Transport in North West

Addleshaw Goddard

Praised for its 'wide-ranging' expertise in the rail industry, Addleshaw Goddard's Manchester based practice acts for a diverse array of clients, notably including the Department for Transport, Merseysidetravel, and the West Midlands Combined Authority. Paul Hirst co-heads the practice from Leeds, and is known for his longstanding specialism in transport infrastructure projects, often advising clients on rolling stock procurements and operating concessions. Sara Gilmore is noted for her deep knowledge of bus franchising and regulatory issues, and  Michael Rainey, who leads the firm’s public procurement group, is well-versed in matters concerning transport procurement, including rail franchising and passenger service contracts. Ursula Gould has a wealth of knowledge in the negotiation of agreements and the drafting of contracts relating to transport projects, including and tram operation agreements and new railway station projects.

Responsables de la pratique:

Paul Hirst; Sara Gilmore; Michael Rainey


Autres avocats clés:

Ursula Gould


Les références

‘The team has wide-ranging expertise in all areas of the rail industry, which is evident in their ability to look further than the legal intricacies and form a commercially sound view which balances competing interests.’

‘Ursula Gould is trusted by clients to find resolutions and her no-nonsense approach to drafting is a breath of fresh air.’

‘A diverse team willing to collaborate/challenge and investigate to get the best results for me as their customer.’

Principaux clients

Prologis Group Companies


VTG Rail UK Limited


London Luton Airport Limited


Eversholt Rail


Department for Transport


High Speed Two Limited


Greater London Authority


West Midlands Combined Authority


Hitachi Rail Limited


MerseyTravel


Manchester Airport Group


HS1 Limited


Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority


Freightliner Heavy Haul Limited


SMBC


DB Cargo


Transport for Greater Manchester


The Road Haulage Association


Associated British Ports Limited


Merseyrail


Agility Trains


Edinburgh Airport


South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority


ScotRail


Principaux dossiers


Clyde & Co

Clyde & Co houses a broad team, best known for its vast experience in the handling of transport related personal injury claims, cargo claims, and mandates concerning marinas and ports. Leading the Manchester group, maritime insurance expert Emma Rice handles a broad array of logistics matters involving ports and terminals for both insurers and policy holders, while practice co-head Robert Muttock is known for his expansive knowledge of international claims concerning marine and travel accidents. Co-head and aviation specialist Craig Rooney divides his time between Manchester and London, routinely advising clients on air accidents, with a strong focus on mandates involving EU consumer rights. Liz Watton is well-versed in handling shipping and transport claims involving the international carriage of goods and charterparty claims, often appearing before the English Admiralty and commercial courts.

Responsables de la pratique:

Emma Rice; Robert Muttock; Craig Rooney


Autres avocats clés:

Liz Watton


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the owners of a registered vessel on the pursuit of claims for unpaid freight arising under a voyage charterparty in the amount of USD 120k.

DLA Piper

Leveraging its national network, the team at DLA Piper handles the full spectrum of transport related infrastructure projects for its varied client base, which notably includes Transport for the North, Transport for Greater Manchester, and Highways England. Practice head Liam Cowell is noted for his extensive expertise in international transport projects, particularly in relation to operational issues and project financing transactions. Contentious construction specialist Paul Giles handles a broad array of transport and infrastructure related disputes, acting for employers and contractors. Lee Brierley leads the firm’s technology and outsourcing practice, and is noted for his strong focus on smart ticketing projects, while asset finance expert Rebecca Williams advises clients on a range of transactions concerning transport assets.

Responsables de la pratique:

Liam Cowell


Autres avocats clés:

Paul Giles; Lee Brierley; Rebecca Williams; Sophie Stewart


Principaux clients

Welsh Ministers


Transport for the North


Vinci Concessions


Vinci Highways


Implenia Schweiz AG


Transport for Greater Manchester


Highways England


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Transport for Greater Manchester and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority on all aspects of bus franchising to reform the provision of bus services across Greater Manchester.
  • Advising HS2 on planning, compulsory purchase, and compensation matters across the HS2 project.
  • Advising National Highways on the M5 Junction 10 Improvements DCO, submitted by Gloucestershire County Council and accepted for examination in January 2024.

DWF

The 'very capable' Manchester based team at DWF assists clients with a wide variety of mandates concerning clandestine entrants, corporate and commercial transactions, and the transportation of hazardous waste and substances. Practice co-head Vikki Woodfine acts for a range of fleet operators, utilising her deep knowledge of internal management and operator license structures, in addition to acting for clients in corporate manslaughter cases and fatal incident investigations. Co-head Joanne Witheford is noted for her broad regulatory experience within the transport sector, often representing companies in health and safety, police, and local authority investigations and criminal prosecutions. 'Very safe and reliable pair of hands' Neena Sharma divides her time between Manchester and Leeds, having joined the group in April 2023 from Keoghs LLP. Sharma contributes her longstanding expertise in motor crime cases concerning death by dangerous driving and Smart motorway related fatalities.

Responsables de la pratique:

Vikki Woodfine; Joanne Witheford


Autres avocats clés:

Neena Sharma; Ruth Graham


Les références

‘Neena Sharma – extremely experienced in all aspects of this work. A very safe and reliable pair of hands. Always goes the extra mile, very astute tactically. Gives sensible, realistic advice and is very popular with both lay and professional clients. Can’t praise her enough.’

‘Excellent sympathy at a very traumatic time following the incident and great help during the investigation.’

‘Neena Sharma went above and beyond anything we had come to expect.’

Principaux clients

Booker plc


Maritime and Coastguard Agency


CMAC Group UK Limited


Wincanton plc


MM Freight Ltd


WM Morrison Supermarkets Plc


Hiscox


BT plc


Allianz


NFU Mutual


LV


Aviva


RSA


Panattoni UK


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising a major UK parcel courier on the development of its transport compliance systems and internal investigation processes.

Hill Dickinson LLP

Adrian Marsh leads the team at Hill Dickinson LLP, which is known for its strong focus on the cargo and logistics sector. Praised for its ‘unrivalled‘ expertise, the ‘knowledgeable, flexible and attentive‘ team assists clients with a broad array of mandates, including standard trading conditions, and supply chain issues and agreements. Marsh stands out due to his longstanding experience in marine, logistics, and shipping insurance coverage disputes, routinely acting for international trade clients, and Caroline Bridge has deep knowledge of claims concerning freight forwarder and warehouse operator liability claims. Richard Allingham is particularly adept at handling subrogated recovery claims for international logistics providers and insurers, while Edward Locke is noted for his vast expertise in requests for restorations, clandestine entry, and both import and export related border force and customs issues.

Responsables de la pratique:

Adrian Marsh


Autres avocats clés:

Caroline Bridge; Richard Allingham; Edward Locke


Les références

‘Over the years I have built up a very good rapport with Adrian Marsh and Edward Locke, who are invariably available to give prompt guidance and advice. Both Adrian and Edward have in-depth knowledge, which greatly speeds up the resolution of any issues and questions that arise.’

‘The entire team is knowledgeable, flexible and attentive. I am regularly updated on ongoing claims and they are able to explain even the more complex matters clearly and concisely.’

‘I find Richard Allingham and Edward Locke really approachable and they always make themselves available should I have any queries. I have complete confidence in the advice they provide and wouldn’t hesitate recommending their services.’

Principaux clients

RSA


WE Cox Claims Group


Pequod


CNA Hardy


AXA XL


Aviva


TT Club


NMU (Specialty) Ltd


DSV


Hellmann Worldwide Logistics


Zurich Insurance


Kuehne + Nagel


ABP


PCL Claims


Wincanton


HDI


Nacora


Kerry Logistics


Europa Road


Principaux dossiers


Pinsent Masons LLP

Praised for providing ‘clear, pragmatic, commercially astute‘ advice, Pinsent Masons LLP handles a range of domestic and international rail projects, and is notably advising on the Design Build Finance Operate project, which intends to upgrade and widen the M25. Co-head of the Manchester group Mark Job also leads the firm’s transactional construction team, and is known for his expansive knowledge of major road and rail infrastructure projects, and co-head Michael Hopkins is recommended for his longstanding experience in mediation within construction. Graham Alty maintains his strong track record in nuclear energy and metrolink projects, while Laura Tetlow stands out due to her strong expertise in transactions involving railway and road construction projects.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mark Job; Michael Hopkins


Autres avocats clés:

Graham Alty; Anthony Bradley; Laura Tetlow


Les références

‘Excellent in depth support on complex contract negotiation. Clear, pragmatic, commercially astute advice – well organised and good at planning and meeting key milestones.’

Principaux clients

BAM Nuttall


Ferrovial Construction


Kier


Yapi Merkezi Insaat va Sanayi A.S.


Eiffage Genie Civil


Vinci Construction Grands Projects


Balfour Beatty


Heathrow Airport Limited


Vinci Construction UK


Systra


The Manchester Airport Group


Connect Plus Services


Leeds Bradford Airport Limited


Lendlease


Suffolk County Council


United Utilities


Morgan Sindall


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising a number of main works and station package contractors delivering HS2’s £100bn+ project to design and construct high-speed railway lines between London, Birmingham and Manchester.
  • Advising Yapi Merkezi on a number of cross border transactions of transformational political significance in Africa with a combined value in excess of US$5bn.
  • Advising Manchester Airport PLC in relation to a potential high value and complex dispute in connection with the installation of a fuel pipe line.

Backhouse Jones

In Clitheroe, Backhouse Jones is noted for its specialism in the road transport sector, often assisting haulage, bus, and coach operators. Mark Davies heads the practice, and is particularly adept at acting in public inquiries concerning bus reliability and drivers’ hours, in addition to health and safety investigations. Jonathon Backhouse routinely handles transport related crime cases concerning death by dangerous driving, while James Backhouse often appears before the Traffic Commissioner and the Upper Tribunal Administrative Appeals Chamber. Notably having represented the Road Haulage Association and the British Association of Removers, Steven Meyerhoff is known for his broad knowledge of competition litigation and commercial disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mark Davies


Autres avocats clés:

Jonathon Backhouse; James Backhouse; Steven Meyerhoff; Charlotte Fowler


Les références

‘Steven Meyerhoff – Outstanding support for all of our industrial relations and general legal matters. He ensures we’re receiving the very best service.’

‘Mark Davies – The very best when it comes to operator licence compliance and roadworthiness. His guidance and expertise in this field has led to significant improvements in the quality of our systems and procedures, and our fleet is safer because of his diligence and understanding.’

‘Excellent sector specific advice which cuts through to the issues in hand. Clear & pragmatic guidance provided in a timely manner.’

Principaux clients

Biffa


Krispy Kreme


Go South Coast


Abellio


Veolia UK


Viridor


Somerset Passenger Solutions Ltd


Blackpool Transport


Day Aggregates


Rotala plc


MDS Distribution Limited


Bidfood


Tesco


Forfarmers


Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire


Malca-Armit


Howdens


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising on the Road Haulage Association collective proceedings claim in the Competition Appeal Tribunal which seeks to represent over 17,000 truck operators seeking damages arising out of an EC decision finding the major European truck operators guilty of anti-competitive practices.
  • Assisting the Greater Manchester Combined Authority with consultation documentation, and the consideration of expert evidence, in addition to advising on the impact of the client’s bus franchising scheme. The firm lodged a judicial review.

Dyne Solicitors Limited

Jared Dunbar and John Dyne co-lead the Chester based group at Dyne Solicitors Limited, which is known for its specialism road transport issues. Praised by clients for his ‘outstanding‘ and ‘forensic‘ attention to detail, Dunbar is noted for his vast knowledge of operator licensing issues, defence DVSA prosecutions, and public inquiries. On the other hand, Dyne is a regulatory expert with a ‘vast array of knowledge‘ of waste collection and haulage within the transport sector, and the movement of abnormal indivisible loads.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jared Dunbar; John Dyne


Autres avocats clés:

James Edes


Les références

‘Jared Dunbar’s knowledge is exceptional.’

‘Jared Dunbar has an easy calming yet professional way about him that from the moment he makes contact with clients puts them at ease, making the entire client journey significantly easier. His attention to detail is forensic in nature, often pulling on threads overlooked by even the most experienced of practitioners.’

‘I deal with Jared Dunbar. His attention to detail is outstanding. He puts everything into each case and always presents an outstanding case.’

Principaux dossiers


JMW Solicitors LLP

JMW Solicitors LLP houses a growing practice known for acting in appeals against Traffic Commissioner decisions and public inquiries. Having joined the firm in October 2023 from Backhouse Jones, the 'wonderful technical' Laura Hadzik and the 'highly knowledgeable and skilled' Scott Bell act as joint practice heads. Hadzik is a regulatory expert who routinely represents clients in cases concerning breaches of Bus Open Data Service (BODS) requirements, while Bell is noted for his deep knowledge of operator licensing in relation to corporate transactions and insolvency issues. Patrick Boyers is well-versed in matters concerning public transport policy, and notable handles prosecutions against e-bike vendors brought by the DVSA.

Responsables de la pratique:

Laura Hadzik; Scott Bell


Autres avocats clés:

Patrick Boyers


Les références

‘The team is highly motivated. Excellent knowledge, both practical and legal, is capably demonstrated from the outset. Refreshing to see such talent in what is a highly specialised area of law and regulatory compliance.’

‘Highly motivated, very healthy and commendable approach to opportunity and diversity in all respects. Good to see such a happy team.’

‘From the initial consultation to the successful resolution of our case our experience with Scott Bell has been excellent. It is evident that he is highly knowledgeable and skilled at what he does, the service and advice that we have received has been of the highest quality and we would highly recommend Scott.’

Principaux clients

Synchgo Limited


Go Ahead Group


Speedy Services


Universal Tanker Group Limited


United Utilities


Greene King


Parking Eye


LWC Drinks


British Parking Association


UK Parking Control Ltd


Smart Parking


Coopers Waste Management Services (Staffordshire) Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented an electric bike distributor in connection with a DVSA prosecution for placing electric bikes on the market without the appropriate type-approval.
  • Represented a large national haulage company in a public inquiry before the Traffic Commissioner following multiple bridge strike incidents involving its vehicles.
  • Advised a haulage business in connection with a rescue package following the insolvency of a large Welsh Haulier, securing a new operator’s licence in 2 days, and safeguarding the jobs of circa 100 staff by facilitating continuation of the business.

Keoghs LLP

The 'exceptionally talented' Liverpool based team at Keoghs LLP handles a broad array of transport related personal injury, and health and safety issues, in addition to matters concerning operating licenses. Practice head Nerys Parry is known for her expert knowledge of fleet outsourced claims management, with particular emphasis on risk management issues. Motor claims specialist Graham Lynch is particularly adept at handling cases involving catastrophic injury and fatality.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nerys Parry


Autres avocats clés:

Graham Lynch; Rebecca Stanton


Les références

‘Very accommodating to the needs of the client. You feel listened to, and the answers you receive are far more than a generic response. Communication was made straight forward and convenient. The whole service is managed well and taken seriously at all times.’

‘Exceptionally talented, and an absolute pleasure to see in action.’

‘Quality, knowledgeable team who will work with the client to build a bespoke solution.’

Principaux clients

Ceva Logistics


Wincanton


BFS Group


Addison Lee


Wellglade Holdings


Trent Buses


MTR EL


Blackpool Transport


Kuehne & Nagel


Yusen Logistics


Metroline


Amey Group


FedEx


Mitie Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented BFS Group Ltd a phantom passenger claim at trial, securing a finding of fundamental dishonesty.
  • Represented Addison Lee in a liability dispute saving an ultimate £325k for the client.