England - North • Corporate and commercial

Ward Hadaway LLP

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Ward Hadaway LLP’s corporate and commercial team supports clients across a range of sectors, namely leisure, human capital, independent healthcare, manufacturing, and healthcare. The team covers a diverse array of mandates, including commercial matters involving contractual IP and data protection, as well as corporate matters concerning debt investments and sale of share capitals. The commercial team is headed by Damien Charlton, while former team leader Colin Hewitt remains a key contact. Recent promotions to partner level Matthew Cormack and Tom Pollard advise clients across pharmaceuticals, energy, retail, aviation, engineering and technology on corporate governance, corporate transactions and commercial agreements. Head of the corporate team Robert Thompson is experienced in dealing with acquisitions, disposals, mergers, corporate restructurings, and reorganisations for public and private sector clients. Richard Butts is the key contact for growing businesses seeking advice on funding and investments. Commercial practitioner Steven Roper focuses on supporting infrastructure, renewable energy and technology companies with non-contentious and contentious advice on contractual arrangements. James Nightingale is the go-to for corporate finance mandates, while Clare French supports on investments and acquisitions at a managing associate level. An additional name to note is Phil Tompkins, a specialist in IT-related commercial arrangements. Corporate associates Danielle Borley and Liam Stubbs are key members of the team.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The take team the time to understand the requirements of the business allowing the work to progress smoothly.’
  • ‘Steven Roper offers excellent service combined with detailed understanding of practical issues.’
  • ‘The team inspires us with confidence and encourages us to grow and think differently, providing beyond legal support and exceptional levels of service.’
  • ‘Steven Roper’s attention to detail, knowledge and ability to respond promptly to every query we’ve put his way places him head and shoulders above other legal practitioners we’ve dealt with.’
  • ‘The corporate and commercial team are engaging, proactive and approachable and work collaboratively and in a one team manner.’
  • ‘Matthew Cormack in particular have been fantastic for me and the businesses I’ve worked in for a number of years and their attitude, work ethic, advice and professionalism have meant I have had no concerns about any legal areas of my business.’
  • ‘I understand the team has also recently invested in legal technology which enables them to produce documents at a more cost-effective price for clients, something not often seen with other law firms in the region. At a time of economic uncertainty, it is great to see a law firm trying to reduce client costs where possible.’

Key clients

  • PHS Home Solutions Limited/ Pacifica Group Limited
  • Handbag Clinic Limited
  • BGF Investment Management Limited
  • SHG Care Villages Limited
  • The Northumberland Estates
  • The Bannatyne Group
  • Inn Collection Group
  • eQuality Solutions Group
  • ScS Group Plc
  • Zytronic Plc
  • Port of Tyne
  • Enerpac Tool Group
  • Newcastle International Airport
  • Nissan
  • Northumbrian Water
  • Connect Health
  • Ensus
  • Zentia

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Rising stars

Leading individuals

Next Generation Partners

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Robert Thompson, Damien Charlton

Other key lawyers

Colin Hewitt, Richard Butts, Tom Pollard, Clare French, Steven Roper, Matthew Cormack, James Nightingale, Phil Tompkins, Daniella Borley, Liam Stubbs