The IP team was delighted to have been awarded one of the UK Impact Case of the Year awards at the Managing IP Awards 2026, recognising our work on the Court of Appeal victory in Kohler Mira v Norcros Group.

The Managing IP Awards are widely regarded as the most comprehensive and respected IP law firm awards programme in the legal industry, spanning multiple intellectual property practice areas, and covering more than 50 jurisdictions worldwide.

The Managing IP UK Impact Case of the Year highlights cases that are genuinely groundbreaking and precedent‑setting – those that push legal boundaries, clarify the law. and make a meaningful difference for clients and their industries. Winning in this category is recognition that the work we do makes a genuine difference to our clients – legally, commercially and for the wider market.

The award relates to our successful representation of Norcros Group (Holdings) Limited, trading as Triton, in a long‑running patent infringement dispute brought by Kohler Mira concerning Triton’s DuElec® dual outlet electric shower range.

In a unanimous Court of Appeal judgment handed down in December 2025, the court overturned the High Court’s findings on both validity and infringement. The patent was found to be invalid for insufficiency, and the court also confirmed that Triton’s products did not infringe in any event. The result was a comprehensive victory for Triton, allowing it to continue selling its popular and successful DuElec® products.

The case was led by Nicholas Briggs, partner, supported by Daniel Kelly, legal director, and solicitor Shanice Spencer from our IP litigation team, working closely with Brian Nicholson KC and David Ivison of 11 South Square Chambers.

Commenting on the award, Nicholas Briggs said:

“We’re thrilled to see this case recognised as one of the UK Impact Cases of the Year. The Court of Appeal’s decision focussed on claim construction, which then informed its findings on whether the patent disclosed the claimed invention sufficiently clearly, and then whether it was infringed. Most importantly, it delivered a decisive and commercially important outcome for our client. It was a real team effort, and we’re proud to have helped Triton in achieving a successful conclusion to such a long‑running dispute.”

This recognition is a brilliant moment for our IP litigation team and reflects our ongoing focus on delivering practical, high‑quality advice and results in complex, high‑stakes IP disputes.

We are thrilled to have strengthened our restructuring, recovery and insolvency team with the appointment of Serena Eddy as legal director in our London office, supporting the firm’s continued growth in complex contentious insolvency and cross-border asset recovery work.

Serena joins us from Irwin Mitchell LLP, where she was a senior associate and contentious lead within the restructuring and insolvency group.

With nearly a decade of post-qualification experience, she advises insolvency practitioners, creditors, directors, and stakeholders on a broad range of corporate and personal insolvency matters, with a particular focus on investigations, litigation and asset recovery.

Her work includes high-value and cross-border matters involving fraud-related disputes and international enforcement.

Serena is also experienced in disputes involving digital assets – an emerging area within insolvency and recovery work – as the legal landscape continues to evolve alongside new technologies.

Serena said: “I’m delighted to be joining Shakespeare Martineau at such an exciting point in the firm’s journey. The restructuring team has built a strong reputation for high-quality work and collaborative client relationships, and I was particularly drawn to the firm’s ambitious growth plans and progressive culture.

“I’m looking forward to working with colleagues across the firm to build on the team’s success and support clients navigating complex and often cross-border restructuring and insolvency matters.”

Andrew Taylor, partner and head of restructuring, added: “We’re very pleased to welcome Serena to the team. She brings significant experience in contentious insolvency and asset recovery, alongside growing expertise in cross-border and digital asset matters.

“Her appointment reflects our continued investment in the London market and ambition to grow our restructuring and insolvency offering in the capital. Serena’s technical expertise and collaborative approach make her a strong addition to the team as we continue to support clients facing complex and evolving challenges.”

Serena’s appointment forms part of our wider strategy to strengthen our restructuring and insolvency capabilities and expand our presence in key markets, ensuring clients have access to specialist advice across complex disputes, investigations and recovery matters.

We are delighted to be continuing to invest in our private client practice with the appointment of a new partner and solicitors, alongside internal promotions – reinforcing our commitment to growth and talent development.

The firm has appointed Christina Polychronakis as a partner in its Birmingham office. With nearly 15 years’ experience in private client law, Christina advises individuals, families, and trustees on complex matters, including estate planning, tax, wills, trusts, and succession.

Having qualified as a solicitor in 2011, Christina has built a strong reputation for delivering clear, strategic advice tailored to the unique needs of her clients. Her work involves high-net-worth estates, advising clients on the preservation and distribution of wealth, as well as navigating sensitive family matters. She is known for combining technical legal knowledge with a client-focused approach to help clients secure their long-term financial and personal goals.

Christina said: “I’m thrilled to join Shakespeare Martineau, a firm known for its progressive approach and commitment to putting people at the heart of everything it does. The private client team has an excellent reputation, both locally and nationally, and I am excited to contribute to the team’s continued growth and success. I look forward to working alongside talented colleagues to provide high-quality legal advice and support to our clients.

“My favourite part of private client work is the variety it offers and the ability to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Helping clients plan for the future, whether that’s through complex estate planning or supporting families through difficult decisions, is incredibly rewarding.”

Alongside Christina’s appointment, solicitors Amy Durnford and Taran Sohansoha joined the private client team in November 2025 and January 2026 respectively. The firm also promoted Paul McMaster to legal director, along with Lauren Crowhurst to senior associate, and Sophie Raybould to associate in November 2025, recognising their contribution and expertise within the team. In addition, Megan Walsh has qualified into the team as a solicitor.

Suzanne Leggott, partner and head of private client said: “This is an exciting period of growth for our private client team. We are delighted to welcome Christina as a partner. Her extensive experience and strong track record in private client law will be an invaluable asset to our clients and the growth of the wider team.

“Alongside her appointment, our recent promotions and new solicitors reflect our continued investment in developing talent and strengthening our capabilities to support clients with complex personal and family matters. We are proud to develop our people internally while also attracting high-calibre lawyers to continue delivering exceptional service and advice to our clients.”

A landmark ruling in the Mayor’s and City of London Court has clarified that foreign states are not automatically immune from legal claims in England relating to commercial property, even when the property is used for diplomatic purposes – following support from our commercial litigation team.

Yesterday (3 February 2026), HHJ Parfitt dismissed the State of Romania’s challenge to the court’s jurisdiction in a case brought by private Greek Cypriot landlord Christopher Christodoulou over unpaid rent and property dilapidations at his London property at 18 Hyde Park Street, W2.

The property had been leased to Romania and used as the residence of the Romanian Ambassador and his family from 2008 to mid-2018. Mr Christodoulou’s claim relates to unpaid rent from July 2018 to April 2019 and damages for property dilapidations totalling just under £120,000.

The case tested the scope of sovereign immunity under the State Immunity Act 1978. Romania argued it could not be sued because the property served as the ambassador’s residence and was therefore connected to its diplomatic mission.

The court rejected this argument, finding that claims arising from the failure to pay rent or maintain property fall within exceptions to immunity where obligations are to be performed in the UK or relate to the use of immovable property in this jurisdiction.

HHJ Parfitt also clarified that diplomatic protections for mission premises do not extend to claims relating to rent or property maintenance, even if the property was used for diplomatic purposes.

The judgment also addressed complex procedural issues, confirming that service on a foreign state does not need to follow diplomatic channels for every pre-claim application and dismissing Romania’s attempt to set aside permission and extension orders. Mr Christodoulou was represented by David Vaughan, international dispute resolution partner, and Katherine Richards, dispute resolution solicitor, who instructed Professor Philippa Webb and Sophie Ryan of Twenty Essex.

David said: “This decision sends a clear message – foreign states cannot rely on immunity to avoid their commercial obligations in England. The court has clarified the law in a way that provides certainty for anyone entering into contracts with diplomatic or state entities. While the case now moves to a full trial, the judgment is a significant step in ensuring that contractual rights can be enforced against even the most challenging defendants.”

The case will now proceed to a full trial on the merits, providing important precedent for individuals and businesses entering into agreements with foreign states or diplomatic entities.

The corporate, banking and finance teams have supported £9.7 billion-worth of strategic transactions during 2025 – marking a significant increase on last year’s £6.6 billion despite ongoing market uncertainty.

Operating across the mid-market, we advise on a wide range of complex, high-value transactions spanning mergers and acquisitions, disposals, investment funds and banking, with disposals continuing to be the most active deal type as businesses reshape for future growth.

Investment funds activity accounted for £7.1 billion of the total deal value, up from £4.8 billion in 2024, while the banking team supported £1 billion of transactions, reflecting continued strength in lender-led activity across the SME and mid-corporate markets. Corporate M&A transactions totalled £960 million.

The firm continued to advise on a steady volume of strategically important deals, particularly in disposals and private equity-backed transactions. Sector highlights included manufacturing and professional services, with healthcare also among the firm’s most active sectors.

James Hawkeswood, partner and head of corporate, said:

“I think it’s fair to say that many dealmakers found the market interesting in 2025.

“A combination of deals being accelerated in late 2024 ahead of Rachel Reeves’ inaugural budget, alongside uncertainty around threatened US tariffs and the impact of the employers’ National Insurance changes in April, meant that overall deal volumes were lower and transactions that did progress often took longer to complete.

“Against this backdrop, it is testament to the entire team that we were still able to deliver such strong performance, which demonstrates the resilience of our business and the broader mid-market. Looking ahead, we have a very healthy pipeline and expect continued momentum across key sectors in 2026.”

Michael Stace, corporate partner in the Midlands, added:

“2025 was an interesting year for UK dealmakers, with decent levels of activity, although overall volume and value were down compared with 2024 due to the impact of geopolitical and economic factors on transaction timelines.

“Against this backdrop, I am extremely proud of what our team achieved in 2025, which reflects both the resilience of our business and the strength of the Midlands deal market.

“We have a very strong pipeline and expect activity to increase, particularly in the first half of 2026, with professional services, technology, and healthcare remaining key sectors.”

Peter Mayhew, investment funds partner, said:

“Over the past tax year, the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Venture Capital Trust (VCT) markets have shown strong resilience, with VCTs raising around £895 million in 2024-25 – the third-highest total on record.

“The extension of the ‘sunset clause’ to 2035 provided welcome certainty, though the reduction in upfront income tax relief for VCTs from 30% to 20% from April 2026 marks a pivotal moment for the industry.

“Looking ahead, EIS and VCT funds will continue to play a vital role in supporting innovative UK businesses. Future success will depend on maintaining robust tax incentives, widening eligibility criteria, and ensuring flexibility for both investors and portfolio companies.”

Jordan Glackin, healthcare partner, added:

“2025 has been a fantastic year for our healthcare team. We’ve supported a record number of transactions across the sector, particularly in pharmacy, dental and social care, helping clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes while achieving their strategic growth ambitions.

“The pace of consolidation and investment in healthcare continues to accelerate, and we’re proud to have played a key role in shaping deals that strengthen service delivery and patient care. We look forward to building on this momentum in 2026.”

We are continuing to invest in our corporate and banking teams nationwide, strengthening our ability to advise on complex transactions across multiple sectors and jurisdictions.

In 2025, we bolstered our national offering with the appointment of corporate partner Daniel Okusaga in London, banking and finance partner David Adams in the Midlands, and corporate legal director Laura Giles in Sheffield.

Key takeaways

• The G2TWQ exercise has dramatically reduced the GB connections pipeline, prioritising projects aligned with Clean Power 2030 targets and genuine readiness.
• Transmission-connected projects, particularly demand (including data centres), were the clear winners.
• Distribution-connected projects, many BESS schemes, and new onshore wind in Scotland were disproportionately deprioritised.
• Developers with Gate 2 offers still face significant delivery risks, including planning, supply chain and grid reinforcement costs.
• Developers unsuccessful in the G2TWQ process have limited but defined routes to challenge outcomes, although remedies are constrained.

On 8 December 2025, the much-anticipated notification process for G2TWQ commenced. Applicants were informed whether their projects had entered the delivery pipeline and were therefore eligible for a Gate 2 Modification Offer. Gate 2 offers provide confirmed connection dates, connection points and queue positions, in contrast to Gate 1 Agreements to Vary, which are indicative only and subject to later evidence of project readiness.

Projects entering the delivery pipeline will be offered Gate 2 connection agreements in two tranches.

• Phase 1, supporting delivery of electricity generation by 2030
• Phase 2, supporting delivery by 2035

NESO has reported that the pipeline of generation and storage projects across Great Britain has been reduced from over 700GW pre-reform to 283GW, reflecting the objectives of the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan. This prioritises renewable energy projects that are genuinely ready and strategically aligned with a low-carbon grid by 2030. In addition, 99GW of ready transmission-connected demand has been prioritised. Notably, 217GW of projects that were technically ready did not receive Gate 2 offers on the basis that they were not strategically aligned.

Who were the winners?

Most projects accelerated into Phase 1 were transmission-connected schemes, rather than distribution-connected projects. This suggests that transmission owners and DNOs are unable to deliver the required capacity for distribution projects within the necessary timeframes.

There has also been a marked expansion in transmission-connected demand, driven primarily by hyperscale data centre development and industrial electrification. More than 100GW of large-scale demand projects, predominantly data centres, remain in the pipeline.

Despite initial expectations, a significant number of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects were protected, with more than 83GW remaining in the pipeline.

Who lost out?

Notwithstanding the protection of some BESS projects, over 150GW of BESS capacity was deprioritised or removed from the connections queue, indicating an oversupply of BESS projects across both Phase 1 and Phase 2. Scotland, in particular, is now constrained for new BESS development.

Scotland was also effectively closed to new onshore wind development, whereas onshore wind remains undersupplied in England and Wales. This disparity is largely attributable to historic planning restrictions in England, which were eased in July 2024 following Labour Government reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework.

For solar PV, most transmission zones are oversupplied against 2035 targets. However, limited Phase 2 capacity (approximately 400MW) remains available in Northern England, South Wales and the South West of England.

Technologies at capacity – and those without targets

Offshore wind, nuclear, unabated gas, long-duration storage and interconnectors were all deemed full or oversubscribed to 2035, with capacity targets met for both 2030 and 2035.

By contrast, certain technologies, including transmission-connected demand, wave and tidal, geothermal, reactive compensation, run-of-river hydro, non-GB generation and energy from waste, do not currently benefit from defined targets.

What does this mean for developers?

On the one hand, the G2TWQ process has introduced greater certainty and investability for clean energy projects in the UK. On the other, it is widely viewed as favouring larger developers with deeper balance sheets.

Even developers securing Gate 2 offers in Phase 1 face ongoing challenges, including planning bottlenecks, supply chain delays and capital constraints, particularly in relation to grid reinforcement costs.

Challenging G2TWQ outcomes

Developers dissatisfied with their G2TWQ outcomes may raise disputes in the first instance with NESO via the connections portal, or through informal engagement or complaints processes with the relevant DNO.

If unresolved, disputes may be escalated under the CUSC “Other Disputes” framework, a two-stage process involving initial discussions followed by arbitration at the London Court of International Arbitration. Arbitration is not mandatory; alternatively, disputes may be referred to Ofgem under clause E13.5 of the Electricity System Operator licence conditions.

Ofgem’s detailed guidance confirms that it will consider only exceptional cases, such as regulatory breaches or uncorrected errors. Remedies are limited given the one-off nature of the G2TWQ exercise. Ofgem is unlikely to direct re-insertion into the connection queue, and financial compensation is expressly excluded.

How we can help

Our energy team advises developers, investors and funders across the full lifecycle of grid connections and disputes. If you would like to discuss the implications of G2TWQ or prepare for the next Gate 2 application window (expected around April 2026), please get in touch.

Overview of 2025 administration appointments

More than 1,600 UK businesses filed for administration in 2025 – a 5% decrease compared to last year. However, the figure (1,631) remains 22% higher than in 2022, signalling that UK companies are still facing significant pressures despite some signs of economic stabilisation.

Notably, retail filings surged by 24%, rising from 237 in 2024 to 293 in 2025, making it the hardest-hit sector by a clear margin, according to data from The Gazette Official Public Record. Greater London remained the region with the most business failures, recording 390 administrations in 2025, compared with 393 in 2024.

Andy Taylor, partner and head of restructuring, said: “While the year-on-year drop in administrations is worthy of note, the overall picture for business remains challenging.

“With 1,631 appointments being made, we are still seeing more businesses enter administration than in 2021 and 2022, and distress remains widespread across multiple sectors and regions.”

Sector breakdown of business administrations

Along with retail, hospitality, manufacturing, real estate and construction were the worst-hit sectors, collectively accounting for 56% of all administrations. All sectors, apart from retail, saw a slight decline in filings compared to last year.

Retail sector pressures explained

Andy said: “The retail sector remains under significant pressure. Despite a slight easing of inflation and interest rates, consumers remain cautious and price-sensitive. Footfall continues to lag and many businesses have not been able to adapt to the new retail landscape.

“The drop in filings in hospitality, manufacturing, real estate and construction could be the result of earlier failures having already removed the weakest operators. It may also reflect a slowdown in activity, with firms putting investment and hiring decisions on hold due to continued uncertainty.”

Regional distribution of administrations

Geographically, Greater London filings fell 1% (393 to 390). The North West increased by 15% to 286, along with the South East by 11% to 207. Yorkshire and the Humber (121) and the West Midlands (120) made up the rest of the top five.

Andy said: “While Greater London continues to record the highest number of administrations, the regional picture is becoming more mixed.

“The increases in the North West and South East suggest that financial distress is spreading beyond the capital, particularly in areas with high concentrations of consumer-facing and industrial businesses.

“This underlines that the challenges facing companies are not confined to one region and that pressures remain widespread across the UK economy.”

Advice for businesses facing financial distress

Despite an overall drop in administration volumes, Andy warned businesses not to be complacent.

He said: “These figures, while worthy of note, do not detract from the fact that the trading environment for many businesses remains highly challenging. Many companies are surviving through short-term fixes, but without sustained growth, improved consumer confidence and better access to funding, there are still choppy waters to navigate.

“Geopolitical uncertainty, post-election policy shifts, energy costs, the aftermath of the recent budget, and continued weak economic growth are still creating an unpredictable environment for business. Firms must remain agile and, above all, proactive.

“Our advice remains unchanged – seek expert help early. The sooner directors act, the more tools are available to protect the business and find a viable path forward.”

Frequently asked questions

How many UK businesses entered administration in 2025?

More than 1,600 UK businesses filed for administration in 2025, with 1,631 appointments made. This represents a 5% decrease compared to 2024 but remains 22% higher than 2022, indicating that UK companies continue to face significant financial pressures despite some economic stabilisation.

Which sectors had the most business administrations in 2025?

Retail was the hardest-hit sector with a 24% surge in filings, rising from 237 in 2024 to 293 in 2025. Along with hospitality, manufacturing, real estate and construction, these sectors collectively accounted for 56% of all administrations in 2025.

What should businesses do if they are facing financial distress?

Businesses should seek expert help early. The sooner directors act, the more tools are available to protect the business and find a viable path forward. Remaining agile and proactive is essential given ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, policy shifts and weak economic growth.

We are thrilled to welcome six senior partners to our London team. These hires increase the depth of expertise across real estate, corporate, governance and complex disputes within our London practice.

Property litigator Stephen Scott joins from Howard Kennedy, bringing 32 years of experience advising investors, developers and asset managers across the industrial, retail, leisure, office and sports sectors. He handles the full spectrum of commercial real estate disputes, from development and asset management issues to complex portfolio litigation.

Jonathan Warren, formerly joint head of real estate disputes at Teacher Stern, adds more than 17 years’ experience in property litigation. He has led high-profile cases arising from the Building Safety Act, including some of the first remediation contribution and building liability order claims.

David Vaughan returns as a commercial disputes partner. He brings extensive experience in high-value, multi-jurisdictional litigation and arbitration, representing corporates, financial institutions, sovereign states and high-net-worth individuals.

Corporate specialist Daniel Okusaga joins from KPMG with more than 15 years’ experience in public and private M&A, equity capital markets, corporate finance, group reorganisations and joint ventures. He has also led complex, cross-border legal restructuring and separation projects for major multinational organisations.

Helen Richardson, a chartered secretary, joins the firm’s company secretarial team, strengthening its governance and compliance offering. She has held senior roles at Triple Point Investment Management and JTC, where she led a team advising listed companies throughout their life cycle.

Real estate finance expert Susannah Lloyd most recently served as chief legal officer at London Wall Group, where she led all legal, corporate governance and HR functions. In her new role, she will focus on real estate finance, luxury assets and family offices.

In addition, Anita Rasaratnam has been promoted to partner, enhancing the firm’s affordable housing offering. She specialises in property development and regeneration for registered providers, focusing on site acquisitions and assemblies and stock disposals.

This growth is supported by our relocation to The Shard, taking 12,000 sq ft – nearly a 25% increase from our previous London office in Gracechurch Street.

The newly refurbished office is designed for modern, agile working, offering adaptable work settings for more than 120 people. The space includes ‘touchdown’ zones, collaboration areas, acoustic booths, flexible meeting and conference spaces.

Victoria Tester, managing director, said: “The appointment of exceptional talent, alongside our move to The Shard, reflects our unwavering confidence in London’s dynamic market and our long-term growth strategy.

“While others scale back, we are scaling up – investing in exceptional talent and world-class facilities to deliver outstanding expertise and service for our clients, while creating an inspiring and collaborative environment for our people to thrive and innovate.”

We are delighted to have become the official legal partner of the new Football Safety App being backed by former England striker, Emile Heskey.

Heskey is the face of the soon to be launched app, which has been designed to tackle what he describes as an escalating abuse crisis in football.

The former England international, who won 62 caps and played more than 500 top flight matches, says abuse in the game has become constant, personal and inescapable. He warns that it targets players regardless of ethnicity or sex, as well as managers, referees, commentators, club staff and their families. Stephen Scott, partner and client lead for sports sector legal work at the 12-office law firm, said the partnership was a natural fit.

He said: “We are proud to be the official legal partner of the Football Safety App. The app’s mission to protect fans, players and staff from abuse and unsafe behaviour closely aligns with our core values of authenticity, collaboration, trust and bravery. As a firm, we will fight for what is right.”

The Football Safety App is a world-first platform that enables supporters, players, staff, officials and families to report abuse instantly and anonymously, wherever it occurs.

It captures reports from stadiums, concourses, pubs, fan zones and bars, as well as on public transport, including trains, where matchday behaviour often impacts ordinary passengers, families, commuters and rail staff.

Shakespeare Martineau will be responsible for ensuring sponsorship, contract and copyright legal requirements are met, as well as assisting with prosecutions where clubs require additional legal support.

Stephen Scott, who joined us in May 2025, said he is passionate about the app and its importance to the future of the game.

The Nottingham-based lawyer first became aware of the project through his association with Heskey, who enjoyed a distinguished career with clubs including Liverpool and Leicester City.

He said: “I’ve known the team at Cayson Global Ltd, the developers behind the Football Safety App, for a number of years, so when the team asked me to get involved, it was an easy decision.”

Now in its final stages of testing, the app is set to launch imminently.

Heskey said: “This is the deterrent football has been missing. When people know there is accountability, behaviour changes.

“We need the whole of football to take this seriously. We need one trusted system that fans believe in, that clubs can use and that gives authorities the information they need. This is not about blaming the game. It is about protecting it.”

Every submission made through the app will be sent to a 24-hour control room, where trained analysts assess reports, filter out misuse and escalate genuine cases to clubs, safeguarding

teams, the Premier League, EFL, SPL, the FA and, where appropriate, the police. The aim is also to roll this out throughout Europe and work closely with UEFA and FIFA

The system gathers real-time data, trends and behavioural patterns, creating an evidence base that football authorities have never previously had access to.

The app will be free to download and use. It will check users into games on arrival at the stadium and will also offer a range of rewards.

Participating clubs will contribute a small monthly subscription and receive detailed insights that help them identify hotspots, routes, fixtures or environments where intervention is required.

The app can also be used to tackle abuse at grassroots level.

Organisations, leagues, clubs and supporter groups interested in partnership or early adoption can register their interest at www.footballsafetyapp.com.

We are delighted to have secured the number one position as the highest-ranked full-service law firm under Lot 1c on the London Universities Purchasing Consortium (LUPC) framework agreement for the provision of legal services across England and Wales.

Joining 15 other firms on the £45 million framework, which will run from 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2028, with the possibility of a two-year extension.

The framework is designed to support a diverse community of universities and colleges across both the higher and further education sectors, along with not-for-profit organisations operating in education, the arts, science, charity and the wider public sector.

Smita Jamdar, partner and head of education, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to the LUPC legal services framework.

“Working with universities, colleges and not-for-profit organisations is at the heart of our practice, and this appointment recognises our long-standing commitment to supporting the sector through its many opportunities and challenges.

“We look forward to partnering with LUPC members to provide responsive, practical and forward-thinking advice that helps them thrive in a rapidly changing environment.”

Appointed firms will provide services that meet the needs of institutions with in-house legal teams, as well as those with no internal legal resource. Support ranges from small transactional matters and project-specific work to long-term strategic advice.

The framework aims to offer members access to a broad mix of firms with varied cultures, specialisms and resources, while creating opportunities for SME practices and flexible call-off options to meet members’ evolving needs.

Roy Dennis, senior category manager at LUPC, said: “The Shakespeare Martineau team have been successfully awarded to the LUPC legal services framework and continue to be ranked highest within their lot.

“Their experience and quality in the sector will continue to support existing members and benefit the wider membership across a broad range of legal practice areas throughout the term of the framework.”

Our appointment builds on its deep-rooted commitment to the education sector, acting for more than 100 further and higher education institutions, offering guidance on governance and constitutional matters, regulatory compliance and investigations, student-related disputes, supplier and partner disputes major capital projects and estates master planning, employment, and strategic partnerships.

We are delighted to have appointed Gemma Baker as a partner to strengthen our growing debt and asset recovery team.

With 23 years’ experience in the debt recovery sector, Gemma extensive operational, regulatory and client management expertise to the firm.

Gemma – who will be working with clients nationally – has joined from Wright Hassall Solicitors, where she was head of operations and client relationship manager for its debt recovery division.

She led a team of 53-strong team and oversaw placement volumes of up to 120,000 new matters per month, driving revenue growth, digital transformation and high-performing outcomes for major clients in the utilities, telecoms, financial services, retail and public sectors. She was recently named on Credit Connect UK’s 2025 Industry Leaders list.

Her track record includes managing major utility and telecoms portfolios; spearheading a digital transformation programme that introduced a self-serve customer portal; delivering complex outsourcing solutions; and successfully leading multiple client and regulatory audits.

In her new role, Gemma will be responsible for driving further growth across the firm’s debt recovery offering, with a focus on enhancing client service delivery, ensuring regulatory compliance, identifying efficiencies, strengthening digital capability and supporting long-term strategic planning.

Gemma said: “Shakespeare Martineau has an outstanding reputation and a culture that supports excellence, innovation and long-term client relationships.

“The firm’s values align closely with mine, especially its commitment to delivering high-quality, compliant services in a highly regulated environment.

“I’m excited to work with a talented team, continue to build strong client partnerships and use data-driven insight to enhance operational performance and support growth.”

Jayne Gardner, partner and head of debt and asset recovery, said: “We are delighted to welcome Gemma to the debt and asset recovery department here at Shakespeare Martineau.

“Her extensive operational experience, industry insight and proven leadership in delivering large-scale, compliant debt recovery services make her an exceptional addition to our team.

“As demand continues to grow from both new and longstanding clients, Gemma’s appointment strengthens our ability to deliver high-quality, technology-enabled solutions across the sectors we support.”

We have an established and well-regarded debt and asset recovery practice, with a dedicated team of more than 70 specialists provides a full service for both business-to-business and business-to-consumer collections.

The team handles domestic and international pre-legal collections, litigation and mediation, and offers bespoke case management and transparent fee structures tailored to each client’s needs.

With a strong focus on keeping costs low, protecting client reputation, and delivering effective outcomes with empathy and professionalism, the team is regarded as a trusted extension of many clients’ internal credit functions.

We are thrilled to have been placed in the Best Companies lists for 2025, as part of top 50 legal and professional services firm, Ampa Group.

The group has been named as a “very good” company to work for, achieving a one-star rating in Best Companies’ highly regarded accreditation programme, which celebrates organisations committed to exceptional employee engagement.

Ampa Group has also been recognised as one of the UK’s top 75 best large companies, climbing to 63rd from 116th in 2022. Within the legal sector, the group ranked 12th for employee engagement among participating law firms, up from 15th. Sarah Walker-Smith, CEO of Ampa Group, said: “Being recognised by Best Companies matters because it comes directly from our people. At Ampa Group, we have committed to being bigger, better and braver in everything we do, and we are proud to have created an environment where brilliant individuals can truly thrive and be themselves.

“Our culture is built on being authentic, trusted, collaborative and brave, and this result tells us our people feel that in their daily working lives too. We will continue to push boundaries, invest in our talent and build a workplace where everyone can unlock their potential.”

Ampa Group and its brands achieved strong results across the regional Best Companies lists, including first-time entries in Yorkshire and The Humber (24th), South West (22nd) and the South East (57th). They also improved their positions in the East Midlands (12th, previously 36th), West Midlands (28th, previously 38th) and London (40th, previously 54th).

The rankings are based on an independent and anonymous survey of colleagues across the group, with 964 people taking part, reflecting the organisation’s continued commitment to transparency, engagement and a positive workplace culture.

Through its participation in the Best Companies survey, Ampa Group also raised £2,892 for the Social Mobility Business Partnership, reinforcing the group’s long-standing commitment to improving social mobility. This donation aligns closely with the recently launched Unlocking Potential (UP) programme, which supports individuals from all backgrounds to access opportunities, develop new skills and thrive in professional careers.

Ampa Group is one of the world’s largest professional services B-Corporations. Brands include law firms Shakespeare Martineau, Lime Solicitors and Mayo Wynne Baxter; planning, design, heritage and development consultancy Marrons; M&A advisory firm Coadax; cyber security consultancy CSS Assure; and uninsured loss recovery specialist Corclaim.

We are delighted to announce 37 promotions across a variety of teams and locations, effective 1 November 2025.

Anita Rasaratnam, an affordable housing lawyer, has been promoted to partner, while new legal directors include commercial services lawyer Daniel Kelly, construction lawyer Adam Watson, private client specialist Paul McMaster, real estate finance expert Mohamed Patel, residential conveyancer Amit Patel, and contentious probate lawyer Tamsin Walker.

In response to feedback from our people, we introduced a new senior associate role to bridge the gap between associate and legal director. The role aligns with a recognised career milestone across the legal sector, offering a clearer pathway for lawyers to continue building their technical expertise, commercial insight and client relationship skills.

Across the firm, 24 people have been promoted to senior associate, including commercial property and development specialists Anita Chaudhary and Raj Vaiyata, commercial services lawyer Charlotte Cassells, corporate solicitors Deeya Ray and Charley McEvoy, family expert Rob Norris, and infrastructure lawyer Sarah Evans.

In the dispute resolution team, Anton Letten, Victoria Kirkpatrick and Natalie Thorpe have been promoted, along with Lubna Laheria and Emma Noble in employment, Jonathan Hill and Louise McDonald in healthcare, and Sundeep Bilkhu in real estate disputes.

Land specialists Joe Davies and Jubad Hussain, private client lawyer Lauren Crowhurst, residential conveyancer Gail Williams, and real estate finance solicitor Fatema Miah have also stepped up to senior associate, alongside Lynne Addison and Christopher Williams from the firm’s managed legal services team, and debt and asset recovery specialists Harpreet Sandhu and Grace Strawford.

Six people have been promoted to associate: legal planning expert Jack Randall-Barsby, land lawyer Ashley Bhandari, real estate finance specialist Ian Cole, agriculture solicitor Esme Barker and private client lawyers Farhana Fayaz and Sophie Raybould.

Victoria Tester, managing director, said: “Our people are the foundation of our success, and these promotions reflect their talent, dedication and impact across the firm.

“Introducing the senior associate role demonstrates our commitment to providing clear career pathways and ongoing professional development at every stage.”

“We are proud to recognise the achievements of so many colleagues across multiple teams, and these well-earned promotions reinforce our culture of supporting, nurturing and empowering our people to deliver outstanding service to clients.”

Our national energy team expands with the addition of senior energy lawyer Matthew Collinson, who has joined our London office.

Matthew brings almost two decades’ experience spanning private practice and senior in-house roles. He originally qualified as a barrister in 2008 and later as a solicitor in 2011.

He has held the chief legal and compliance role at organisations such as Igloo Energy, Last Mile Infrastructure, OVO Energy, Zapp and Complete Technology Group, and has served on boards of several companies operating under the auspices of Ofgem regulation. He has also worked as a consultant solicitor and legal adviser across the energy, technology, water, telecoms and infrastructure sectors.

With expertise in commercial contracts, regulatory affairs and sectoral regulation, Matthew has a proven track record of building legal functions from scratch, advising on high-value procurements, and shaping regulatory policy through submissions to Ofgem and DESNZ.

Recent work highlights include leading strategic IT procurements for a UK airport terminal project; delivering regulatory affairs submissions that influenced developing energy policy; and standardising global distribution agreements for a multinational technology business.

Matthew said: “I first appointed Shakespeare Martineau to a panel many years ago while working as general counsel, and I was impressed by the firm’s understanding of both the energy sector and the commercial realities faced by businesses.

“Returning to private practice with the firm allows me to work with a wider variety of clients while keeping close to real-world outcomes. The intersection of utilities, technology and social policy is a fascinating and fast-moving space, and I’m excited to help shape how we and our clients engage with it.”

Andrew Whitehead, head of energy, added: “We’re really pleased to welcome Matt to the team. He brings a wealth of experience from senior in-house roles and consulting, including at some of our clients, with particular strength in regulated infrastructure across energy, water and telecoms. His mix of commercial and regulatory expertise, along with his wider industry profile, will be a huge asset as we continue to grow our energy practice and ESG offering.”

Matthew’s arrival coincides with the recruitment of two newly qualified solicitors, to bolster the team’s capabilities in the face of ongoing growth in client activity and broader political, legal and regulatory developments across the utilities sectors.

An expanding landscape

Coinciding with President Donald Trump’s state visit, major US tech firms have pledged to invest £150 billion into the UK. As part of this wave of announcements, on 16 September 2025, Google unveiled its new Waltham Cross data centre with Chancellor Rachel Reeves which will form part of its £5 billion investment into the UK.

The UK’s data centre power demand could rise to between 3.3 GW and 6.3 GW by 2030. As it stands, the UK is not generating enough energy to deal with Artificial Intelligence’s (AI) increasing power demand, at a time when overall electricity demand is expected to increase to support the decarbonisation of the heat and transport sectors. With generation capacity constraints and environmental concerns, developers have a multitude of considerations when embarking on a data centre project.

Why are data centres so power hungry?

Data centre servers run continuously so that data can be readily available. The servers are powerful computers that generate substantial heat, requiring a significant volume of energy to cool the servers and prevent overheating which could cause downtime and data loss.

Home grown data centres

There is a push for data centres to be developed in the UK for a number of reasons, including:

• Regulation – the UK government will be better placed to ensure data centres meet cybersecurity and environmental standards.
• Accessibility – UK based organisations will have easier access to high-quality data processing power.
• Innovation of AI – it is important for certain AI applications such as autonomous vehicles or remote healthcare to have data processed in close proximity.

In July 2025 the government published their UK Compute Roadmap (Roadmap), setting out a plan to deliver a national platform for scientific leadership, long term growth and strategic resilience ensuring that the ‘UK is a leader, not a laggard’ in the AI global race. They pledged to spend up to £2 billion between now and 2030 to develop a modern public compute ecosystem.

The Roadmap outlines how the government aims to secure investment through AI Growth Zones (AIGZs), which are specific sites that have been identified to be suitable for AI-enabled data centres. AIGZs can be used for development of areas with existing energy capacity such as post-industrial towns or coastal Scotland.

Water scarcity and power constraints

The availability and source of water resources must be considered during data centre site selection. A large proportion of data centres have been developed in the South East, which raises concerns about water scarcity.

According to the Environment Agency, the region will require 2.6 billion extra litres of water per day by 2050 to maintain supply. As an essential resource, the question arises as to whether continued expansion of data centres in already stressed regions is sustainable.

Another major challenge for new data centres is the delay in connecting new generation capacity. To try and mitigate this, the National Energy System Operator introduced a connections reform which prioritises projects that are ready and are delivering clean power and wider industrial carbonisation. However, the full impact of these reforms is yet to be seen, and their effect on the grid with the additional demand remains unknown.

With the North typically experiencing cooler temperatures, data centres located in the region may require less water for cooling. Additionally, due to the structure of the grid, most of Great Britian’s electricity is generated in the North. These advantages may suggest that northern sites could provide a more sustainable option for future data centre developments.

Water supply concerns have already shaped planning decisions, as Anglian Water opposed a proposed data centre in Lincolnshire, citing shortages in “the driest part of the country”.

Importantly, the water used by data centres for cooling does not need to be drinking water quality. Instead, data centres can utilise non-potable or grey water and adopt technologies such as free cooling or advanced closed-loop systems that require minimal water.

A spokesman for Anglian Water suggested that data centres should be cooled with treated sewage effluent and located near water recycling plants. These approaches highlight how developers can mitigate regional water stress through innovative and sustainable solutions.

Making data centres more ‘green’

The government’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan outlines that the goal is for Great Britain to produce enough clean power to meet its annual electricity demand with the ability to use gas only when necessary. These targets introduce an additional hurdle for developers to consider when building a data centre.

Construction on Europe’s largest cloud and AI data centre, DC01UK, is set to begin in 2027, requiring an estimated investment of £3.75 billion. Yet its location on green belt land, coupled with broader concerns, has triggered resistance from residents.

Elsewhere, the Houghton Regis Data Centre has received opposition due to concerns over (among other things) its anticipated electricity demand.

Data centre developers are increasingly, exploring alternative, lower-carbon solutions, including:

• Corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) – Data centre operators can obtain corporate PPAs for a long-term supply of renewable energy. These can be complex agreements and may include a financing aspect where the electricity producer finances the data centre installation.
• On-site or local renewables – Data centres may choose to have solar panels or wind turbines built on-site or nearby to generate energy. However, these may not be sufficient for hyperscale centres, and a combination of back-up power and energy storage may also be required.
• Nuclear – The Roadmap acknowledged that they are exploring nuclear energy in their AIGZ such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which require a smaller area of land than solar or wind farms to produce the same amount of energy and can be delivered without grid reliance.
• Back-up power – Data centres have typically used diesel generators for back-up power, but hydrogen (which burns with no carbon emissions) may offer a future solution, although the technology is still a work in progress. In the shorter-term, some data centres are moving to hydrotreated vegetable oil which can reduce emissions by up to 90%.

Future developments

With more data centres yet to be built in the UK, the full impact on the UK socially, environmentally and economically is still to unfold. Tensions between net zero goals, water scarcity and the prioritisation of AI in the industrial strategy raise questions about whether these competing demands can be balanced.

We are thrilled to have strengthened our real estate disputes team with the appointment of Jonathan Warren as a partner in London.

Jonathan joins the firm from Teacher Stern, where he was joint head of the real estate disputes department. He brings more than 17 years’ experience in property litigation, having previously worked at Finers Stephens Innocent (now Howard Kennedy), Mishcon de Reya, and as in-house counsel at one of the UK’s largest residential property management companies.

A highly regarded specialist in property litigation, Jonathan advises on all aspects of real estate disputes. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of property litigation, landlord and tenant litigation, risk analysis, and alternative dispute resolution. In the past two years, he has also led high-profile cases arising out of the Building Safety Act, including some of the first remediation contribution order and building liability order claims.

In his new role, Jonathan will focus on strengthening our London real estate disputes offering, supporting complex litigation matters, and helping drive the team’s continued growth.

Jonathan said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Shakespeare Martineau and contributing to the growth of the London office. The opportunity to help develop our real estate disputes offering and work with a talented, forward-looking team is incredibly exciting. I look forward to helping clients achieve creative, effective solutions to complex problems while supporting the next generation of lawyers in the team.”

Jonathan’s recent work highlights include defending clients in Building Safety Act claims, securing specific performance and vacant possession in high-value residential property transactions, recovering unpaid agent commissions, and forfeiting commercial leases subject to closure orders.

Victoria Tester, managing director, said: “Jonathan is a highly skilled and trusted litigator with deep experience in complex property disputes. His commercial insight, technical expertise and track record of delivering results for clients make him a fantastic addition to the team. His appointment strengthens our London real estate disputes capability and aligns with our strategy to provide innovative, client-focused solutions in this area of law.”

We have strengthened our Leicester family team with the appointment of specialist family lawyer Sam Mason as a senior associate.

With more than eight years’ experience in divorce, financial remedy and children matters, Sam has joined the firm from Geldards, where he represented clients in complex high-net-worth financial remedy cases involving businesses, investments, pensions, trusts, assets abroad and other significant assets.

He is also a skilled advocate, often representing clients in court, and has specific expertise in international financial remedies, working with individuals who own assets overseas and where jurisdictional issues are featured.

Sam said: “Shakespeare Martineau’s clear commitment to handling sensitive matters with care and professionalism, combined with the opportunity to work alongside some of the best legal professionals in the field, was a key factor in my decision to join the firm.

“I find it deeply rewarding to guide clients through complex financial and emotional challenges by providing tailored, strategic advice – particularly in cases involving intricate asset structures and businesses – while building lasting relationships as a trusted advisor.”

“My aim is to bring a blend of technical expertise in financial remedy and children matters, a calm and client-focused approach, and a strong commitment to non-court dispute resolution methods, while contributing to Shakespeare Martineau’s collaborative, cross-departmental work, and enhancing its offering for clients with complex, business and international assets.”

Katherine Marshall, family partner, added: “It is a pleasure to welcome Sam into the team. His expertise in a range of complex issues, combined with his compassionate touch, makes him a great fit for our team. Sam’s collaborative and innovative approach aligns perfectly with our values, and I look forward to seeing him thrive with us.”

As part of our strategic expansion across the South West, we are delighted to have welcomed experienced real estate partner David Smithen to our land team.

David joins our Bristol hub, bringing with him more than 30 years’ experience in residential development, commercial real estate and strategic land. He was previously a partner at TLT, and his career also includes roles at Eversheds, Pinsent Masons, Arthur Andersen and Gateley.

A well-known name in the development sector, David acts for national and regional developers, landowners and investors on complex, high-value transactions. His work spans commercial development, residential schemes, strategic land agreements and mixed-use regeneration projects.

In his new role, David will focus on expanding our client base across residential and commercial development and supporting the wider growth of the firm in the region.

David said: “Shakespeare Martineau has a well-earned reputation as a national specialist in development law, with the ambition, scale and strength-in-depth to support clients on major schemes. The firm’s energy and drive really stood out to me, and I saw an exciting opportunity to help grow its presence in the South West.

“Real estate development is a complex and demanding area of law – but one that’s incredibly rewarding. I enjoy problem-solving and delivering practical, commercially-focused results that help bring transformational developments to life.”

David’s recent work spans a variety of high-profile and complex development projects, including a £10 million land sale and management agreement in South Gloucestershire, and the acquisition, funding and development of a 90-acre mixed-use scheme in Exeter. He has also advised on a £20 million financing facility for a care home portfolio across the South East, and acted on forward-funded mixed-use schemes such as a major NHS health hub in Weston-Super-Mare.

His appointment strengthens our residential development expertise and supports our ongoing investment in specialist sector teams.

Victoria Tester, partner and managing director, said: “David’s track record and depth of experience in the development market makes him an excellent addition to our team. His arrival reinforces our commitment to growth in the South West and our focus on supporting clients involved in high-impact, strategically important developments. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the firm.”

We are proud to have welcomed the next generation of legal talent with the appointment of 12 newly qualified solicitors following the completion of their training contracts with us – representing a retention rate of 92%.

Shanice Spencer is the newest member of the commercial services team, while Gabriella Norton has qualified into the energy team. Megan Walsh has been appointed to the private client team, Chris Royals has joined the real estate disputes team and Ellen Abrahall has taken up a role in the employment team.

Victoria Hill, Hanifah Nawaz and Kiera Wade now hold permanent positions in the real estate finance team, with Mia Georgiou strengthening the corporate team. Isobel Hartley has secured a role with the litigation team, while Fin Campbell has qualified in Scotland. Zenab Khatun, a valued colleague who had accepted a role in the real estate finance team, sadly passed away before being able to take up her position.

Victoria Tester, managing director, said: “We are incredibly proud to have extended offers to all our qualifying trainees this year, resulting in a strong retention rate and a talented cohort of newly qualified solicitors joining us.

“Each of them has shown dedication, adaptability and a real passion for delivering excellent client service during their training. It’s inspiring to see Shanice, Gabriella, Megan, Chris, Ellen, Victoria, Hanifah, Mia, Kiera, Isobel and Fin take this next step in their careers with us, and I’m excited to watch them continue to grow and make their mark at Shakespeare Martineau.

“While we celebrate these achievements, we also pause to remember our colleague, Zenab. Her loss is deeply felt across the firm, and our thoughts remain with her family, friends and all who knew her.”

We offer multiple routes to qualification, including traditional training contracts, SQE graduate apprenticeships, self-funded SQE pathways and CILEx options. There is no minimum degree requirement for all routes – the firm assesses candidates based on their potential and suitability for the role, rather than solely on academic qualifications.

For further information about our training contract programme, please visit www.shma.co.uk/careers/early-careers.

Photo caption (top to bottom, left to right): Shanice Spencer, Gabriella Norton, Megan Walsh, Chris Royals, Ellen Abrahall, Victoria Hill, Hanifah Nawaz, Kiera Wade, Mia Georgiou, Isobel Hartley, Fin Campbell, Zenab Khatun.

Our Scotland practice continues to grow with the appointment of solicitor Fergus Spowart and qualification of Fin Campbell following the completion of his training contract.

After launching our Scottish practice in 2020 and recruiting trainees in Scotland from 2022 – we have rapidly expanded our Edinburgh-based Queen Street office. The team now spans corporate, banking, commercial, data protection, litigation and real estate, with significant expertise in energy and healthcare.

Fergus, who joins the litigation team in Edinburgh, grew up in East Lothian before studying law in Dundee and returning to Edinburgh to complete his Diploma in Professional Legal Practice. Following a two-year traineeship at a local firm, he qualified as a solicitor in June 2025.

Fergus said: “I was drawn to Shakespeare Martineau’s ambitious and forward-thinking approach, as well as its collaborative culture that values input from every level. The opportunity to specialise in litigation within such a dynamic and supportive environment was a real attraction, and I’m looking forward to contributing to the continued growth of the team.”

Fin – who joined us as a paralegal in May 2023 before starting his training contract later that year – has now qualified as a solicitor into the commercial real estate team. His qualification marks another milestone for the firm’s commitment to nurturing Scottish talent.

He said: “Qualifying as a solicitor with Shakespeare Martineau has been a fantastic journey. From day one I’ve had the chance to work alongside talented colleagues and gain hands-on experience across different areas of law. I’m excited to take the next step in my career and continue developing my expertise with the team.”

Fiona Pask, head of our Scotland hub, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Fergus to our dispute resolution team and celebrate Fin’s qualification with the firm. Both represent the next generation of legal talent in Scotland, and their energy, skill and commitment will be instrumental as we continue to grow our practice and strengthen our reputation in the market.”

We are thrilled to have welcomed back David Vaughan as a partner in our London-based commercial disputes team.

David – who will play a key role in driving the growth of our London office and building our expertise in high-value, complex and multi-jurisdictional international disputes – brings extensive experience acting for corporates, financial institutions, sovereign states and high-net-worth individuals in both litigation and arbitration.

A Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), his expertise spans international commercial disputes, often involving multiple jurisdictions, and he has a strong track record in the financial services sector. He also previously headed the French Desk at Irwin Mitchell, supporting clients with interests in France and French-speaking jurisdictions.

Most recently an international disputes partner at Irwin Mitchell, David has also held partner roles at Collyer Bristow and BLM. In a previous spell at Shakespeare Martineau, he built a strong commercial litigation brand in London.

David, who will be based in our London office but working with clients nationally, said: “I was drawn back to Shakespeare Martineau by its entrepreneurial spirit, sustainable growth strategy and strong values. The diversity of my work – particularly in international disputes – is both challenging and rewarding, and I look forward to building on the team’s expertise in this area while contributing to the growth of our London office and the firm as a whole.”

His recent highlights include defending a £5m claim for breach of a share purchase agreement, pursuing £4m for breach of a revenue sharing agreement, acting for an ultra-high-net-worth individual in a £20m joint venture dispute and representing a hedge fund in a $12m New York arbitration.

Victoria Tester, managing director, said: “David’s return is fantastic news for both our clients and our people. His reputation, technical skill and deep experience in cross-border disputes will further strengthen our offering in the London market and beyond. His arrival also comes at a pivotal moment for us as we prepare to relocate to our new home on the 19th floor of The Shard – a move that reinforces our commitment to the capital, our national client base and our ambitious growth trajectory.”

We advised Lloyds Bank on a £4 million funding package to support the growth and development of Pennells Garden Centres – a family-owned business with roots dating back to 1780.

With existing locations in Lincoln and Cleethorpes, Pennells acquired its Sleaford site in 2018. The new funding will enable a major expansion project, set for completion in late summer. The development includes a new retail space, an upgraded restaurant with increased capacity from 100 to 250 seats, and enhanced parking facilities.

The project is expected to generate new job opportunities across both retail and hospitality. Final recruitment numbers will be confirmed closer to the opening date.

We provided legal support to Lloyds Bank throughout the transaction. The deal was led by Naomi Tudor, partner and head of banking and financial services, with support from chartered legal executive Noreen Khan-Ghalib.

Naomi said: “We are proud to have supported Lloyds Bank on this transaction, which will enable a heritage business to evolve and grow while staying rooted in its community. The project reflects the strength and resilience of family-owned enterprises, and we’re pleased to play a role in facilitating their future success through strategic funding and legal insight.”

Looking ahead, Pennells is exploring future site acquisitions and plans to launch its own branded range of garden furniture, further building on its long-standing retail heritage.

Richard Pennell, chairman at Pennells Garden Centres, said: “We’ve always taken a long-term view, and this project is about making sure Sleaford continues to meet the needs of our customers for years to come. The new building means we’ll finally have space to showcase a fuller range, particularly during our busiest trading seasons. It’s also going to give visitors a more enjoyable experience, whether they’re shopping or stopping in for lunch.”

The funding from Lloyds Bank marks the start of a new relationship between the lender and the family-run business.

Nick Flanagan, relationship director at Lloyds, said: “Pennells is a great example of a business that’s stayed true to its heritage while adapting to changing retail expectations. This expansion will bring new services to the local area, create jobs and help the business continue its long-standing commitment to the community. We’re pleased to be part of their journey and look forward to seeing the Sleaford site continue to thrive.”

Leicester-raised Gabriella Norton has qualified as a solicitor at just 23 years old – making her our youngest-ever fully qualified solicitor, and potentially the youngest in England and Wales.

Qualifying on 21 August, Gabriella, who was originally from South Staffordshire before moving to Leicester aged two, has accepted a permanent role in the commercial services team, based in our Leicester office, focusing on energy-related legal matters – one of the fastest-growing sectors and most dynamic sectors in the Midlands.

After completing her A-Levels at Leicester’s Bosworth Academy in 2019, she went straight on to study law at Nottingham Trent University. During her second year, she secured a training contract with the firm, and went onto complete her legal practice course at the University of Law in Nottingham. She then commenced her training contact in 2023.

Gabriella said: “Qualifying as a solicitor at 23 feels surreal – it’s the result of years of hard work, support and saying yes to every opportunity that came my way. I’m proud to be continuing my legal career with Shakespeare Martineau and joining the commercial services team, working on a range of exciting projects within the energy sector.”

Despite law not being offered as a subject at her school, Gabriella’s early interest in both creative and analytical subjects led her to choosing law over fashion marketing.

She said: “At school, I was torn between English, where I enjoyed interpreting and constructing arguments, and more creative subjects like art, where I could think outside of the box and express ideas visually.

“When it came to choosing my degree, I was split between law and fashion marketing. Visiting university open days helped me realise that law would allow me to exercise the skills I had developed in English while still offering room for creativity.”

“In the end I chose law because I felt it would keep me intellectually stimulated, allow me to make a meaningful difference and enable me to work with a variety of people across a number of different sectors.”

One of Gabriella’s standout achievements to date includes assisting the corporate team in advising the shareholders of the Alunet group of companies, UK Doors Online and SGG Manufacturing on a series of transactions, including the £32.8 million sale of the group to Eurocell Plc.

Victoria Tester, managing director, said: “Gabriella is a brilliant example of what can be achieved with ambition, hard work and the right support.

“We pride ourselves on being as supportive as possible to young people who are seeking a career in law. Our door is always open to those who demonstrate genuine passion, commitment and the desire to forge a successful legal career.

“We’re delighted to have given Gabriella her opportunity – one that she grasped with both hands – and to provide her with a route to qualification that enabled her to build valuable skills and experience.

“She’s shown dedication from day one and we’re thrilled she’s joining our commercial services team permanently. We look forward to continuing to support her as she develops what is clearly a very promising legal career.”

We are delighted to have strengthened our corporate offering with the appointment of Daniel Okusaga as a partner, based in our London hub.

Daniel brings with him more than 15 years’ experience in corporate law, including public and private M&A, equity capital markets, corporate finance, group reorganisations and joint ventures. His technical skillset spans group redesign, pre-sale carve-outs, legal entity rationalisation, governance reform and returns of value.

Prior to joining, Daniel spent six years at KPMG, where he led complex, cross-border legal restructuring and separation projects for major multinational organisations, particularly in the energy, ICT, manufacturing and financial services sectors. Before this, he worked at leading law firms advising on high-value private equity and M&A transactions.

Daniel said: “My corporate law career has taken me across the full lifecycle of businesses – from start-up fundraising to public market exits and global reorganisations.”

“I was drawn to Shakespeare Martineau not just for the opportunity to build something exciting in London, but also for the firm’s collaborative culture and genuine investment in its people. It’s clear this is a place where entrepreneurial lawyers can thrive and I’m looking forward to contributing to the firm’s growth.”

“Clients increasingly face complex structural and strategic challenges – whether regulatory, operational or commercial – and I’m passionate about helping them work through those issues to design optimal solutions. Being seen as a trusted adviser is a privilege, and my goal is to bring that level of trust and clarity to every instruction.”

Daniel’s main responsibilities will include supporting the growth of our London corporate practice, developing new client relationships through his extensive network, and helping raise the firm’s profile through thought leadership, seminars and collaborative BD initiatives. He also has a strong interest in mentoring and team development and is committed to contributing to a diverse and supportive working environment.

Victoria Tester, partner and managing director, said: “Daniel’s mix of transactional experience, strategic thinking and client focus is a fantastic addition to our team. His arrival marks another step in our investment in London and enhances our ability to deliver technically excellent, commercially relevant advice to our clients, particularly in the corporate reorganisation and cross-border space.”

We are thrilled to have signed on the dotted line to relocate to the 19th floor of the iconic The Shard building.

Reinforcing our commitment to the capital, national client base and ambitious growth trajectory, we will be taking more than 11,800 square feet of the UK’s tallest building – nearly a 25% increase compared to the previous London hub in Gracechurch Street.

We are proud to be growing our bricks and mortar presence in strategic business centres across the UK, investing in the locations its clients are based in order to build stronger ties and relationships in key sectors and industries, as well as offer a sought-after space for client events and collaboration.

The newly refurbished space will support modern, agile working through a variety of adaptable work settings for more than 160 people, including desks, ‘touchdown’ zones, collaboration areas, acoustic booths and flexible meeting spaces.

It will also create opportunities to host more client events, offering a refreshed and welcoming space for connection and collaboration.

Simon Robinson, partner and joint head of the London hub, said: “Our new space gives us the flexibility to think bigger and work better – not only with each other, but with the growing network of clients and partners we support across London and beyond. We are a relationship-based business, so it’s important we are in the heart of the city.”

The new London office space will align with our sustainability principles, incorporating upcycled and sustainably sourced materials where possible.

The Shard itself has its own combined heat and power plant, which reduces energy losses and emissions by generating electricity and using the recovered heat on-site, as well as an ‘excellent’ BREEAM rating, energy efficient design and advance maintenance techniques that reduce water and chemical usage.

We are thrilled to have welcomed our first-ever summer interns in Scotland – marking a key milestone in our growing presence north of the border.

Charlie Phillips and Iona Robertson have each spent two weeks at the firm’s Edinburgh office, gaining valuable insight into life at a law firm.

Over the summer, the duo have been involved in a variety of tasks supporting different teams across the firm. Their work has included assisting with document preparation, research, file management, and gaining insight into professional practice by observing meetings, legal proceedings and the team’s day-to-day working lives.

Fiona Pask, head of our Scotland team, said: “We’re delighted to have welcomed Charlie and Iona as our first-ever summer interns in Scotland. This is an exciting time for Shakespeare Martineau as we continue to build our Scottish presence and investing in future legal talent is a central part of that journey.

“Charlie and Iona have brought energy, curiosity and commitment to their time with us. It’s been fantastic to see them embrace the challenges of a fast-paced legal environment and contribute meaningfully to our work. We look forward to staying in touch as they continue their careers and hope to see them return in the future.”

Charlie most recently gained a diploma in professional legal practice at the University of Edinburgh, following an undergraduate law degree at the University of Glasgow.

He said: “I’ve followed Shakespeare Martineau’s Scottish expansion from the beginning and was especially impressed by the firm’s unique structure and reputation in litigation.

“My goal was to gain practical experience of the law beyond the academic side taught at university and this internship has exceeded my expectations. I’m more motivated than ever to pursue a training contract and build a career in law.”

Iona joined the internship after completing an accelerated Scots law degree at the University of Edinburgh, following an undergraduate degree in English literature and psychology at the University of Dundee.

She said: “What drew me to Shakespeare Martineau was how the firm genuinely values individuals from diverse academic and personal backgrounds. That made me feel like my journey into law, though non-traditional, was recognised and respected.

“Over the course of two weeks, I’ve worked on a range of projects. One highlight was attending a hearing at the Sheriff Appeal Court, which gave me first-hand insight into the litigation process. This experience has been incredibly positive, both professionally and personally. I’ve gained confidence in my ability to contribute meaningfully to a legal team and I’m excited to take what I’ve learned into the next stage of my career.”

The internship initiative is part of our commitment to developing the next generation of legal professionals, with a strong focus on inclusion, mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities.

We are delighted to be growing our Milton Keynes office, welcoming six new team members across multiple specialisms as part of its ambitious national growth strategy.

The latest additions include two senior appointments – Brian West and Susannah Lloyd, both joining as partners – alongside residential conveyancing associate Carrie Sutton, commercial property solicitor Edward Moffat, restructuring and insolvency solicitor Imran Ilias, and paralegal Sonia Williams-Gwaga.

These hires reflect the firm’s continued investment in its full-service offering across the South East and nationally, with a focus on high-growth areas such as real estate finance, residential development and corporate restructuring.

With more than 12 years’ experience advising national housebuilders, land promoters and later living providers, residential development expert Brian joins from Shoosmiths where he was partner and head of office. His practice spans the full lifecycle of land transactions and development, from strategic land acquisition to complex consortium arrangements.

Brian said: “Shakespeare Martineau has a clear ambition to become a market leader in housebuilding and strategic land, and that’s something I’m passionate about being part of. There’s a great culture and energy here and I’m excited to contribute to the next phase of growth. Residential development is as much about people as it is about land and I’m proud to be joining a team that gets that balance right.”

Real estate finance specialist Susannah most recently served as chief legal officer at London Wall Group, where she led all legal, corporate governance and HR functions. Her background includes senior roles at EMW, Ronaldsons, and Shoosmiths. At our Milton Keynes office, she will concentrate on real estate finance, luxury assets, and family offices.

Susannah said: “What attracted me to Shakespeare Martineau is the incredible team already in place. Having worked closely with many of my new colleagues previously, I knew this was a natural and collaborative fit. I’m excited to build a new real estate finance and family office team from the ground up, with a unique focus on servicing private and family offices.”

Carrie has returned to the firm following three years at Shoosmiths’ conveyancing services firm, Swiitch. She brings more than 14 years of experience in residential transactions, including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, shared ownership, re-mortgages, transfer of equity, and new builds, including Help to Buy equity loans.

Edward advises on a broad range of commercial and residential real estate matters, including development land acquisitions, investor asset management and property finance transactions. He also provides support on property elements of corporate transactions.

Imran joins the firm’s restructuring and insolvency team, bringing experience from both private practice and in-house roles. He advises on a variety of restructuring, recovery and insolvency issues, including contested insolvency work. He has advised clients from private individuals to FTSE 100 companies and is actively involved in the legal community, including as a national representative for the Junior Lawyers Division.

Sonia will support the expanding real estate team as the firm continues to increase capacity to meet client demand.

Jordan Glackin, head of our Milton Keynes office, said: “This is an exciting time for our Milton Keynes team. The addition of this talented cohort of new colleagues marks a major step forward in our mission to offer truly full-service, expert-led support to clients in the region and beyond. These appointments enhance our capabilities in real estate, conveyancing, and restructuring – all key areas for our growth.”

londWith the UK government advancing its net zero commitments, education institutions operating or connected to heat networks must prepare for a major regulatory shift. From January 2026, Ofgem will begin regulating heat networks in Great Britain for the first time under the Energy Act 2023 and the Heat Networks (Market Framework) Regulations 2025.

This change will bring formal oversight, service standards and consumer protections to a sector that has, until now, existed outside the regulatory frameworks governing gas and electricity

What Are heat networks?

Heat networks, sometimes referred to as district or communal heating, distribute heating, hot water and, in some cases, cooling from a central source to multiple buildings. Many universities and colleges rely on these systems to supply energy across campuses, halls of residence and research buildings.

In October 2024, the government named six towns and cities for the first heat network zones: Leeds, Plymouth, Bristol, Stockport, Sheffield and two sites in London. Within these zones, certain buildings will be required to connect to a central network within set timeframes.

Why the regulation matters

Historically, heat networks have lacked the consumer protections and price regulations that apply to other utilities. The new regime is intended to close that gap, delivering:

• Fairer, more transparent pricing and billing
• Improved service standards and system reliability
• Access to complaints and dispute resolution via the Energy Ombudsman

The regulatory framework also introduces Ofgem oversight and establishes obligations on providers to meet specific technical, customer service and reporting standards.

Key dates and compliance milestones

Education institutions must be aware of the following:

• April 2025 – Launch of consumer advocacy services via Citizens Advice (England and Wales) and Advice Direct Scotland
• January 2026 – Regulations come into force; operators must comply
• Spring 2026 -January 2027 – All existing heat networks must register with Ofgem under “deemed authorisation” using the new digital platform

What this means for education institutions

Whether acting as heat suppliers or owning infrastructure connected to a network, education providers need to prepare for increased regulatory scrutiny and operational responsibilities.

1. Operational readiness

Institutions will need to review whether their systems meet technical standards and service expectations. This may include upgrades to metering and billing systems, better record keeping, and formalising service protocols for users across campus.

2. Governance and accountability

Those operating as heat suppliers will fall under Ofgem’s regulatory regime. This includes the possibility of audits, data reporting requirements, and financial or reputational consequences in the event of non-compliance.

3. Financial planning

There may be a need to budget for infrastructure upgrades, improved digital systems, staff training and new internal processes to ensure compliance and support customer service.

4. Reputation and student experience

Reliable heating and transparent billing are central to student satisfaction. Institutions that fail to meet the new standards risk reputational damage and criticism around their sustainability commitments.

What should education providers do now?

To get ahead of the upcoming changes, institutions should consider taking the following steps:

• Carry out a regulatory impact assessment of their current heat network operations
• Engage with Ofgem’s guidance and consultations, especially in areas relating to consumer protection and authorisation
• Begin early discussions with the Energy Ombudsman to understand expectations and ensure complaints processes are in place
• Review billing practices, customer communications, and service response mechanisms

This is an important moment for the future of heat networks in the UK. Education institutions must act now to prepare for the upcoming regulation, to meet compliance deadlines, improve service quality and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and student welfare.

The long-running legal battle over Birmingham’s landmark development, The Square, has reached another significant milestone, after the High Court rejected a fresh attempt by property developer Samuel Ginda and his companies – 2020 Living Limited, Taylor Grange 2 Limited and TGDM One Limited – to partially lift a court-imposed sanction preventing them from defending a multi-million pound claim.

In a process drawn out over more than four years so far involving nearly 50 orders from the court, and a trial bundle of more than 30,000 pages of evidence, the latest decision leaves the developer unable to contest a potential eight-figure claim brought by Leicester-based investor Sanman Property Management Ltd – a dispute stemming from an ‘unlawful conspiracy’ to exclude Sanman from profits tied to the proposed 220-room hotel and current 30-storey residential tower in the city’s Broad Street.

Last summer, and following applications made by Sanman, the Birmingham developer’s defence was struck out and they were debarred from defending the claim shortly before trial, due to multiple breaches of court orders relating to disclosure of documentation.

The recent application to the High Court was the latest in a series of failed attempts to challenge or vary the original decision and permit Samuel Glinda and his companies to defend the claim.

Leicester property investor Sanman Property Management Ltd brought the claim against the defendants after providing the developer with a loan to secure an option to acquire the development land in Broad Street. In return, it was agreed Sanman would receive interest and a split of the profits.

However, the court heard that a sequence of transactions later occurred, without Sanman’s knowledge or involvement, that took the land purchased, with Sanman’s assistance, out of 2020 Living’s ownership and thus excluded Sanman from the profit generated. Sanman issued a claim for the loan value (which was repaid in 2021 following an initial judgment), interest and anticipated profits.

Our litigation team acted on behalf of Sanman, revealed the companies benefiting from the transactions for the development land were in fact owned by the same director (and beneficial owner) as 2020 Living, Mr Samuel Ginda.

Timeline

September 2024 – Our litigation team quickly applied for court order on behalf of Sanman for a declaration that the defendants’ evidence be struck out and debarred after multiple deadlines and extensions were missed. Ginda et al make cross application for relief from sanction, which is dismissed. Sanman’s application was successful on both strike out and debarral whilst the defendants’ was dismissed.

October 2024 – Trial on liability takes place where Sanman proved its case on the documentation and evidence and was awarded judgment in its favour. At the same trial, Sanman’s co-claimant Midland Premier Properties Limited -also represented by our team- obtained a judgment of £560m against the first defendant, property developer Rakesh Doal, on a separate claim.

January 2025 – Second application by the defendants for relief from sanction, which was dismissed at a hearing in March 2025 and Sanman were awarded their costs with a interim payments on account of costs and damages of £1.7m payable by the Defendants was ordered by the Court.

June 2025 – High Court rejected a third application by the defendants to challenge or vary the sanction.

Defendants will now take their case to the Court of Appeal.

The hearing for the court to decide on how much Sanman should be paid as a result of the defendants’ conspiracy and breach of contract is yet to be set.

Alex Ryan, legal director who worked on the matter, said: “It’s highly unusual to see a defence struck out, however, it is still the responsibility of the claimant to prove its claim, which was ultimately successful. This matter has been a lesson in patience for our client, and a lesson in meeting disclosure obligations and court orders for the defendant. We are delighted with the result so far for our client.”

On reviewing the evidence supplied by the claimants, Specialist Circuit Judge, His Honour Judge Rawlings deemed the loan agreement and agreement to share profit from the development was binding and that there had been a conspiracy by Mr Ginda to deprive Sanman of the profits from the deal.

James Woolstenhulme, dispute resolution partner, who led the claim said: “This is a long running and hotly contested piece of litigation with an outcome which is the culmination of many years work in the face of a bitterly fought defence. The Court has had to grapple with a complex fact pattern and has delivered a careful and considered, yet robust judgment which does justice to Sanman. The case is a real showcase for the quality of work the team here at Shakespeare Martineau can deliver and the Courts in Birmingham can service and resolve.”

Working alongside James and Alex were Natalie Thorpe (Associate), Nicola Lediard (Legal Director), Zoe Carney (Solicitor) and Jamilah Campbell (Solicitor).

Tim Speed, head of litigation said: “This is a great example of the members of the team working together across the various offices and it shows the genuine strength in depth that we have as a firm.”

Hill Dickinson solicitors act on behalf of the defendants.

Technology has transformed how we manage daily life — from online banking to digital contracts, tasks that once required face-to-face meetings can now be done remotely in the comfort of one’s home. So why not wills?

Currently, in England and Wales, a will is legally valid if:

• The person is at least 18 years old.
• They have mental capacity.
• It is signed in ink in front of two witnesses.

However, in May 2025, the Law Commission proposed a number of reforms that could revolutionise the will-making process including :

• Allowing digital wills; and
• Lowering the legal age for will-making from 18 to 16.

These changes could make will-making faster, more accessible, and more appealing to digitally engaged young people , while opening exciting new opportunities for charitable giving.

Why are electronic wills being considered?

The push for electronic wills has been debated for a while. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people found traditional will-making too difficult, where getting two witnesses together in person became a challenge. In response, temporary rules were introduced to allow video witnessing.

Since then, online will-writing services have grown in popularity, especially amongst younger adults. According to the National Will Register’s 2024 report, those who are below 45 years old are twice as likely to use an online will writing service than those who are older (13% to 7%).

The UK Wills & Probate Consumer Research Report 2025 also revealed that :

• The use of solicitors dropped from 56% in 2020 to 49% in 2025.
• Use of will writers, DIY will templates, and hybrid services were becoming more popular amongst younger adults.

Despite these changes in behaviour, the law hasn’t fully caught up. Even with online platforms, wills must still be printed, signed in ink, and witnessed in person. Legalising fully electronic wills would streamline the process and better reflect how people live today.

Should 16-year-olds be allowed to make wills?

If 16-year-olds can leave school, work, pay tax, live independently, and even become parents, why shouldn’t they be allowed to make a will?

While most 16-year-olds won’t have large estates, some do have assets, such as savings, compensation payments, or digital assets (like cryptocurrency, social media accounts with monetisation or online businesses).

Lowering the will-making age to 16 would:

• Promote early financial planning and personal responsibility.
• Give young people more control over their legacy.
• Encourage a culture of charitable giving amongst the younger generation.

This also isn’t unheard of globally. For example, in Scotland, people can make a will from the age of 12 if they understand what they’re doing. South Africa also allows 16-year-olds to make wills.

What could this mean for charities?

Charities could see significant benefits from the proposed legal reforms, especially as Gen Z and Millennials are increasingly active in supporting causes online. From using crowdfunding platforms, such as GoFundMe, to spreading awareness on Instagram and TikTok, younger donors are using digital tools to raise awareness on social causes and to give back.

According to JustGiving’s 2025 report:

• Gen Z donates an average of £538 annually to charity,
• Millennials: £534,
• Gen X: £206,
• Boomers: £294.

Legacy Futures also reports that 1 in 10 wills are now made online, and that figure is expected to grow. These wills are also more likely to include charitable bequests, driven by convenience and affordability.

This is further highlighted by FreeWills, an organization that has helped 2,000 charities benefit from legacy donors, who has noticed a surge in activity, now processing around 100 wills per day.

As the younger generation are familiar with technology, the advantages of digital wills may include:

• Convenience and simplicity – One may simply add a charity to their will if it’s on an online form.
• Affordability – Digital wills can be cheaper than solicitor drafted versions
• Data tracking – Charities can track who may have pledged a legacy gift and track demographics, which allows for data that can help charities spot how they can improve their fundraising strategy such as using targeted campaigns.

What are the risks?

While the benefits are clear, there are important risks and legal concerns that must be addressed, particularly around digital wills and younger testators.

Some possible risks of digital wills could include:

• Fraud and forgery – Without physical signatures or in-person witnesses, it becomes more difficult to verify the authenticity of the will and ensure the testators’ true intentions are accurately reflected.
• Undue influence – Young or vulnerable individuals may be more susceptible to coercion, especially when making a will remotely without legal guidance.
• Disputes over capacity and validity – If proper procedures aren’t followed, digital wills are more likely to be challenged by disappointed beneficiaries
• Cybersecurity risks – Digital wills may be vulnerable to hacking, unauthorised access, or tampering if not securely stored.

What can be done to mitigate these risks?

Lowering the legal age for will making to 16 may raise concerns about their understanding and maturity. To address these risks, some safeguards to consider include:

• Identity verification – Strict age and identity checks must be integrated into all digital will platforms to ensure only eligible individuals can create a valid will.
• Enhanced guidance and support – Platforms should include educational materials to help young users understand their choices and their implications.
• Witnessing requirements for digital wills – Secure video witnessing can provide supervision during the signing process, reducing the risk of coercion. Additional tools such as timestamping and identity verification can further enhance security and validity.
• Encrypted storage – Clear records of the will-making process should be stored securely and made available in case of future disputes.

Final thoughts

The Law Commission’s proposals aim to bring will-making into the modern era. By introducing electronic wills and lowering the legal age to 16, the system would be more accessible, especially for young people who are already engaged in social causes online.

For charities, it’s an exciting opportunity to build connections with the next generation of supporters – starting with something as simple as a will.

However, with innovation, it must be balanced with responsibility. To ensure that the benefits of digital wills and lowering the will-making age are not overshadowed by potential risks, the system needs to be supported by legal safeguards and protections. Only then can these changes genuinely empower both individuals and charities.