In Manchester, ‘safe pair of hands’ Mark Barker oversees the commercial property group at Squire Patton Boggs, which handles a varied workload of large-scale transactions, management of portfolios, and the development of major properties, which is Mark Gaffney's area of expertise, in addition to key regeneration projects. Nick Helm left the firm in April 2023. Richard Nichols is a key figure within the team, who is described as ’intelligent, considered and diligent’, and Claire Hilton specialises in chemical sector-related work.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Over the last five years of working with Squires Patton Boggs, I have consistently received a high level of service. Partner engagement is available when needed and they are responsive, which sets them apart. They have a deep understanding of our business model, and can seek expert advice from their wider business.'
‘Richard Nichols is intelligent, considered and diligent. He seeks advice where needed and has a desire to understand the wider situation on each deal. He responds well to challenge and consistently delivers great advice.'
'Mark Barker is well-known to our business and is a safe pair of hands for our increasingly complicated deals. He provides solid ongoing advice on deals that we have closed, and has an ability to advise us on strategic matters, as well as purely legal matters.’
‘Small team with strong partner involvement in transactions. Readily available as required. Quick to respond and provide solutions to challenges.’
‘Mark Barker has excellent knowledge and commercial acumen on transactions and assists with negotiation tactics throughout transactions. Richard Nichols works closely with Mark and is very technically able.'
'Richard is astute and is able to provide clear, reasoned advice as well as explain more technical legal elements to ensure we fully understand the contractual terms.’
Key clients
- AIG Global Real Estate
- Co-op Group
- Dandara
- Dolphin
- EDAROTH
- English Cities Fund
- First Step Group
- Fresh Property Group
- Galliford Try Investments
- Green Earth Developments Limited
- Lancashire County Council
- Landcare (Manchester) Limited
- Leeds City Council
- Le-Fylde Estates Limited
- Manchester City Council
- Muse Places
- Nokia
- NPL Group
- Panacea Developments
- Peel Holdings
- Preston City Council
- Safe As Houses Investment Plc
- Taylor Wimpey
- Transport for Greater Manchester
- Vital Energi
- Warrington Borough Council
- Watkin Jones Group
Work highlights
- Advising Galliford Try Investments (GTI) on the forward funding and development of a 32 storey (272) build-to-rent scheme in Cardiff city centre with Citra Living.
- Advising the public sector on the delivery of key transformation and regeneration projects for the region including Preston City Council’s Animate scheme, the leisure led redevelopment of the city’s former indoor market.
- Advising English Cities Fund on the forward funding and development of a new build 196 private residential unit apartment block at New Bailey in Salford.
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Mark Barker