Based primarily in Cumbria, the corporate and commercial practice at Burnetts stands out in the region for its M&A capabilities, a core pillar of the practice. The team continues to advise on a variety of high-profile transactions across the region, with a recent highlight for the group being advising the shareholders of Carlisle Football Club on its sale to Castle Sports Group Limited. Described by clients as ‘one of the best,’ Michael Walby heads the firm’s corporate offering with a particular emphasis on business acquisitions and disposals. The ‘outstanding‘ Jennifer Bell joined the team from Baines Wilson (now Knights plc) in November 2023. Based in Carlisle, Bell is a key contact for corporate finance instructions as well as commercial contract work, including outsourcing, franchising agreements, and IT contracts.

Hailed by clients for its ‘clear local focus and strong breadth of specialist expertise,’ Endeavour Partnership LLP advises local, national, and international companies on the full range of corporate and commercial issues. Nik Tunley heads the corporate offering and advises local owner-managed businesses on lower to mid-market M&A matters, both domestic and cross-border. On the commercial front, Nigel Williams advises local, national, and international companies on shareholder agreements and exits, as well as cross-option arrangements. James Butler is the name to note for large commercial contracts and corporate advisory instructions, while Jessica Lenham has a notable emphasis on transactional mandates. Also in the core team is Martin McKinnell, whose broad corporate and commercial practice spans general corporate advisory and M&A, as well as distribution, franchise, and agency agreements, and Deborah Kirtley, a specialist in borrower-led banking work. Sean Jackson is adept in cross-border transactions and commercial agreements in the tech sector.

The ‘first class‘ offering at Swinburne Maddison LLP spans the full range of corporate and commercial matters including M&A, enterprise management, corporate reorganisations, and general corporate finance. Private equity and venture capital are further core specialisms for the Durham-based team, which frequently advises regional funds and family investment companies on equity investments; Alex Wilby is a key contact for such instructions. Transactional expert and ‘exceptional corporate solicitor‘ Martyn Tennant heads the overall practice and takes point on corporate restructuring mandates. Corporate finance specialist Craig Malarkey is recommended for his experience advising SME clients on solvent restructures, management buy-ins, and general M&A.