With South West offices in Cheltenham and Guildford, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP advises corporates, governmental groups, private clients, investors and developers on the full spectrum of real estate mandates. Practice head Ian Brothwood leads the strategic land team where he is known for his expertise in residential schemes. Naomi Nettleton has extensive experience in real estate investment and finance work and knowledge of the hotel sector. For mixed-use developments and investment mandates, Nigel Morton is a key name, while Phil Webb ‘provides practical advice’ across a blend of residential developments, renewable matters, and urban estate deals. Also recommended is senior associate Charlotte Mee, noted for landlord and tenant portfolio management issues, transactions, and financings.
Commercial property: Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire in South West
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Practice head(s):
Ian Brothwood
Other key lawyers:
Naomi Nettleton; Nigel Morton; Phil Webb; Charlotte Mee
Testimonials
‘The Partners and Associates that I have worked with offer an excellent level of service.’
‘I have predominantly been working with Ian Brothwood. He is always approachable, extremely efficient and strives to seek solutions to issues that arise. His calm and methodical manner of dealing with matters has been extremely beneficial on particular complex legal transactions I worked with him on.’
‘Broad yet depth of expertise and experience. Are our go to firm for complex matters for clients.’
‘Phil Webb provides practical advice and understands the complex commercial landscape.’
‘Excellent satellite practice of a full-service City firm.’
‘Naomi Nettleton is technically very strong in commercial property but adds value as a more general client relationship partner and transaction lead in all areas.’
‘The team are friendly, personable and have a great ‘bedside manner’. Easy to talk to, which makes getting through the tough stuff less painful! Really enjoy working with them.’
‘Phil Webb – great property lawyer – really enjoy his focus and attention to detail.’
Key clients
Hearthstone Residential Fund 2 LP
Countryside Properties UK Limited
Calcot Group
Church Commissioners for England
Hollamby Estates
TLR1 (Allen House) Limited – part of Topland Group
Work highlights
- Advised Countryside on a joint venture with the London Borough of Redbridge to deliver the town centre regeneration of Ilford Western Gateway.
- Handling the ongoing disposals of development parcels for Crab Hill Developments to various residential and commercial developers in Wantage.
- Acting for private landowners on the sale of residential development land in Herne Bay to Stonebond and ongoing disposals pursuant to a joint venture with Countryside at Lower Herne.
BPE Solicitors LLP
Fielding a ‘professional and commercially minded team that always delivers’, BPE Solicitors LLP regularly acts on sizeable acquisitions, sales and leases across a range of sectors. In particular, the firm specialises in healthcare property work, an area in which practice head Jo Bewley stands out. Antonia Shield is a key contact for retail and leisure sector clients, and Paul Engelbrecht brings further breadth through his experience advising private individuals, farmers and landowners, alongside corporates. Douglas Armstrong advises on acquisitions and disposals, and Georgiana Applegate is also noted. The practice is based in Cheltenham.
Practice head(s):
Jo Bewley
Other key lawyers:
Antonia Shield; Paul Engelbrecht; Douglas Armstrong; Georgiana Applegate
Testimonials
‘BPE have always been friendly and effective.’
‘Professional and commercially minded team who always deliver.’
‘BPE are able to provide a distinct service due to their ability to combine commercial knowledge with legal expertise.’
Key clients
Boultbee Brooks Real Estate
Weird Fish
Dodo Pubs Co
Lillian Faithfull Care
Head Ruddy Limited
Warners Retail (South West) Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Boultbee Brooks Real Estate on the £22.5m sale of the newly refurbished 63,000 Sq Ft ‘Hyphen’ office building in Moseley Street, Manchester.
- Assisted Lillian Faithfull with the acquisition of a 59 bed, purpose-built, care home property in Cheltenham.
- Advised Weird Fish Limited on the expansion of it UK retail premises for its lifestyle clothing and accessories brand.
Clarke Willmott LLP
Acting for retailers, housebuilders, landowners, and investors, Clarke Willmott LLP‘s Taunton team advises on a range of investments, sales, and acquisitions. The group is led by Sarah Manley, who has expertise in landlord and tenant matters as well as estate management work. Andrea Livingstone, who joined the team in 2023 from DAC Beachcroft LLP, has further strengthened these areas, particularly in relation to corporate occupier issues, commercial tenant and landlord work, and matters in the retail and office sectors. Development finance expert Robert Hill, who divides his time between Cardiff, Southampton and Taunton, has additional depth in redevelopment and transaction mandates.
Practice head(s):
Sarah Manley
Other key lawyers:
Andrea Livingstone; Robert Hill; Caroline Mortimer; Adam Burrage
Key clients
Clarks
Countryside Properties
Vistry Group
Persimmon
HSBC Bank
Lloyds Bank
Arbuthnot Latham
Charterbank Capital Limited
Harrison Clark Rickerbys
Led by Ben Thomas, the Cheltenham real estate team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys has a focus on real estate finance and education sector mandates, advising independent schools, academies, and further education providers. This forms a cornerstone of the firm’s broader practice that covers commercial property transactions, such as leases, acquisitions and sales, and development work. Thomas specialises in a range of asset management and landlord and tenant issues, particularly in the retail sector, while Mark Carter handles development, finance, and refinancing mandates, and Morgan West is central to the practice’s education and charity sector offering.
Practice head(s):
Ben Thomas
Other key lawyers:
Mark Carter; Morgan West
Testimonials
‘Great sector knowledge across the team where they deliver great consistency for clients. They say people buy from people and HCR are a firm where this really holds true as you get every bit of value they promise you.’
‘Flexible, proactive in their management of cases and problem solvers.’
Key clients
Burrington Estate (Central Land) Limited
Azets Holdings Limited/Azets OpCo Limited
Bishop Fleming
Fablink UK Limited
Devonvale Limited
Gloucestershire College
Bromsgrove School
Waldorf Learning Foundation Limited
Bales Lettings Ltd
Nailsworth Limited
Work highlights
- Acted a the client on its new office HQ.
- Acted on Fablink’s leasehold acquisition of Unit 2 Wolfpack.
- Supported Devonvale on a new premises.
Stone King LLP
Stone King LLP‘s real estate offering stands out for its expertise in the charity, education, and faith sectors, where the team acts for education providers, dioceses, and landowners on a range of portfolio management matters, acquisitions and disposals, and leases. Based in Bath, the group is led by Caroline Taylor, who has experience advising a range of companies and non-faith charities on developments and joint ventures. Hugh Pearce leads on faith-based charity mandates, while education expert Joanne Burton advises on transactions and estates management for schools and colleges. Also noted are Christopher D Jones, a specialist in ecclesiastical property matters, and Chris Emm, who is active on academy conversions and transfers.
Practice head(s):
Caroline Taylor
Other key lawyers:
Hugh Pearce; Joanne Burton; Tim Rutherford; Katherine Trickett; Kathryn Williams; Christopher D Jones; Chris Emm
Testimonials
‘The practice provides us with advice on all property and charity matters. The practice has members with differing talents depending on the specific piece of work being carried out.’
‘My dealings are generally with Hugh Pearce and Kathryn Williams on property matters and Tim Rutherford on charity matters. They always respond rapidly and cover each other’s briefs if one is unavailable. The fact that two lawyers are briefed on each project ensures we get answers rapidly and at all times.’
‘The team we work with at Stone King have been supportive, adaptive, resourceful and not condescending or patronising. They have made complex legal matters easier to understand and they have navigated challenging matters to enable progression for us. For us the benefit felt by us is in their people and their technical and people skills.’
‘I think the main unique factor is the ability of Stone King to respond in a very efficient and very responsive way.’
‘Hugh Pearce – provides clear and pragmatic advice, that takes into account the “real world” position, as opposed just to the legal details. He is very accessible to us, and one always feels he is giving his full attention and on top of matters.’
‘Kathryn Williams – hard-working, meticulous and diligent, and understands our strategy as well as the legal concerns. She continues to drive matters forward without needing direct input from us, and helpfully flags the issues on which instructions are required, with correspondingly sound advice.’
‘The team have provided backup and support in our real estate transactions and work well together, and all queries arising benefit from their wide experience. I have been very impressed with their thoroughness and attention to detail and the level of research that have gone to. There is very good collaboration between sectors within the firm.’
‘Stone King are experts in the charity sector, with a particular specialism for religious orders / the Catholic Church. It is therefore difficult to imagine another team that would have as much detailed knowledge and be able to bring together the different considerations that we require, such as canon law. Their approach to property matters is suitably commercial and pragmatic.’
Key clients
Ormiston Academies Trust
Clifton Diocese
The Old School Building Company Limited
Methodist Ministers’ Housing Society
Work highlights
- Acting for Ormiston Academies Trust in relation to the property work for its portfolio of 42 schools and providing estate management advice on a range of disposals, acquisitions and landlord and tenant matters.
- Acting for Clifton Diocese (a Catholic Diocese) and advising on a whole range of matters in connection with the Diocese’s property portfolio.
- Acting for the Old School Building Company in the historic long lease of a building in the centre of Shipley which had become dilapidated and was in severe need of repair and renovation.
Willans LLP
Assisting tenants and landlords across the region from its base in Cheltenham, Willans LLP regularly advises on a diverse set of transactions, financings, leases and renewals, and portfolio management issues . The team stands out for its experience assisting charities and corporates, with a number of retailers and manufacturers among its client roster. Alasdair Garbutt leads the team, regularly covering sales and acquisitions, development transactions, and property management work. He works alongside Nigel Whittaker, who has extensive experience advising national charities on property portfolio matters. Charlotte Cowdell and Emma Thompson are key names at the associate level, as is associate solicitor Nancy Battell.
Practice head(s):
Alasdair Garbutt
Other key lawyers:
Nigel Whittaker; Charlotte Cowdell; Emma Thompson; Nancy Battell
Testimonials
‘The team are incredibly knowledgeable and extremely helpful. They really want to understand what your needs/goals are, and they will then suggest the best course of action for you to achieve them.’
Key clients
Marie Curie
Scope
Victim Support
We are with you
Moog Controls Limited
The Quirky Shop Ltd and The Little Nook Ltd
Shelter
Crown House Developments/Lansdowne-Rodway Estates Limited
Cheltenham YMCA
Winchcombe Arts & Community Hub
Joedan Manufacturing (UK) Ltd
Victim Support
Doehler I-Invest (UK) Limited
Trinity Hospice Shops Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Doehler I-Invest (UK) Limited on the purchase of a freehold commercial unit and short-term leaseback.
- Advised Moog Controls Limited on its acquisition of premises in Gloucestershire for its new headquarters.
- Advised Cheltenham YMCA on the purchase of freehold premises in Gloucester, which will provide housing in accordance with Cheltenham YMCA’s charitable objectives.
Goughs Solicitors
Described as ‘switched on and commercially astute’, Goughs Solicitors covers the full array of property transactions, refinancings, and landlord and tenant work in addition to development land mandates, and counts SME’s, lending institutions, landowners and housebuilders on its client roster. Practice head Andrew Given is ‘very professional and approachable’, with Gemma Sumsion also being a key name with broad expertise. Having rejoined the firm in 2023, Dan Shaw further strengthens the team's expertise in strategic land and housebuilding deals. Other key names include Aimee Glover and Olivia Holden in Chippenham.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Given; Gemma Sumsion
Other key lawyers:
Dan Shaw; Aimee Glover; Olivia Holden; Rebecca Bailey
Testimonials
‘We find Goughs to be very responsive and quicker than other firms we use have used. Responses are always dealt with in a timely and considered manner.’
‘Primarily we deal with Aimee Glover who is great to deal with, very professional, clear in setting out what needs to happen and by who. We also value the work ethic and understanding of when we need to move at speed.’
‘A good-sized firm, very personable team. Always welcoming. Very capable and professional.’
Key clients
OC Physio t/as Bodyset
APS Qsquare Ltd (SPV of APS Homes Ltd)
Redcliffe Homes Limited
Stonewood Homes Limited
Curo Places Limited
Clayewater Homes Limited
Redcliffe Homes Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Bodyset on the commercial property aspects of the roll-out of new clinics across the country.
- Acting for a client on the purchase of a historic Grade II listed building in Queen Square, Bath.
- Acted for a client in relation to the completion of a long build lease with North Somerset Council.
Maitland Walker LLP
Maitland Walker LLP‘s varied real estate practice is praised for its ‘diverse range of skills and capabilities’ combined with its ‘polite, patient, respectful and accommodating’ team. Benjamin Slade co-heads the team from Taunton and is well versed in transaction and property portfolio management matters, particularly in the leisure industry. Fellow co-head Hilary Coles has expertise in rural and agricultural properties in addition to experience handling transactions for residential developers.
Practice head(s):
Benjamin Slade; Hilary Coles
Other key lawyers:
Rebecca Loud
Testimonials
‘Personable and efficient. A diverse range of skills and capabilities which have been applied to various professional and personal matters.’
‘The whole team is polite, patient, respectful and accommodating. They are a pleasure to work with. Partners and consultants have been more than forthcoming when dealing with a broad spectrum of requirements.’
‘Very attentive, always helpful.’
‘Benjamin Slade is remarkable and well knowledgeable.’
Work highlights
- Advised a client on the general estate management of circa. 300 freehold and leasehold commercial property high street units around the UK.
- Advised a freeholder on the commercial letting of a central London private school.
- Providing general estate management advice on Ilton Estates Limited’s commercial letting estate in Somerset, which consists of 50+ commercial units.
Porter Dodson LLP
Porter Dodson LLP is regularly instructed by landowners, developers, and SMEs on a wide range of commercial property matters spanning acquisitions and disposals of leasehold and freehold properties, complex lease arrangements and refinancings. The team is also noted for its wide sector expertise, with particular strengths in the residential, GP and medical spaces together with a growing case load in renewable work. Practice head Ben Hingley has a strong track record advising landowners on option agreements and overage agreements, while Victoria Walker is a key name for landlord and tenant matters. Transaction and lease expert Louise Sanders is ‘extremely personable, highly qualified and knowledgeable’, and Steve Farnham assists with site acquisitions and strategic land work.
Practice head(s):
Ben Hingley
Other key lawyers:
Victoria Walker; Louise Sanders; Steve Farnham; Emma Starr; Gemma Lindegaard; Michelle Mallon
Testimonials
‘They seem to understand there are lots of areas that aren’t straightforward and therefore may require an ‘outside the box’ approach. If there are several issues, there’s good interaction between colleagues with different specialties able to advise or act within the firm.’
‘Louise Sanders was outstanding in her responsiveness and analytical approach to the fairly novel transaction involved. She clearly applied all her knowledge and experience to presenting solutions to us and successfully completing the transaction.’
‘The team have exceptional knowledge and expertise and understand our objectives and, therefore, are able to make sensible commercial decisions particularly regarding contract negotiations.’
‘Gemma Lindegaard is our go-to contact with all our property matters. She’s approachable, knowledgeable and able to grasp the main issues quickly and respond accordingly. We find her efficient, prompt and thorough.’
‘We work very closely with Louise Sanders and her team. We have a very long-standing relationship which testifies to how valued Louise is to us as a property lawyer. She is extremely personable, highly qualified and knowledgeable, and can take a commercial and pragmatic view.’
‘I have dealt with Gemma Lindegaard mostly, with back up of a partner Louise Sanders. Gemma is a truly fantastic associate, she has the knowledge, understanding, work ethic and personal touch that is rare. She manages to get through all the work given to her in a professional and proactive way. She really is a huge asset to my business.’
‘The team at Porter Dodson keep us well informed and updated and are very capable in managing Commercial Property legal requirements.’
‘Victoria Walker is very flexible with her work approach and communicated with us in a way that helps.’
Key clients
Oxbury Bank Plc
Denton & Co Trustees Limited
Sherborne Castle Estates
Vispring
And So To Bed
Toolstation Limited
Encompass Care Organisation UK
Redgate Medical Centre
Taunton Road Medical Centre
Hillcroft Surgery Supplies
Levers Estates Limited
Polden Medical Practice
Alhampton Community Pub Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Vispring on the acquisition of its second prime London location at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour.
RWK Goodman
RWK Goodman has broad sector experience with key strength in the health, social care sector, hotel and leisure sectors. The team also counts transactions involving office, education, energy, and residential assets among their areas of expertise. Situated in Bath, co-head Richard Roth is especially knowledgeable in handling development work for pension funds and property investors, while Paul Daniels has transaction and finance expertise. The firm’s Swindon office houses co-head Peter Foskett, who is noted for his proficiency in strategic land issues and joint ventures, acting for developers and landowners. Rob Walton is another key name.
Practice head(s):
Richard Roth; Peter Foskett
Other key lawyers:
Paul Daniels; Rob Walton
Testimonials
‘All team members I have dealt with are kind, considerate, patient and approachable.’
‘Nothing is too much trouble. Quick to respond. Recognises the urgency in things. I get the feeling that they are looking out for our interests rather than simply completing tasks.’
‘Our contact partner Peter Foskett has been very helpful and proactive and is always very prompt and efficient in handling matters on our behalf.’
Key clients
Inspired Villages
Millets Farm Centre Limited
Hamish Properties Limited
Orega Group
Arena 1865 Limited/Bath Rugby Limited
Maybrook Properties Limited
Blueberry Estates Limited
Jones Lang Lasalle Limited
Hydrock Consultants Limited
ORM Developments Limited
APS Homes
Portobello Starboard Limited
Monopro Limited
Tobacco Dock Venue Limited
Future Publishing Limited
Cognism Limited
Gold Care Group
Somerset Care
Amica Care Trust
Work highlights
- Assisted Gold Care Group with its acquisition of three care homes together with a significant refinance of the client’s portfolio.
- Advising a client on the acquisition and subsequent re-financing of a 10-acre site at Severnside Works in Avonmouth, Bristol, for a storage/industrial vehicle parking/storage facility.
- Advising Monopro Limited on all real estate and banking aspects regarding the sale of a carpet factory premises in Kidderminster for £7.9m, to include deferred consideration of £2m secured by first charge.
Wansbroughs
Led by land development expert Neil Patterson, Wansbroughs’ commercial property team counts the healthcare and renewable sectors and acting for landed estates among its areas of expertise. Based in Devizes, the practice advises developers, corporations, landowners, and high-net-worth individuals. Alongside Patterson, agriculture and landed estate expert Jonathan Bruton and Christopher Ware, who specialises in acquisitions, disposals and development mandates, are also key names.
Practice head(s):
Neil Patterson
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Bruton; Christopher Ware; Lucy Ingram; Lauren Johnson
Testimonials
‘Great team with far reaching experience across all of the areas of advice where we have asked for their input. Always found them rapid to respond.’
‘Jonathan Bruton has an extremely thorough understanding of Commercial Property – ask him a question and he’s probably answered it for someone else already.’
‘Very clear and effective advice while always being available to speak. Would definitely recommend.’
‘The Team was most accessible in dealing with a variety of property transactions requiring specialist knowledge and considerable patience. Always reassuring when obstacles appeared.’
‘Christopher Ware (and his team) remained positive throughout managing a major property transaction. Always able to deal with unexpected obstacles to reach a satisfactory conclusion.’
‘It’s been a pleasure working with Wansbroughs on several deals. Their internal departments work seamlessly with each other, and they consistently meet our expectations. They are flexible in their work methods and get things done in a straightforward and sensible manner.’
‘We have used Wansbroughs for many years on different commercial services and always found them to be very pragmatic and professional and always listen to our business needs. They always communicate with us in a way that we would understand and try to find a solution to a problem.’
‘Lauren Johnson has been particularly helpful with steering us through our lease. It is a complicated project which has required a lot of patience from her. She has been patient with us where necessary and worked hard to negotiate the best lease. She has gone above and beyond with the support and guidance given. She is very professional and very proactive in the case.’