Real Estate: North West

Addleshaw Goddard has continued to bolster its position as a leading supplier of real estate legal services in the North West. Its "magnificent" commercial property team demonstrates "commitment and commerciality" that truly impress clients. The "efficient and effective" five-partner team is valued for its "timely and clear advice" to clients. The team has been involved in a number of key transactions for blue-chip clients during the past year, such as advising leading UK real estate investment group Peel Holdings on the relocation of ITV to MediaCityUK.

Client Service "Their ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines and to go the extra mile is limitless."

Commercial Awareness "At no time have we ever considered them to be anything but experts in the field in which we operate. Their commercial acumen, knowledge and understanding of our business sector is everything it should be without attempting to be intrusive."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Haywood "provides an assured and extremely commercial lead to all transactions. Under his leadership we obtain a clear steer, ensuring that our commercial position is safeguarded without losing sight of the principles upon which we trade," sources say. Richard Wheeldon is a "skilled and experienced practitioner," sources enthuse. He leads the team advising healthcare specialist Assura. Peter Kershaw specialises in property investment development and regeneration projects and is regarded as a "diligent and proficient lawyer." Development specialist Nathan Jansen is described by one source as "quick and amenable; he does not mess about and has a good team behind him." Stephen Kinsey joins the team from Cobbetts. His areas of expertise include large-scale acquisitions and disposals, regeneration schemes and secured lending.

Sources praise this stellar 14-partner commercial property team for its "helpful, friendly and approachable manner." It has particular depth of expertise in the property investment sector and a broad range of clients, including corporate occupiers, institutional funds, developers and public sector entities. The team's "commercial acumen and commitment to knowledge and detail," coupled with its ability to understand objectives and highlight key strengths of deals, garners huge respect and trust from clients. It has acted for Wereldhave in its £85 million acquisition of the Dolphin Centre in Poole and advised on all property aspects of the £450 million sale of cinema operator VUE to Doughty Hanson.

Client Service "Quick to react." "They think outside the box and actively resolve issues."

Commercial Awareness "They take the commercial view and move at a pace."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Roy Beckett "is incredibly tenacious and goes to the wire to get the most advantageous position," say clients. He recently acted for F.T. Patten Properties in its £9 million development of a 141-bed budget hotel in Manchester. Liverpool-based Mark Beardwood is described by commentators as a "great communicator who is efficient, knowledgeable and approachable." Head of department Anita Weightman is highly respected by sources, particularly for her "commitment and proactive approach to encouraging and developing relationships with clients and other parties." She led the team advising Vue Entertainment Investments on its £450 million sale of VUE. Philip Rooney recently advised the Universities Superannuation Scheme on its £102 million London-based multi-let office portfolio acquisition. He is described as "extremely approachable and thorough and takes a commercial view." Alison Mills advised Downing Developments on the acquisition, development and disposal of a former Leeds-based BBC site. She is valued by sources for her business acumen and ability to "crack on with a job." Richard Thompson is "very detailed and pragmatic." One commentator notes: "As far as I am concerned, he is a star. He always provides good commercial advice and always has ideas about solving problems, and I never have to wait for him to respond on anything."

This real estate team has made a number of key appointments recently, including partner Jon Kiddle who brings with him eight years of experience at London-based Trowers & Hamlins. The team provides a "quality service" that is "easy, consistent and friendly," and it has shown itself to be "excellent at delivering key projects in a timely and cost-effective manner." The practice has expertise in regeneration and development and recently acted for Greenbank Partnerships on the £120 million disposal of Ravenhead Retail Park to Hammerson.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andy Green is described as a "fabulous lawyer." He specialises in property development, investment and management and is instructed by a number of major property groups including St Modwen, Derwent Holdings and Peel Holdings. Development specialist Anita Gupta heads the energy and infrastructure group and led on the Ravenhead Retail Park disposal for Greenbank Partnerships.

This four-partner Manchester-based team retains an "exceptional client base, and strength and expertise in key areas." The team advises a broad range of local and national businesses, particularly in the areas of investment, corporate real estate transactions, development and regeneration. Particular highlights for the team include advising new client SEGRO on matters relating to its Heywood and Trafford Park industrial estates. The team also advised development partners North West Development Agency, Halton Council and The Science & Technology Facilities Council on the development of the Daresbury Science & Innovation Campus.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nancy Brown heads the Manchester real estate team and continues to be instructed by AXA UK. Elizabeth Cartwright provides "outstanding service" according to sources and is praised for her "conscientious and methodical" approach to work. She acts for a range of corporate occupier and investor clients.

Operating out of offices in Manchester, Liverpool and Chester, this team has a substantial presence in the region. It has considerable expertise in advising clients across a range of sectors, including retail, public sector housing, telecoms and utilities. Recent highlights include advising Peel Environmental on a £500 million project to develop the country's largest resource recovery park at Ince, and advising Western Cheshire Primary Care Trust on a £10 million health centre development in Frodsham. Other notable clients include Iceland Foods, United Utilities and Liverpool City Council.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Pamela Jones has recently advised Ethel Austin Property Group on a £100 million refinancing of its portfolio. Jones has particular expertise in advising clients in the retail sector. Head of commercial property at the Chester office, Robin Jones is able to count Wrexham County Borough Council, the University of Chester and Chester Zoo among his clients. David Swaffield has an emphasis on advising institutions such as pension funds on investment transactions. He also acts for substantial developer clients. Brent Williams specialises in advising clients in the public and private sectors on commercial and agricultural property. Clients rate his "logical grasp of complex situations."

This specialist commercial property firm has an excellent reputation for its advice to investors, landlords and developers on significant and complex transactions. It recently advised River Street Investments on the redevelopment of former industrial buildings in Bolton into office space and a hotel. Clients rate the team's "attention to detail and client-satisfaction focus." Other notable clients include Peel Holdings, GE Capital Real Estate and ICI.

Commercial Awareness "They are highly commercially aware and the service is tailored to our business."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "highly experienced" Angus Whyte "delivers a really good service" with his "targeted advice," clients say. He advises landlords and developers on the acquisition, disposal, development and management of commercial properties. Helen Davidson is commended for her "good communication," her "utterly professional approach" and for being "an excellent sounding board for commercial decision-making." She advises a wide range of businesses, including developers and clients in the transport sector.

Brabners Chaffe Street merged with specialist property firm Murphy Hodgkinson in May 2011. The newly boosted team acts for clients out of offices in Manchester, Liverpool and Preston, advising on all aspects of commercial and residential property. The group has seen an increasing number of instructions on regeneration and development projects and recently advised Ainscough Strategic Land on the acquisition of a derelict 20-acre former food processing plant with the purpose of developing approximately 160 new family homes.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Anthony Fitzmaurice specialises in advising clients in the private and public sectors on investment, regeneration and development schemes. He is based in the Manchester office. Head of the team in Liverpool, Jeff Gillbanks has particular expertise in advising clients in the waste sector. His clients include Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority and Maple Grove Developments.

This firm has a good reputation for advising private and public sector occupiers and investors, and it also advises on complex development projects. The team recently advised Peel Holdings on several matters relating to MediaCityUK, including lettings to WHSmith and Costa Coffee. Other notable clients include Salford City Council, Matalan and Sportsdirect.

Client Service "They are down-to-earth, friendly and quick. If necessary they will stay and work until the early hours."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Barker has particular expertise in advising clients on out-of-town retail parks. National senior partner Stephen Benson is a highly experienced practitioner who recently advised Speedy Hire on the restructuring of its property portfolio.

This team has strength in advising clients in the public and private sectors on a full range of acquisition, letting and disposal, and development matters. It has particular strength in advising clients in the healthcare sector. Recent work highlights include advising Westfield Group on its centres in Derby, Nottingham and Birmingham and its London centres in White City and Stratford. On November 1st, Davies Arnold Cooper will merge with Beachcroft. The resulting firm will be known as DAC Beachcroft LLP.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of the team Alison Key advises clients in the private and public sectors on development projects, investments and management. She counts Hermes Real Estate Investment Management and Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust among her clients. Mark Pattison is highly experienced in giving strategic advice and acting as lead negotiator on investment and development projects.

This "highly professional" team has a growing profile for its advice to clients in the public sector on regeneration and redevelopment projects. It also advises financial institutions on insolvency-related disposals. The team recently advised Manchester City Council on The Co-operative Group’s 20-acre regeneration scheme.

Client Service "It was a faultless service; whatever you want is never too much trouble."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of the team Stephen Chalcraft advises clients in the private and public sectors on regeneration and development matters. He recently advised St Helens Council on a development that included a new Super League rugby stadium. The "practical, pragmatic and knowledgeable" Stephen Lintott recently led the team which advised Realty Estates on the purchase and refinancing of Issa Quay property in Manchester.

This team has strength in advising developers, investors and public sector bodies. It recently advised the Homes & Communities Agency on the roll-out of the Kickstart Housing Delivery Programme and on numerous schemes under phases one and two of the programme. Other clients include Aldi Stores, the University of Manchester and Langtree Group.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of the team Mike Edge is a highly experienced practitioner who advises a range of clients, including developers, investors and occupiers on matters such as investment deals, developments and regeneration.

The team at Squire Sanders Hammonds "punches above its weight" and has expertise in advising clients in the energy and utilities sector. It also advises clients in the public sector on regeneration and PFI schemes and recently advised Rochdale MBC and Rochdale Development Agency on the regeneration of Rochdale town centre.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of the firm’s built environmental group, Liam Buckley advises investors and developers on a range of matters. He has particular expertise in advising clients in the energy and utilities sector. Mark Gaffney focuses on advising on the development and regeneration of commercial property.

This Manchester-based team brings a "good approach and understanding" to its advice to developers and landowners on commercial development projects. Recent highlights include advising Langtree Group on the development of the former United Glass site at Peasley in St Helens.

KEY INDIVIDUALS  The "exceptional" Gareth Atkinson has particular expertise in advising local authorities, developers and landowners on development and regeneration projects.

This team has expertise in advising clients from a number of different sectors, and the group has a growing presence in the renewable energy and student accommodation sectors. It recently acted for Orchid Environmental on a proposed new waste treatment works.

Commercial Awareness "They are commercially aware in terms of the type of advice they give and the timing of delivery of that advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joint head of the team Jonathan Kay is "knowledgeable and comes up with solutions," according to clients. Clients include Mansion Student Accommodation Fund and Yorkshire Bank. Caroline Hanratty is appreciated by clients for her "detailed approach," "sharp advice" and "timely delivery."

This "highly professional and responsive" team has particular strength in advising NHS clients on the full range of transactions and leasing arrangements. It has a growing practice in advising private sector clients in the healthcare sector. Recent highlights include advising Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust on a project to develop a mobile radiotherapy facility at Royal Oldham Hospital.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jane Donnison is a key contact at the firm.

This team has particular expertise in advising developers, investors and end users in the retail sector, with a notable emphasis on retail food. The group recently advised Dransfield Properties on a new development in Openshaw, including letting to the supermarket Morrisons. Other clients include Richer Sounds and City Link Properties.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jim Banfi is a key contact at the firm.

This team advises institutional clients, national retailers and regional property companies on a range of acquisitions, developments and disposals. It recently advised Development Securities on the disposal of an office park in the region.  

Client Service "They are very good at adapting the service to our requirements."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nicholas Nyunt is praised for his "strength and depth of knowledge." He recently advised Land Securities on the disposal of an industrial site. David Haffner has particular expertise in advising clients on acquisitions and disposals.

This "proactive" team is recommended for its advice to a range of clients on developments, investments, acquisitions and disposals. It recently advised Helical Bar on the acquisition of the ING Focus Portfolio for approximately £50 million. 

Commercial Awareness "They are highly commercial, professional and quick to react."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Simon Etchells is commended by clients for his ability to "add value to the business and structure deals to minimise costs."

Weightmans merged with Mace & Jones in May 2011 and the expanded team is recommended for its advice to clients in the private and public sectors on a range of transactions. Recent highlights include advising Helena Housing on leasing a newbuild headquarters in St Helens.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "highly professional" Clive Bleasdale has particular expertise in advising local authorities on redevelopment and regeneration projects. He heads the property team. David Tabinor is praised for his "commercial ability and knowledge of the law" and his "personable character." The "measured and dependable" Karl Jackson heads the real estate team. He advises clients in the private and public sectors on a range of projects.

This Carlisle-based team has strength in advising public sector clients in the education and social housing sectors. It recently advised Riverside Housing Group on a £2 million development in Penrith.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of the team John Priddle is an "open, professional and understanding" lawyer. He has particular expertise in advising on matters relating to rural housing associations and is a director of the Cumbria Rural Housing Trust.

The respected team at Forbes is instructed by developers and construction companies to advise on the full complement of commercial property matters. Recent highlights include advising Lend Lease on the grant of leases on 12 floors of a Preston office block to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tim Hollingsworth is a key contact at the firm.

This team advises investors and developers of all sizes on the complete range of transactional matters. Clients include Topps Tiles, Congleton Town Council and Southpark Developments.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Rebecca Simpson is a key contact at the firm.

The team at Slater Heelis is frequently instructed by a range of clients to advise on landlord and tenant matters, sales and refinancings. Clients include Brammer UK, Waymark Homes and Individual Restaurant. One client says the team is "fresh, modern and a pleasure to work with."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mike Fox is a key contact at the firm.