Social housing in North West

Brabners LLP

The Liverpool-based social housing team at Brabners LLP is regarded as ‘a towering strength of excellence when it comes to housing’. The team assists numerous registered provider clients with the full spectrum of housing issues, in addition to handling acquisition and disposal work. M&A and governance issues are Rupert Gill‘s primary area of expertise, and form a key part of Peter Barlow‘s practice. As regards housing management and litigation, which is the particular focus of Ian Alderson. Housing and regeneration expert Helen Brown and ‘titan and exceptionally gifted lawyer’ Josephine Morton jointly head the practice. Lisa Robotham is experienced in non-contentious management matters.

Praxisleiter:

Helen Brown; Josephine Morton


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Peter Barlow; Alistair Fletcher; Lisa Robotham; Andrius Roos; Zoe Conroy; Rupert Gill; Rebecca Eastwood; Ian Alderson


Referenzen

‘Excellent service. They provide well thought-out and commercially grounded advice to problems as well as general transactions and help you find solutions. Good array of different specialities.’

‘Peter Barlow is an exceptional property lawyer. He provides great advice and support and in particular understands the need of clients to find commercial solutions and resolutions.’

‘The team’s knowledge is exemplary and exceeds what other firms can offer. Their approachability and their ability to go above and beyond is fantastic and that is displayed in their work which is of the highest level. I always feel very welcome as part of the team and they are very inclusive.’

Kernmandanten

Castles & Coasts Housing Association Limited


Jigsaw Homes


Sovini


Regenda


Torus62 Limited


Cobalt Housing Limited


North West Housing Services


Onward


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Regenda on the purchase of the entire issued share capital of Eco-Gee, a commercial business that provides services used by Regenda which it intended to take in-house.
  • Advised Torus62 on its partnership with housebuilder Castle Green Homes, which will see the delivery of circa 589 new homes across four sites for a variety of tenures, including shared ownership, affordable rent and open market sales.
  • Advised Cobalt on the acquisition, development and grant funding in respect of a former car park site for 88 affordable homes for a mix of tenures in Cobalt’s heartland of Croxteth in Liverpool.

Forbes Solicitors

A multitude of specialists oversee the social housing practice at Forbes Solicitors which is well-equipped to assist registered provider clients nationwide. The team’s workload ranges from advising on the acquisition of large-scale portfolios, to handling sensitive sheltered housing scheme matters. Housing and regeneration issues are Catherine Kennedy‘s area of expertise, and Siobhan Hardy leads the contentious side of the practice. The team has capabilities in anti-social behaviour and housing management, which is Shirley Faragher‘s primary area of expertise, while Daniel Milnes covers the procurement and information aspects of work. Jonathan Holden focuses on the employment aspects of matters. Lachlan McLean is a key member of the team, as is Kirsty Varley.

Praxisleiter:

Catherine Kennedy; Siobhan Hardy; Shirley Faragher; Daniel Milnes; Jonathan Holden


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Bethany Paliga; Laura Rae; Lachlan McLean; Sam Gorrell; Jacob McGrath; Rachel Rann; Kirsty Varley; Lyndsay Baxter; Lauren Fisher


Referenzen

‘Forbes are clear, visible, consistent and approachable. They provide sound advice, support and guidance. They are professional and invested in providing high-quality support which is open and upfront.’

‘Advice is sound, clear and consistent. Lachlan McLean always gives prompt responses and passes information to colleagues to ensure they can advise us well. Their team provide genuine care and support for the situation, and can empathise as well as provide strong legal advice.’

‘Lachlan McLean is responsive. Daniel Milnes, Catherine Kennedy, Sam Gorrell, Jacob McGrath, Rachel Rann and Shirley Faragher all provide great service and explanations to clients. The list could go on!’

Kernmandanten

Together Housing


Lincolnshire Housing Partnership


Progress Housing


Onward


South Yorkshire Housing Association


Salix Homes


Community Gateway


Mosscare St Vincent’s


EMH


ONGO


Acis


Torus


North Star


Castles & Coasts


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acting for a Registered Provider who intended to bid for a portfolio of 849 properties in 3 regions of England to be acquired from another Registered Provider.
  • Assisted on a complex case involving residents of a sheltered housing scheme where all parties had significant vulnerabilities and mental health issues.
  • Assisted Registered Provider to provide support for an innovative project which seeks to both reduce fuel poverty as a well as capitalise on the RP’s estate.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Suzanne Benson is a real estate specialist and head of the Manchester-based social housing offering at Trowers & Hamlins LLP, which is noted for ‘going above and beyond’ for its clients. Major projects and developments are a key elements of the team’s practice, often advising registered providers, local authorities and house builders. The group is also known for handling the sustainability elements of projects. Richard St John Williams is an expert in affordable housing, while Melanie Comer has experience in assisting with large property portfolio transactions. Ru Anwar and Louise Robinson are regarded as ‘very experienced solicitors’ and Tom Wainwright often advises on governance, corporate and contractual matters.

Praxisleiter:

Suzanne Benson


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Ru Anwar; Louise Robinson; Lynn James; Richard St John Williams; Melanie Comer; Tom Wainwright; Darren Ashworth


Referenzen

‘The team at Trowers go above and beyond in their role to assist and provide advice. No request is too much trouble.’

‘The team I work with at Trowers are friendly and approachable and will explain complex matters in layman’s terms where necessary. The team have a solid understanding of our requirements through working closely with our business and will always be able to consider and advise on the risks from our perspective.’

‘The notable strength of Trowers is the reassurance that advice is given within the context of detailed and inside knowledge of the sector. The advice is practical and realistic and is mindful of the client’s situation.’

Kernmandanten

Salix Homes


The Riverside Group


Places for People Group


Anchor Hanover Group


Mosscare St. Vincent’s


Great Places Housing Group


Off Site Homes Alliance


Jigsaw Homes Group


Golden Lane Housing


Clarion Group


Community Gateway


The Guinness Partnership Limited


Legal and General Affordable Homes


Bromford Housing Group


Southway Housing Trust


Great Places Housing Group


Yorkshire HG


Incommunities


Accent


Wakefield and District Housing


Plus Dane


Progress HG


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised The Guinness Partnership in connection with Shepherds Bush Housing Association becoming a subsidiary of The Guinness Partnership.
  • Acted for Portsmouth City Council in the acquisition of over 800 tenanted units from Clarion Housing Association for £75m.
  • Acting for Clarion Housing Association on its proposed joint venture with London Square.

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

The Manchester-based team at Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP has a strong reputation for assisting registered providers. The practice’s workload ranges from governance and corporate and funding work, to the provision of supported housing to vulnerable persons. Tom Starkey has a broad practice, and is noted for his focus on development and regeneration projects, while Catherine Simpson is well-regarded for her ‘brilliant governance knowledge’. The team is co-headed by Lucy Worrall and Suzanne Gregson.

Praxisleiter:

Lucy Worrall; Suzanne Gregson


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Peter Hubbard; Catherine Simpson; Tom Starkey


Referenzen

‘Catherine Simpson is calm and responsive, has brilliant governance knowledge, and works well linking to other teams.’

‘AC Solicitors are a leading law firm who have expertise and specialisms in social housing. They pride themselves on providing the best advice and representing the best interests of their clients. We are fully confident in the knowledge and experience of the team in fulfilling our requirements and representing our best interests.’

‘Jonathan Cox is without doubt the most knowledgeable and competent solicitor we have used to advise us over many years on all matters of social housing and supported housing. Jonathan is a friendly individual who is assuring in providing advice and guidance on matters – a leading figure nationally in this area of work.’

Kernmandanten

The Riverside Group


The Guinness Partnership


L&Q


Salix Homes Limited


Cheshire Peaks & Plains Housing Trust Limited


Irwell Valley Housing Association


Curo Places Limited


Clarion Housing Group


Connexus Group


Together Housing Association Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising Calico in respect of its supported housing provision of homes to very vulnerable persons following changes to law and regulations.
  • Advising Tamar Housing Society Limited and South Western Housing Society Limited on their merger to form the Willow Tree Housing Partnership Limited.
  • Acting for Orbit in connection with its transfer of a large portfolio of 1300 retirement properties.

Clarke Willmott LLP

Clarke Willmott LLP‘s social housing practice has broad expertise, often assisting with injunctions, possession and disrepair-related issues involving vulnerable individuals, and the drafting of leases and tenancy agreements. James Driver and asset management specialist Matthew Wilson both maintain a construction focused practice. Harriet Atkin is also well-equipped to handle construction disputes, with a strong focus on defect and cladding claims. Practice head Lindsay Felstead routinely acts for local authorities and housing providers.

Praxisleiter:

Lindsay Felstead


Weitere Kernanwälte:

James Driver; Matthew Wilson; Harriet Atkin


Referenzen

‘The team have a wide breadth of knowledge and take a proactive approach to problem solving.’

‘I find Lindsay Felstead very customer focused, she demystifies the law in a helpful manner.’

Kernmandanten

Your Housing


Jigsaw


Onward Homes


Regenda Homes


Clarion


Peabody


Southway Housing Trust


L&Q


Paragon Asra


Hyde Group


Newlon Housing Trust


Highlight-Mandate


  • Defended a disrepair claim for Jigsaw, demonstrating the tenant had caused much of the property damage.
  • Obtained an outright possession order for Your Housing following a Closure Order being obtained; the possession order was obtained before the expiry of the closure of the premises.
  • Defended a large national RP against a damages claim for discrimination and harassment; the claim was struck out following application and costs awarded to the client.

MSB Solicitors Ltd

The social housing-focused group at MSB Solicitors Ltd operates across Liverpool, Manchester and Cheshire. Louise Murphy, who has vast expertise in mental health and hoarding, anti-social behaviour, housing management, and disrepair cases, and Amy Tagoe are both regarded as ‘stand-out’ members of the team by clients. Andrew Moore is noted for his deep knowledge of unauthorised sub-letting issues. Phillip Coburn is a seasoned litigator, and Andrew Fairman was promoted to partner in September 2023.

Praxisleiter:

Louise Murphy; Andrew Moore; Phillip Coburn; Andrew Fairman; Amy Tagoe


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Beth McKeown; Thomas Stockton


Referenzen

‘MSB are widely regarded as one of the strongest teams in the sector due to their wealth of knowledge and experience in dealing with residential landlord and tenant matters. That expertise ranges from housing disrepair through to serious cases of anti-social behaviour. It is a pleasure to work with them.’

‘Both Amy Tagoe and Louise Murphy stand-out, particularly in the area of housing disrepair. Both have plenty of experience and are great with both clients and instructed counsel. This is reflected by their court successes.’

‘We’ve worked with MSB for a long period of time and they are faultless – Louise Murphy, Andrew Moore and Amy Tagoe specifically. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this firm. If we have any complex cases, we always instruct MSB, satisfied in the knowledge we are in safe hands. They are always right up-to-date with current legislation and have our best interests at the heart of what they do.’

Kernmandanten

One Manchester Limited


Wythenshawe Community Housing Group


Trafford Housing Trust


The Riverside Group


Progress Housing Association Limited


Irwell Valley Housing Association


Unity Housing


South Yorkshire Housing Association


Yorkshire Housing Limited


Arcon Housing Association


Bamboo Lettings


Bolton Council


Brighter Futures Housing Association


Community Gateway Housing Association


Connect Housing


Magenta Living


Parkway Green Housing Trust


Plus Dane Housing


Weaver Vale Housing Trust


Westfield Housing Association Limited


Peaks & Plains Housing Trust


Calico Homes


The Regenda Group


Ongo Homes


Onward Housing


Willow Park Housing Trust


Castles & Coasts Housing Association


Redwing Housing


Care Housing Association Limited


Eden Housing Association Limited


Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council


Leeds Federated Housing Association Limited


Homes Plus


Reside With Progress


IHL Housing


Phoenix Place


Sovini Group


Pine Court Housing


One Vision


X1 Michigan Towers Limited


London & Quadrant Housing


YMCA Heart of England


South Lakes Housing


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acting for One Manchester Limited in relation to issues at a property involving serious anti-social behaviour, cuckooing, vulnerable individuals, and considerations under the Equality Act 2010.
  • Acting for One Manchester Limited’s executive directors when it was required urgently by them due to legislative changes arising from the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023.
  • Advised Progress Housing Association as regards seeking possession of 12 self contained flats, all let to vulnerable tenants, within 2 different housing blocks as the scheme was no longer financially viable and external support for scheme had been drastically reduced.

Weightmans LLP

The social housing team at Weightmans LLP is based in Liverpool, and is headed by Sian Evans, who is hailed by clients as ‘one of the most well-known and highly-regarded solicitors in the housing sector’. Joshua Stolberg is key name in the Manchester group who often advises housing associations. Liverpool’s Beth Williams is particularly adept at handling housing development site acquisitions. Julie Loggenberg left the firm in June 2023, and Lee Rogers moved to the firm’s Abu Dhabi office.

Praxisleiter:

Sian Evans


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Joshua Stolberg; Beth Williams


Referenzen

‘Weightmans are extremely professional. They are a go-to firm for housing if you want professionalism and good legal advice. They have been a consistent heavyweight in the social housing legal market and continue to be highly regarded. Sian Evans is highly regarded by clients and professionals alike. ’

‘Sian Evans is one of the most well-known and highly-regarded solicitors in the housing sector. Joshua Stolberg is a real standout in the sector as a result of his knowledge and understanding of the sector and his professionalism combined with his personable nature.’

‘Sian Evans is very responsive and responds with detailed and practical advice and forms longstanding, trusted relationships.’

Kernmandanten

Midland Heart


Riverside


Clarion Housing Group


Magenta Living


Sanctuary Housing


Regenda


Sovini


The Guinness Partnership


Halton Housing


Harbour Light Assisted Living


Torus 62


Capsticks LLP

In Manchester, Capsticks LLP's practice is led by Paul Lloyd, who is a specialist in housing management work, and Jennifer Hankinson, who has significant housing and regeneration experience and is highly regarded by clients for her extensive knowledge of the housing sector’. Francesca James regularly assists registered providers, local authorities and commercial investors, while 'asset' to the firm Natalie Hurst is a key name of note.

Praxisleiter:

Paul Lloyd; Jennifer Hankinson


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Francesca James; Andrea James; Natalie Hurst; Tom Bradbury


Referenzen

‘Jennifer Hankinson and Francesca James are very responsive and look to find solutions to challenges that crop up. They are also a good sounding board and at times feel like part of our team.’

‘The Capsticks team provide an unique balance of expertise and commercial understanding. Their knowledge of the sector is excellent, meaning that they can provide an all-round service for their clients.’

‘Jennifer Hankinson clearly selects her team to ensure that her values and culture are at the core of the service that the team offers for clients. They are excellent at listening to the requirements of their clients and providing the correct balance of caution and practical advice in a collaborative and well-considered manner.’

Kernmandanten

Torus


ForHousing Limited


Jigsaw Homes Tameside


One Manchester


Together Housing


Muir Group Housing Association


Habinteg Housing Association


Bolton at Home Limited


Clarion


Anchor


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acting for Torus62 Limited on its largest development scheme in the North of England to acquire land for the construction of 120 units for a combination and build price of £43.6 million.
  • Advising Torus62 on its acquisition of 141 plots from the developer Northstone across two separate sites.

Clyde & Co

In the Liverpool office, Matthew Lowry heads Clyde & Co‘s social housing team, which is part of the firm’s wider property damage team and is noted for its ‘compelling combination of experience, resources, and dedication’. Housing management and litigation form a large part of the practice’s workload, in addition to disrepair, possession and anti-social behaviour-related matters. The team primarily acts for social landlords.

Praxisleiter:

Matthew Lowry


Referenzen

‘Clyde & Co distinguishes itself through its unparalleled expertise, client-centric approach, and stellar reputation.’

‘For potential clients seeking legal representation, Clyde & Co offers a compelling combination of experience, resources, and dedication that sets it apart from the competition.’

‘Clyde & Co is committed to prioritising the needs and objectives of its clients.’

Kernmandanten

Chelmsford Housing Partnership


Newlon Housing Trust


Hexagon Housing


Halton Housing


Places for People Group


Peaks & Plains Housing Trust


Notting Hill Genesis


Clarion Housing Group


Sanctuary Housing Group


Phoenix Community Housing Group


Melin Homes


Greatwell Homes


Grwp Cynefin


Leeds Federated Housing Association


Ross Walk


Maynard Housing Association


Gloucester City Homes


Accord Housing


South Oxfordshire Housing Association


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