Stevens & Bolton LLP is sought after by franchisors, multi-unit operators, master franchisees, and franchisees. The team places a particular emphasis on ethical franchising, and sectors of activity for the practice include the retail, quick-service restaurants, leisure and hospitality, and education industries. Guildford-based Nicola Broadhurst chairs the department, which is well equipped to advise on franchise documentation for brands entering the UK market, contentious mandates, and expansion matters. Broadhurst has notable expertise in international expansion work, and she is ably supported by Catherine Penny, who has a focus on franchise-related disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'After some lengthy research we found the perfect fit with Stevens & Bolton LLP, a specialist in franchise disputes, and in particular a firm who could understand the subtle nuisances of a franchisee who has held their franchises over a long period of time.'
'Nicola Broadhurst has provided us with extremely wise, knowledgeable and smart advice, together with a rare empathy and understanding when dealing with our requirements. We are no stranger to engaging law firms over the years, however it has been a pleasure dealing with Nicola and her team.’
‘Stevens & Bolton lead the field when it comes to their franchising knowledge. Collaboration with their IT team allowed data to be entered for re-franchise transactions and legal documents are automatically created.'
'Their expertise shines through for all of the teams that we deal with.'
'I work closely with Nicola Broadhurst and Catherine Penny, and they are both a pleasure to deal with and I have learned a lot from them.'
‘Excellent legal expertise is combined with an understanding of the economic needs of clients to provide a comprehensible recommendation for a successful approach.’
‘Catherine Penny provided us with excellent support in an urgent franchise law matter (preliminary injunction proceedings). Her flexibility in terms of time and her pragmatic, solution-oriented approach are to be highlighted. It was a pleasure to work with her.'
Key clients
- COOK Trading
- Esquires Coffee
- Le Cakery
- Monkey Music
- Papa John’s GB Ltd
- Papa John’s International LLC
- Pepe’s Piri Piri
- Promedica Plus and Promedica24
- Skin Within Aesthetics
- The Seasons Art Class
- Vivo Energy Investments B.V.
Work highlights
- Advising the Monkey Music franchisor on the resales of its franchisees’ businesses.
- Advising food retailer COOK on its strategic store expansion programme across the Channel Islands through both concessions and retail stores owned by the Channel Islands Co-op.
- Advising a group of almost half of a high street name franchisor’s network in relation to pursuing claims of fraudulent misrepresentation and breach of contract.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Nicola Broadhurst