Birketts LLP further added to the depth of its Cambridge commercial property team in 2022 with the hire of Simon Keen from Hogan Lovells International LLP, who has become the firm’s main public sector property partner, and is highly experienced in the acquisition, promotion and disposal of strategic land. The practice is led by strategic land expert Kath Herbert, who recently worked with up-and-coming partner Dwight Patten to advise local landowners on the disposal of a £33m plot in the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. 'The all round expertise on commercial property matters is exceptional‘, remarked a client. Claudia Haisman-Green and newly promoted partner Helen Stewart also handle complex strategic land and development matters for landowners and developers. Gavin Acheson and Gemma Goddard lead the real estate investment team. Jeremy Stanton is a key adviser on clean energy projects.
Commercial property: Cambridge in East Anglia
Birketts LLP
Praxisleiter:
Katherine (Kath) Herbert
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Simon Keen; Dwight Patten; Gavin Acheson; Gemma Goddard; Claudia Haisman-Green; Jeremy Stanton; Helen Stewart
Referenzen
‘The all round expertise on commercial property matters is exceptional, comparing very favourably to other regional firm’s capabilities.’
‘Simon Keen leads the team with exceptional commercial and legal expertise that would not go unnoticed in a larger London firm.’
‘The team is incredibly responsive which sets it apart from the competition. The advice is precise, well structured and always pragmatic but it’s the round the client service which sets it apart.’
Kernmandanten
Trust for London
London Diocesan Fund
Church Commissioners for England
News Corp
Welbeck Strategic Land
London Borough of Lewisham
Uttlesford District Council
London Borough of Newham
Caterham Cars
British Council for Offices
Anglia Ruskin University
Jesus College Oxford
Hartpury University
Cambridgeshire County Council
The Cambridge Building Society
SDI Group plc
Grovemere Property Limited
Cambridge Power Limited
Wyboston Lakes Limited
Santander UK plc
Highlight-Mandate
- Acted for a family consortium of landowners on the disposal of the development plot known as 1000 Discovery Drive at Phase 2 of the world-renowned Cambridge Biomedical Campus by way of a 170 year lease together with a lease for the same term of infrastructure land in connection with the installation of shared roads, utilities and amenity infrastructure for this plot and the remainder of Phase 2.
- Acted for the London Diocesan Fund in the letting of a derelict office building in London, located on top of a former graveyard, to the City of London Corporation for use as overnight accommodation for rough sleepers.
- Advised the Church Commissioners for England on all aspects of establishing a joint venture with Hillwood and Trebor in relation to a new industrial and logistics estate at Redbrick Farm in Peterborough, including the delivery of site-wide infrastructure and the promotion, letting, development and disposal of c1.8m sq. ft. of new warehousing
HCR Hewitsons
HCR Hewitsons, which climbs the ranking this year, is a leading adviser to developers, landowners, high-tech and bio-tech sector companies, real estate investors, landlords, tenants and promoters. Practice head James Simpson, who is known for ‘exceptional quality of work and consistently high level of engagement‘, has seen the practice grow with the hire of Helen Mutucumarana from Mishcon de Reya LLP, who brings extensive experience in transactions in the life sciences, technology, biotechnology, media, retail, manufacturing, charity and engineering sectors. Ceri Riddell, who acts for acts for landowners, promoters and developers of both residential and commercial land, rounds out the strong group. Susanne Hinde departed for Howes Percival LLP in April 2023.
Praxisleiter:
James Simpson
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Helen Mutucumarana; Ceri Riddell
Referenzen
‘James Simpson – exceptional quality of work, with excellent negotiation skills in dealing with landowners and their advisors. Consistently high level of engagement and involvement in all projects from start to finish.’
‘Dedicated to helping their clients, excellent professional advice and always go the extra mile to help. Reasonably priced.’
‘An extensive team of experienced approachable lawyers who know the law and are commercial in their approach.’
Kernmandanten
Hill Residential Ltd
Cambridge Investment Partnership
Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst
Oxbridge Colleges
RSPB
Wood Green Animal Shelters
The Chesterford Group
TWI Limited
Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and the Buxton Family
Swiss Laundry Ltd
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst on collaboration arrangements with a life sciences investor in connection with a circa £900 m investment into the development of a circa 1.4 m square feet Life Sciences Campus.
- Acting for TWI Limited, a UK-based independent research and technology organisations, on the grant of a new lease to Sphere Fluidics at Granta Park.
- Advising Cambridge Investment Partnership on a new housing development of circa 300 homes, comprising a mix of flats and houses for market sale and council rent as well as ancillary commercial space, which is being built in the heart of Cambridge.
Howes Percival LLP
Howes Percival LLP‘s Cambridge based practice is replete with talent, not least practice head Michaela Henson, who is regarded as one of the region’s foremost advisers on strategic land development. Jonathan Greenhalgh stands out for his expertise in complex development work, while Steven Beach is an expert in commercial property investment matters. Newly promoted partner Elizabeth Thomas focuses on the education, commercial investment and development sectors, while ‘extremely helpful and diligent‘ senior associate Scott Smith is a key adviser to occupational clients, property developers and landowners. Clients remark upon ‘a good quality all-round team that is always ready to respond to ever-changing client needs’. Susanne Hinde joined from HCR Hewitsons in April 2023.
Praxisleiter:
Michaela Henson
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Steven Beach; Jonathan Greenhalgh; Elizabeth Thomas; Scott Smith; Emma Bowman; Charlotte Burmby; Susanne Hinde
Referenzen
‘Good dissemination between teams and then communication and coordination, so we get seamless service.’
‘Jonathan Greenhalgh is a good client coordinator and checks things, bringing his experience to promotion agreements.’
‘A good quality all-round team. Always ready to respond to our ever-changing needs and specific requirements.’
Kernmandanten
University of Cambridge
Greene King PLC
Loughborough Town Properties Limited
Turnstone Estates Limited
East Cambs Trading Company Limited (trading as Palace Green Homes)
Welch’s Group Holdings Limited
Newcore Capital Management LLP
Ely Cathedral
Laragh House Developments Ltd
Luton Hoo Estate
Abcam PLC
Girton College, Cambridge
Mortar Investments PTE Limited
Camel Projects Limited
Bennetts Motorcycling Services Limited
FH Great Shelford Limited
John Huntingdon’s Charity
Artisan (UK) Developments Limited
Xaar plc
Bidwells LLP
Highlight-Mandate
- Acted for Camel Projects (Caxton Works) Limited in the acquisition and financing of 12 commercial units in Canning Town, London for £4.25 m.
- Acted for John Huntingdon’s Charity, in consortium with others, on a multi-million pound conditional sale of residential development land to a housebuilder.
- Acted for FH Great Shelford Limited on the sale of its office and industrial site for a retirement living scheme.
Mills & Reeve LLP
The practice at Mills & Reeve LLP in Cambridge ‘provides City of London law firm expertise' with a strong group led by real estate investment specialist Charles Staveley an Richard Noble, who advises on projects in the not-for-profit sector. Michelle Cookson handles complex investment and development projects, while life sciences real estate adviser Vincenzo Maggio assists investors and life sciences occupiers. Christine De Ferrars Green focuses on strategic development projects, and Nick Finlayson-Brown handles investment and development work for UK and overseas clients. Providing ‘commercially astute' advice, principal associate Christopher Pike frequently assists with portfolio management. Praised by clients for being ‘exceptionally hardworking' and 'personable', principal associates Laura Ludlow and Tom Nash focus on education matters and strategic land deals respectively.
Praxisleiter:
Charles Staveley
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Michelle Cookson; Vincenzo Maggio; Christine de Ferrars Green; Nick Finlayson-Brown; Richard Noble; Laura Ludlow; Christopher Pike; Tom Nash
Referenzen
‘The team handles a complex transaction, land purchase with differing overage provisions and tax implications, with calm efficiency. They communicated clearly on all aspects.’
‘Christopher Pike provides an excellent service. His advice is commercially astute and I feel confident that he is looking at matters from the client’s perspective.’
‘We chose M&R as they have excellent planning, property and construction teams, are predominantly based outside of London and have excellent experience working with key stakeholders such as local authorities and housebuilders. M&R provide City of London law firm expertise.’
Kernmandanten
Trinity College, Cambridge
Railpen
Marshall Group
Floreat Real Estate
St John’s College, Cambridge
Peterhouse College, Cambridge
Urban&Civic Group
Henley Investment Management
Pandox
Kadans Science Partner
University of Cambridge
Christ Church, Oxford
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
APML Estate Limited
Pigeon Investment Management
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Marshall Group on Cambridge East, a sustainable urban extension to Cambridge to deliver between 8k and 12k new homes and a complementary second city centre for Cambridge.
- Acting for Urban & Civic on its strategic development sites at Alconbury Weald and Wintringham, St Neots. Together, these sites are set to deliver 9.3k new homes across 1825 acres of land.
- Advising Kadans Science Partner on an acquisition and development basis on their portfolio across the Golden Triangle, including assets in Stevenage, London and Oxford.
Mishcon de Reya LLP
Described by clients as being 'thoughtful, compassionate, considerate‘, the team at Mishcon de Reya LLP handles a broad range of issues, including strategic land and energy transactions, in addition to office leasing and management. Helen Mutucumarana departed the practice in January 2023, leaving James Slinger, who is ‘extremely knowledgeable, a very prudent negotiator and problem solver', as the sole head of the practice. Newly promoted partner Elliot Wilson is ‘hardworking', primarily advising on renewable energy projects and land promotion. 'Outstanding' managing associate Keven Fehmi is adept at handling landlord and tenant matters.
Praxisleiter:
James Slinger
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Elliot Wilson; Becky Woodcock; Keven Fehmi
Referenzen
‘Excellent knowledge of real estate matters in energy development. Great access to partners.’
‘Elliot Wilson is always quick to respond to queries and excellent at translating complicated legal matters into layman’s terms.’
‘A small and responsive team that is easy to work with. We work closely with the same people time and again.’
Kernmandanten
Clearstone Energy Limited
TTP Campus Limited
Elgin Energy EsCo Limited
Alphasense Limited
Babraham Research Campus Limited
Clarke & Simpson and Strutt & Parker
Garden Campus Limited
EuroEyes
Knotel UK Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Acted for Elgin Energy on site-scoping, leasing, and assisted with property aspects of project financing in relation to numerous utility scale solar and storage projects across England and Wales.
- Advising Cambridge-based Nyobolt Limited on its regional real estate expansion and leasing following its series B raise in excess of £50 m in order to develop and provide end-to-end ultrafast charging battery solutions with cutting edge technology.
- Advised EuroEyes on the property aspects of its £30 m acquisition of laser eye surgery clinic, London Vision Clinic, including advising on a new lease of its laser eye clinic in Harley Street.
Ashtons Legal
Ashtons Legal has a single commercial property practice across its office network in East Anglia, and the Cambridge office is home to a strong bench of partners. ‘Diplomatic, helpful and flexible‘ head of real estate Magnus McManus frequently acts for Cambridge colleges and private investors. Sheila Small focuses on residential and commercial development matters, while Charlotte Vallins ,who ‘provides expertise in a constructive manner', specialises in commercial landlord and tenant matters, advising clients on investment and operational portfolios. Senior associate Rhian Brook is an experienced adviser on landlord and tenant matters and occupied portfolios.
Praxisleiter:
Magnus McManus
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Sheila Small; Charlotte Vallins; Rhian Brook
Referenzen
‘The team is knowledgeable and responsive, explains relevant information thoroughly.’
‘Magnus McMamus is very diplomatic, helpful and flexible with his approach. He has very good working relationships with other experts which was a great help for us as a client.’
‘Expertise combined with interpersonal skills and approachability. Able to pull down expertise from a variety of disciplines and translate into workable solutions.’
Kernmandanten
Pembroke College (Millers Yard Trust)
WN Developments
Savills
Kevin John Peachment and Andrew John Peachment
Gates Cambridge Trust
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Millers Yard trust on the acquisition of a 325 year leasehold interest from the University of Cambridge at Granta Place, Mill Lane. This was the final part of the land assembled to enable Pembroke College to construct Dolby Court, a project with an overall value in excess of £20 m.
- Advised Savills (UK) Limited on its leasehold occupied portfolio, with matters ranging from lease renewals, licences to alter and deeds of variation to new leases with associated property litigation and construction input.
- Advising W N Developments Limited on the development of 235 houses and flats (freehold and leasehold) over a four phased completion. The firm is advising on the sale of each unit, with the houses to be sold with a flying freehold due to the underground car parking which will be constructed in this build, along with the incorporation of the two management companies.
BDB Pitmans
BDB Pitmans stands out for its ‘personable approach', handling a diverse range of matters concerning institutional investment and operational property portfolios. The practice is led by Simon Burson, who frequently advises institutional clients and occupiers. Senior associate Joe Taylor handles purchases, sales, and real estate finance, and legal director Katy Klingopulos specialises in real estate development, primarily advising on site acquisition and development funding issues. The firm manages the property portfolios of clients such as Harrods and Kurt Geiger, as well as handling institutional investment mandates for the likes of Eskmuir Properties and Munich Re.
Praxisleiter:
Simon Burson
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Joe Taylor; Katy Klingopulos; Jessica Chadwick
Referenzen
‘The thing that makes BDB unique for us, is their personable approach and willingness to understand our industry and our needs. Their professionalism and they always deliver on their promises.’
‘Joe Taylor is always available when we need him, he also took them time to understand our industry and our requirements in regards to properties and the locations of these.’
‘A tight-knit team that works efficiently, delivering excellent results. Ready access to a large sphere of in-house expertise and willingness to adopt new tech and methodology.’
Kernmandanten
Cambridge Molecular Diagnostics Ltd
Fin Capital Limited
Chassis-Cab Limited
Source BioScience Limited
Inotec AMD Limited
East Suffolk Council
Laragh House Developments
Kurt Geiger
Eskmuir Properties
Highgate Trustees
Cowen International Limited
Patria Investments
Harrods Limited
Kiss Communications Limited
Münchener Rückversicherungs-Gesellschaft Atiengesellschaft in München (Munich Re)
Highlight-Mandate
- Acting for Harrods Aviation Ltd on the acquisition, by way of the purchase of shares in Fayair (Stansted) Limited of additional larger facilities and ancillary offices at Stansted Airport.
- Acting for East Suffolk Council on the Lowestoft Flood Risk Management Project, a project to mitigate the risk of flooding in Lowestoft through the construction of a flood wall and tidal barrier.
- Acting for MEAG in München in respect of the ongoing lettings of LDN:W in the City of London with a further four lettings completed with a current total annual rent for all lettings in the building in excess of £5 m.
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP
The commercial property group at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is ‘knowledgeable, engaging, focused and experienced‘. ‘Diligent, commercially minded, responsive and proactive‘ managing associate Giorgia Clements frequently advises property investors; and associate Joanna Wilde, who joined from Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, contributes her broad knowledge of commercial property transactions, in addition to landlord and tenant matters. Former practice head Sarah Coates left the team in July 2023.
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Giorgia Clements; Joanna Wilde
Referenzen
‘I want a diligent, commercially minded, responsive and proactive solicitor and that is what I get from my contact at Penningtons Cambridge.’
‘Giorgia Clements is very diligent, efficient, commercially minded and clear in her advice . She understands the assets she works on and how we need to draft the leases to make them commercial for both landlord and tenant so parties achieve their aims in a timely manner.’
‘Excellent support for clients. Clear advice, not just information dissemination. Good response times.’
Kernmandanten
Vindis Group
World Leading R&D company
Blues Property
Vitality Corporate Services Limited
Florida State University
Warren Capital
Hilltop Credit Partners
Highlight-Mandate
- Acted for two companies within the Vindis group in a portfolio sale and leaseback transaction worth £22.3m, three properties being sold by and let to Vindis Group, and the remaining two properties by and to F. Vindis & Sons (Bedford).
- Acting for an R&D company on its high value pre-let of a considerable proportion of a new-build building in Cambridge, with exchange of the agreement for lease due as soon as possible and the lease due to complete in summer 2023.
- Acted for Warren Capital in respect of a loan to a borrower for property acquisition and development purposes worth £5.6m with £3m loan. This involved carrying out due diligence in respect of the property as well as acting on the financing documents. The firm became involved between exchange and completion of the property acquisition.
Barr Ellison LLP
Barr Ellison LLP continues to build its presence in the Cambridge market, with experienced partner and practice head Kelly Peck building capacity in the practice’s junior ranks. The group is known for ‘exceptional communication, a pragmatic approach to risk, and clear willingness to signal when a term is unacceptable‘. The ‘calm and efficient‘ Peck manages numerous property portfolios, as well as handling commercial acquisitions and refinancing projects. Associate Lucy Harrison is the key contact for the firm’s Cambridge University College clients.
Praxisleiter:
Kelly Peck
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Lucy Harrison; Joshua Smart; Elizabeth Deyong
Referenzen
‘Unlike other practices we have interacted with on commercial property Barr Ellison just picked up the brief and progressed matters without unnecessary artificial complication’
‘Kelly Peck immediately comprehended our requirements in an unusual option/lease agreement and her expertise was always evident. Our wordings were demanding but they were incorporated succinctly and with professionalism. We felt comfortable with her acting for us.’
‘Exceptional communications; pragmatic approach to risk; clear willingness to signal when a term is unacceptable; informal contacts with opposite numbers tht are productive rather than confrontational’
Highlight-Mandate
Tees Law
Tees Law is ‘thoroughly professional outfit in all aspects‘, and in 2022 the firm handled numerous strategic promotion and hybrid agreements, not only in the Eastern region, but also further afield. The practice is led from Saffron Walden, Senior associate Alex Waples ‘has a keen eye for detail‘ and is notable for acquisitions and disposals of agricultural land, as well as renewable energy developments. Associate Piers Woods is praised for development agreements, site acquisitions and financing, infrastructure project work and utility easements.
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Alex Waples; Piers Woods; Kirsten Rimmer; Jordan Cooper
Referenzen
‘I would best describe Tees practise and operation as a thoroughly professional outfit in all aspects.’
‘Piers Woods’ knowledge, expert advice and professionalism gives his clients 100% satisfaction that their advice given would classify the service obtained from them both as excellent.’
‘The practice covers a wide range of legal disciplines, which means they can cover most of the requirements of a business or private client. We have dealt with partners and their teams in the areas of coveyancing (residential and commercial), commercial law and litigation and have found the individuals helpful and collaborative and, generally, responsive.’
Kernmandanten
Lightsource BP
Highlight-Mandate
- Acting for Lightsource BP on the funding and operation of a range of solar installations on sites across the UK.