About
A highly experienced property lawyer, Philip specialises exclusively in commercial real estate matters and has a wide range of experience of all areas of non-contentious commercial property work. He has worked extensively for both landlords and tenants on all leasehold matters; investment work; real estate finance; and advising on the property elements of corporate acquisitions and disposals.As an example of Philip’s experience in the acquisition of business property and its subsequent management, over the past 10 years Philip has acted for one particular business in growing its property portfolio from approximately 30 sites to 200 (comprising retail, warehouse and offices) across the UK. This has included leading the Property team on individual and multi-site acquisitions; the leasehold management of those sites (work which involved the grant of leases; documenting lease-re-gears; statutory lease renewals; property disputes; alterations and dilapidations); and the disposal of sites.
Organisation
Content
Freeths advises Veriflo on its sale to Celnor Group
National law firm Freeths has advised the shareholders of Veriflo Limited on its sale to Celnor Group.
Freeths advises Oakford on sale to Centralis
National law firm Freeths has advised the shareholders of Oakford Advisors on its sale to Luxembourg-based Centralis.
Freeths introduces new Oxford service line with two new hires
National law firm Freeths has appointed Directors Caroline Benfield and Elizabeth Taylor, launching a new Restructuring and Insolvency offering in Oxford. They both join from Wright Hassall.
Freeths advises on high-profile broadband merger
The private equity group at national law firm Freeths has advised the Substantial Group management team, the ultra-fast full fibre broadband provider, on its merger with Brsk in a deal that marks the largest consolidation of alternative network providers.
Top 50 law firm Freeths announces B Corp accreditation
Freeths is proud to announce that as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and its wider ESG strategy it is now a certified B Corporation (“B Corp”).
Freeths Strengthens Employment, Pensions and Immigration Team with Eight New Lawyers
National leading law firm, Freeths LLP, has announced eight new appointments across its highly successful Employment, Pensions and Immigration practice led by Rena Magdani, as it continues to achieve outstanding record growth.
Freeths strengthen Employment offering with strategic appointment
National law firm Freeths has appointed Nicola Wallbank to head up the firm’s Oxford employment practice. Nicola joins from Julian Taylor Solicitors.
Freeths advises on sale of Microwave Amps
National law firm Freeths has advised the Founders of Microwave Amps on its sale to ScandiNova.
Freeths strengthens Bristol team with strategic senior promotions
National law firm Freeths has promoted Michael Bray and Lottie Hugo to senior positions within the Bristol team.
Freeths’ continues to expand leading UK private wealth offering with latest...
National law firm Freeths has strengthened its private wealth offering in the South East with the appointment of Mark Baker.
Freeths Senior Partner Philippa Dempster wins Law Firm Leader of the...
National law firm Freeths has celebrated a successful evening at the Law.com 2023 Awards which saw Freeths Senior Partner and London Managing Partner Philippa Dempster wins Law Firm Leader of the Year at Law.com Women, Influence, Power and Law Awards 2023
Freeths continues to bolster environmental services with senior hire
National law firm Freeths has further strengthened its market leading Planning and Environment Group with the appointment of director Ben Derrington in Bristol. Ben joins the team from Ashfords LLP.
Freeths strengthens regional Real Estate offering with strategic promotions
National leading law firm Freeths has promoted partners John Flathers, James Hart and Alice Dockar into regional leadership roles in the Northern, Midlands and Southern regions.
Freeths bolsters its Real Estate offering with strategic promotions
National leading law firm Freeths has promoted Partner James Hart to lead the real estate team across the Midlands region and Patrick Adie has also been named National Head of Housebuilding & Strategic Land.
Freeths appoints Chief Financial Officer as rapid growth continues
National leading law firm has appointed Gareth Jones as Chief Financial Officer to the Group. This follows another successful year for Freeths with increased turnover of 9.3 per cent to £112 million.
Freeths appoints new partner to lead its highly regarded Commercial Litigation practice in Oxford
National leading law firm Freeths has appointed Caroline Watson as head of the firm’s Oxford commercial litigation practice. She joins from Thrings LLP.
Freeths advises on development of Europe’s largest ever solar farm
The Botley West Solar Farm aims to generate enough power for up to 330,000 homes
Freeths announces array of senior promotions
National law firm Freeths is pleased to announce a number of senior promotions across its UK offices as part of the annual promotion round.
Freeths LLP win £25M VAT appeal against HMRC for Sintra Global
We spoke to Simon Ellis who represents Freeths LLP, who recently won a £25 million VAT appeal for Mr Malde of Sintra Global against HMRC.
Freeths continues UK expansion with new Liverpool office space
National leading law firm Freeths has announced the launch of a new office space at CEG’s Exchange Station in Liverpool following a period of record growth.
Freeths advises Btomorrow Ventures on its investment in Feel
National law firm Freeths has advised Btomorrow Ventures, the corporate venturing unit of British American Tobacco, on its investment in Feel, a digital health start-up.
£25m alcohol tax evasion ...
Court finds HMRC refused to consider evidence from taxpayer and took a ‘‘myopic’’ view of case.
Freeths advises Maven Capital Partners UK LLP on £3 million investment...
National law firm Freeths has advised Maven Capital Partners UK LLP, a leading UK-based private equity and investment firm with over £650 million of funds under management, on its £3 million investment in Bud Systems Limited.
Freeths continues to expand commercial offering with strategic hire
National leading law firm Freeths has bolstered support for business clients with the appointment of leading Commercial and Technology Consultant Mark Lumley. He joins from Knights plc.
Freeths advises on the sale of Motor Parts Direct
Freeths has advised Motor Parts Direct, a retailer of after-market car parts and accessories, on its £182m sale to South Africa’s leading automotive group Motus Holdings.
Freeths strengthens family law offering with partner hire
Leading national law firm, Freeths LLP, has strengthened its offering in the Southeast with the appointment of Partner Gavin Scott to lead the highly regarded family team in Oxford. This latest appointment will see Gavin expand the team, while working alongside colleagues nationally. With over 20 years’ experience, Gavin’s expertise spans all aspects of family law, […]
Freeths strengthens insurance offering with new Partner hire
Leading national law firm Freeths LLP has bolstered its insurance offering with the appointment of Dispute Resolution Partner, Nick Sutton in London. He joins from Fletcher Day and previously spent over 10 years at DWF. With almost 15 years’ experience, Nick specialises in legal risk management, dispute resolution, commercial litigation and arbitration in insurance law. […]
Freeths appoints new partner to its thriving intellectual property and media...
Leading national law firm Freeths has appointed Martin Noble as Intellectual Property (IP) and Media Partner as it continues to grow the practice nationally. He joins from Shakespeare Martineau. Martin has over 20 years’ experience advising businesses on a broad range of commercial matters, with a particular focus on intellectual property. His appointment will further […]
Freeths announces record financial results in 2022
Leading national law firm Freeths has today published its financial results for 2021/22, revealing a record performance for the year with turnover up by 9.3% to £112m. As one of the fastest growing UK firms, Freeths has delivered compound organic annual growth of c10% since 2015. Freeths’ continuing success is driven by the dedication and […]
Freeths launches Private Funds practice with new Partner hire
Leading national law firm Freeths LLP has established a new specialist Private Funds department in London with the appointment of Partner George Metcalfe. George joins from Simmons & Simmons. With more than 10 years’ experience, George has a particular focus on infrastructure, credit, private equity, venture capital, real estate and impact funds. He regularly advises […]
Government announces Freeths appointed to work on new compensation scheme for...
The lawyers that secured the landmark victory in exposing Britain’s largest miscarriage of justice will help hundreds of postmasters by supporting the design and implementation of a new scheme funded by the UK Government.
Ambush Marketing: Create a Buzz Without Getting Stung
Events draw huge publicity and ambush marketing is a way of associating your brand with an event without being the official sponsor, but the rules and regulations around ambush marketing have been tightened as organisers try to protect their sponsors’ investment. With the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games approaching, Freeths experts Simon Barker and Emma Bacon steer you through the opportunities and legal constraints of ambush marketing.
Working with Influencers webinar – 5th May 2022
Influencers are big business and they are here to stay. As influencer reach soars, regulators around the world are beginning to sit up and take note. What should influencers do to stay on the right side of the line? How can brands maximise the impact of influencer content whilst protecting their reputation? At Freeths we […]
Initiate Oxford – Freeths Bowling Tournament – 7th April
The Initiate Oxford Committee would like to invite you to our first annual Freeths Bowling Tournament taking place 7th April. Show off your competitive side striking down those pins and enjoy mingling with other professionals around the Oxfordshire area. Food and drink will be served to keep your energy levels up! Spaces are limited so […]
The strength to succeed
If I asked you to describe an Ironman triathlete, I doubt that you would immediately think of me. A 53 year old woman with a full time job as a lawyer managing the Oxford office of Freeths.
Networking Events for Women: Drinks and Nibbles at The Varsity Club
We’re delighted to invite you to our upcoming Networking Event for Women in the heart of Oxford. Join us at The Varsity Club to enjoy great conversations with likeminded entrepreneurs, professionals, business owners and leaders over delicious canapes and drinks. We hope to see you there. Date: 17th March Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm Register […]
Freeths’ Life Sciences Webinars
Two upcoming webinars brought to you by Freeths on the topic of Life Sciences.
New Leadership and Team Expansion for Freeths’ Highly Regarded Oxfordshire Private...
For 15 consecutive years Freeths’ Trust, Estate and Tax lawyers have secured a Tier 1 ranking in the UK’s leading legal directory, Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide. This recognises excellent client service, experience and expertise. Building on this, the highly regarded practice is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Lisa Mark Bell and Louise Lewis as new, joint heads of the Oxford Trust, Estates and Tax team.
Essential Estate Planning: Chase de Vere & Freeths event
Join this event on Thursday 20th January, 6.30pm to 7.45pm, covering perhaps the biggest misconception about estate planning: That it is the sole preserve of the wealthy.
Freeths Advises Centrica on investment in break-through hydrogen production technology
Freeths corporate team has advised its client, Centrica plc, on the acquisition of a minority stake in HiiROC Limited (“HiiROC”), the hydrogen production technology company helping to combat climate change with affordable hydrogen produced at scale but without CO2 emissions.
Freeths Advises Zertus on Acquisition of Sun Valley
Freeths corporate team has advised its client, Zertus UK on the acquisition of The Sun Valley Nut Company “Sun Valley” from the Hacking family, who founded the business in 1949, led by James Hacking.
Freeths responds to continued high demand for new housing
As the latest results published by the country’s leading housebuilders point to the rebound which followed the initial lockdown turning into a sustained demand for quality new homes nationwide, national law firm Freeths has announced further investment in its Residential Development Team.
Freeths Budget Comment
Whilst Autumn Budget 2021 announced a number of spending giveaways, it was relatively light on new tax measures. In particular, the much-feared increases to rates of capital gains tax, inheritance tax and self-employed national insurance contributions did not materialise. Also absent were new restrictions on pensions tax relief or the introduction of a wealth tax.
How to Build a Brand
On this episode of The Business Brunch, we are joined by guests Andrew Wilkinson, Managing Director of OWB Creative, Simon Barker, Partner and Head of IP & Media and Rhian Banks, Managing Associate IP & Media of Freeths as they discuss the key factors to consider when building a brand.
How to Build a Brand
When legal experts and creative minds work together, the perfect brand can be born! Hear from branding, media and legal experts on this episode of The Business Brunch.
How to Build a Brand
When legal experts and creative minds work together, the perfect brand can be born! Hear from branding, media and legal experts on this episode of The Business Brunch.
The Future for Young Professionals
Join members of B4’s Professional Services Hub as they chat about the future for young professionals and whether their careers may not pan out as they had envisaged due to the ‘new way’ of working.
The Future for Young Professionals
Join members of B4’s Professional Services Hub as they chat about the future for young professionals and whether their careers may not pan out as they had envisaged due to the ‘new way’ of working.
International Women’s Day – 8th March 2021
To celebrate International Women’s Day we ran two special editions of The Business Brunch as we were joined by a cross-section of inspirational women from the B4 community as they discussed their own personal experiences and challenges within the workplace, both positive and negative.
Will the post-COVID world be easier for women?
Join us in discussing whether female managers have lead more effectively during COVID-19 and whether women will flourish more in a post-COVID world as the business world takes a more flexible approach to work.
Will the post-COVID world be easier for women?
Join us in discussing whether female managers have lead more effectively during COVID-19 and whether women will flourish more in a post-COVID world as the business world takes a more flexible approach to work.
Freeths complete record 43 deals in 28 days in run up...
The national corporate practice at national law firm, Freeths LLP, completed 43 major transactions, with values from £1m to over £40m, in the run up to the budget.
The Past, Present, and Future
How have businesses dealt with the devastating effects of Covid and Brexit and what challenges and opportunities do businesses face in the future?
The Past, Present, and Future
Join us for Business Insights from some of Oxfordshire’s leading professional advisers as we take a look at what has passed, current situations, and what the future may hold for business.
The Past, Present, and Future
Join us for Business Insights from some of Oxfordshire’s leading professional advisers as we take a look at what has passed, current situations, and what the future may hold for business.
The 9 Building Blocks For Recovery
We’re definitely not out of the woods yet but we’re certainly in a position to start ‘cautiously’ planning for the future. Representatives from B4’s Professional Services Hub got together to discuss what advice they’re giving their clients to build the foundations for recovery and what they’re doing in their own businesses to get in shape to hit the ground running.
Freeths refreshes office portfolio
Over the past year, the move to agile working has been a great success for Freeths, and lockdown has shown our people do not have to be in the office every single day in order to deliver an excellent service to their clients, and to ensure business growth.
Overcoming Our Biggest Challenges
It’s been almost a year of turbulence, a year like no other, certainly a year none of us will ever forget. But, as days turned into weeks and the weeks turned into months, the realities of a new business world came into view. When would we see our colleagues again? Would we ever be together under the same roof? Can our business survive this? When B4 members from the Professional Services Hub got together recently, the stand out concern for them was the wellbeing of their colleagues.
B4 Embarks on National Expansion
B4, Oxfordshire’s leading business to business network, launched in 2006 and celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2021, has now launched nationally, providing businesses across the UK with fantastic opportunities to connect and secure excellent profile across B4’s growing digital audience.
B4 Leadership Interviews: Sarah Foster
B4 Leader Interviews with Alison Haill of Oxford Professional Consulting. Interview 4: Sarah Foster, Managing Partner, Freeths
B4 Professional Services Day
It’s B4 Professional Services Day at B4. So we’re highlighting some recent and not so recent articles and press releases posted by B4 members over the past year or so.
B4 Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Day
It’s B4 Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Day at B4. So we’re highlighting some recent and not so recent articles and press releases posted by B4 members over the past year or so.
B4 Professional Services Day
It’s Professional Services Day at B4 so we’re highlighting some recent and not so recent articles and press releases posted by B4 members over the past year or so.
Corona Virus – Is your supply chain affected?
It will not have escaped the attention of most readers that the world’s largest manufacturing territory is currently undergoing an outbreak of a virulent and deadly virus.
A Freethinking approach to separation
With the start of a new decade, for many it is a time to reflect on their life and changes they want to make for the future.
Autumn promotions announced at Freeths
Freeths’ Oxford office is pleased to announce the recent promotion of two of its Managing Associates, Charlotte Digby and Sally Goodger.
Freeths LLP celebrates another year of ‘Top Tier’ rankings for its...
This month, The Legal 500 (the Clients’ Guide to the UK Legal Profession) 2021 edition published results on recommended UK law firms. Freeths Oxford, yet again, has received stellar reviews and has been ranked in the top tier of law firms in the south east in seven of its practice areas: Family Law; Contentious Trusts & Probate; Private client (Personal Tax, Trusts & Probate); Clinical Negligence (claimant); Agriculture and Rural Estates; Charities; and Professional Negligence.
Corporate legal eagle promoted to partner
Freeths is pleased to announce that Malin Svanberg Larsson has been promoted to Partner with effect from 1 June 2020.
Preparing to Return to Business as (Un)usual – Road Maps to...
Many businesses were left confused by the Prime Minister’s recent address with regard to how and when they should facilitate the new plan for workers to return to the workplace unless they can work from home. However, the guidance is that employers should start taking steps to ensure the workplace is “Covid Secure” for their workers to return.
Positive Steps with Christopher Sing of Freeths
1. Time to think: Being unchained from desk means I can use different spaces for different types of work. I am at my ‘normal’ office desk in the house to do complex drafting without distractions…if I’m thinking creatively I can go for a walk or sit in the garden.
Without a good lawyer, dealing with a commercial dispute can be...
International fleet telematics company, Masternaut, was developing a technological solution for insurers which included claim management and fraud detection services. Their plan was to integrate standard telematics equipment with a hosted Software-as-a-Service application and an end-user app for drivers. They worked with a specialist developer/supplier which was to receive ‘milestone payments’ as certain technological milestones were reached.
Positive Steps with Eleanor Arscott of Freeths
1. We have a weekly Family Wealth team magazine which has been great at keeping spirits high – it’s more about personal experiences like baking and great walks.
Positive steps with Ben Filmer of Freeths
Team Working. At first, it felt like a big change that we were no longer going to be in an office environment with colleagues in shouting distance for any queries.
Positive steps with Kelly Sawyer of Freeths Oxford
1. Excitement of starting a new job – I finished with my previous employer in March and then subsequently joined Freeths at the end of April.
Positive Steps with Philip Gray, Partner at Freeths
1. Having left a firm after 20 years and joining Freeths during lockdown, you might think that this could pose a unique set of problems. Completely the opposite as whilst I have only very recently “physically” met my new colleagues after 3 months, the firm’s switch to online induction and the incredibly positive and warm welcome from all my new colleagues via Zoom; Teams; online drinks and quizzes, I have felt far more integrated within my new home than I ever thought was possible back at the end of March.
Positive Steps with Claudia Lacey of Freeths
1. Charitable and social initiatives: Despite being physically separated, the Freeths Charity and Social Committee has been extremely active; we have kept the Freeths community spirit high through organising a variety of virtual social initiatives such as Zoom quizzes, Microsoft Teams lunches and a firm-wide monthly book club!
Freeths celebrates top rankings in Chambers HNW Guide 2020
Freeths LLP has received outstanding reviews in this year’s publication of the Chambers High Net Worth Guide with five ranked individuals and fantastic regional rankings.
Positive Steps to Recovery With… Freeths Head of Corporate, Leon Arnold
1. I have met, started and completed transactions with clients that I’ve never met in person.
Positive Steps to Recovery With… Freeths Oxford Managing Partner, Sarah Foster
1. We opened the office this week and although we have a capacity of 20%, it’s a great opportunity for me to get around and speak to everyone and find out how they are.
Freeths solicitors expands its real estate team with new hires
Freeths is delighted to announce it has recruited two property lawyers into its highly regarded Oxfordshire commercial property team.
Freeths solicitors expands its real estate team with new hires
Freeths is delighted to announce it has recruited two property lawyers into its highly regarded Oxfordshire commercial property team.
Freeths solicitors expands its highly regarded family wealth practice with new...
Freeths is delighted to announce the recruitment of two senior private client specialists into its Oxfordshire family wealth practice.
Freeths solicitors expands its highly regarded family wealth practice with new...
Freeths is delighted to announce the recruitment of two senior private client specialists into its Oxfordshire family wealth practice.
Protect yourself and your duties as a director
As the chaos caused by the coronavirus outbreak continues to impair global markets, creating unprecedented challenges that may prove to rival the 2008 financial crisis, directors are having to consider not only how to cope with the immediate effects on their business, such as supply chain disruption and employee retention, but also the potential long-term implications of their decisions.
How to attract & retain Gen Z & Millennials in Oxfordshire...
We all know Oxfordshire is a great place to live and work, however, sometimes this city loses its younger generation, in this case we will be focussing on Generation Z and Millennials, to the likes of London, Bristol or the cheaper countryside.
How can a will prepared during the Coronavirus pandemic be challenged?
In the last few months, life as we know it has changed beyond recognition. Coronavirus has taken hold in the UK and it has left many people scrambling to get their affairs in order.
One of the UK’s leading family lawyers is appointed a Deputy...
After a rigorous interviewing process that started in March 2019 and involved various screening tests and interviews, Rachael Oakes, Partner and National Joint Head of Freeths’ highly regarded UK Family Wealth Practice has been appointed Deputy District Judge and will sit on the Midland Circuit.
Freeths solicitors expands its highly regarded family wealth practice with new...
Freeths is delighted to announce the recruitment of two senior private client specialists into its Oxfordshire family wealth practice.
The family wealth practice at Freeths is ranked in the Top Tier of private client teams in the UK for its expertise by the UK leading legal directories; Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500.
Legal aspects of managing employees, furlough and future-planning through COVID-19 with...
Employment Law Partner, Kevin Poulter, will discuss employment law aspects of COVID-19, updates to government policies you need to know about and how to manage your employees at this uncertain time.
Is there a missing link in your chain? With Rebecca Howlett...
Freeths’ Commercial Partner, Rebecca Howlett, will be discussing how your supply chains and commercial contracts may be impacted through these uncertain times.
Freeths Corona Virus help page
Since the first indications of the potential impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak on international trade, Freeths have been advising our clients on how to manage that impact within their business.
New management team reflects growth and success of firm
Freeths announced today a new management team, effective 1 April 2020, following the retirement of Peter Smith, Chief Executive, at the end of this financial year after 20 years in the role.
Oxford’s Place in the Global Market. An evening with Lord Digby...
Business leaders representing leading global companies based in Oxfordshire recently attended an evening dinner with Lord Digby Jones.
A Freethinking approach to separation
With the start of a new decade, for many it is a time to reflect on their life and changes they want to make for the future.
A Little Freethinking Delivers Results
It has been another successful year for Oxford’s freethinking law firm, Freeths. Over the past year the firm continued investing in its legal teams with the recruitment of 9 additional lawyers to help meet demand for legal advice and support from businesses and private individuals in Oxfordshire.
If you are going to divorce, why not have a balanced...
The cost and stress of divorce is often a big worry for people. The horror stories of expensive divorces in the press, often for the rich and famous, can give a very distorted view about the financial options available for people who are separating.
Another tournament in the back of the net
On a summer’s afternoon on the 8th August, Freeths Solicitors’ Annual Football Tournament was under way. This year saw the tournament grow to 20 teams with over 170 people attending, which made for one big BBQ, all in aid of charity.
Development & Growth
Demand for innovative legal solutions from Freeths Solicitors has resulted in a record year of development and growth for this leading law firm.
International Women’s Day event OXFORD – #BalanceforBetter
Celebrated annually on March 8th, the theme for International Women’s Day 2019 is #BalanceforBetter which focuses on driving gender equality across the globe.
Are you still the best owner of your Business assets?
At the time of writing Brexit looms large on the horizon, with businesses working to protect themselves from the potential negative effects should there be a “no deal” exit.