The ‘strong commercial property team’ at Brachers in Maidstone is ‘knowledgeable and thorough in all its dealings’. Specialising in the education, primary care and agriculture sectors, the team is led by Sarah Gaines, who focuses on the agriculture and charity sectors and has ‘excellent in-depth knowledge’ of land transactions and agreements. The ‘patient’ and ‘calm’ Ash Jilani is an expert in primary care property matters, acting on the development of GP premises and the property aspects of M&A deals. Bill Butler heads up the firm’s education sector group and specialises in disposals, redevelopments and secured lending work. Katherine Morgan left for Thomson Snell & Passmore in September 2023.
Commercial property: Kent, Surrey, Sussex in South East
Brachers
Practice head(s):
Sarah Gaines
Other key lawyers:
Ash Jilani; Bill Butler; Helen Stonham; Lee May
Testimonials
‘As a team, Brachers are knowledgeable and thorough in all their dealings with our firm.’
‘Sarah Gaines has been our lead contact for a number of years now. We have established a very good relationship and through this have strengthened and deepened the relationship between us. Sarah is more than willing to ‘get into the weeds’ with cases, which serves to highlight the willingness and pride that she and Brachers take in their work.’
‘A major law firm with a strong commercial property team and an excellent range of specialist lawyers for every speciality and eventuality.’
‘Sarah Gaines has worked on a major promotion collaboration agreement showing an excellent depth of knowledge and the ability to find a practical way forward to an agreement. She is always aware that the aim is a signed agreement. Ash Jilani is patient, calm and able to press on and complete the deal in the face of a challenging vendor. He was not phased by obstacles and difficulties.’
‘We would have absolutely no hesitation in using again, or recommending Brachers.’
‘I have only been impressed with Brachers. I have had clear, accurate and professional advice throughout the process and have never had any cause to doubt their capabilities.’
‘Incredibly approachable team. We were assigned a member of the team who proved to be the perfect match to handle the sale of our business.’
Key clients
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
Plumpton College
Sea Street Developments Limited
Bromley College
Ashford Borough Council
East Kent College
Alan Firmin Limited
Durtnell Limited
Greensands Medical Practice
Saga Group Limited
Medway Practices Alliance
CAF Bank Limited
The Menu Partners
Canterbury Medical Practice
Gallagher Group Limited
The East Malling Trust
Edenbridge Medical Practice
CAF Bank Limited
The Merit Group
Gravesham Borough Council
Oxbury Bank Plc
Queenborough Fishery Trust
Children & Families Ltd
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Located in Guildford, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP offers a ‘vast knowledge base with specialists in key subjects who are experts in their field’. Assisting with corporate real estate work, secured lending issues and development sales in the healthcare, retail and leisure sectors, the team also offers expertise in industrial gas production facilities and pipelines. The team is headed up by Suzi Gatward in London; Ingrid Saffin in Guildford, who acts for FTSE and internationally listed companies including industrial gas and hydrogen production companies; and David McClenaghan, who has the ability to ‘remain calm in a storm’ and has significant experience in the residential development sector, acting for home builders and developers. Another key lawyer is Sydney Forster, who is praised as ‘consistently reliable’ and ‘knowledgeable’.
Practice head(s):
Ingrid Saffin; Suzi Gatward; David McClenaghan
Other key lawyers:
Sydney Forster
Testimonials
‘Sydney Forster was a great contact to work with at CRS. I had many questions and she never hesitated to help, providing over and above responses.’
‘I have enjoyed their knowledge and their willingness to help. I also appreciate their transparency.’
‘Sydney Forster in their conveyancing department is a great asset to CRS. She is consistently reliable, knowledgeable and is able to provide comprehensive advice on complex matters which includes in-depth detail of possible risks and options available to us.’
‘The team are dedicated, skilled and comprehensive in their approach. Working with them, I do not have to worry about things being missed or spend my own time double checking what is happening as they always have everything completely covered. Not only do we have a long-standing relationship with the residential conveyancing team, we have had occasion to use the construction, litigation and tax teams, all of whom have displayed a similar very high level of competence.’
‘The team of lawyers we work with are highly professional and experienced. They are extremely knowledgeable and always willing to help. They identify issues and give succinct and clear advice and guidance on practical solutions. The team provide extremely good client service and we would not hesitate in recommending them.’
‘We have worked with David McClenaghan for many years which is testament to his abilities and level of understanding of what makes a successful residential development. David stands out from his peers for his experience, gained over many years in practice, together with his ability to remain calm in a storm.’
‘Historic relationship that have grown over time with both partners and senior associates that have time to provide expert advice in all property related matters.’
‘‘Good range of experience within the team.’
Key clients
Nike Retail B.V. and Converse Netherlands B.V
Dentex Healthcare Group Limited (and group companies)
Warrant Investments Plc (and group companies)
Air Products Group
Avicenna Retail Limited
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Silversea Cruises
London Irish Rugby Football Club
Charlton Athletic Football Company Limited
ATP Tour, Inc.
Silbury Specialty Finance Limited
Royal Horticultural Society
Bellway Homes Limited
Rushmon Limited
Berkeley Homes Limited
Barts Square First Limited (Helical)
Countryside Properties (UK) Limited
Work highlights
- Providing advice to Air Products Group, a multibillion-dollar industrial gases giant, on its entire portfolio of property in England and Wales, including all key operational site leases and pipeline arrangements and various freehold and leasehold interests.
- Advising London Irish Rugby Football Club on the complex title issues and property aspects of the funding arrangements from Sport England which is providing government backed financial support to the club to assist in mitigating the financial issues experienced following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Acting on behalf of the Thames Valley Division of Bellway Homes in relation to the legal set-up and sale of private market homes on a new residential development in Taplow, known as Huntercombe Walk, which includes affordable housing, open space, landscaping and associated infrastructure works.
Cripps
With strong expertise in commercial and residential properties, the ‘very well run team’ at Cripps in Tunbridge Wells includes ‘hardworking, intelligent problem solvers’ and regularly advises property investment companies, housing associations, corporates, retail parks and warehouse owners. Practice head Stephen Hedley provides ‘excellent advice’ and has recently handled the acquisition of logistics sites and disposals of retail assets. Sarah Ferguson is particularly experienced in the affordable housing sector, while Ed Fowler has a specialism in acting for luxury UK and international retailers and restaurateurs. Another key lawyer is Ben Johnston, who specialises in landlord and tenant matters, retail property and asset management work, and shopping centre investments. In early 2024, the firm merged with Horsham-based firm PDT Solicitors, which added the expertise of James Clewlow, Jane Bowden and Craig Burton.
Practice head(s):
Stephen Hedley
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Ferguson; Ed Fowler; Ben Johnston; James Clewlow; Jane Bowden; Craig Burton; Holly Goacher; Chehraz Fox
Testimonials
‘Very well run team, efficient handling of work and go the extra mile to get deals done.’
‘Hard working, intelligent problem solvers that are always on the end of a phone call.’
‘We use Stephen Hedley at Cripps and we get excellent advice and his response is always very quick.’
‘Stephen Hedley has an excellent understanding of our portfolio and deals with everything quickly and in a sensible way. We enjoy working with him.’
Key clients
Cadogan
Convivia Homes
Federated Hermes
Greymoor Homes
GoPuff
Kennedy Wilson
Peer Group
The Sea Hive Limited
Tristan Capital Partners
SMCP UK Limited
Work highlights
- Acted in connection with Kennedy Wilson’s £230m acquisition and funding of a portfolio of 20 UK urban logistics assets.
- Negotiated on behalf of the client, Golding Homes Limited, with the Council and other stakeholders on the development of affordable housing within a mixed-use scheme, including obligations regarding biodiversity and open space.
- Advised Gopuff on a pipeline of acquisitions of high street retail stores and industrial warehouses for its online grocery delivery service.
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP
The ‘dynamic, hardworking and insightful team’ at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP in Guildford has experience in planning, development and construction work, acting for care homes, social housing clients and industrial spaces; the team’s client roster also features industrial investors and developers, landowners, and multi-site retailers. Team leader Mike Busby is noted by the market and handles development work for a range of clients covering strategic options and promotions agreements, high-value asset acquisitions and portfolio refinancings. Expert on logistics sites Tony Burns acts for occupier clients on investment portfolio transactions and specialises in the acquisition, development and management of industrial sites, development funding agreements and energy projects.
Practice head(s):
Mike Busby
Other key lawyers:
Tony Burns; Sam Davies; Jamie Lynch; Nellie van der Lande
Testimonials
‘Friendly, knowledgeable, patient and efficient.’
‘The commercial property team at Penningtons are a dynamic, hardworking and insightful team that provide real value through a broad knowledgebase and a keen understanding of our business and what we want to achieve in any given scenario. Response times and communication is exceptional across the team and I truly feel valued as a client.’
‘Mike Busby and Sam Davies are lawyers that stand out. I’ve worked with both Sam and Mike for 6 years and they both consistently provide a service beyond expectation. Both are very keen to understand what we want to achieve and take the time to understand the role of any given matter and how this plays into the bigger picture of our business. Their knowledge, communication, advice and turnaround times provide me with confidence as a client.’
‘During the past few months members of the commercial property team in Guildford have helped our companies with the sale of an office building and some land associated with an industrial property. The advice and support we have received has been excellent and timely, as indeed it has been for each of the years that we have been a client. The team clearly has a great depth of experience. Every speciality we have needed has been well covered.’
‘During this past year I have once again had good reason to be extremely grateful to Mike Busby and Jamie Lynch. Both have been absolutely excellent and consistently so. Mike Busby particularly is clearly hugely experienced, commercially aware and despite, no doubt, being exceptionally busy, he is always abreast of matters. His timely advice and proactive interventions have been vital on a number of occasions. Likewise, Jamie Lynch is highly competent and an excellent communicator. Both are extremely hardworking and have provided a superb service.’
‘They offer legal excellence, the ability to act as part of the internal legal team and brilliantly clever lawyers that are still human.’
‘Sam Davies has been an essential part of our team over the past few years. I don’t know how we would have coped without him. He is exceptional. A great lawyer for our transactions, who is always quick to help and genuinely interested in our business.’
‘They give good advice, explain the legal jargon well. They work to a good schedule, and it is never our company/solicitors that the other side are waiting for. They are not afraid to chase things up. Mike Busby and Nellie van der Lande are the lawyers that we worked with.’
Key clients
Seybourne Estates Limited
White Oak Transport Services Limited
Flight Centre Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Seybourne Estates Limited on the sale of property and the Development Funding Agreement (£1.2m and £13.8m respectively) for the construction of a new 120,000 square foot industrial warehouse to a fund, EQT Exeter, involving the renegotiation of a long underlease.
- Instructed to act for a developer client on the acquisition of a large site which consisted of both freehold and leasehold land, a simultaneous sub-sale to a housing association and development which totalled £16.5m.
- Advising on the sale of a London hotel for an eight figure sum.
Stevens & Bolton LLP
Stevens & Bolton LLP’s commercial property team in Guildford is ‘capable’, ‘personable and flexible’, and is known for advising on the full spectrum of commercial property issues in the education, retail, hospitality, healthcare and industrial and logistics sectors. Instructed by various clients from private individuals to FTSE 100 companies, the team is led by the ‘very personable and capable’ Andrew Steele, who has experience in handling diverse assets including nurseries, car dealerships and warehouses. Alex Watt often handles development and regeneration work, complicated option, promotion and overage arrangements, and investment properties. Sarah Cardew, who was previously at Irwin Mitchell, joined the firm in October 2022, bringing expertise in real estate and construction tax matters.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Steele
Other key lawyers:
Alex Watt; Daryl Rivero; Ian Craig; Joanne Purnell; Sarah Cardew
Testimonials
‘Significant contact with the partner. We have also received frank and clear advice, which was particularly useful on subjective matters.’
‘The partner is very hands on and fought our corner exceptionally well on a recent lease negotiation and provided clear advice and guidance. For more straightforward work, this was delegated to the associate who was also very knowledgeable. This made us feel we are getting appropriate staffing with the partner stepping in where his additional knowledge and experience was vital.’
‘I’ve found S&B to be a very capable company to use in my land transactions but the reason I use them instead of other firms is because they take ownership of each individual deal and treat it as if they have a personal interest in getting the best terms and getting it exchanged in as short a time as possible. They are personable and flexible.’
‘Joanne Purnell is especially hardworking and creative. Andrew Steele is also very personable and capable.’
Key clients
Boundary Real Estate Partners
Day Group Ltd
Hambridge Ltd
Lloyds Bank plc
Metro Property Unit Trust
Metropolitan Gaming Ltd
OakNorth Bank
Octopus Healthcare Development Ltd
Store Property Investments Ltd
University of Surrey
Work highlights
- Advising Boundary Real Estate Partners on all real estate aspects of a mixed portfolio acquisition of multi-let industrial estates and offices, a marina and future development land to the north of Leicester.
- Advising Profund Ltd in relation to the complex sale of One America Square, which comprised the assignment of its long leasehold interest and procuring the landlord’s consent to the assignment.
- Advising a leader in modular housing on the agreement for lease of a 650,000 sq ft factory at a new industrial development in Northamptonshire.
Thomson Snell & Passmore
In Tunbridge Wells, the ‘dynamic and personable’ team at Thomson Snell & Passmore is well known for its advice on property finance issues, developments and corporate projects, portfolio asset management work and agricultural and rural properties. Heading up the team is Richard Ellard, who specialises in advising primary lenders, developers and landowners on property development and financing work, investment acquisitions and regeneration projects. Laura Keatley is an expert in secured lending and refinancing matters, while Joanne Wright leads the corporate property support team and portfolio asset management team. Based in the Thames Gateway office, Alex Lewsley handles local regeneration matters and commercial landlord and tenant issues. Katherine Morgan joined from Brachers in September 2023.
Practice head(s):
Richard Ellard
Other key lawyers:
Joanne Wright; Alex Lewsley; Nicole Priestley; Matthew Grogan; Laura Keatley; Katherine Morgan
Testimonials
‘What I like about the firm is their proactive approach and commitment to getting a deal done. They will not wait to be chased before following up on something, they’ll already have done it. If an issue arises they summarise the problem, provide the options available and suggest which way they’d recommend to go and why.’
‘Nicole Priestley is who I have dealt with the most. I have also worked with Richard Ellard. Both I have found to be very good and helpful.’
‘Joanne Wright and her team have worked for us on our investment property for years and provide a very good service. Joanne ensures she keeps a detailed watch on all the work done for us. Joanne ensures she fully understands what is needed and ensures it happens.’
Key clients
Aldermore plc
COOK Trading Ltd
Childrensalon
Brakes /Sysco
Millwood Designer Homes Limited
Close Brothers Property Finance
Shawbrook Bank
Paragon Development Finance Limited
Goldex Investments Limited / Kaspas Desserts Limited
Gill Aggregates
Pentland Homes Limited
Fernham Homes Limited
Sticks ‘N’ Sushi
Paris Baguette
Work highlights
- Advised Shawbrook Bank on a £13m loan facility.
- Advised Goldex Investments and Kaspas Desserts on two lettings at Chatham Dockside.
- Advised Fernham Homes Limited on a number of option and promotion agreements for developments of up to 100 units.
DMH Stallard LLP
The ‘professional and friendly’ commercial property team at DMH Stallard LLP, which is situated across the Gatwick, Guildford, Brighton and Horsham offices, offers a complete property service spanning bespoke in-house legal and chartered planning advice, assistance with construction and property litigation as well as development and regeneration support. Supporting clients in a diverse range of sectors from the retail industries to public and utilities sectors, the practice also offers DMH Direct, a technology platform which assists with property management. The ‘friendly, professional, experienced and realistic’ Tina George leads the team, and Nick Pentecost is noted by the market for his ‘very strong commercial awareness’ and expertise in assisting house builders and developers with land transactions. Ben Price leads on commercial real estate work. Following the firm's merger with Griffith Smith LLP in March 2022, the team has expanded with the arrivals of Dan Ongley and Helen Rowe.
Practice head(s):
Tina George
Other key lawyers:
Nick Pentecost; Ben Price; Dan Ongley; Helen Rowe
Testimonials
‘The team is professional and friendly. They have a wide range of experience and are quick to utilise that diversity of knowledge for the benefit of the client.’
‘Tina George has been my solicitor for a number of years. She is friendly, professional, experienced and realistic with her advice. She acts speedily and efficiently following up additional requests.’
‘DMH manage commercial client portfolios in connection with our professional services role and also deal with instructions effectively and efficiently. The way they progress transactions or legal matters is always professional and with a team approach involving all members of staff.’
‘The individuals we have dealt with at DMH are always personable, approachable as well as good communicators.’
‘Nick Pentecost from DMH not only has a strong legal understanding, but also a strong commercial understanding, something not always seen with land lawyers.’
‘Nick Pentecost has very strong commercial awareness. He is always available at short notice and turns work around efficiently and accurately.’
Key clients
Ancala Partners LLP
Supported Living Infrastructure Ltd
Concept Developments (Land) Ltd
Whitehall Homes LLP
Sigma Strategic Land Ltd
Al Boum Limited
Brookworth Homes Ltd
3Q Developments Ltd
Earlswood Homes Ltd
Upright Developments (South East) Ltd
Motoring & Leisure Services Limited
Dolby Medical Home Respiratory Care Limited
Westcon Group European Operations Limited
Chesnut Properties Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Ancala in relation to the acquisition of a specialist care, education and treatment company occupying 16 properties in Southwest England and Wales.
- Acting for Sigma Strategic Land in relation to a £30m development deal and structuring it in such a way to give both parties the flexibility needed to ensure the deal did not abort.
- Advising Motoring & Leisure Services in connection with the sale of a prestigious hotel which involved complex arrangements in relation to the structure required by the buyer.
Hart Brown
Operating across five offices in Surrey, Hart Brown’s commercial property department regularly assists SME businesses and private individuals with transactional, corporate and advisory matters including acquisitions of sites for development and investment purchases. Practice head Roderick Campbell is experienced in handling all aspects of non-contentious commercial property work for a broad range of clients, recently specialising in acting for large residents’ associations that manage freehold estates. With substantial experience in sales and purchases of properties, landlord and tenant matters and development agreements, Tamzin Mandelli ‘provides a high level of service’ and ‘is able to deliver what is needed’.
Practice head(s):
Roderick Campbell
Other key lawyers:
Tamzin Mandelli; John Guthrie
Testimonials
‘They explained everything in simple terms and going through matters more than once so that I understood. I have complete trust in this company. John Guthrie was approachable. I wouldn’t hesitate to use his service again if needed.’
‘I have used Hart Brown for over 30 years and have always found Hart Brown and the people working on my cases always efficient, diligent and at the top level of their game in comparison to other legal firms I have had to deal with.’
‘I primarily work with Tamzin Mandelli who is a joy to deal with, has built a great rapport and at the same time you know that she is able to deliver what is needed. She is able to deal with third parties, funders etc and always provides a high level of service. She knows her stuff!’
Key clients
HSBC UK Bank plc
Handelsbanken plc
National Westminster Bank plc
Abyss One Foundation
Acventure Limited
Alexson Developments Limited
Beechworth Properties Ltd
Boyce Thornton Limited
Burwood Park Estate Limited
Quintige Consulting Group Limited SSAS
CGC Technology Limited
Design Vintage Limited
EMP Research Limited
Filanthropia Consulting Limited
Greenbank Homes Limited
GTITE Ltd
Haulystic Limited
HGL Dynamics Limited
Hydronix Limited
Ice Wharf Company Limited
J. F. Seymours Limited
K2 Corporate Mobility Limited
Kellys Self Storage Limited
Mont Calm Asset Management Limited
NW Publishing UK Ltd
OKR Regeneration Limited
Parade Holdings Limited
Park Lane (UK) Limited
Shenton Investments Limited
SC Properties Limited
SG Townhouse Company Limited
Surrey Wildlife Trust
The Classic Home Company (Southern) Ltd
The Fairmile Estate Limited
Wellden Turnbull Limited
Wyndham Property Group Limited
Work highlights
- Advised J. F. Seymours Limited in connection with taking a lease of a high specification flagship office in Woking town centre amid much regeneration works and with the landlord contributing capital costs to the fit out works.
- Advising a long standing client property company, Acventure Limited, on the acquisition of a block of flats from the Crown which held the various freehold and leasehold titles in escheat.
- Acting for private clients on the sale of a £3.1m prestigious polo ground whilst the polo season was in full swing with over 100 ponies in stables pursuant to numerous livery agreements and grooms living on site.
Herrington Carmichael LLP
In Camberley, Herrington Carmichael LLP, which acquired Bonnetts Solicitors Limited in March 2022, excels in development work and commercial real estate and financing mandates. The team has grown its reputation in finance matters with increasing instructions from bridging lenders and clients in the mezzanine finance sector. Another area of growth is the team’s landlord and tenant offering, which frequently involves large projects. Team leader Tim Hardesty regularly manages the team’s developer clients, leveraging his residential development experience. Leading landlord and tenant and secured lending matters is Daniel York, who also works closely with Metro Bank, while Rachel Duncan specialises in corporate support property work such as acquisitions and the letting and disposal of investment properties. Lauren Ainsley handles plot sales and mezzanine finance matters, and Liz Hailey has expertise in development, secured lending and landlord and tenant matters.
Practice head(s):
Tim Hardesty
Other key lawyers:
Liz Hailey; Daniel York; Rachel Duncan; Lauren Ainsley; Claire McSorely; Annari Holmes; Joshua Watkins
Testimonials
‘Their expertise has been invaluable to us as landlords for all sorts of disputes and lease extensions, which can be a minefield. These matters are always dealt with extremely well. It is hard not to praise them too highly to be honest as in all of my dealings, I can say that I have always had a very positive outcome.’
‘Everyone is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and will take the time to build a good relationship, in person or on the phone. Lauren Ainsley, Claire McSorely and Annari Holmes have provided great help and support in all areas of property work for us. We chat as friends but at the end of it all, I know they are very professional people who do not want to waste time, or waste my money and that is greatly appreciated.’
‘The team is joined up and it is evident they are a cohesive unit. Working remote and when time is at a premium, this unity creates an efficient process even during complex issues. The completion of leases is very efficient from Herrington Carmichael.’
‘The stand-out contribution from Herrington Carmichael is the ability to communicate and push for understanding. This is led by Daniel York who will in turn communicate technical law in a digestible form. Knowing that you can ask and repeat simple questions to a law firm and receiving a patient answer is invaluable.’
‘The team at Herrington Carmichael are always extremely professional, experienced and proactive.’
‘Joshua Watkins is always my go-to partner of choice when seeking a solicitor for my clients several times a year. I trust his judgement and guidance implicitly. He’s everything you could want from a conveyancing solicitor – experienced, extremely proactive and responsive and diligent in his work. He always provides the steady hand of reason when needed.’
Key clients
Grundon Waste Management
Metro Bank
National Westminster Bank
Irwin Mitchell
Irwin Mitchell offers advice on development projects and commercial real estate matters, with its Chichester and Gatwick offices contributing to the commercial property department, which provides ‘professionalism and attention to detail’. The team regularly acts for M&A clients, developers and landowners on strategic land and corporate transactions and regeneration work. Specialising in property work in the retirement living, care home and education sectors is practice head Guy Sackett, who often acts for property development and investment companies as well as niche student accommodation developers on their asset portfolios. Sam Knight rejoined the firm in July 2022 and added expertise in environmental schemes involving nitrate neutrality and bio-diversity net gain matters. Tina Webster leads on corporate relocations and land promotions, while the ‘invaluable’ Hannah Nix leads on general transactional and asset management work.
Practice head(s):
Guy Sackett
Other key lawyers:
Hannah Nix; Sam Knight; Tina Webster
Testimonials
‘The professionalism and attention to detail. Doing what is needed on time. Their knowledge base is exceptional, and they can be trusted to ensure no delays occur.’
‘Having someone I can rely on like Hannah Nix is invaluable to my business. It means I can concentrate on other aspects of the deal. Hannah provides regular updates and is proactive and highly professional.’
Key clients
Artisan Real Estate Investors
Infrastructure Investments Limited
Legacy Habitat Banks Ltd
Hendy Group
Balfe’s Bikes Limited
Welbeck Strategic Land Limited
Shellwin Limited
Landlink Estates Limited
Option Two Developments Limited
Berkeley Strategic Land Limited
Elivia Homes (Southern) Limited
Seaward Properties Limited
Store Property Investments Limited
Chichester College Group
Greater Brighton Metropolitan College
Langtons Farm Partnership LLP
Dorrington Estates PLC
South Essex College
Junnell Homes Limited
Wooldridge Developments Limited
Landacre Developments Limited
Saabon Limited
Coolground Properties Limited
Shopland Gray Developments Limited
Hanbury Properties Limited
JH & FW Green Limited / Covers
Thesis Asset Management Limited
HTH Harrogate LLP
EC1 Residences Limited
XP Factory PLC (formerly Escape Hunt PLC)
Social Income LLP
Roffey Homes Limited
The Caravan Club Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for a group of landowners in West Sussex regarding land which is a mix of brownfield and agricultural land and is the subject of a proposed 1,500 residential unit scheme.
- Acting for Welbeck, a land promoter, on the promotion and development plan for a large residential development site in East Grinstead for 550 residential units and a care village of 142 units.
- Acting on the corporate share sale of KEW (Electrical Distributors) Limited which involved legal due diligence in respect of 28 sites and advice on property specific clauses and warranties in the share purchase agreement.
Moore Barlow
With a client roster that features housebuilders, developers, banks, retailers and hospitality sector operators, the real estate team at Moore Barlow is formed of lawyers across the Guildford, Woking and Richmond hubs. The commercial property practice is headed up by Guildford-based Jo Farr who specialises in handling entrepreneurial ventures for clients. In Woking, acting for niche development companies and landowners in commercial and residential development work is Helen Archibald. Archie Sherbooke left the firm in September 2022 to join Lee Bolton Monier-Williams.
Practice head(s):
Jo Farr
Other key lawyers:
Helen Archibald; Callum Leary; Richard Hughes
Testimonials
‘As our own business moves from start-up to growth mode, Moore Barlow have continued to scale and develop their service proportionally to meet our developing needs. They continue to adapt to our new systems, work collaboratively with us to ensure transparency in matters, and increase pace in delivery. We look forward to continuing to do business with them in the coming years.’
Key clients
Vesta Investments Management Limited; and|Vesta Investments Residential Limited
Fastned UK Limited
Albion & East Limited
Russbrit Limited
Inland Homes
Leith Limited and Bellstar Limited
Handelsbanken plc
The Halebourne Group
The Wooldridge Group
The Binney Group
A2K Leisure LLP
Work highlights
- Advised Sixpenny Group on the lease (to Evri) and subsequent sale of warehousing facility to CBRE investors.
- Advising on the acquisition and development of care home site for Halebourne Care Group Limited
- Acted for hospitality business Albion & East (part of the Imbiba group) on its letting of space at the iconic Arding & Hobbs department store building in Clapham, which was most recently a Debenhams department store.
Bennett Griffin LLP
Led by Kate Hallin, the ‘very approachable’, ‘responsive and proactive’ team at Bennett Griffin LLP has recently been instructed to assist with sales and purchases of land, property portfolio management issues, refinancings, leases and developments. Chrissie Edwards goes ‘above and beyond to support’ clients in commercial landlord and tenant matters, freehold transactions and property financings. Joshua Coleman's experience spans commercial landlord and tenant work, option agreements, and property finance.
Practice head(s):
Kate Hallin
Other key lawyers:
Chrissie Edwards; Joshua Coleman
Testimonials
‘Very approachable and have the ability to explain themselves very easily.’
‘The personal service and support stood out. Very easy to reach, very responsive and proactive with guidance.’
‘Chrissie Edwards was the solicitor that supported us during complex legal work related to legal agreements (lease, underlease and managing agreement) related to a property to support homeless individuals. Chrissie went above and beyond to support us with incredibly challenging deadlines, she worked hard to ensure that we did not incur additional delays in completion.’
Coole Bevis LLP
Based in Sussex, ‘one-stop shop’ Coole Bevis LLP advises buyers and sellers, property developers, institutional lenders, charities, pension funds and SPVs on property occupancies, medium to large property portfolios and asset management work. The ‘exceptionally innovative’ team is led by the experienced and ‘great’ Oliver Maxwell-Jones who has broad expertise in disposals and acquisitions, overage, option and pre-emption agreements, and rural properties, among others. The ‘very personable, knowledgeable and collaborative’ Jeff Streater is an automotive sector specialist, and Nicola Hunt handles acquisitions and disposals of retail, office and industrial premises, while Geoff Harrington focuses on leasing arrangements for national retailers, investors and developers.
Practice head(s):
Oliver Maxwell-Jones
Other key lawyers:
Jeff Streater; Nicola Hunt; Geoff Harrington; Carol Blakey
Testimonials
‘Nicola Hunt is thorough but commercially minded. She is fab, pushes to get things across the line but also takes a commercial view when sensible.’
‘Coole Bevis are unique in that they have worked for us for a number of years, therefore the team have an understanding of our industry, our needs and the level of advice we require. As a result the firm has supported us in property expansion, renewal and acquisitions. Coole Bevis are our one-stop shop.’
‘Jeff Streater and Carol Blakey have and continue to be invaluable in our efforts to expand our business and personal investments. Jeff Streater is very personable, knowledgeable, busts through the jargon, collaborative and a pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
Penton (UK) Holdings Limited
Royal Docks Management Authority Limited
Bird & Blend Tea Ltd.
Girlings
Operating across Ashford, Canterbury and Herne Bay and led by the highly experienced, ‘diligent and responsive’ Jeremy Burke, the real estate team at Girlings undertakes a range of commercial property matters concerning leases, sales, purchases and refinancings across the financial, agricultural and charitable sectors. Focusing on the retail and hospitality sector is Amrita Bartram. The ‘totally committed’ David Redgate has experience in a variety of property related work including but not limited to development acquisitions and refinancings.
Practice head(s):
Jeremy Burke
Other key lawyers:
Amrita Bartram; David Redgate; Amy Husk; Simon Stempien
Testimonials
‘Jermey Burke was our solicitor and we could not have wished for anyone better. Jeremy was diligent and responsive from day one. He handled our transaction every step of the way and made the process seem seamless to us. I highly recommend him for any real estate transactions.’
‘I have worked with other solicitors in the past and Jeremy Burke is by far the most responsive, efficient and get the job done person I have met in this profession. Especially living overseas, we needed his guidance and responsiveness every step of the way. I recommend him highly.’
‘We always feel that we receive the best advice and feel listened to. The quick responses to emails and phone calls are much appreciated. We highly recommend Girlings.’
Key clients
Adelard LLP
Heart of Headcorn
Channelports Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Adelard LLP on the sale of its business to NCC Group Plc, a global cyber and software resilience business.
- Acting for local campaign group, Heart of Headcorn, a registered charitable incorporated organisation, to prepare for the Church to be listed as a community asset so that the village group could purchase the property.
- Advised Channelports Ltd on the purchase of the Stop 24 Service Station Folkestone, an entire motorway service station with multiple leases and documents including issues with Secretary of State for transport.
Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP
The ‘widely experienced’ Sevenoaks-based team at Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP has recently acted on land developments, secured lending issues and M&A transactions, and advised on property portfolio management and landlord and tenant matters. New arrival from Knights plc Jo Marshall heads up the team and has a reputation for assisting developer, landowner and investor clients with development and regeneration projects. Managing partner Richard Cripps acts on commercial and residential developments with particular expertise in the agricultural sector. Planning law expert Oliver Bussell is another key lawyer.
Practice head(s):
Jo Marshall
Other key lawyers:
Richard Cripps; Oliver Bussell
Testimonials
‘The Commercial property team are widely experienced and have the capability to deal with all commercial property matters, whether large or small.’
‘Good and dedicated individuals were assigned to my work, particularly Richard Cripps.’
Key clients
Turkey Mill Investments Limited
Lenham Storage Company Limited
Chartwell Land and New Homes Ltd
Work highlights
- Successfully negotiated and secured new or renewed leases with 20 tenants on behalf of Turkey Mill and dealt with the rebanking of the business park.
- Advised Lenham Storage on all its property requirements for more than seven years, completing more than 5 transactions in 2022 relating to its and associated parties’ portfolios.
- Instructed to advise on a range of matters relating to large-scale development projects including a complex s106 variation on a built-out site, securing Option Agreements on land for a development focused in South London and Surrey and ongoing work in connection with development funding facilities.
Thackray Williams LLP
The property and real estate practice at Thackray Williams LLP specialises in leasehold enfranchisement mandates. Other work involves residential property issues, plot sales, new build work and property litigation. Team leader Yildiz Betez splits her time between Bromley and London, covering all aspects of commercial conveyancing and land development work. The respected Vikki Herbert heads up the residential property department, covering residential conveyancing, new build and leasehold enfranchisement mandates.
Practice head(s):
Yildiz Betez
Other key lawyers:
Vikki Herbert
Testimonials
‘The firm appears to be well connected to the surrounding community and able to assist clients with contacting others with whom they could have a successful working relationship.’
‘My main contact is Vikki Herbert who often makes me feel as if I am her only client and that her desk is always clear to make way for the matters she deals with on my behalf! All matters are dealt with quickly and efficiently. She is always open to suggestions I make to progress matters, and I have great respect for her and her team.’
TWM Solicitors LLP
Operating across the Guildford, Epsom, Reigate, Wimbledon and London offices, the team at TWM Solicitors LLP offers advice to individual and corporate clients, particularly in the golf clubs and care homes spaces, on matters including secured financings, developments, leasehold reforms, and collective enfranchisements. Team leader Adrian Price has a broad practice covering commercial and residential projects, acquisitions, leases, financings and securities work. David Stockley focuses on lease reforms, household issues and collective enfranchisements. Anne Fowler deals with health and golf clubs, while Claire Campbell tackles transactional commercial property deals and leasehold work for a range of clients.
Practice head(s):
Adrian Price; David Stockley
Other key lawyers:
Anne Fowler; Claire Campbell
Testimonials
‘TWM were originally recommended to me by a surveyor friend in relation to my wish to extend the lease of a residential property. I am convinced that the specialised knowledge and experience of the legal team at TWM was invaluable in ensuring that the transaction was concluded efficiently and quickly. I subsequently engaged the firm again to assist multiple leaseholders purchasing the freehold of a small block of residential flats. The solicitor I dealt with was well experienced in the process and dealt with everything in a most efficient manner, explaining the stages involved and likely time scales.’