Commercial property: Cambridge in East Anglia

Birketts LLP

Clients of Birketts LLP are ‘impressed by its pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach, which is invaluable to in-house legal teams’. The firm is a mainstay of the regional property market and is increasingly involved in work for national clients. Grace Kerr in Chelmsford leads the firm-wide real estate practice, and Cambridge is home to a deep bench of talent across the full spectrum of commercial property. Dwight Patten, who specialises in acting for higher education and other educational institutions, local authorities and charities, and Gemma Goddard , who frequently assists private landowners, lead the Cambridge commercial real estate team. Simon Keen leads on strategic land matters, and Helen Stewart oversees the residential development team following the retirement of Kath Herbert. Claudia Haisman-Green also retired in 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Grace Kerr; Dwight Patten; Gemma Goddard; Simon Keen; Helen Stewart


Autres avocats clés:

Sarah Willis


Les références

‘Helen Stewart has been fantastically supportive through a very complex and complicated promotion agreement. thoroughly professional and attentive to all clients various needs. tough negotiator who I was delighted to have on our side!!’

‘We have found that Birketts provides commercially focused legal advice, offering London-quality expertise at a regional cost. Prospective clients would be impressed by its pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach, which is invaluable to in-house legal teams, especially when legal advice is aligned with business objectives.’

‘They take a bespoke, business-first approach, ensuring that legal solutions are both practical and commercially viable. For a global business like ours, they understand the importance of navigating different cultures and business practices.’

Principaux clients

Amadeus Capital Partners Limited


Anglia Ruskin University


Arbuthnot Latham


Arena Leisure


Bathurst Development


Caterham Cars


Centre for Computing History


Church Commissioners for England


Deluxe Media


Denbury Homes Limited


Evercore Partners International LLP


Grovemere Property


Hopkins Homes Limited


Jesus College Oxford


Hartpury University


London Borough of Lewisham


London Diocesan Fund


MM Flowers


News Corporation


Pigeon


Radial


Tewke


The Cambridge Building Society


This Land


Trust for London


TT Group


University of Lincoln


Uttlesford District Council


Welbeck Strategic Land


Wyboston Lakes


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Evercore on its London property strategy, including its major pre-let from BGO of new office premises and the lettings and lease renewals on other premises to maintain business operations pending relocation.
  • Advising the Church Commissioners for England on its strategic land transactions, including long-term development joint ventures and sales of several consented sites.
  • Advising Denbury Homes Limited on a new £55m facility with HSBC UK Bank plc to enable it to move forward with its growth plans through to 2029.

HCR Hewitsons

HCR Hewitsons has ‘a highly regarded and experienced team with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in a great diversity of sectors’. The firm acts for a broad client base of landlords, tenants, property owners and developers across East Anglia and beyond, and increasingly assists innovative corporations and entrepreneurs taking occupational, development or investment leases or acquiring property. The ‘commercially astute, hardworking and responsive’ Helen Mutucumarana leads the Cambridge commercial real estate team, drawing on her experience in complex landlord and tenant matters, and niche property investment work. James Simpson is national head of property development, which sees him work on residential and commercial projects, and property funding matters. Ceri Riddell is a key adviser to landowners, promoters and developers of both residential and commercial land. Becky Woodcock provides vital support for transactions in the life sciences, biotechnology, tech, charity and media sectors.

Responsables de la pratique:

Helen Mutucumarana; James Simpson


Autres avocats clés:

Ceri Riddell; Becky Woodcock


Les références

‘A highly regarded and experienced team with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in a great diversity of sectors.’

‘Helen Mutucumarana – commercially astute, hardworking and responsive, Helen is very experienced and highly regarded – an exceptional property lawyer.’

‘We have found the team particularly strong in infrastructure work.’

Principaux clients

TTP plc


Allia Limited


Babraham Research Campus Limited


Garden Campus Limited


Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst


Hill Residential Ltd


TWI Limited


Cambridge Investment Partnership


Downing College and other Oxbridge Colleges


The Cambridge Arts Theatre


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Allia Limited on the letting of a social enterprise hub following the redevelopment of the Printworks in Papworth.
  • Acted for Hughes Hall on the acquisition of part of Fenners Cricket Ground.
  • Advised the Cambridge Arts Theatre on its significant refurbishment and development of the theatre.

Howes Percival LLP

Howes Percival LLP‘s Cambridge office is the central hub of its commercial property practice, which is co-led by Michaela Henson and Northampton-based Lucy Lord. The group has ‘very good client focus and the commercial acumen to get deals done’. Henson is a recognised expert in advising landowners, developers and commercial clients on commercial and housing developments, investments, site assemblies and landlord and tenant matters. Steven Beach has particular expertise in commercial property investment work for both private investors and institutional clients, while Susanne Hinde focuses on investment and commercial landlord and tenant work. The firm’s emerging talents include Elizabeth Thomas, who handles investment and landlord and tenant work in the technology and development sectors, and strategic land adviser Tim Bacon.

Responsables de la pratique:

Michaela Henson; Lucy Lord


Autres avocats clés:

Steven Beach; Susanne Hinde; Elizabeth Thomas; Tim Bacon; Emma Bowman


Les références

‘Good family run feel, everyone knows each other well and there is strength in inter-relations between specialities.’

‘Emma Bowman – super friendly, really kind. Knows her stuff, and if she doesn’t know she will go and find out and refer me to a colleague.’

‘Very good client focus and commercial acumen to get deals done. Can identify and resolve issues rather than just identify.’

Principaux clients

HTS Estates Limited


The Chesterford Group Limited


Acora Limited


Turnstone Estates Limited


GCR Camprop Limited


Raspberry Pi Limited


Ansys Uk Limited


University of Cambridge


Greene King PLC


Xaar plc


Bidwells LLP


Ansys UK Limited


Ieso Digital Health Limited


East Cambs Trading Company Limited (trading as Palace Green Homes)


Welch’s Group Holdings Limited


Newcore Capital Management LLP


Ely Cathedral


Laragh House Developments Ltd


Luton Hoo Estate


Abcam Ltd


Girton College, Cambridge


Mortar Investments PTE Limited


Camel Projects Limited


FH Great Shelford Limited


John Huntingdon’s Charity


Artisan (UK) Developments Limited


Merlin Real Estate Limited


Lower 48 Energy BESS Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for GCR Camprop on the restructure and refinancing of its property investment on the edge of Cambridge.
  • Advising Ely Cathedral on the asset management of its retail, commercial and domestic property portfolio in Ely.

Mills & Reeve LLP

Mills & Reeve LLP is often involved in high-profile projects. Vincenzo Maggio, who excels in real estate work in the life sciences space, leads the Cambridge group. Michelle Cookson is an expert in complex investment and development projects, while Nick Finlayson-Brown acts for UK and overseas clients in property investment, development and management deals, and Charles Staveley has in-depth knowledge of the real estate investment sector. Other key names include Tom Nash, who handles strategic land and development work, Sarah Cooke, who handles investment and portfolio management matters, and Christopher Pike, who works with property investors in the education and real estate investment sectors.

Responsables de la pratique:

Vincenzo Maggio


Autres avocats clés:

Michelle Cookson; Nick Finlayson-Brown; Charles Staveley; Tom Nash; Sarah Cooke; Christopher Pike; Emma De Meyer


Les références

‘Their client service is great. They really understand what we need from them and how they are able to help and support to unlock situation and transactions. The communication is great and flexible. They take their time to ensure we understand the point at hand along with all the risks associated with decisions.’

‘Emma De Meyer is fantastic. Her help, passion and dedication she provides to us is unrivalled. We are really grateful for all that she does for us, supported by Vincenzo Maggio and the wider team.’

Principaux clients

Urban&Civic plc


Trinity College, Cambridge


Railpen


Marshall Group


St John’s College, Cambridge


Kadans Science Partner


Peterhouse, Cambridge


The Howard Group


Anglia Ruskin University


Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


The Wellcome Trust


Mission Street


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Marshall Group on all matters relating to its strategy for, and delivery of, the development of its 900 acres, including developments at Cambridge East, Marleigh and Cherry Hinton.
  • Advising Railpen on various central Cambridge investments, including the Beehive Centre, Cambridge Retail Park and Coral Park Trading Estate.
  • Advising Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on its significant stake in the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

Mishcon de Reya LLP

At Mishcon de Reya LLP, ‘the scale and quality of available resources is impressive’. The firm acts for a stellar roster of clients in key sectors such as the life sciences, technology, proptech, worktech, renewable energy, and hospitality spaces. James Slinger is the lead partner in Cambridge, where Elliot Wilson and Keven Fehmi are key members of the practice. Wilson’s broad-ranging practice includes renewable energy projects, commercial and residential developments, and advice on the property elements of corporate acquisitions. Fehmi deals with complex landlord and tenant matters, particularly for entrepreneurial clients.

Responsables de la pratique:

James Slinger


Autres avocats clés:

Elliot Wilson; Keven Fehmi


Les références

‘The scale and quality of available resources is impressive.’

‘Outstanding. Extremely responsive and user friendly. Able to think like a principal and lawyer, which makes appointing them a no-brainer. I owe them a lot of time saved!’

‘James Slinger – Nicest guy in law and always finds a middle ground when stuck. Always available and a true subject matter expert in all things property. Innovation and property don’t always go together but James seems to operate at the intersection of forward-looking utilisation of freehold assets and platform creation.’

Principaux clients

Clearstone Energy Limited


Elgin Energy EsCo Limited


Babraham Research Campus Limited


Knotel UK Limited


TTP Campus Limited


42 Technology Limited


Koba Limited


Excelitas Noblelight Limited


Cambridge Consultants Limited


Paragraf Limited


Cambridge Mechatronics Limited


Mestag Therapeutics Limited


Chronic Care Company Holdings Ltd


ViaNautis Bio Limited


Echion Technologies Limited


L.C.J. Mountain Farms Limited


Earlham Institute


Featurespace Limited


Secondmind Limited


Airhive Limited


Cambridge GaN Devices Limited


Nyobolt Ltd


Oak View Group, LLC


Argyll Management Limited


Global Inkjet Systems Limited


Cambridge Flow Solutions Limited


C. Hoare & Co


Bread Ahead Wholesale Ltd


Farmland Reserve UK Limited


Alzheimer’s Research UK


Girton College, Cambridge


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for Clearstone Energy on the site-scoping and leasehold acquisition of strategically located sites across the UK, for the installation of large-scale 50MW – 400MW solar PV and battery storage (BESS) projects.
  • Advised ViaNautis Bio on the acquisition of its new HQ at Unity Campus, Sawston, Cambridge.
  • Acted for Koba Space in its 10-year partnership lease with AEW to design, fit-out, and operate its inaugural 29,500 square foot location at the flagship 100 Barbirolli office building in Manchester city centre.

Ashtons Legal

Ashtons Legal is ‘responsive and proactive in progressing transactions’. The Cambridge office is home to ‘incredibly responsive’ firm-wide practice head Magnus McManus, who has decades of experience acting for educational charities and is a key adviser to the numerous Cambridge colleges. The ‘energetic, enthusiastic, intelligent and very efficient’ Sheila Small leads the firm’s development practice, drawing on her in-house experience. Rhian Brook is a highly regarded landlord and tenant specialist.

Responsables de la pratique:

Magnus McManus


Autres avocats clés:

Rhian Brook; Sheila Small; Clare Best


Les références

‘Responsive and proactive in progressing transactions.’

‘Magnus McManus is incredibly responsive. His advice is always clear and helpful.’

‘I like the attention to detail and down-to-earth approach.’

Principaux clients

Surplus Property Solutions Limited


NIAB


Abel Homes Limited


Savills (UK) Limited


Clare College


MH Star UK Ltd


LS Plant Breeding Limited


M Scott Properties Limited


Ridley Godfrey (Holdings) Limited


Natwest Bank


Whitings LLP


HSBC


Handelsbanken


Stir Cambridge Limited


East Coast College (ECC)


The Chartered Institute of Public Finance (CIPFA)


Thompson Estate


Stetchworth Estate Farms (a Partnership)


Wolfson College


Christ’s College


Neway International Limited


House Group Developments Limited


Stowmarket Cricket Club


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising M Scott Properties Limited on the land assembly, promotion and sale of a development of 179 dwellings by a consortium of landowners to the developer.
  • Continuing to represent Savills (UK) Ltd in Savills (UK) in connection with its leasehold occupied portfolio, with matters ranging from lease renewals, licences to alter and deeds of variation to new leases with associated property litigation input.
  • Advised East Coast College regarding a Clawback Agreement and legal charge required by the DfE as a condition of the DfE investment and the associated Deed of Priority with Lloyds Bank PLC – in respect of the Lloyds Bank prior charge.

Barr Ellison LLP

Barr Ellison LLP, which acts for major developers, landowners, promoters, and investors, as well as many commercial landlords and tenants, has a highly regarded practice head in Kelly Peck, and in 2025 hired the vastly experienced Jonathan Greenhalgh from Ellisons. Peck, who ‘provides clear and pragmatic advice in a friendly and approachable way’, assists clients with the management of property portfolios, commercial acquisitions, and refinancing projects. Greenhalgh has a particular focus on development work, notably the acquisition and disposal of commercial, mixed-use, and residential development sites. Joshua Smart and Lucy Harrison, who is a key adviser to affordable housing providers, are emerging talents within the practice.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kelly Peck


Autres avocats clés:

Jonathan Greenhalgh; Joshua Smart; Lucy Harrison


Les références

‘We have had fantastic service from Kelly Peck and Josh Smart. Both are articulate, subject matter experts who bring a spirit of fun to our interactions.’

‘Our company has appointed many different Solicitors firms over the years but once we were introduced to Barr Ellison, we struck gold! They are competent, efficient, speedy in responses and very knowledgeable.’

‘Barr Ellison commercial team is a pleasure to work with. They are a very friendly, approachable and experienced team who always manage to get work done under, often extreme, time pressures. They have never let us down. They look after us, have always provided excellent advice and we feel totally supported.’

Tees Law

Clients of Tees Law appreciate the firm’s ‘exceptional legal expertise and strategic approach to property transactions’. Sarah Coates leads the Cambridge team and is co-head of the firm-wide practice alongside James Dowson in Saffron Walden and Victoria Sandberg in Royston. Coates, ‘has a thoughtful approach and the ability to make complex legal matters feel manageable’. Alex Waples also plays a key role in the practice.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sarah Coates; James Dowson; Victoria Sandberg


Autres avocats clés:

Alex Waples


Les références

‘I value Tees’ commercial property practice for its exceptional legal expertise and strategic approach to property transactions. Their deep understanding of property law, local planning knowledge, and contractual intricacies ensures that matters are thoughtfully considered and strategically structured to protect my interests while remaining compliant with legal requirements.’

‘Beyond their legal knowledge, their negotiation skills are a key strength. Whether handling lease agreements, acquisitions, or development projects, they have a keen ability to secure favourable terms while preserving strong professional relationships. Their clear and persuasive communication ensures that contracts are not only legally sound but also aligned with business and family objectives.’

‘Within the Tees’ team I have had excellent advice and experience with Sarah Coates in particular. Sarah has a thoughtful approach and the ability to make complex legal matters feel manageable. Her deep understanding of commercial property law is complemented by a genuine commitment to client success, ensuring that every transaction is handled with care, precision, and strategic foresight.’

Principaux clients

Vindis Group Limited


Friar’s Pride Limited


Hilltop Credit Partners Limited


Abbey People CIO


Blues Property


Accidents against Medical Accidents


Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

At Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP, the firm-wide practice is led from London by James Nadin. In Cambridge, Giorgia Mayes and Joanna Wilde are ‘very accessible and responsive’, and the firm is ‘technically streets ahead in the market’. Mayes frequently advises investors on the acquisition and management of property assets, and Wilde assists with new and renewal leases for both landlords and tenants, and property management matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

James Nadin


Autres avocats clés:

Giorgia Mayes; Joanna Wilde


Les références

‘Very accessible and responsive. Technically streets ahead in the market. Commercially aware of the significance of any issue and its application to the client.’

‘Giorgia Mayes was always available at the end of the phone as and when needed. Options available to us and recommended solutions were always suggested. Giorgia’s experience in the field was important given lack of in-house knowledge.’

‘Very approachable and knowledgeable.’

Principaux clients

Great Western Developments Limited


The shareholders of Ellgia Holdings Limited


Ellgia Limited and Ellgia Recycling Ltd


Molecular Dimensions Ltd and Life Science Intermediate Holdings LLC


Vitality Health Limited


Vitality Corporate Services Limited


SciQuip Limited and CalibreScientific Inc


Samsung Cambridge Solution Centre Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for Great Western Developments Limited on various retail lettings at the Paddington Square development in London.
  • Acting for the shareholders of a large East Anglian-based company on the property elements of the sale of their shares in that company.
  • Acting for Molecular Dimensions on the acquisition of a lease of a unit at a science park.

Woodfines LLP

Woodfines LLP has built up its presence in the local market; practice head Suzanna Stephenson is based mainly in Milton Keynes but frequently works from Cambridge, where Neville Drummond is the main contact. Drummond, who is ‘good at seeing the bigger picture‘, has more than 25 years’ experience in development transactions, and landlord and tenant matters. He frequently acts for private sector developers, both nationally and locally, as well as private landowners and housing associations.

Responsables de la pratique:

Suzanna Stephenson


Autres avocats clés:

Neville Drummond


Les références

‘The practice of Woodfines LLP Solicitors is excellent and outstanding. Always available with professional advice and guidance.’

‘Each individual is experienced and professional in their individual expertise of legal qualifications.’

‘Over the past few years I have had a long lease situation to resolve and Neville Drummond has been very successful in achieving this. Points to mention are that he is quick to answer emails and easy to contact by phone. He is good at seeing the bigger picture of a difficult situation.’