2006 was a highly significant year for Leathes Prior. The restructure of the practice as a commercial and private client firm was completed with the acquisition of additional premises in Tombland to house the expanding corporate team.

The firm has experienced significant growth in a number of key areas attracting high profile commercial clients such as the Kingswood Group.

Head of corporate, Paul Warman, has dealt with an increased volume of work for local, national and international clients and increasingly for transactions in the £5m-£15m range.

Substantial client gains include Cheminova and Jack Richards & Son Limited and Knowles (Transport) Limited, two of the regions largest haulage companies. An important Partner acquisition is Peter Sheppard, previously of local firm Hayes & Storr who has further strengthened the corporate team.

Jonathan Chadd and Mike Barlow have expanded the firm's internationally recognised franchising and intellectual property practice, acting for a range of new franchisor clients and assisting in the expansion of established franchised businesses, clients include National Schoolwear Centres Plc (now with 58 outlets) and food concepts Kono Pizza and Olio & Farina. The firm has also assisted a number of Budgens retailers as a part of a national investment programme.

Dan Chapman has established himself as one of the leading employment lawyers in the region, and has gained a substantial volume of employment work from new clients, including Norwich's Theatre Royal and the Kingswood Group.

The firm's insolvency department is now acknowledged as the leading practice in Norfolk and Suffolk. Department Head, Frank Brumby, has secured the refocusing of the practice on corporate insolvency, with a significant increase in transaction volume and number of business sales arising from administration liquidation and receivership.

Commercial property Head, Rob Sibley continues to advise on increasingly high value transactions across a wide range of developments. 2006 saw the appointment of another associate to further strengthen the team.

The firm's dispute resolution department, headed by Martin Plowman, saw a significant increase in transactions and revenue, which included franchise clients and cross-border disputes for a variety of commercial clients.

Martin Plowman and Mike Barlow continue to enjoy a reputation for resolving complex commercial disputes, including disputes with an international dimension.

Taken from article by Chris Starkie, EDP.

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