Leading Associates

Commercial property: Essex in South East

Birkett Long LLP

Birkett Long LLP acts for a varied client roster which includes landlords, developers, housebuilders, and financial institutions. The team is noted for its strong focus on the healthcare and education sectors, often assisting clients with the property-related aspects of investment transactions. Practice head Emma Wraight  specialises in strategic land matters such as option and overage agreements, and has a track record for advising banks on the securing of charges. Melanie Bache's areas of expertise include stamp duty land transactions, and secured lending and finance matters, while Jenny Tully, who joined the team in April 2024 from Gowling WLG, is noted for her expertise in land acquisition and disposals.

Practice head(s):

Emma Wraight


Other key lawyers:

Melanie Bache; Hayley Goldstone; Sian Taylor; Justin Stock; Jenny Tully; Daniel Sturman


Testimonials

‘We commend their application to the work and meticulous handling of matters.’ 

‘Melanie Bache will always develop a close understanding of the task at hand and work collaboratively with third parties to achieve a successful outcome.’

‘The team is experienced and has a broad knowledge base. I use several branches of Birkett Long LLP and no matter what we require they have a team to help us at quick notice.’  

Key clients

Healthcare Homes Group Limited


Colchester Institute Corporation


Evelyn Court (Deptford) LLP


Kent Blaxill Properties Limited


Southdowns Village Limited


St Olav’s Court Ltd


St Helena Hospice


Paton & Lee Ltd


MD Import-Export Limited


Institute of Customer Service


Farleigh Hospice


Etopia Eastry Limited


BEW Electrical Distributors Limited


T Rippon & Sons (Holdings) Limited


T Rippon Estates Limited


Stubbings Investment Holdings Limited


Stubbings Land Development Limited


Stubbings Food and Beverage Holdings Limited


Cliffords Limited


Stonechart Property Limited


Summerhill Nurseries Limited


Triolo Commercial Holdings Limited


Writtle University College


Etopia Wilburton Limited


Birketts LLP

Routinely acting for clients from the motor, food, and retail sectors, the team at Birketts LLP is ‘full of talent’, handling the full gamut of matters relating to commercial property transactions. The team is led by Steven Kay, who focuses on acting for housebuilders, and often advises on property finance. Chelmsford based practice head Grace Kerr is a specialist in strategic land transactions, often advising on acquisitions, disposals, and the management of investment property. Hannah Harbottle is noted for her niche expertise acting for charities and third sector clients.

Practice head(s):

Grace Kerr; Steven Kay


Other key lawyers:

Duncan Williamson; David Springett; Johanna Cope; Matthew Grindley; Hannah Harbottle; Adele Dean


Testimonials

‘The real estate team at Birketts is full of talent and there is a reason we continue to rely on them for almost all of our transactions.’

‘David Springett is incredibly hands-on and works flat out to consistency achieve results for us. He is a brilliant representative for our business.’

‘The team is approachable and professional at all times.’

‘The property team is efficient and always has our best interests at the forefront of its advice.’

‘Everyone plays their part in our property legal activity. They are all great sounding boards and will help to achieve solutions, resulting in transactions being completed.’

‘Adele Deane is incredibly proactive, and always explores all angles when a problem needs resolving. Her technical and planning knowledge is fantastic too.’

‘Highly professional, able to deliver sound advice on complex matters at short notice covering a wide spectrum of disciplines.’

‘ Hannah Harbottle genuinely cares about client issues and provides a personal touch seldom found in today’s business world. ’

Key clients

Gates Group Limited


Kefco Sales Limited


Riduna Holdings Limited


Hollybrook Group


Anderson Design and Build Limited


Ellisons Solicitors

Ellisons Solicitors is noted for handling a vast array of issues involving development site acquisitions and disposals, planning and environmental matters, and option agreements. The group regularly acts for developers, financial institutions, and landlords and tenants. The department is jointly headed by Ross Wiltshire in Chelmsford, and Colchester’s Guy Longhurst, who are both recommended for their knowledge of secured lending. Philip Roberts' primary areas of expertise include property portfolios, and development and leasing agreements. Specialising in development work, Bethan Williams and Chris Harvey were promoted to partner in 2024, with Harvey focusing on residential development sides, and Bethan being well-versed in option, promotion, planning, and statutory agreements.

Practice head(s):

Ross Wiltshire; Guy Longhurst


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Fernandes; Philip Roberts; Susan Ryan; Bethan Williams; Chris Harvey


Testimonials

‘Strong commercial property team throughout Essex and Suffolk.’

‘The service is very professional and highly responsive.’

‘I always know where I am in the process, the solicitor who does much of my work is understanding of our sector and is easy to communicate with.’

Tees Law

Noted for its strength in property disposals and infrastructure agreements, Tees Law houses a broad team headed by Brentwood-based Aaron Cane, who is an expert in property development, often receiving instructions from landowners and house building companies. Lucy Beck is particularly adept at assisting with the real estate aspects of corporate transactions. Jane Winfield, who is also based in Brentwood, focuses on transactional mandates, often advising investment landlords on their portfolios. In Chelmsford, Daniel Fairs is known for his broad knowledge of strategic land transactions, and lease acquisitions and disposals.

Practice head(s):

Aaron Cane


Other key lawyers:

Lucy Beck; James Dowson; Daniel Fairs; Jane Winfield


Testimonials

‘All the team works together to act proactively for their clients. I valued the regular updates and contacts I had with the different members of the team to give me peace of mind on how my case was progressing.’

‘The service I have received from the team from the Brentwood Commercial Property department has always been prompt, professional and friendly.’

‘Jane Winfield was extremely helpful.’

‘I have dealt specifically with Jane Winfield who is always extremely prompt in replying to emails and telephone calls. She explains everything in a very clear and down to earth manner and always works to expedite manners as quickly as possible which from past dealings with solicitors I find very refreshing. I would not hesitate to recommend her.’

‘Solicitors at the practice offer pragmatic, realistic and cut to the chase advice.’

‘Aaron Cane and Lucy Beck are standout solicitors.’

‘Flexible & versatile – high standards of competence & professionalism.’

‘Amenable and understanding – proactive with thoughtful advice and ideas.’

Key clients

R.V.L. Properties Limited


William Thompson Homes Limited


Magri Developments Limited


Review Hotels Limited


Chappell Estates Limited


Earl Estates Limited


Plant Education Networks Limited


Woodland Group Limited


Cheale Group Limited


Silvermist Properties (Chelmsford) Limited


Earl (Oxford) Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Cheale Group Limited on the sale of a significant landholding as a share sale involving significant property due diligence including extensive environmental and related issues due to the nature of the property and its historic use as a working abattoir.
  • Advised Review Hotels Limited on the sale of a significant hotel involving extensive property due diligence, technical title issues and pre-sale preparation resolving potential title issues.
  • Advised Woodland Group Limited on the purchase of a significant warehouse facility involving the surrender of an existing lease, the grant of a further lease, and complex VAT issues.

Holmes & Hills

Holmes & Hills houses a broad commercial property team led by Chris Milner, who has deep knowledge of multi-layered funding facilities, routinely advising on the due diligence aspects of land transactions. Practice head Rebecca Mason is an expert in development matters, regularly advising developers and landowners on sales, acquisitions and development agreements. Rosanna Clarke joined the team from Birketts LLP in June 2023, and is noted for her expertise in property finance and secured lending matters. In January 2024, Mark Rowlands joined the group from Thompson Smith and Puxon, contributing his knowledge of landlord and tenant matters, and the property aspects of transactions. Phillippa Jerram retired in June 2023.

Practice head(s):

Rebecca Mason


Other key lawyers:

George French; Chris Milner; Rosanna Clarke; Mark Rowlands; Laura Gale


Testimonials

‘Always attentive and response times are very good. Chris Milner in particular. Always very thorough with his work.’

‘ We have found Holmes & Hills to be very efficient and quick to respond on the varying property matters we have instructed them on.’

‘Quick, efficient, concise and easy to work with.’

‘Rebecca Mason is our go-to solicitor.’

‘I can thoroughly recommend Holmes and Hills, who have dealt with several issues for us relating to commercial property. I would use them again for any similar issue.’

‘They have a very focused commercial property team, all of which are approachable and easily accessible.’

‘Laura Gale advised clearly, concisely on all matters with competence and speed.’

‘The depth of knowledge within this practice was evident during our recent purchase. Laura Gale’s advice was valuable. It allowed us to make an informed choice during our purchase. The level of detail within her report was clear and concise.’

Key clients

ALS Labs Limited


Blue Square Homes Limited


Chelmsford Cars and Commercials


Esmera Limited


E J Taylor & Sons Ltd


Montare LLP


Rose Builders (Properties) Ltd


Privo Developments Limited


Brand Art Limited


Caterham Limited


Seward Properties Limited


Whitehouse Business Solutions Limited


3A Projects Ltd


G&K Groundworks Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advised Montare LLP on a Promotion Agreement over land in Hillingdon with a developed value of over £10 million.
  • Advised 20 Gainsborough Limited on the purchase of two adjacent sites as ultimate purchaser in a sub-sale transaction with a view to developing the entire site, post-completion.
  • Advised Necton Developments Ltd in connection with a joint venture purchase agreement with a developed value of over £4 million.

Palmers

Palmers is noted for the breadth of its knowledge, spanning the education, construction, healthcare and agriculture sectors, regularly handling both landlord and tenant issues, and leasehold matters. The department is jointly headed by Elena Nicolaou and Carey Jacobs. Nicolaou is recommended for her expertise in development and recreational matters, and Jacobs regularly advises on insolvency-related property issues, multi-property refinance work, and commercial property contracts. Shweta Shinde joined the firm in July 2023 and handles an array of property transactions, while Jemmar Attfield arrived in November 2023 from Paul Robinson Solicitors LLP, and excels in development-related finance mandates. Maisie Yau left the department for an in-house role in September 2023.

Practice head(s):

Elena Nicolaou; Carey Jacobs


Other key lawyers:

Jemmar Attfield; Shweta Shinde


Testimonials

‘Always attentive and response times are very good. Carey Jacobs in particular is always very thorough with her work.’

‘The service from Palmers is excellent. Given they cover a wide range of subjects there is always someone who can provide support.’

‘The relationship is always personal, and the team’s knowledge of the law and options to handle matters is always very helpful. ’

Paul Robinson Solicitors LLP

Paul Robinson Solicitors LLP is known for its vast experience in land promotion and investment agreements, as well as banking and finance security documentation. Mark Deans often advises on commercial leases, and is well-regarded for his expertise in section 106 agreements, and promotion and option agreements. Deans leads the group alongside Wendy Cole, whose practice includes landlord and tenant matters, and business asset sales, with her niche area of expertise being transactions for charitable organisations.

Practice head(s):

Mark Deans; Wendy Cole


Work highlights


  • Advised on a purchase contract with completion subject to satisfactory planning permission over a mixed-use site with a purchase price of £8.5m.
  • Advised on the refinancing of five freehold properties with a total value of £10.5m.
  • Advised on the acquisition of a company, where the sole asset is a development site with a deal value £2m.

Thompson Smith and Puxon

Noted for its strong focus on the agricultural sector, Thompson Smith and Puxon routinely assists retail and financial services clients with matters concerning the acquisition and disposal of freehold and leasehold property, commercial mortgages, and property-based financing. The ‘highly knowledgeable’ Stephen Firmin heads the practice, and is an expert in rural land acquisitions and disposals, and renewable energy projects. Kerry Addison is frequently instructed by developers, affordable housing providers, farmers, and landowners. Mark Rowlands left the firm in January 2024

Practice head(s):

Stephen Firmin


Other key lawyers:

Kerry Addison


Testimonials

‘I have found the team to be approachable and interested in the problems they have been presented with.’

‘Stephen Firmin is an excellent personal lawyer.’

‘Kerry Addison is the partner  I use for matters of real estate, planning law, development & sponsorship contract advice. Commercially sharp, focused and technically strong.’

‘A long-established firm that has expanded with the strength to advise on all property matters to new and long-standing clients. Available at all times with a strong team of experienced professionals Good knowledge of development issues on small and large sites.’

‘Stephen Firmin has strong knowledge of all legal matters relating to properties.’

‘The team gives very high-quality advice.’

‘Steven Firmin is highly knowledgeable.’

Work highlights


Aquabridge

Housing a team of ‘very experienced professionals’, Aquabridge specialises in non-contentious commercial property work such as property investment, development, and commercial funding. The team regularly collaborates with the firm's corporate and commercial group, handling the property elements of business sales and acquisitions. Kieran Lowe is a key name for transactions involving owner-managed businesses, frequently receiving instructions from clients in the retail, medical, manufacturing, and hospitality sectors.

Practice head(s):

Kieran Lowe


Other key lawyers:

Amy Legg


Testimonials

‘The team at Aquabridge Law has the ability to be able to understand our business and be able offer advice which is appropriate and specific rather than generic. This is useful in assessing the risks attached to the decision being made.’

‘Kieran Lowe understands our property estate and offers relevant and timely advice.’

‘Aquabridge provides a comprehensive service, backed by very experienced professionals who provide a customized service to suit us. The one thing that particularly stands out is the excellent communication and feedback to us as a client.’

Work highlights


Jefferies Essex LLP

Jefferies Essex LLP's areas of expertise include refinancing for development funding, and planning agreements. Practice head Mark Hidveghy is highly experienced in the sale and purchase of hotels, factories, public houses, and shopping centres. Amelia Hayes, noted for her ‘exceptional knowledge’, stands out due to her vast knowledge of commercial property and residential conveyancing matters.

Practice head(s):

Mark Hidveghy


Other key lawyers:

Amelia Hayes; Helen Martin


Testimonials

‘ The team has knowledge of the sector we work in, and the ability to complete important purchases on time. The overall quality of their partners and associates is great.’

‘Helen Martin is one of the key factors for us when choosing Jefferies to act on our behalf: excellent communication, great advice and always looks after our best interests.’

‘They operate on a friendly basis and are our go-to firm for advice.’

Pinney Talfourd LLP

Pinney Talfourd LLP's commercial property team routinely collaborates with the firm's commercial, property, and commercial litigation teams to assist clients with a variety of matters, which includes land sales, leasehold matters, and refinance transactions. Instructed by a variety of clients from the entertainment, retail, agricultural, and residential development sectors, Julien Pritchard leads the team, and is noted for his strength in landlord and tenant matters.

Practice head(s):

Julien Pritchard


Other key lawyers:

Inderdeep Kanda


Testimonials

‘Very thorough in their dealings with me on very complex projects.’

‘Pinney Talfourd provided an absolutely seamless process during the whole transaction process.’

‘Large enough to take on all work, but retains that small company feel of excellent partner access and engagement.’

‘Julien Pritchard : Highly valued for his practical advice and ability to point out and explain the implications of situations, and assist in building in those implications in a balanced way to reach commercial decisions. Deep knowledge of the property sector. A pleasure to deal with.’

‘Technical proficiency combined with an affable relaxed client approach that ensures the client feels looked after, heard without a brash, officious or aloof style.’

‘Pinney Talfourd cover all aspects of our requirements in property investment. Their commercial and residential teams, backed up by the dispute resolution team, are second to none.’

‘Straight forward no nonsense approach to landlord and tenant work.’

‘Julien Pritchard – very good understanding of overage and clawback provisions. Hands on dynamic.’

Key clients

Keech Hospice Care


Textile Reuse & International Development Limited


Berwen Limited


Connells Group


Poppy’s Funeral Directors


Work highlights


  • Advised Poppy’s Funerals Limited on the acquisition of a new premises in London.