Alison and the team are very thorough and diligent, helping to navigate through complex deals to a beneficial conclusion.’
‘The team has an intimate knowledge of my company and I trust and receive excellent service. Their experience and training give me definite comfort. Particular praise is owed to Catherine Roberts who represents excellently on contested legal matters.’
‘Alison Kinder is excellent. I consider it would be difficult replacing her knowledge and expertise.’
Key clients
Windmill Oaks Limited
Spring Bank Development NW Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for a local family selling land with the potential for redevelopment in the central Lakes area, with a conditional contract, subject to planning with a potential sale value of £1.25m.
- Assisting a client with the full-range of complex land promotion agreements resulting in the successful sale of the land for development at £12.3m.
- Assisting a joint venture company with their asset purchase of a public house and its business, incorporating a wide range of complex commercial terms and property issues.
Temple Heelis
Associate Lucy Benton, described as ‘a delight to deal with’, heads the practice at Temple Heelis from the firm’s Kendal office. The team has strong capabilities across commercial property, namely advising on significant sales and acquisitions in the region in addition to portfolio management and refinancing work. It has a particular focus on the hospitality and leisure sectors, as well as healthcare, wherein it has advised on the development of a variety of care service facilities. Yasmin Blamire departed to Napthens LLP in June 2022.
Practice head(s):
Lucy Benton
Other key lawyers:
Alaisdhair McPhee
Testimonials
‘Temple Heelis are a well-regarded legal practice who are approachable, organised, efficient and customer-focused. They have kept traditional values with modern practice who have been excellent to deal with during property transactions.’
‘Lucy Benton is thorough, commercial and a problem solver working towards the best outcome for her clients.’
‘Temple Heelis excel in all areas through their personal touch, proactive approach and can-do attitude in all aspects of any work.’
Key clients
Wirral Specialist Dental Referrals Ltd
Temple Heelis D. R. Limited
Heritage Restaurant & Bar Ltd
RRC Property Ltd
Wilf’s Catering Limited
Rayriggs Services Limited
Winslow Construction & Renovation Limited
Lakes News Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Wirral Specialist Dental Referrals Limited on the acquisition of a dental practice to expand their existing practice portfolio for the provision of orthodontic dental care in Liverpool.
- Advised a major bank on the funding of a multi-million pound refinance of two multi-let retail developments in the Lake District.
- Advised Temple Heelis D. R. Limited in connection with the significant acquisition of two freehold properties in the heart of the Lake District.
Woodcocks Haworth & Nuttall (WHN)
Woodcocks Haworth & Nuttall (WHN)‘s team was bolstered with the April 2022 arrival from Harrison Drury & Co of legal director Daniel Boulton to the firm’s Blackburn office. At the same office, solicitor Katie Hall is noted as providing an ‘outstanding service’. It ably advises its clients on acquisitions, sales, developments and redevelopments of significant, high-value sites in the region. Experienced property development specialist Nicola Phelps, based in Clitheroe, leads the team.
Practice head(s):
Nicola Phelps
Other key lawyers:
Daniel Boulton; Katie Hall
Testimonials
‘When working on my private conveyancing which was quite complex they were very professional, knowledgeable and provided the best outcome.’
‘They have given a consistent service over many years.’
‘Katie Hall gives and outstanding service; she’s forward-thinking and a great communicator.’
Key clients
Providence Gate Group Holdings Ltd
Tradewind Recruitment Ltd
Henry and Ann Hamriding
St Johns Court Ramsbottom Ltd
41 NRoad Ltd
Maximillian John Bradley
Barnfield Blackburn Limited
Pendle Enterprise and Regeneration (Brierfield Mill) Limited
McDermott Developments Limited
AMS Technology Park Limited
Oldroyd (Preesall) Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Providence Gate Group Holdings Ltd / Providence Gate Abersoch Limited on the acquisition of a site in Abersoch for development into a hotel with residential apartments above.
- Advised Pendle Enterprise and Regeneration (Brierfield Mill) Limited on a regeneration joint venture between Barnfield Investment Properties Limited and The Borough Council of Pendle for a major £32m development.
- Advised McDermott Developments Ltd on a land purchase for development of 343 dwellings with associated works, conditional on planning permission and involving detailed Section 111 and Section 106 Agreements.