Capitalising on its broad scope of experts across construction, banking and finance, trusts and estate planning areas, Field Seymour Parkes LLP‘s ’professional, efficient and transparent’ real estate practice is helmed by Marcus Francis and has a varied practice acting for blue-chip clients and private property investors on complex mandates. Dean Bickford is well-versed in assisting developers, investors and corporate occupiers, with acquisition expert Michael Higgin and experienced strategic land practitioner James Burgess further strengthening the firm’s offering.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Efficient. Wide skill set for commercial property.’

  • ‘They know what is required for us as clients and work hard to achieve the correct legal requirements particularly within leases.'

  • ‘A regional practice that offers an extensive range of expertise, and who are pro-active and readily contactable.’

  • ‘The team are commercially minded and give fast and relevant advice and don't get immersed in the detail when it is not necessary.’

  • ‘James Burgess responds quickly and gives practical advice proportionate to the property.’

  • ‘FSP have one of the largest and most experienced real estate teams in the Thames Valley. I can't recommend them highly enough. They cover all sectors and are very professional and straightforward to deal with. The real estate team is expertly overseen by Marcus Francis.’

  • ‘Professional, efficient and transparent. They have a great deal of experience and most importantly they understand the needs of their clients.'

Key clients

  • Rank Group (Grosvenor Casinos and Mecca Bingo Venues)
  • Bewley Homes plc
  • Whistl
  • Euro Car Parts
  • Westbury Street Holdings (Benugo, BaxterStorey, Searcys, Holroyd Howe, Caterlink, etc)
  • Shanly Homes
  • Sorbon Estates
  • Seiko UK Limited
  • Ascot Racecourse
  • University of Reading
  • Grant & Stone
  • Akzo Nobel
  • Select Car Leasing
  • Belgrave Homes
  • Vistry Homes Limited
  • Thames Property Group

Work highlights

  • Advised landowners on a promotion agreement covering over 80 acres which will potentially unlock a land value of upwards of £50m.
  • Advised WSH group companies BaxterStorey in relation to the acquisition of head office premises at The Hub, 210 High Holborn, and Searcys on the acquisition of new champagne bar premises in the iconic Battersea Power Station.
  • Advised Sorbon Investments on the purchase of a multi-let mixed-use investment in Berkhamsted for £10.1m.

Lawyers

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Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Marcus Francis

Other key lawyers

Dean Bickford, Michael Higgin, James Burgess