The broad team at Addleshaw Goddard acts for a lucrative client base which notably includes McDonald’s Restaurants Limited, ASDA Stores Limited, and Matalan Group Companies. Paul Bentham and the ‘astounding‘ Claire Edwards co-lead the practice following the retirement of James Whittaker in July 2023. Praised by clients for his ‘legendary technical ability‘, Bentham has longstanding experience in assisting both supplier and customer clients across the retail, consumer, and financial services sectors on cloud solutions. Edwards’ workload consists of global intra-group sharing agreements and international transfers. Phil McGough is ‘extremely talented‘ when it comes to advising on global licensing arrangements and IT processing outsourcing, and Nadine Waters is noted for achieving ‘exceptional outcomes‘ when acting opposite large telecoms providers and IT vendors.
IT and telecoms in North West
Addleshaw Goddard
Praxisleiter:
Paul Bentham; Claire Edwards
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Phil McGough; Nadine Waters
Referenzen
‘The AG Technology team have consistently been the best in the Northwest, and they continue to go from strength to strength. Paul Bentham is a genuine powerhouse and has worked at the very top level of this sector, regionally, nationally and internationally, for over 30 years.’
‘Paul Bentham is exceptional and he has a legendary technical ability. Perhaps most importantly though, he remains tirelessly dedicated to achieving the very best deal for his clients.’
‘Nadine Waters – a true future leader in this sector who has a fantastic depth and breadth of knowledge. Committed to delivering exceptional outcomes for her clients, she has a refreshing no nonsense approach, which clients genuinely love.’
Kernmandanten
Co-operative Group Limited
Reckitt Benckiser Group Companies
Bruntwood Limited group of companies
PZ Cussons Plc
McDonald’s Restaurants Limited
ASDA Stores Limited
Matalan Group Companies
Diageo Group Companies
United Utilities Group Companies
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Chesnara Plc on the appointment of a replacement pension servicing platform provider for its Countrywide Assured and Sanlam Life and Pension books, with £5.5bn AUM.
- Advising ASDA in relation to all commercial contracts and IT aspects of its £2.1bn acquisition of the majority of EG’s UK business.
- Acting for Diageo in a licensing dispute.
DLA Piper
The ‘talented‘ group at DLA Piper UK LLP maintains its strong focus on the public sector, handling a broad array of national tech projects. Leading the team from Liverpool, Sarah Bell is noted for her exceptional expertise in IT procurement, often assisting government departments. Manchester’s Lee Brierley has longstanding experience in smart ticketing projects; Naomi Ross routinely advises on IT procurement projects within the financial services and utility sectors; and David Booth, who was promoted to partner in May 2024, has vast knowledge of AI and technology contracts. In Liverpool, Peter Brook routinely assists with government clients with tower contracts and national IT programs, and Paddy Dwyer is adept at advising on the full range of business critical IT contracts.
Praxisleiter:
Sarah Bell
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Lee Brierley; Peter Brook; Paddy Dwyer; Matthew Cliff; Naomi Ross; David Booth
Referenzen
‘DLA Piper deliver every time, their approach, professionalism, expertise and partnership means we know we can rely on them for support. They are a one stop shop for us.’
‘Naomi Ross’ level of professionalism, partnership approach, her genuine interest in understanding our business, and delivery of exceptional results makes her stand out.’
‘The team has excellent quality throughout, and is commercially focused and approachable. I have always been impressed by the service, speed of response, and pragmatic approach – they do not overcomplicate matters.’
Kernmandanten
Aerocloud Systems
AO World
Biffa Group
Bodycote
Bolt
Calisen Group (Holdings) Limited
HMRC
Honeywell
Key Group
MS3 Networks
Molson Coors
Moore & Moore Servers LP
N Brown
Nichols PLC
Orcha Health Limited
Simply Asset Finance
Talk Talk
The Co-operative Bank PLC
The Hut Group
Transparity Solutions Limited
Transport for Greater Manchester
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Transport for Greater Manchester and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority on four strategic IT procurements for a driver standards monitoring system; an audio visual announcement system; a cloud video management system; and a digital mobile radio solution for voice communication, all in support of bus franchising within Greater Manchester.
- Advising the Ministry of Justice on the the GBP450m procurement of electronic monitoring services related to reform of UK offender services.
- Advising The Hut Group on AI issues and three major IT projects relating to the contracts for e-commerce infrastructure and related services provided by THG to a prestigious luxury department store and a renowned British fashion and homeware retailer.
Fieldfisher
With broad expertise spanning technology deployments and both software and hardware arrangements, the group at Fieldfisher acts for a diverse array of clients, which notably includes Liverpool Football Club, Pets at Home, and UK Biobank. The team is also noted for its handling of global data breaches and marketing related mandates. Sam Jardine heads the practice from Manchester alongside Rob Sheldon. Jardine is particularly adept at advising on outsourcing contracts and tech, and is noted for his strong focus on software agreements. Sheldon is particularly adept at advising on international projects, often assisting international data and tech clients.
Praxisleiter:
Sam Jardine; Rob Sheldon
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Laura Williams; Tom Moody
Kernmandanten
Liverpool Football Club
The Zoopla Group of Companies
JD Sports
Pets at Home
London North Eastern Railway Limited
National Bank of Kuwait (international) plc
GB Group plc
Phoenix Healthcare
dunnhumby
UK Biobank
Altro
Cumberland Building Society
Highlight-Mandate
Pinsent Masons LLP
Pinsent Masons LLP houses a broad team which advises on an array of private equity transactions within the tech space, digital transformations, and international data transfers. Notable clients include BUPA, Barclays Bank, and Tesco Stores Limited. The ‘excellent‘ Samantha Livesey heads the practice from Manchester, utilising her longstanding experience in IT and data to handle tech procurement and transition projects relating to on-line trading and digital platforms. Stephanie Lees is particularly adept at advising on data protection compliance, routinely assisting clients with the procession of personal data and subject access requests.
Praxisleiter:
Samantha Livesey
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Stephanie Lees; Felicity Parsons
Referenzen
‘They are specialists.’
‘Samantha Livesey is excellent. Dedicated, responsive, knows her stuff, commercial, and overall a very safe pair of hands.’
Kernmandanten
Tesco Stores Limited
Honda Motor Europe Limited
Rolls Royce
Barclays Bank
News UK
World Athletics
The Camping and Caravaning Club
Bumble
GKN Aerospace
BUPA
Livingbridge
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising World Athletics on their appointment of a new host broadcaster who will be responsible for the production of all footage of World Athletics events for the next 5 years.
- Advising the Camping and Caravanning Club on their technology and IT contracts, relating to the procurement of its new online booking system, supporting the client on its transition to new IT platform providers for its Sitecore system.
- Advised Livingbridge, a mid-market private equity firm, on the sale of one of its portfolio companies, Red Box Recorders Group Limited, an enterprise platform for capturing voice, screen and metadata from conversations to Uniphore Technologies Inc, a US buyer specialising in conversational AI, security and analytics.
Brabners LLP
Brabners LLP’s team acts for a varied client base of SMEs, small private equity houses, and entrepreneurs with a range of corporate transactions within the IT and tech sectors. Working out of the Liverpool office, Colin Bell heads the group, routinely advising IT companies on commercial contracts and joint ventures. Dividing his time between Liverpool and Manchester, Richard Hough is an expert in commercial contracts and healthcare regulation, while Nik White is well-known for his commercial acumen and broad knowledge of tech and software games. Manchester’s Morgan Lewis often assists clients with the exploitation of IP rights and the development of blockchain tech.
Praxisleiter:
Colin Bell
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Richard Hough; Matt Brown; Nik White; Morgan Lewis
Referenzen
‘Pragmatic approach. Good understanding of the commercial realities of software contracts. Often manifestly superior to other lawyers.’
‘Matt Brown is pragmatic, calm, experienced.’
‘The team were great to work with, they helped us to achieve our transaction within our tight deadline.’
Kernmandanten
Adlib Audio Limited
Airfinity Ltd
Applearn Limited
Circa 5000 UK Ltd
Codeweavers
Degussa Bank
Eocito Ltd
Gaimin.io
GoJoe App Limited
Lucid Games Limited
Parcel2go.com
Sinara Consultants Limited
vTime Limited
4Cast Investment Group Limited
Adlib Audio Limited
AirAngel Limited
Airfinity Ltd
Alpha Vet International Ltd
Applearn Limited
Atelier Technology Ltd
Bibliu Limited
British Association for Shooting and Conservation
C21 Creative Communications Limited
Chargepoint Technology Limited
Checkprint Limited
Circa 5000 UK Ltd
Clixifix Limited
Compliance Chain Limited
Degussa Bank
DLRT Limited
Eocito Ltd
EPG Business Ltd T/A Epic risk Management
Evidential Limited
Fitfactory Technology Group Limited
Flight Patrol Ltd
GoJoe App Limited
GoLingo Limited
Hospital Compare Ltd
HR Healthcare Limited
Innovation Technology Capital Ltd
Innovative Chat Ltd
James Hall & Company Limited
L10N Media pte Ltd
Lucid Games Limited
Matcher Technologies Limited
Momote Limited
Myshoots Limited
OxProx Limited
Parcel2go.com
Peel Ports
Peepl Limited
Personnel Checks Limited
Prevalent Ltd
Rathbones Investment Management
Sinara Consultants Limited
Takepayments Ltd
Tall Group of Companies
V1ce ltd
Valuechain Technology Limited
vTime Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Acted for the sellers in the sale of the entire issued share capital of ParkCloud Holdings Ltd.
- Advised the shareholders of Lucid Entertainment Group Ltd on the sale of the company to Lightspeed Studios.
- Advised River Capital Management Limited on investments, exits and fund formation and management requirements in particular in relation to IT focused businesses such as Vidivet and Fallen Planet Studios.
DAC Beachcroft LLP
The team at DAC Beachcroft LLP acts for a varied client list of technology suppliers, and healthcare and insurance entities. On the non-contentious side, practice co-head Chris Air exhibits broad knowledge spanning material outsourcing and software development projects, in addition to the data protection aspects of cloud projects; and on the contentious side, co-head Harald Loeffler frequently represents suppliers, customers, and public sector bodies in arbitrations and court proceedings. Phil Mitchell has expansive expertise in IT and cyber disputes relating to data breach responses.
Praxisleiter:
Chris Air; Harald Loeffler
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Phil Mitchell; Nadia Belkacemi
Referenzen
‘Christopher Air provides clear, commercially focused and timely advice when and if we need it regardless of his workload. This includes incredible technical and bespoke data protection advice tailored to the complex sector in which we work.’
‘DAC have been a trusted advisor to the company for some time, with a particular strength in the health sector.’
‘Chris Air is someone that we have relied upon in relation to a number of business critical matters. He is a considered and committed lawyer that is client focused and commercially minded.’
Kernmandanten
Alcidion UK Limited
AXA Insurance
Informed Solutions
Avis Budget Group
EMIS Group
Titus Learning Limited
Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited
Umdasch
CGI
Veterinary Pathology Group
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised VPG on an overhaul of its key customer terms and a strategic procurement of a Laboratory Information Management System.
- Advised Informed Solutions on its project with a company called Sortal – Informed had developed a unique version of an AI tool, which Sortal sells to its clients (law firms were appointed to handle medical litigation cases).
- Advised Newton’s Tree on the drafting of its customer platform agreement and supplier marketplace agreements, which entailed producing bespoke agreements for the client which needed to dovetail.
DWF
Known for its standout focus on the telecoms sector, DWF acts for an array of notable clients, including BT PLC, T-Mobile USA, and the Home Office from its Manchester office. Telecoms real estate head Catherine Haslam is noted for her longstanding expertise in commercial landlord and tenant issues relating to telecoms mast sites. Promoted to partner in 2024, Thomas Armstrong leads the telecoms litigation team, and is well-versed in Electronic Communications Codes and real estate disputes. Co-head Frank Shephard is an expert in corporate issues, including M&A and joint ventures. Andrew Whalley left the firm in December 2023.
Praxisleiter:
Catherine Haslam; Thomas Armstrong; Frank Shephard
Kernmandanten
BT PLC
Mobile Broadband Network Limited
Boldyn Networks UK Limited
Hutchison 3G UK Limited
Daisy Holdco Limited
Allvotec Limited
Red Seven Technology Group Limited
GSMA
VMED O2 UK Limited
T-Mobile USA
The Home Office
Highlight-Mandate
- Assissting MBNL (the joint venture between mobile operators EE and 3) with real estate, Electronic Communications Code and commercial advice in respect of the national network of mast sites that the client manages for EE and 3, across all UK jurisdictions.
- Acted for O2 in two ground Court of Appeal cases flowing from the claim for restitution of annual licence fees.
- Advising the Home Office on telecoms projects relating to the Shared Rural Network and the Emergency Services Network across the UK.
Pannone Corporate LLP
Praised by clients for its ‘expertise and commitment‘, the group at Pannone Corporate LLP handles a myriad of mandates, involving data processing agreements, and outsourcing projects. Additionally, the team is adept at advising on the IT and data aspects of corporate transactions, often assisting a diverse client roster of tech and application, and IT hardware providers. Practice head Amy Chandler exhibits vast and varied knowledge spanning IT outsourcing agreements, cloud computing, and data protection compliance. Andrew West is noted for his commercial expertise, often assisting cloud service providers, system developers, and resellers.
Praxisleiter:
Amy Chandler
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Andrew West; Paul Jonson
Referenzen
‘I have been working with Pannone Corporate LLP for nearly a decade, and they have been an instrumental partner in my business endeavours. Their guidance is pivotal, a testament to their expertise and commitment.’
‘What sets Pannone Corporate apart is their unique blend of professionalism with a personable touch. Their approachability and thorough understanding of the TMT sector make complex legal landscapes navigable and more manageable.’
‘Amy Chandler is an adept legal professional who is remarkably relatable and down-to-earth, she communicates in plain English.’
Kernmandanten
Brother International Europe Limited
SMG Europe Holdings Ltd t/a ASM Global
Represent Clothing Limited
Tes-Amm
UKROEd Limited
Marlborough Fund Managers Limited
Naveo Commerce Group
TVS Supply Chain Solutions Limited
Travel Insurance Facilities Group plc
The Lowry
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised the Lowry in relation to a partnership and reseller agreement with SeatGeek Inc that will allow the Lowry to use and license the SeatGeek ticketing platform technology as part of its own service offering to its customers (venue owners and operators throughout the UK).
- Advised M&I Materials Limited on the IT and IP aspects of the sale of its MIDEL and MIVOLT businesses to Shell plc.
- Advised a global supply chain solutions provider in connection with a major outsourcing agreement.
TLT
Led by David Gardner, the team at TLT is well-known for its distinctive focus on fintech and financial services related matters, in addition to its handling of public procurement mandates for public sector clients. Gardner often advises on digital transformation and outsourcing issues.
Praxisleiter:
David Gardner
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Adam Pickavant
Referenzen
‘The team has supported our business with commercial and commercial support agreements.’
‘David Gardner is an extremely knowledgeable, impressive and approachable lead in the team, ably supported by Adam Pickavant in particular. David is adept at picking up complex matters quickly, and delivering advice in a commercial and pragmatic manner.’
‘David and Adam are both very strong members of the team.’
Kernmandanten
NatWest Bank Plc
Manchester Airport Group Plc
Texecom
Vodafone group
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Unite Integrated Solutions Plc on the review and re-negotiation of IT agreements with their key suppliers.
Weightmans LLP
The team at Weightmans LLP handles a wide variety of issues involving the processing of sensitive data, and the procurement of managed network and IT services. Sean Crotty leads the team from Liverpool, acting for a diverse client list of public and private sector entities, including SMEs and local authorities. Manchester-based corporate law expert Sarah Walton handles transactional matters, with a strong emphasis on M&A and venture capital investments. Nicola Gonella divides her time between Manchester and Glasgow, and is known for her knowledge of outsourcing and contract management, and data protection.
Praxisleiter:
Sean Crotty
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Sarah Walton; Vincent King; Laurence Pritchard; Nicola Gonella
Kernmandanten
The Shareholders of Apdami Group Limited
Motor Insurers’ Bureau
West of England Combined Authority
National Cyber Monitoring Centre Limited
Swissport GB Limited
Apadmi Limited
The Open University
Insurance Fraud Bureau
DSW Ventures
Side (UK) Limited
Chiesi Ltd
Surrey and Sussex Police
NHS Blood & Transplant
Trust Alliance Group
Westlab Limited
Mercarto Limited
Cybertill Limited
Palringo Limited
Skyrise Intelligence
PTW International Holdings Limited
Pendula Solutions
AutoTek 21 Ltd
Aphex Software Limited
British Transport Police
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised the shareholders of Apadmi Group Limited on their receipt of investment from CBPE.
- Advising a client in relation to a high value procurement from a global IT and data provider of specialist IT equipment and services for in-car use.
- Assisted CFC with the launch the UK Cyber Monitoring Centre.The centre will independently declare and classify systemic cyber attacks in a similar way to catastrophes like natural disasters.
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP acts for a lucrative client base, which notably includes AstraZeneca and Hargreaves Lansdown. Practice head Tom Bridgford is noted for his broad knowledge of tech contracts within the financial services space. Richard Hill is a key name for major outsourcing related issues, technology transformations, and the procurement of cloud services. Shehan Kamal is well-versed in matters arising at the intersection between tech and financial services, often assisting with the negotiation of commercial agreements.
Praxisleiter:
Tom Bridgford
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Richard Hill; Matthew Taylor; Shehan Kamal
Kernmandanten
AstraZeneca
Cognizant
Hargreaves Lansdown
Lookers
Highlight-Mandate
Hill Dickinson LLP
Acting for a diverse range of clients from the health, financial services, and telecoms sectors, Hill Dickinson LLP handles an array of IT related issues. Dividing his time between Manchester and Liverpool, co-head Mark Fitzgibbon is noted for his strong focus on IT procurement within the public sector. Co-head James Lonsdale has deep commercial knowledge, routinely assisting clients with hardware and software reseller agreements, and licensing deals concerning data usage. The group was bolstered by the arrival of Jodie Wootton in April 2023, who joined from DWF.
Praxisleiter:
Mark Fitzgibbon; James Lonsdale
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Paul Walsh; Jodie Wootton
Referenzen
‘The team headed by James Lonsdale works on any assignment by ensuring the right person with the correct level of experience is actively engaged with oversight by James. There is collaboration from within the firm to ensure that any instructions are met.’
‘James Lonsdale is a very technical and knowledgeable lawyer who uses his knowledge to provide clear and pragmatic advice.’
‘Highly professional, a good mix of senior oversight, really lovely to deal with and take the time to understand our requirements. Always respond promptly and are just generally a pleasure to deal with. ’
Kernmandanten
Pozitive Telecom
NHS Business Services Authority
Prytania Solutions Limited
Management Information Centre Limited
LociLabs Limited
Sheffield Mutual Friendly Society Limited
Betzone Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Pozitive Telecom on various contracts relating to the establishment of its BtoB telecoms business in the UK.
- Advising NHS Business Services Authority in connection with its procurement (and associated contracting arrangements) for a new SaaS cloud-based electronic staff record solution for use by all employees across the NHS in England and Wales.
- Advising Betzone in relation to the termination of their current contract for the provision of its core website betting platform; and new agreements for the provision of a replacement betting website/platform.
Mills & Reeve LLP
Known for its 'commercial acumen', the group at Mills & Reeve LLP has broad experience spanning international data transfers, software licensing, and procurement projects. The group is noted for its strong public sector focus. Praised by clients for his 'supreme work ethic', 'exceptional' practice head Paul Knight's primary areas of focus are software licensing and data security. Alasdair Dougan routinely assists both public and private sector clients with tech contracts and the procurement of IT solutions.
Praxisleiter:
Paul Knight
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Sam Wigley; Alasdair Dougan
Referenzen
‘The team have deep legal expertise, commercial acumen, a genuine desire to understand our business and are really approachable and feel part of our team. Crucially, they deliver complex legal advice to colleagues in a language they understand.’
‘Paul Knight – an exceptional commercial contracts lawyer with a supreme work ethic. It seems nothing is too much trouble for Paul. He’s built a brilliant team in Manchester of lawyers with the same drive and approach.’
Kernmandanten
Money and Pensions Service
Intellectual Property Office
British Council
Infront Sports & Media AG
Commonwealth Games Federation
Rebcat Technology Limited
D55 Limited
UK Infrastructure Bank
National General Insurance Co. (NAGICO) N.V.
Department for Work and Pensions
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising the Money and Pensions Service on legal issues relating to the digital architecture for the national Pensions Dashboards Programme.
- Advising the UK Intellectual Property Office on various matters relating to the One IPO transformation programme.
- Advising the British Council on various high-value IT procurements.
Myerson Solicitors
Carla Murray heads the Altrincham based practice at Myerson Solicitors, which is noted for its 'very attentive' approach when advising on data protection and processing, healthtech issues, and M&A within the tech space. Murray is well-versed in the full spectrum of tech contracts, often assisting clients with major software implementations within the fintech space. Richard Meehan is adept at advising on a broad array of issues concerning online fintech platforms, and IT and tech agreements concerning hardware and software solutions.
Praxisleiter:
Carla Murray
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Richard Meehan
Referenzen
‘The team was always available when we needed them. I appreciate their flexibility, and the fact that they understand our needs. We always work with the same personnel, so have built a relationship.’
‘Richard Meehan delivers high quality service. He is great to work with, being very professional and kind at the same time. He responds promptly on any queries or issues, which is greatly appreciated. He knows the subject very well, and can explain legal terms and situations effortlessly to help us understand and make decisions.’
‘Very attentive individuals that will take the time to understand what you are trying to achieve and execute. ’
Kernmandanten
Giacom (Communications) Limited
Aperidata Ltd
Ironmarket Limited
The Money Carer Foundation
SeeChange Technologies Limited
RBW Systems Ltd
GP Locum 360 Ltd
M2M Data Connect Ltd
Inforcer Ltd
Wondle Limited
AQA Education
TUV Rheinland UK Limited
The Mirum Ltd
8W8RE Ltd
Dayta Ltd
Bios Management Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Aperidata Ltd on the negotiation of its credit reference collaboration agreement with Paypoint plc.
- Advised Ironmarket Ltd on the development and launch of its consumer-based investment platform and on related regulatory and data compliance issues.
- Advised Giacom (Communications) Limited on a range of supplier contract negotiations and process and precedent development.
Shoosmiths LLP
Praised by clients for its ‘superb in-depth knowledge‘, Shoosmiths LLP maintains its strong focus on the financial services and e-commerce sectors, notably acting for Stonegate and Deliveroo. Practice co-head Andrew Whalley joined the group from DWF in November 2023, contributing his vast knowledge of tech and telecoms disputes, and data breach claims. Co-head Luke Stubbs leads the firm’s fintech group, handling a broad range of issues concerning payment services, IT platforms, and data protection compliance.
Praxisleiter:
Luke Stubbs; Andrew Whalley
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Christian Cockroft
Referenzen
‘Superb in-depth knowledge.’
‘Luke Stubbs is excellent in finding a practical way through any sticking points.’
‘Exceptional service and value driven.’
Kernmandanten
Two B2B Limited
Volkswagen Group
ABN Amro
Dealsplus
Deliveroo
B&M Retail
Elementar
Jensten Group
Lifeways
Stonegate
Unisystems
Volkswagen Financial Services
Virgin Media O2
Highlight-Mandate
- Acting for Stonegate in its roll-out of a new customer app based loyalty system including payment card linking.
- Advising an engineering business and its group companies on a range of technology related matters include the procurement of a new payroll system and a new ERP solution.
- Advising a European Bank on the terms of a new procurement of a payment verification system as part of the “Confirmation of Payee” scheme.