Supporting your contracts, technology, and data compliance
Strong commercial agreements, reliable IT contracts, and clear data protection policies help businesses build lasting success. Our commercial law services are designed to give you the right foundations, with practical advice focused on protecting your interests and supporting growth.
We work with businesses of all sizes, advising on contracts that range from straightforward supply agreements to complex commercial partnerships. Whether you’re refining your terms of business or negotiating a pivotal deal, we make sure your contracts are fit for purpose and future-proof..
Technology and data not only continue to transform how businesses operate but increasingly are the main asset of many businesses. We support clients with IT contracts, software licensing, SAAS licenses and technology procurement — securing the systems and services you need to keep moving forward.
Privacy and compliance are essential in today’s regulatory landscape. We provide clear, actionable guidance on GDPR, privacy policies, and risk management, helping you stay compliant, safeguard trust, and confidently meet evolving demands.
We advise on all types of intellectual property rights — from licensing and commercialisation to protection and enforcement — helping you get the most from your ideas and innovations. Link to IP page
We also work closely with clients in the fast-moving energy sector, advising on the full spectrum of commercial and contractual matters, from innovation and infrastructure to renewables and regulation. Link to energy sector page
At every stage, we focus on making the law work for you — with advice that’s commercial, realistic and tailored to your business needs.
Explore our expertise in commercial contracts, IT and data law, and GDPR and privacy advice — and discover how we can help you build a stronger, smarter and innovative future.
Specialising in Commercial law services law
National strength, with local knowledge
Our large team operates across 12 hubs nationwide, offering clients expert commercial law advice with the benefit of local insight and connections.
Recognised for excellence
Our work has been recognised through industry awards, reflecting the quality, commitment and results we deliver for our clients. Many of our lawyers are also ranked as leaders in their field
Practical advice
We focus on solutions that work in the real world, helping you protect your interests and achieve your commercial goals with confidence
Innovative and ambitious
We are brave and will work with you on innovative contracting structures and risk based approaches that allow you to achieve your goals.
Why choose Shakespeare Martineau?
- Our team offer prompt and professional service, whether through in-person meetings or virtual consultations, you can trust that our advice will be timely and professional, helping you feel confident in your legal matters, every step of the way
- We provide advice that is not only pragmatic and quick but also easy to understand. Every lawyer in our firm is approachable, helpful, and committed to offering reliable legal solutions, making the process straightforward for clients
- Our clear and easily understandable approach has kept clients coming back for years, knowing they can depend on us for comprehensive legal support time and time again
- Our clients regularly highlight the exceptional expertise and professionalism of our lawyers. Our team cares deeply about every aspect of your case, ensuring you receive a thorough and attentive service
Our Commercial law services legal services
Meet our Commercial law services team
Andrew Whitehead
Partner & Head of Energy
Carys Thompson
Partner & Head of Sheffield
Nicholas Briggs
Partner & Head of Intellectual Property
Ed Wright
Partner
Kerry Russell
Partner
Mark Bartholomew
Partner
Mark Thompson
Partner
Martyn Thorpe
Partner
Mauro Paiano
Partner
Selina Hinchliffe
Partner
Sushma Maharaj
Partner
Trevor Fenton
Partner
Bhikhu Samat
Legal Director
Daniel Kelly
Legal Director
Stewart Argo
Legal Director
Building a responsible business
Our commitment to sustainability and social impact
We are an accredited B Corporation that is committed to driving positive change in our communities, minimising our impact on the environment, and ensuring an all inclusive diverse and supportive culture for our people.
Wherever you are on your journey, our Commercial law services specialists are here to answer any questions you might have
If you’d like to speak to a member of our team, please fill out the enquiry form. We will aim to reply to your query within 2 hours
Need to talk to someone sooner? You can call use at the number below
Call Us: 0330 024 0333
Commercial law services FAQs
We advise on the full range of commercial contracts to support businesses at every stage — from day-to-day operations to strategic partnerships and growth. This includes standard terms and conditions, supply and distribution agreements, agency agreements, and service level agreements.
We also support clients with more complex arrangements such as joint ventures, collaboration agreements, partnership and shareholder agreements, franchising, licensing, and outsourcing. Whether you’re bringing in external services, launching a new venture, or formalising key business relationships, your contracts should be clear, balanced, and commercially sound.
In addition, we regularly advise on technology, e-commerce, and IP-related contracts — including software licensing, SaaS agreements, procurement contracts, and commercialisation of intellectual property.
Clear, well-drafted contracts help reduce risk, avoid disputes, and set out the rights and responsibilities of all parties. They give you confidence in your commercial relationships and ensure your business is protected as it grows.
