Demand for business legal services from a leading law firm has increased by one third during the past year, it said.
Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors has reported the year-on-year rise in new work for businesses across Cumbria and Northumberland, and throughout the UK.
Sam Lyon, head of corporate and commercial for Cartmell Shepherd, said: “The past 12 months has been a challenging time for many businesses, and we’re pleased we’ve been able to help clients navigate this difficult period.”
Sam has spent most of his legal career advising both large and small businesses, as well as holding a number of board and executive roles in business.
Cartmell Shepherd’s business services team currently stands at 21 people across commercial property, corporate and commercial, dispute resolution, employment and HR, and agribusiness.
During the pandemic, the commercial property team has completed a large volume of deals including the £2.2 million sale of a residential development site with title issues, and the purchase of a £9.5 million commercial investment building which was concluded in three weeks.
The corporate and commercial team, headed up by Sam, has dealt with transactions including the sale of a manufacturing company to a national acquirer within a challenging two week timescale, and advising on the corporate vehicle for a £2 million joint venture scheme in Cumbria.
The employment department, led by Cartmell Shepherd director Joanne Stronach, has advised a range of businesses including owner-run SMEs to UK-wide enterprises, through workforce restructures and strategic resource planning as a result of the pandemic, as well as providing support for clients accessing Government funding such as the furlough scheme.
All three teams have also worked closely together on transactions, including the sale of a hotel during lockdown.
The dispute resolution team adapted quickly to an increase in remote court hearings, the firm said.
They have dealt with cases in the High Court and assisted both landlords and tenants of commercial properties with difficulties in rental payments, including a case with arrears of more than £200,000.
Cartmell Shepherd plans to further grow its business services team by recruiting additional commercial property and employment lawyers in order to meet the increasing demand for its services.
