Hall Of Fame

Leading Associates

IT and telecoms in North West

Addleshaw Goddard

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 ‘astoundingClaire 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.

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 ‘excellentSamantha 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.