Firms To Watch: Banking and finance

Banking and finance in South East

Broadfield Law UK LLP

Broadfield Law UK LLP acts for clients in sectors such as the manufacturing, technology, private equity, property and hospitality spaces. Pracitce head John Barker provides advice on various financial transactions and arrangements.

Responsables de la pratique:

John Barker


Principaux clients

Keen & Toms Partnership Limited


Hypnos


Workbooks Online Limited


YFM Equity Partners


Ama Capital


Strata Creative Holdings Limited


FSP Consulting Services Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Keen & Toms Partnership Limited and Hypnos Limited on their new asset-based facilities agreement from IGF Business Credit Limited.
  • Advised Workbooks Online Limited in connection with the investment in it by BGF and the associated amendment and restatement of its banking facilities with Virgin Money.
  • Advised a new leadership team in connection with their management buyout of YFM Equity Partners and the senior loan facility entered into in connection with that buyout transaction.

HCR Law

HCR Law predominantly works in the private equity sector, as well as being involved in the technology and manufacturing industries. Victoria Dingle’s work is regularly recognised, leveraging expertise in corporate lending mandates.

Principaux clients

Triple Point


Stratton Aviation UK Ltd


OakNorth Bank plc


Ethos Partners LLP


ThinCats Limited


Lloyds Banking Group


Advanced Innergy Group


Metro Bank plc


HSBC UK Bank plc


Queens Park Equity LLP


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Secured Fixed Income (Triple Point) on facilities to Red Sky Food Group to fund the acquisition of Delenco Foods, refinance existing borrowings and provide working capital.
  • Advised the borrower on an asset and equity-funded purchase of Darts Corner, exiting incumbent sponsor Key Capital Partners.
  • Advised OakNorth Bank on £30,000,000 debt facilities to ICP Educare to support multiple acquisitions under its buy‑and‑build strategy backed by Innervation Capital Partners.

Dentons

Dentons  has a well-established banking and finance team in Milton Keynes, acting for a range of household-name clients across the leisure, retail, energy and infrastructure, and real estate sectors. Drawing on extensive domestic and international experience, practice head Christopher Colclough leads the team on a broad mix of matters, regularly advising on complex loan facilities, restructurings and cross-border transactions. Faye Garvey strengthens the offering with her experience in refinancing and venture capital financing work. As another notable team member, Matthew Exton supports on key matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Christopher Colclough


Autres avocats clés:

Faye Garvey; Matthew Exton


Principaux clients

HSBC


NatWest


Home Décor


Bank of Montreal


National Bank of Canada


Cox Powertrain Limited


Group 1 Automotive UK Limited


Cordiant Capital


Howard James Angel


Santander


Roynat Capital Inc.


Christie Group Plc


Lysara


Africa Mobile Networks


Erste Group


ING Bank (Poland and Netherlands)


Komercni Banka


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Chandlers Garage Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of Group 1 Automotive UK Limited, on seven term loan facilities made available by Volkswagen Bank GmbH trading as Volkswagen Bank United Kingdom Branch for the purpose of capital raising in connection with properties owned by Group 1 Estates Limited.
  • Acted for Bank of Montreal on the second amendment and restatement of its facility with Groupe Dynamite Inc.
  • Acted for Howard James Angel and BW SIPP Trustees Limited as the borrower of a revolving loan facility to assist with the refinancing of its existing indebtedness incurred in connection with the acquisition of certain properties.

Shoosmiths LLP

Working closely with the firm’s corporate team, Shoosmiths LLP’s banking and finance practice is well equipped to handle both domestic and multi-jurisdictional matters across the South East. The team advises a varied roster of clients, including major global banks, accounting firms and retailers, across the education, energy, healthcare, manufacturing and technology sectors. The group's workload spans a broad range of transactions, involving structured financings, asset-based lending issues and revolving credit facilities. Team lead Alexandra Triptree is noted for her expertise in complex leveraged finance and cross-border transactions, while Suzanne Love remains a trusted adviser to a long-standing, regional client base.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alexandra Triptree


Autres avocats clés:

Suzanne Love; Sophie Tyler


Principaux clients

Investec Bank plc


Shawbrook Bank Limited


Heligan Group


British International Investment plc (formerly CDC Group plc)


Foundation Investment Partners Limited


Dukes Education Group


Cavendish Education Group


Rotala Group Ltd


Livingbridge Enterprises LLP


Ten Entertainment Group plc


Business Growth Fund (BGF)


Five Arrows Principal Investments


Five arrows Capital Partners


Lloyds Development Capital (LDC)


Central England Co-operative Limited


Beverley Funerals Limited


Metro Bank Plc


FRP Advisory LLP


Rothschild


Axis Arbor


Tatsu Partners


Interpath


Deloitte


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Dukes Education Group in relation to multi-million facilities provided by a club of lenders including Macquarie, Deutsche Bank and HSBC.
  • Advised Shoo 684 Bidco Limited in relation to multi-million facilities to finance the investment in and merger of Ishka Limited and AirFinance Global Limited.
  • Advised Shawton Energy in relation to multi-million sterling facilities from Triodos Bank UK to finance the design, development, construction and subsequent operation of a ground-mounted solar panel development in Pembroke.

Stevens & Bolton LLP

Stevens & Bolton LLP demonstrates a broad range of industry sector expertise, advising on matters including project financings, shareholder loan refinancings and the refinancing of existing facilities across the transport, childcare, automotive, retail, infrastructure and construction sectors. The firm is recognised for its cross-border competence, and frequently liaises with both the corporate and real estate departments. Andrew Dodds leads on high-profile matters, advising both lenders and borrowers on complex transactions. Matthew Padian is also a key team member, and assists companies and lenders with loan facilities.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andrew Dodds


Autres avocats clés:

Matthew Padian


Principaux clients

Rock Rail


Aspria


Store Property Investments


Dumbleton Hall / Chatham Park Developments


Boundary Real Estate Partners


Bright Stars Nursery Group Limited


Masento


Abbey Wood Property Ltd


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Rock Rail, an investor-developer of rolling stock and rail infrastructure, regarding debt and equity funding.
  • Advised Masento, a staffing and analytics business, on its transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) structure.
  • Advised Abbey Wood Property Limited on financing for a major mixed-use redevelopment in South-East London.

Birketts LLP

Birketts LLP is experienced in handling a broad range of banking and finance matters, including debt refinancings, revolving credit facilities, and the amendment and reinstatement of existing facilities. The firm advises clients across a variety of sectors such as the retail, manufacturing, property, and hospitality and leisure spaces, as well as undertaking cross-border work. Devreaux Gravell is a key contact, recognised for his specialist knowledge in real estate finance, regularly advising banks and other lenders on complex matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Devreaux Gravell


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


  • Advised Alternative Income Limited on its £41,000,000 real estate investment facilities (with a £10,000,000 accordion) provided by HSBC UK Bank plc.
  • Advised Metro Bank on the £28.5m term loan it made available to the Capital Care Group.
  • Advised Lloyds Bank PLC on facilities (term and RCF) of £42m in aggregate to Science Group Plc, together with a full security package.

Cripps

Based within the firm's corporate team, Cripps’ banking and finance practice acts for clients across a range of sectors, including the retail and leisure, real estate, insurance, and private credit spaces. Its work includes refinancings, regulatory and structuring advice, and the amendment of existing credit agreements. Team co-head Craig Bowers advises borrower clients on complex transactions, while fellow co-head Dawn Shadwell draws on specialist expertise in invoice finance to support lenders. Victoria Jackson is a notable member, using her knowledge in corporate finance to advise on acquisitions and restructuring matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Craig Bowers; Dawn Shadwell


Autres avocats clés:

Victoria Jackson


Principaux clients

U.S. Hospitality Publishers Inc.


The FSE Group


CH1 Investment Partners LLP


RoundShield Partners


Close Brothers Limited


Holiday Extras


Peer Holdings


TBH Property Holdings Ltd


The Conduit


Paydens


Black Sheep Coffee


B.P. Marsh


Cadogan Estate


Ocean Infinity


ECapital Commercial Finance


DMH Stallard LLP

Acting for both borrowers and lenders, DMH Stallard LLP’s banking and finance team focuses on the healthcare, technology, hospitality and education sectors, handling the refinancing of existing debt, multi-facility financing packages and acquisition finance work. Leading the team, Sarah Naylor benefits the department with her expertise in advising challenger banks and SMEs, with an emphasis on the care and hotels sectors. Also a key member, Tyne Harman assists on a broad range of matters, including transactions involving cross-border elements.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sarah Naylor


Autres avocats clés:

Tyne Harman


Principaux clients

Shoreham Port Authority


National Westminster Bank plc (and other members of the NatWest Group, including RBS and Coutts)


Santander UK plc


Caffyns plc


Principle Cleaning Group Limited (and other group companies)


Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending Limited


Paragon Development Finance Ltd


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Lloyds on the refinancing of a portfolio of 41 residential properties held by a corporate borrower.

Field Seymour Parkes LLP

Field Seymour Parkes LLP advises a range of clients across the private equity, technology, travel and hospitality, marine technology, life sciences and energy sectors. Involved in cross-border work, the team also draws on the expertise of the firm's corporate and real estate departments. Motor finance specialist Alex Illingworth leads the team, which also includes Dan Barnhouse, who is noted for his debt finance expertise.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alex Illingworth


Autres avocats clés:

Dan Barnhouse


Principaux clients

Santander UK PLC


HSBC UK Bank PLC


Honda Finance Europe Plc


National Westminster Bank Plc


Secure Trust Bank PLC


BGF Investment Management Limited


Bewley Homes PLC


On Direct Business Services Limited


South West Investment Fund


Cornwall and Isle of Scilly Investment Fund


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised a clearing bank client on its security priority arrangements as part of a debt stack for an IT manufacturing business.
  • Advised BGF Investment Management Limited on a substantial fourth follow-on investment with multi-jurisdictional security.
  • Advised a property investment company on a substantial loan to refinance a large property portfolio.

Foot Anstey

Foot Anstey’s banking and finance team has continued to grow with the addition of Samantha Uzell from Stevens & Bolton LLP in July 2025. The department acts for a variety of clients spanning the renewable energy, leisure, retail, media, waste and military spaces, with work encompassing project finance matters and acquisition finance issues; the practice also includes a dedicated Islamic finance team. Emma Earp leads the team, advising household-name banks, corporate borrowers and lenders on domestic and international transactions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Emma Earp


Autres avocats clés:

Samantha Uzell


Principaux clients

HSBC UK Bank PLC


Lloyds Bank PLC


National Westminster Bank Plc


Santander Bank Plc


MSP Capital Ltd


Crondall Energy Ltd


Elmya Energy


Human Forest Limited (trading as Forest)


August Equity


Union Bancaire Privée, UBP SA


WElink Group


Premier Veterinary Group Plc


SCIS Holdings Limited


CBRE Loan Services Ltd


Alter Domus Trustees (UK) Limited


Community Energy Together Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Elmya Energy on its strategic joint venture with Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure.

Paris Smith LLP

Paris Smith LLP’s banking and finance practice is active in different sectors including the leisure and retail, marine, residential care, motor and vehicles, real estate and manufacturing spaces. With its work predominantly focusing on the real estate sector, the practice works closely with the commercial property and corporate teams, helping to advise developers. James McNeil is active in the field, representing high-profile corporate clients and household-name banks. Fred Chandler assists on matters involving the amendment and restatement of loans, as well as other refinancing transactions.

Responsables de la pratique:

James McNeil


Autres avocats clés:

Fred Chandler


Principaux clients

Interbay Funding Ltd


Hampshire Trust Bank plc


Yacht Havens Limited


Santander UK plc


Castle Trust Capital Plc


Hampshire Sport & Leisure Holdings Limited (Utilita Bowl)


Haskins Garden Centres Limited


Hilliers Nurseries Limited


Stelling Properties Limited and Unilife Limited


National Westminster Bank plc / The Royal Bank of Scotland plc


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Interbay Funding Ltd on five term loan facilities totalling an aggregate amount of up to £45,000,000, which was made available to a wider group of seven obligors secured against a mix of buy-to-let and commercial assets.
  • Advised Yacht Havens Limited in connection with the restructuring of its financial indebtedness provided by Lloyds Bank PLC.
  • Advised residential and social care group Dolphin Homes (Holdings) Limited on the refinance of its existing indebtedness by Clydesdale Bank’s Virgin Money brand.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP handles a vast range of banking and finance work, including advising on property investment facility agreements, complex loan agreements, and the amendment and restatement of existing loans. Acting for both lenders and borrowers, the team is involved in the real estate, manufacturing, housing, hospitality and healthcare sectors. Practice head John Chater leads on domestic and international matters, utilising his expertise on bilateral and syndicated transactions.

Responsables de la pratique:

John Chater


Principaux clients

Santander UK plc


HSBC UK Bank plc


MMR Research


Zorin Finance


Butterfield Mortgages


AIB


Bank of China


Bank ABC


Cynergy Bank


Frontier Development Capital Limited


British Arab Commercial Bank Plc


B.I.G Finance Limited


Carver Group Limited


Shaneel Enterprises Ltd


The Magic Bean Co. Ltd


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Zorin Finance on its facility to an international borrower for the acquisition of 52 properties.
  • Advised HSBC on its c. £20m LMA facility to a borrower in the pharmaceuticals sector.
  • Advised a global manufacturing company on its various facilities amounting to £344,000,000 across a number of jurisdictions.

Trethowans LLP (part of Lawfront)

Working closely with the firm's commercial property department, Trethowans LLP (part of Lawfront)'s banking and finance team advises mainly banks and property developers across the property, gaming and charities spaces. Its work includes drafting and negotiating facilities agreements, establishing security trust arrangements, preparing templates, and handling general revolving credit facilities. Department head Steve Cole has specialist expertise in banking and finance work, while Nick Gent works on cross-border matters, acting for property developers and specialist lenders.

Responsables de la pratique:

Steve Cole


Autres avocats clés:

Nick Gent


Principaux clients

Handelsbanken Plc


Doorway 4 Law Limited


Heirloom Fair Legal LLC


HSBC UK Bank Plc


Shorewood Homes Ltd


MSP Capital Ltd


Doorway Capital


Auxo Group Holdings Limited


The Property Franchise Group plc


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Handelsbanken Plc on the drafting and negotiation of a £56,000,000 quadrupletranche senior facilities agreement to refinance a prominent regional property developer’s existing borrowing.
  • Advised Doorway 4 Law Limited on the issuance of £32 million and £24 million deeply discounted bond facilities (total £56 million) funded initially by a Cayman Islands bondholder.
  • Advised Heirloom Fair Legal LLC, creating a modular template facility agreement and full suite of bespoke security, intercreditor and ancillary documents to support its UK litigation funding operations.

Clarke Willmott LLP

Clarke Willmott LLP is instructed in relation to advising properties and banks, drawing on the firm’s broader expertise in real estate. The department works in the real estate and healthcare spaces, with a focus on development finance work, advising both lenders and borrowers. Group head Rich Eldridge is recognised for his specialist expertise in banking and finance, with extensive knowledge of transactional arrangements.

Responsables de la pratique:

Rich Eldridge


Principaux clients

HSBC UK Bank plc


Allica Bank Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Allica Bank Limited on refinancing a portfolio of 22 leasehold properties provided by a term loan facility.
  • Advised Allica Bank Limited on refinancing a portfolio of three newly developed mixed-use properties provided by a term loan facility.
  • Advised HSBC on lending to assist a dental practice with the acquisition of two further dental practices.

Shakespeare Martineau LLP

The corporate team at Shakespeare Martineau LLP has continued to grow its expertise in banking and finance, with its work spanning over a range of sectors including the travel and leisure, higher education, retail, motor and infrastructure industries. Jake Holmes leads the team with notable experience in development and real estate finance, while Lauren Green supports on a range of transactional matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jake Holmes


Autres avocats clés:

Lauren Green


Principaux clients

HSBC UK Bank plc


Santander UK plc


National Westminster Bank plc


Lloyds Bank plc


Utilita Energy Limited


Clydesdale Bank plc (trading as Virgin Money)


Etta Finance Ltd


Brightstar Hotels Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised HSBC UK Bank plc in connection with euro and dollar term facilities to an international technology services provider.
  • Advised HSBC UK Bank plc in connection with a £20 million revolving credit facility to an AIM listed, national “games bar” chain.
  • Advised HSBC UK Bank plc in connection with a £2,900,000 term loan facility to a multi-jurisdictional conglomerate for the acquisition of a specialist electrical and mechanical engineering group.

Thomson Snell & Passmore

Thomson Snell & Passmore’s team predominantly acts for developers in the housing industry, with work including advising on complex restructuring finance, term loan facilities and sales of share capital. Anthony Morton has recently joined the team from Pinsent Masons LLP, offering his expertise on cross-border financings.

Responsables de la pratique:

Anthony Morton


Principaux clients

Paragon Development Finance Limited


Close Brothers Limited


Quantum Development Finance Limited


Shawbrook Bank Limited


Fernham Homes Limited


Tribeca Technology Holdings Limited


Lodge Brothers Funerals Limited


Doré Metal Services Southern Limited


JR Pet Products


Lloyds Bank plc


Commercial Acceptances Limited


LendNet Property LLP


LendInvest Security Trustees Limited


Dantis Capital Limited


Tradelend Limited


Aldermore Bank Limited


Handelsbanken Plc


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Tribeca Technology Holdings Limited on the sale side of a transaction where the purchaser was New York-based, Abacus Group, which is backed by FFL Partners.
  • Advised Paragon Development Finance Limited in respect of a combined £35 million development loan facility to connected Borrower SPVs, in respect of the acquisition and development of two sites in the South East, for the erection of a 79-bedroom care home with a combined gross development value of £60 million.
  • Advised the shareholders of Lodge Bros. (Funerals) Limited (Company) in relation to a complex, multi-million-pound sale of the entire issued share capital of the Company to a newly formed employee-ownership trust (EOT).