Energy and waste, public sector real estate, and residential-led developments make up the portfolio of local and national work that has kept the team at Ashfords LLP busy in recent times. Kate Topp heads the practice from the firm’s Bristol office. In Exeter, Robin De Wreede advises on real estate matters, including large-scale regeneration and development projects. His Exeter colleagues Tim Heal and Simon Bailey focus on residential development matters and real estate investment, respectively. James Heath, who heads up the Plymouth-based team, is a key name to note for secured lending matters. Emma Warren, who often leads on the firm’s energy work, is also recommended.
Commercial property: Dorset, Devon and Cornwall in South West
Ashfords LLP
Practice head(s):
Kate Topp
Other key lawyers:
Robin De Wreede; Tim Heal; Simon Bailey; James Heath; Emma Warren
Testimonials
‘The Ashfords commercial property team are experienced and business-like, and often bring much needed commercial common sense to complex property transactions. It’s hard to do better.’
‘Strong and well-led team.’
‘Responsive, knowledgeable of our sector, and understanding of our property requirements.’
‘Approachable, commercial, sensible.’
Key clients
Exeter Science Park Limited (“ESPL”)
Aster Group
Persimmon
Barratt/David Wilson Homes
Crest Nicholson
Vistry Homes
Vistry Partnerships
Countryside Properties
The Cavanna Group
Morrish Homes
CG Fry & Son
Burrington Estates.
LiveWest Homes Limited
Cornerstone Housing
CURO
Stonewater Limited
Sovereign Housing Association
London Borough of Wandsworth
Brick by Brick Croydon Limited
HFL Group Limited
Maidstone Borough Council
Biffa Waste Services Limited
Viridor Limited
Compass Children’s Homes
The Royal Parks Limited and TRP Trading Company Limited
Populo Living Limited
Post Office Limited
Ashford Borough Council
Darts Farm
Hitchcocks Business Park Limited
Exeter City Council
DP World London Gateway
Work highlights
- Advised Ashford Borough Council in connection with a £250 million investment into the regeneration of 37,192 square metres of Grade 2 listed railway buildings and surrounding land.
- Acted for Exeter City Council in the acquisition of Guildhall Shopping Centre.
- Acted for a consortium of landowners in the sale of promoted land to Bloor Homes Limited, involving phosphate mitigation measures.
Michelmores LLP
The core pillars of Michelmores LLP‘s practice are commercial real estate and investment, residential development, energy, and the sustainable economy; the team’s recent advice regarding a UK-wide roll of habitat bank credits is testament to their capabilities in the latter. ‘Stand-out property lawyer' Lucy Smallwood leads the South West transactional practice, while Emma Honey, who has significant experience of advising on residential development work, heads the overall real estate department. Other key figures include Stephen Newson, whose expertise extends to corporate occupier mandates, and Richard Walford, who advises on a broad array of commercial property matters. Richard Honey and Chloe Howard-Smith are also noted.
Practice head(s):
Emma Honey; Lucy Smallwood
Other key lawyers:
Stephen Newson; Richard Walford; Richard Honey; Joanna Damerell; Chloe Howard-Smith
Testimonials
‘The team have an ability to quickly understand the client position, and consequently their experience of the market allows them to tailor a service that meets the client’s need.’
‘Lucy Smallwood is a stand-out property lawyer, experienced, knowledgeable but firm in her advice and negotiations which are inevitably successful. Lucy is also a kind lady, whose manner builds relationships and trust and always makes time to support the client when needed.’
‘The team – from top to bottom – provide excellent customer service and a drive to be commercial in their advice on complex commercial property transactions, all led by a senior management team that demonstrates this.’
‘Commercial, available and experienced.’
‘Michelmores are one of the best legal practices I have worked with.’
‘Richard Honey is a pleasure to work with. He also has in-depth expertise and is always prepared to acknowledge the limitations of his personal knowledge and call upon others to support, who have not let me down.
‘Jo Damerell stands alone. A brilliant lawyer who knows her discipline inside out and is fantastically tenacious in her dealings. ’
Key clients
Residential Development
BDW Trading Limited (Barratt Homes)
Persimmon Homes Limited
C G Fry & Son Limited
Wain Homes (South West) Limited
Cavanna Homes Limited
Vistry Homes Limited
Waddeton Park Limited (land promoter)
Commercial Real Estate
Holland & Barrett Retail Limited
St Austell Brewery Company Limited
Brandpath Limited
Polar Capital Partners Limited
Crux Asset Management
LGAM Asset Management
Galilei Investment
IQVIA Limited
Peter Jones Group
Ashby Capital
Mole Valley Farms Limited
Oxygen House
La Prairie (part of the Beiersdorf Group)
Eagle One Investments Limited
Haven Investments Limited
Escapade Silverstone Limited
Rowe Estates
Exeter Golf and Country Club
UK Agricultural Lending
Skypark Development Partnership LLP
Charity
Dartington Hall Trust
Energy
Zestec Asset Management
Octopus
Powen
Downing LLP
Armstrong Energy
Triplepoint
Marubeni
Other
Cambridge Biomedical Campus Limited
The Environment Bank Limited
Education
Aberystwyth University
University of Exeter
Weston College of FE
Public Sector
Torbay Council
Treveth Holdings LLP (development subsidiary of Cornwall Council)
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Work highlights
- Assisted Holland & Barrett on its UK property telecoms project.
- Advising Environment Bank on its rollout of a UK-wide scheme of land acquisitions for the creation and maintenance of habitat credits.
- Advised longstanding client Persimmon Homes Limited on a series of land acquisition and strategic land instructions.
Steele Raymond LLP
Portfolio management, property finance matters and corporate occupier work form key parts of the wide-ranging offering at Steele Raymond LLP. Practice co-chair Emma Stainwright, described as ‘an absolute marvel’, is acting on a growing number of joint venture residential development site acquisitions, while fellow co-head Chris Twaits has a niche focus on specialist pension property work. Chris Dolan regularly handles development projects on the south coast, while education sector specialist Christine Kessler-Robinson is particularly well versed in refinancing projects. Rosanna Parker is praised for her unwavering 'momentum' as well as her 'true empathy' in matters.
Practice head(s):
Chris Twaits; Emma Stainwright
Other key lawyers:
Chris Dolan; Christine Kessler-Robinson; Rosanna Parker
Testimonials
‘A team of experts who act collaboratively in dealing with issues.’
‘The team has a wide breadth of expertise, with a strong sense of credibility.’
‘Chris Twaits leads his team well, and acts as a valuable single point of contact for our wider relationship with the practice.’
Key clients
South Somerset District Council
Arun District Council
Jennings Bet
Drew Smith Limited
Hildon Limited
Broadshade Group Ltd
West Wales Airport Limited
World of Water Garden Centres
Charles Trent Limited
Birchmere Limited
Bournemouth Churches Housing Association
Harry J Palmer
AJC Developments
Selwoods
Sydenhams
Hill Brush Company Limited
Stewarts Garden Centres
JGP Lakedale Limited
East Borough Housing Trust Limited
Framptons Café, Bar & Kitchen
Morrish Homes
Severnside Distribution Land Limited
Pennyfarthing Homes Limited
Salboy Limited
Redtale Group
Cullen Property Group
A C English Developments Limited
Addis Homes Limited
Koori Limited
CBRS Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Pennyfarthing Homes Limited in relation to a complex phosphate credits scheme.
- Advised Armadillo Associates Limited in the taking of two leases of parts of ‘The Distillery’ office development in Bristol.
- Advised the nationwide pump rental and sales business, Selwood, on the taking of a new lease of a facility in Liverpool.
Trowers & Hamlins LLP
Trowers & Hamlins LLP's varied offering encompasses inward investment as well as a wide range of commercial and residential investment and development work; the firm is particularly strong on complex urban regeneration projects involving multiple stakeholders from the private and public sector. Georgina Savill-James and Chris Rundle co-lead the Exeter real estate team; Savill-James, in particular, is noted for her expertise in residential property matters - including portfolio acquisition work. Other central figures include Ben Neary, who has specific expertise in investment property disposal; Nicholas Burt, whose residential expertise includes high street funding mandates; and Gail White, who has a proven track record of acting for clients in the education sector.
Practice head(s):
Georgina Savill-James; Chris Rundle
Other key lawyers:
Ben Neary; Nicholas Burt; Gail White
Key clients
LiveWest Homes Limited
BoKlok Housing Limited
West Midlands Pension Fund
BioGains Ltd
Greendale Group
Exe Investment Limited
Burrington Estates (New Homes) Limited
Ravelin Housing Limited
Urban Logistics REIT
Abri Group
Work highlights
- Acted for Urban Logistics REIT plc on the refinancing of their portfolio of over 100 properties to provide a loan facility of £210m.
- Advised BoKlok (a joint venture between SKANSKA and IKEA) on the acquisition of land at Lakeside, Highbridge.
- Advised West Midlands Pension Fund on the phased development and pre-letting of a mixed use industrial, retail and leisure and hospitality park in Bristol.
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
Plymouth-based but with a national reach, Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP acts for a number of banks, housebuilders, and corporate occupiers across the commercial property spectrum, spanning real estate finance, institutional investment and residential development. The unit is steered by Craig Moore, whose property finance expertise is frequently brought to bear on high-profile mandates. Nicola Jonas, who shares leadership duties with Moore, is particularly well versed in landlord and tenant work. Her colleague Samantha Orluta frequently handles site acquisitions for developers and housing associations, while Krista McCarthy is a key name for clients from the manufacturing and retail sectors. Sarah Dinshaw and Will King stand out for their property portfolio acumen.
Practice head(s):
Craig Moore
Other key lawyers:
Nicola Jonas; Charles Hodder; Samantha Orluta; Christopher Stephens; Sarah Dinshaw; Will King
Key clients
Babcock
West Devon District Council
University of Plymouth
Accor UK
Ministry of Justice
Eagle One
Ministry of Defence
GLH Hotels Limited
Plymouth Marjon University
Princess Yachts Limited
Brittany Ferries
West Berkshire District Council
Scottish Power Renewables
Countrywide
Innogy Renewables UK Limited
Lloyds Bank Plc
Wales & West Utilities
Nuon Renewables
Taylor Wimpey
English Cities Fund
Plymouth Community Homes
NatWest
HSBC
UBP
Rentplus Uk Limited
Barden Corporation
Rittal
Padstow Town Council
Hertford Investors
Mount Wise (Devon) Limited
Cornwall Housing Limited
Plymouth City Council
Capital Home Loans
Cornwall College
Land Value Alliances
Bath & Bristol Regional Capital
Work highlights
- Advising an international bank on a £36.9m loan to a Jersey based company in connection with the acquisition of a mixed-use development.
- Acting as sole advisor to Rentplus UK Limited with their acquisition of properties from developers and subsequent placing of the properties into charge.
- Acting for ME and Em Limited in respect of all of its real estate work including leases of retail stores and headquarters in London.
Foot Anstey
Developers, financial service providers and energy and infrastructure companies make up some of Foot Anstey‘s core client base. Regarded as ‘knowledgeable, commercial and practical', the firm handles mandates ranging from portfolio management to Shariah-compatible property transactions. Richard Sutton, who chairs the practice from the firm’s Exeter office, is well versed in property development matters. The Bristol-based Zahir Nayani is recommended for his expertise in Islamic finance. Philip Parrott, who joined the practice in July 2022, is a key contact for portfolio clients from the retail and energy sectors. Other names to note include Kate Dawe, whose commercial property expertise extends to leasing management.
Practice head(s):
Richard Sutton
Other key lawyers:
Zahir Nayani; Philip Parrott; Mark Li; Kate Dawe
Testimonials
‘Efficient in both handling and communicating.’
‘High level of communication and efficiency.’
‘Very personable, knowledgeable, commercial and practical.’
‘Mark Li is very approachable, extremely commercial, and very experienced. A great problem solver.’
Key clients
Riyad Bank, London Branch
ABC International Bank plc
BSR (British Solar Renewables)
GRIDSERVE
EDF Energy
EDF Renewables/Pivot Power
EDF Thermal & Generation
EDF Nuclear New Build (Hinkley Point C & Sizewell C)
Work highlights
- Advised Riyad Bank on their single largest shariah-compatible financing deal.
Lester Aldridge LLP
The ‘depth of knowledge and experience‘ at Lester Aldridge LLP is brought to bear on work relating to residential development, healthcare, hotel, and leisure sector transactions, to name a few. The Bournemouth-based team frequently works alongside the firm's Southampton office, and is additionally well regarded in the niche area of ports and marinas. The 'outstanding' seniors housing expert Mark Benham and enfranchising specialist Suki Samra serve as the Bournemouth-based practice heads, while Tom Alder oversees matters from Southampton.
Practice head(s):
Mark Benham; Suki Samra; Tom Alder
Other key lawyers:
Claire Kitchener
Testimonials
‘ Many other firms sit on the fence. Lester Aldridge does not, and this is the key difference for me.’
‘There is clearly no other firm in the country who has handled as many retirement site acquisitions as Mark Benham.’
‘We are always impressed by the depth of knowledge and experience within the team.’
‘We have found Mark Benham to be an outstanding lawyer with a clearly evident depth of knowledge and experience in the real estate sector.’
‘The depth of experience and the team’s appetite for getting stuck into the market means they are always able to provide real-world advice, find a resolution, or complete a transaction.’
‘Suki Samra’s ability to apply his breadth of real-world experience in a commercially minded yet creative way is unparalleled.
‘Claire Kitchener’s direct, client-focused approach makes transactions appear seamless.’
Key clients
McCarthy & Stone
Yorkshire Building Society
Allica Bank
Lloyds Bank plc
Shawbrook Bank
Care South
Affordable Housing & Healthcare Group
Generation Home
University of Southampton
Big Yellow
Work highlights
- Advised Yorkshire Building Society on over 200 matters nationwide in 2022, including a refinance of a property portfolio of 62 properties.
- Advised Allica Bank on over 500 secured lending matters in 2022.
Stephens Scown LLP
Well known in the market for mining development, Stephens Scown LLP is also highly experienced in landlord and tenant matters, land development, conveyancing, and portfolio management. Michael Beadel leads a team which includes Keith Wright, noted for his focus on rural housing initiatives; Simon Harding, who frequently assists clients with high-value transactional work, and Charles Hodder, whose expertise extends to cross-jurisdictional transactions – particularly those involving UK targets and overseas buyers. Toby Pool is noted for his capabilities in the licensed trade, healthcare and holiday parks sectors, while Kate Westlake possesses significant experience of handling commercial leases for both landlords and tenants. Mark Forsey is well-placed to advise on strategic land acquisitions.
Practice head(s):
Michael Beadel
Other key lawyers:
Keith Wright; Simon Harding; Charles Hodder; Toby Pool; Kate Westlake; Mark Forsey
Work highlights
- Advising Kingsley Developments International Limited on sale of development site with outline planning consent for 225 homes.
- Advising Holland & Barrett on a range of property portfolio management issues and transactional matters.
- Providing real estate advice on Imerys’ mineral operations, including St Austell China Clay areas, the largest mineral open-working area in the UK.
Blanchards Bailey LLP
Acting primarily for clients from the agricultural sector, Blanchards Bailey LLP‘s expertise extends to advice on refinancing and tax structuring issues. The ‘highly experienced‘ practice head Robin Cole, who divides his time between Dorchester and Blandford Forum, specialises in development and investment issues such as acquisitions and disposals. His colleague Sarah Dunlop is noted for her expertise in land law, tenancies and farming partnerships.
Practice head(s):
Robin Cole
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Dunlop
Testimonials
‘Blanchards’ pricing is generally more competitive than other comparable firms we have used, and we consider them to be very good value.’
‘Robin Cole is a highly experienced lawyer.’
‘Good local practice with a team which understands what is required.’
Key clients
Tarhinton Farm Limited
CMS Developments Limited
Andersen Consulting
Westcoast Developments Limited
Kingston Maurward College
Stonecombe Developments Limited
Work highlights
- Advising multiple landowners on separate renewables option and option for lease for a renewables site exceeding 1000 acres.
- Advising landowner in respect of land purchase and multi-million pound refinance in a multi-party refinance and purchase transaction.
- Acting on the promotion of a 200 acre garden market scheme involving, inter alia, co-operation agreement between landowners, profit sharing and equalisation arrangements.
Frettens LLP
Noted for its capabilities in landlord and tenant matters, Frettens LLP also leverages the team’s ‘diverse knowledge’ to advise on property finance mandates and work related to development site acquisitions. The practice is jointly led by Oonagh McKinney and Ben Cobb, who operate from Christchurch and Ringwood, respectively. Niki Adkins – who was promoted to partner in July 2022 –heads up the firm’s residential leasehold sub-department, and is well-placed to handle statutory lease extensions.
Practice head(s):
Oonagh McKinney; Ben Cobb
Other key lawyers:
Niki Adkins; Clare Hallett
Testimonials
‘Good team with good diverse knowledge.’
‘Niki Adkins and her team were a pleasure to work with while renegotiating a lease on a flat.’
‘We have used Frettens several times over the past few years, and are always impressed with their professionalism.’
Key clients
Sandude Limited
H. Taylor & Son (Brockley) Limited
Frampton Estates Limited
BG Motor Sport Limited
Sippdeal Trustees Limited and Donald James Grace and Timothy Grace
Bournemouth English Book Centre Limited
Blossom Hill Investments
Zaylee and Sam Broomfield
Individuality Swimming Limited
Longham 140 Limited
MCM Productions Limited
Plough Properties Limited
Dawson and King Limited
Aspire Property Holdings Limited
Caleb Development Limited
Connie Rothman Learning Trust
Terry Astin
Wharfdale Limited
Lock Investments (Gore) LLP and Hurst Castle Limited
Emerald Care Providers Ltd
Michelle Holley
Dan Fellows
Emma and Steve Jackson
Andrew and Helen Berry
Rose Homes (South) Limited
Drinkwater Estates Limited
Addpad Limited
MCA Aviation Limited
New Forest Leather Limited
Nicholas O’Hara Funeral Directors Limited
Cuckooland Limited
Parkway Derby Limited
Ringwood Town Council
Frampton Investments Limited
Swanns Developments Limited
Classroom Hubs Limited
Cofield Limited
Stuart and Julian Knight
Lewis Manning Hospice Care
KTO (Fareham) and KTO (Reading)
New Forest Clothing Company Limited
Sleek Technology Limited
Bo-Ness Limited
Apex Developers Limited
John Hutchence
Work highlights
- Acting for Dawson and King Limited on ongoing asset management issues including grant of new leases and negotiation of a bridleway with the local authority through the estate.
- Acting for Caleb Developments Limited on the back to back purchase of development sites.
- Acting for KTO on obtaining a complex licence for alterations and agreements for leases dealing with planning, building control approval and obtaining a premises licence.
GA Solicitors
GA Solicitors advises across secured lending, residential development, renewable energy work and sale arrangements for housebuilders. The Plymouth-based team is headed up by David Stone, who has significant experience of handling landlord and tenant matters for commercial property. His colleague Lucy Foster frequently acts for independent lenders on development finance work. Tony Dupreez is a key contact for developers based in the region, while Hannah Madders is particularly strong on secured lending work.
Practice head(s):
David Stone
Other key lawyers:
Lucy Foster; Tony Dupreez; Hannah Madders
Key clients
Harvey’s Foundry Trust
Peninsula Finance plc
The Cary Estate
Harrier LLC
Arbuthnot Commercial Banking
National Westminster Bank plc
O’Connell Family Trusts
Michael Spiers (Jewellers) Limited
Barclays Bank plc
ERS Transition Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Michael Spiers (Jewellers) Limited in its taking of new flagship store lease at Cathedral Yard, Exeter.
- Acting for the trustees of the Cary A Fund in relation to the purchase of an industrial estate in Paignton subject to 18 long leasehold interests.
- Acting for Peninsula Finance Plc in connection with a loan facility for the acquisition and redevelopment of a former nursing home.
Murrell Associates LLP
Described as a ‘firm that punches well above its weight in the hospitality and green energy sectors', Murrell Associates LLP advises on a broad set of issues, ranging from site assembly requirements of solar farms to refinancings. Practice head David Williams has significant expertise in matters concerning corporate occupiers. Alongside him in the firm’s Truro office, the ‘pragmatic’ renewables specialist Jenny Harbord's recent focus is especially concentrated in the solar energy space. Caroline Daly, who provides key support to both Williams and Harbord, is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
David Williams
Other key lawyers:
Jenny Harbord; Caroline Daly
Testimonials
‘A very strong team, knowledgeable and dynamic with industry specific focus as well as commercial awareness of complimentary interrelated disciplines such as financing and real estate.’
‘Jenny Harbord is pragmatic with industry-wide experience.’
‘A small, friendly and very knowledgeable team. Hard-working and very capable.’
Key clients
St Austell Brewery Company Limited
Ib Vogt GmbH
Kronos Solar Projects GmbH
Jackamax Limited
Farm Energy Company
Hub Box Limited
Ascot Lloyd
FirmaVogt Solar Limited
Clayworks Limited
Trevissome Park Limited
Richardson Hotels Holdings Limited
Cornwall Adventure Limited
Cornish Scrumpy Holdings Limited
Red Hotels Limited
Pritchmor Holdings Limited
Tasman House Developments Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Ascot Lloyd on the management of their growing national portfolio fuelled by a series of private equity backed bolt-ons to their group.
- Advising C Space (Cornwall) Limited through their re-fi to Tridos and re-gearing of lettings at their business incubator and co-working space in Newquay.
- Advising Farm Energy Company Limited on the assembly of their proposed 49.9 MW solar farm development from eight landowners in West Yorkshire.
Wolferstans
Wolferstans‘ commercial property team has a strong focus on acting for business clients and SME developers, with site acquisitions, strategic land assemblies, and school conversions among the unit’s strengths. Development specialist Arash Dinari leads the Plymouth team. His colleague Paul Bramall draws praise for his ability to complete lease reassignments ‘at very short notice’, while Pippa Tanner Wood is well versed in managing leasehold portfolios.
Practice head(s):
Arash Dinari
Other key lawyers:
Paul Bramall; Pippa Tanner Wood
Testimonials
‘Paul Bramall has been excellent to work with. We had a lease reassignment to complete at very short notice, and he led his team to ensure that all the timeframes were met.’
‘Very knowledgeable on subject matter. Able to co-ordinate with other members within the firm in specialist areas. Advice is clear and provided in a timely manner.’
‘Subject knowledge, practical approach to resolving issues, and clear explanation of complex areas.’
Key clients
Plymouth Argyle Football Club
Pro-Direct Sports Group
Hemming Group Limited
Education South West
Westcountry Schools Trust
Work highlights
- Acted for Harrington Homes (SW) Limited in their conditional purchase of a multiphased, 240 house residential development.
- Acted for the Pro-Direct Sports Group in connection with their acquisition of the 200,000 sq ft warehouse.
- Acted for Hemming Group Limited in connection with the sale and leaseback of their London premises.
Wollens
The ‘highly responsive’ team at Wollens is a popular choice for clients from the hospitality and leisure sector, as well as charities. Torquay-based practice head Ashley Bevans – ‘as good as they come’ – has noteworthy experience of handling sales and purchases of licensed premises. Emma Reed is praised for her ‘accurate, articulate, and knowledgeable' approach to negotiations. Simon Wilson and Hayley Green are further key contacts.
Practice head(s):
Ashley Bevans
Other key lawyers:
Emma Reed; Simon Wilson; Hayley Green
Testimonials
‘The team is highly responsive to communications and gives a personable yet professional service.’
‘Emma Reed has been our main contact and is accurate, articulate, and knowledgeable during negotiations.’
‘ Ashley Bevans’ advice is always proportionate, practical and pragmatic.’
‘Ashley Bevans is as good as they come.’
‘Hayley Green is amazing. Very knowledgeable, helpful and offers perfect personal, individual treatment.’
‘The team are able to work on multiple transactions at once. I deal with an all-female team of solictors and paralegals which is good to see!’
‘Emma Reed is a very safe and trusted pair of hands.’
‘The team works very well together to find solutions for their clients.’
Key clients
RSPCA North Wiltshire and Newbury Branch
Breakwater Bistro Limited
Rockfish Ltd Salcombe
Work highlights
- Acted for the vendor in the complex £2.1m disposal of a prominent food and drinks premises with ancillary recreational premises, as a going concern.
- Acting for occupational architect tenant in connection with the £750k purchase and lease back of their premises.
- Acting for landlord client in grant of a lease of commercial premises and site following a tax restructure and consideration of £2.7m.