The team at Birketts LLP has noteworthy capabilities in handling cross-border work for its client roster, which features regional companies and banks. The team is regarded for its work in real estate and agricultural matters, as well as in acquisition financing cases. Further, the group has experience handling Islamic financing matters as well as complex regulatory issues. Alex Schaafsma is based in Cambridge and is a key contact for revolving credit facilities. Chelmsford's Devreaux Gravell is a real estate finance specialist, while Tom Berisford has particular capabilities in corporate finance. The three co-helm the offering. Mark Henry left the team in August 2025.
Banking and finance in East Anglia
Birketts LLP
Responsables de la pratique:
Alex Schaafsma; Devreaux Gravell; Tom Berisford
Principaux clients
Denbury Homes Limited
Lloyds Bank plc
HSBC Bank Plc
Metro Bank PLC
National Westminster Bank plc/Royal Bank of Scotland
One Savings Bank trading as Kent Reliance
Novastone Capital Advisors
DCK Group
Alternative Income Limited
MM Flowers Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Acted for Alternative Income Limited on its £41,000,000 real estate investment facilities provided by HSBC UK Bank plc.
- Advised MM Flowers Limited on a revolving credit facility from HSBC UK Bank plc.
- Advising Lloyds Bank PLC on facilities of £42m in aggregate to Science Group Plc, together with a full security package.
Ashtons Legal
The team at Ashtons Legal specialises in lender work. In particular, the group excels at handling real estate-related secured lending matters, agricultural financing mandates, and broader corporate financing cases. Greg McCurday leads the team from Norwich and has a specialism in development finance matters. Geoff Hazlewood, based in Ipswich, is a key contact for acquisitions and banking clients. Mark Henry joined the team in Ipswich in August 2025.
Responsables de la pratique:
Greg McCurday
Autres avocats clés:
Geoff Hazlewood; Mark Henry
Principaux clients
Handelsbanken plc
HSBC UK Bank plc
NatWest Bank plc
Clydesdale Bank plc
C Hoare & Co
AFP (Asset Finance Partners)
Unity Trust Bank Plc
Abbey International Finance Limited
State Bank of India
Lloyds Bank plc
Paragon Bank
Together Commercial Finance
Principaux dossiers
- Advised the client on an investment and debt funding from SportsDirect (part of the Frasers Group).
- Acting for the property arm of a national bakery chain on a refinance of multiple properties owned by the prop co and occupied by the retail business.
- Acting on the refinance of a portfolio of circa 50 properties across England, comprising a mix of residential and commercial property, all subject to leases.
Ellisons
Headed by Phillip Slater from Chelmsford, the team at Ellisons has expertise in leveraged, acquisition, and real estate financings, alongside having extensive experience advising on corporate lending matters. Beyond this, the group frequently undertakes a range of transactional advisory work for banks and is well-placed to advise clients in Suffolk and Essex, as well as having a broader national reach.
Responsables de la pratique:
Phillip Slater
Principaux clients
HSBC Bank plc
Top 100 Limited
Aozora Bank Limited
Principaux dossiers
Howes Percival LLP
With expertise in the leisure and real estate industry sectors, Howes Percival LLP‘s offering is well-equipped to act for lenders, borrowers, and other stakeholders. Simon Warburton heads the team from Cambridge, where he brings expertise in asset-based lending and financing receivables. In Norwich, Joanna Nicholls specialises in real estate financing. Also in Norwich, Tessa Haskey has extensive experience acting for private lenders in relation to property security. Charlotte Fleetwood is also a key name in the team.
Responsables de la pratique:
Simon Warburton
Autres avocats clés:
Joanna Nichols; Tessa Haskey; Charlotte Fleetwood
Principaux dossiers
- Advised a market leader in the food and beverage sector on a multi-million asset-based lending facility to support an acquisition.
- Advising the client in connection with their provision of bridging finance and development loans for borrowers.
- Acted for the borrower on the financing of the acquisition of a hotel and conference venue.
Greenwoods
Greenwoods' team is well-placed to assist with financial litigation; its disputes team handles a broad array of contentious banking and financial matters, including national and cross-border mandates. The team is headed by Peterborough-based Jamie McConnell, who frequently acts for wealth managers, financial institutions, and individuals. McConnell is also well-versed in handling regulatory issues, including FCA-related issues.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jamie McConnell