Real Estate Archives

Tees delighted to announce Partner promotion

Posted on 24 February 202529 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Tees is pleased to announce the promotion of Alex Waples to Partner within the Commercial and Agricultural Property team with effect from 1st April 2025.

Alex has been with the firm for 10 years, joining in 2015. During that time Alex has shown exceptional legal skills and an unwavering dedication to client success, particularly for agricultural landowning clients including individuals, partnerships, corporate entities as well as landed estates. Alex is also a key part of the firm’s renewable energy team and has led the team to great success with some noteworthy accolades.

Alex Waples is based out of the Cambridge office but covers a wide reach across the East of England. Alex specialises in sales and acquisitions of farms and agricultural land, acting for both landowners and developers on renewable energy transactions, acting mainly for landowners on strategic land development schemes and advising on farming partnership agreements.

Recent work highlights include:

Acting for one of the world’s largest renewable developers on a 50MW co-located solar and battery storage scheme.
Acting as primary solicitor on a 3,000-acre solar and battery Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) for 9 landowners.
Acting on a farm purchase to consortium buyers with overage provisions and a headline sale price more than £9m.
Acting for a landowner in the sale of a fully consented residential development site in excess of £18m.
Acting for a developer in the acquisition of a residential development site with a gross development value more than £20m.

Alex studied Law at the University of East Anglia and completed his LPC at BPP University in Cambridge in 2015, the same year he joined Tees.

Senior Partner, Catherine Mowat, expressed her enthusiasm, saying:

“I am absolutely delighted to welcome Alex to the Partnership at Tees. Over the past decade, Alex has become an invaluable member of our Commercial and Agricultural Property team, earning a reputation as a trusted expert in his field.

Alex embodies the qualities we seek in a Partner—proactive, highly knowledgeable, and approachable. His leadership and dedication to excellence set him apart, and I look forward to seeing his continued success and contributions to the firm.”

Alex shared his excitement about the new role, stating:

“I am truly honoured to join the Partnership at Tees. My approach has always been to put my clients first—understanding their priorities and being readily available to support them, no matter the issue.

I look forward to building on our strong Commercial and Agricultural Property team and continuing the growth of our renewable energy specialism, further enhancing our offering, and continuing to help our clients achieve their goals. This is an incredibly exciting chapter, and I cannot wait to get started.”

Tees has also announced seven other senior staff promotions across the firm: two to Senior Associate and five to Associate.

Promoted to Senior Associate

Ana James-Pittau (Dispute Resolution & Litigation – Chelmsford)
Sarah Stocker (Medical Negligence – Cambridge)

Promoted to Associate

Amanda Johnston (Medical Negligence – Bishop’s Stortford)
Georgina Wade (Medical Negligence – Bishop’s Stortford)
James Murray (Tax Team, Private Client – Bishop’s Stortford)
Kirsten Vincent (Residential Property – Brentwood)
Sophie Shirley (Private Client – Cambridge)

CIL liability and pre-commencement conditions: What developers need to know

Posted on 8 November 202418 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Development in breach of pre-commencement conditions cannot attract CIL.

There have been a series of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) appeal decisions which suggest that CIL can be levied on development carried out in breach of pre-commencement conditions and therefore without planning permission (appeal references 3346994, 3330866, 3319897, 12001570). Such an approach is clearly unlawful and open to challenge.

Why does this matter?

From a developer’s perspective, this can deprive them of the chance to secure CIL reliefs thereby significantly increasing the cost of development. From a charging authority’s perspective, when a court eventually quashes such a CIL charge, they will need to repay any CIL collected in these circumstances and may also face claims from developers seeking damages for the lost opportunity to secure CIL reliefs.

Legal Context

CIL is a tax charged on new development in accordance with the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 (the Regulations). The Regulations are what is known as ‘secondary legislation’ and, in this case, authorised by Part 11 of the Planning Act 2008 (the PA2008).

Before briefly summarising the relevant provisions of the PA2008 and the Regulations, it is important to note three fundamental and legal principles:

Firstly, secondary legislation (such as the Regulations) cannot have an effect outside the scope of its parent act (R (Public Law Project) v Lord Chancellor [2016] UKSC 39).
Secondly, there can be no taxation without the clear authority of parliament. That authority must either be express (i.e. expressly set out in an Act of Parliament) or necessarily implicit in such an act. However, a power to tax can only be implied in very rare circumstances. As the court noted in the case of Attorney General v Wilts United Dairies Ltd (1922) 38 T.L.R. 781: “the circumstances would be remarkable indeed which would induce the Court to believe that the Legislature had sacrificed all the well-known checks and precautions, and, not in express words, but merely by implication, had entrusted a Minister of the Crown with undefined and unlimited powers of imposing charges upon the subject for purposes connected with his department”.
Thirdly, development carried out in breach of pre-commencement conditions “is not development to which the permission relate[s]” (R v Elmbridge Borough Council, ex parte Health Care Corporation Ltd [1991] 3 PLR 63) and cannot lawfully commenced an authorised development (F. G. Whitley & Sons v Secretary of State for Wales (1992) 64 P. & C.R. 296).

Turning then to the actual statutory provisions for CIL. The PA2008 (as the parent act) is very specific about the scope of CIL and the content of the Regulations (emphasis added):

CIL is a charge designed to “ensure that costs incurred in supporting the development of an area can be funded … by owners or developers of land” (s. 205)
The Regulations must provide that liability to pay CIL is triggered “when development is commenced in reliance on planning permission” (ss. 208 (3) & (4))
The Regulations may provide for liability to pay CIL where development commences without planning permission (s. 208(7)). NB: this is a power to make appropriate provisions in the Regulations. Unlike ss. 208 (3) & (4) it is not a duty to do so.

The above are correctly carried forward to the Regulations (emphasis added):

CIL is levied on ‘chargeable development’ (Regulations, Schedule 1). Chargeable Development is defined at Regulation 9 as “the development for which planning permission is granted”.
The duty to pay CIL “in respect of a chargeable development” is triggered on either the intended date of commencement (where a Commencement Notice has been served) (Reg 70), or (where development has commenced without a Commencement Notice being served) on the deemed commencement date (Reg 71).

Notably and despite the power available at s. 208(7) of the PA2008, there is no express provisions within the Regulations for CIL to be charged against development commenced without a planning permission. The parliamentary draftsman will have been well aware of the power at s. 208(7), hence a court will assume that in approving the Regulations, Parliament did not intend the Regulations to apply to development without planning permission.

The effect of the above is that the correct interpretation of the law is:

CIL attaches to development with planning permission (Regulation 9 definition of ‘chargeable development which correctly gives effect to PA2008, ss. 208(3) & (4))
Liability to pay CIL is triggered when development with planning permission is ‘commenced’ (Regulations 70 & 71 correctly giving effect to PA2008 ss 208(3) & (4)).
CIL does not attach to development without planning permission (there is no express provision within the Regulations, and there is no reason to imply such an effect into the Regulations).
Development in breach of pre-commencement conditions does not benefit from planning permission. Therefore, it cannot attract CIL.

The upshot of the above, is that any attempt to levy CIL for development in breach of pre-commencement conditions is unlawful. Where CIL has been collected in these circumstances, and unless further development in accordance with the permission has taken place triggering CIL, the charging authority may need to pay it back (Regulation 75). In addition, if as a result of the charging authority’s unlawful approach to CIL, the developer was unable to apply for CIL reliefs, the charging authority may be liable in damages.

If you have any questions about CIL liability, our planning law specialists would be delighted to help you.

Tees are here to help

We have many specialist lawyers who are based in:

Cambridgeshire: Cambridge
Essex: Brentwood, Chelmsford, and Saffron Walden
Hertfordshire: Bishop’s Stortford and Royston

But we can help you wherever you are in England and Wales.

UK commercial real estate shows strong performance, says BNP Paribas

Posted on 16 October 202418 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Investor sentiment has improved, with sterling continuing to strengthen, reaching its highest level against the dollar and the euro in over two years. This helps to attract overseas investors and boost UK weightings in global real estate allocations.

Performance is recovering too and total returns were positive across all main sectors over the last three months – the first time this has been the case in over two years. It is important to note, however, that this recovery is expected to be gradual as investors and the market continue to find their feet.

Etienne Prongué, CEO of BNP Paribas Real Estate commented, “UK real estate data continues to be reassuring. The trajectory for capital value is now positive across all property types and confirms the UK market is further along in its recovery than the rest of Europe. With the development pipeline remaining constrained and business surveys continuing to point to expansion, our forecast for prime office returns point to continuing UK outperformance over the next five years.”

Modest recovery for retail

The latest data from Colliers indicates that the retail market is showing signs of modest recovery.

In capital markets, retail investment volumes increased to £200m in August. Although this is above the £150m reported in July, it is still significantly lower than the five-year monthly average for August, which stands at £660m. The largest single-asset transaction in August came from JP Morgan, who bought 291 Oxford Street for £70m at a 5.8% yield.

In occupier markets, retails sales volumes increased by 2.5% annually in August but are still below pre-pandemic levels. Meanwhile, annual retail price inflation was at 3.5% in August, having lowered to 2.9% in June. Also, retails rents have risen for 22 consecutive months.

Positive sentiment from Savills

According to Savills, there seems to be a more positive sentiment in the UK commercial market.

All sectors saw yields trend downwards or stay the same in August. Investment research firm MSCI reported that total returns were positive across the whole UK commercial market. The only sector displaying a yearly negative return was offices; however, Savills expects this sector to pick up and return to positive territory in Q1 2025. Future supply is very limited, which will cause prime rents to keep increasing.

The UK dominated European activity in H1 of this year, with a 29% share of investment volumes – 24% above the five-year average. There has been a notable increase in activity from French SCPI (Société Civile de Placement Immobilier) collective funds, who are investing in UK regional markets.

It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this document is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice and the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. It does not provide individual tailored investment advice and is for guidance only. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK. We cannot assume legal liability for any errors or omissions it might contain. Levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation are those currently applying or proposed and are subject to change; their value depends on the investor’s individual circumstances. No part of this document may be reproduced in any manner without prior permission.

All details are correct at the time of writing (16 October 2024)

Tees are here to help

We have many specialist lawyers who are based in:

Cambridgeshire: Cambridge
Essex: Brentwood, Chelmsford, and Saffron Walden
Hertfordshire: Bishop’s Stortford and Royston

But we can help you wherever you are in England and Wales.

Legal support by Tees secures Lease for Cambridge’s first indoor skatepark

Posted on 30 September 202427 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Tees are proud to be supporting Cam Skate on a pro-bono basis in their taking of a lease of Cambridge’s first-ever indoor skatepark.

The 850 sq. m. Coldham’s Lane building is owned by Railpen, a leading pension fund manager for the UK railway industry, and has been left unused for several years.

Cam Skate wishes to bring skating enthusiasts together for the creation of a new community facility, offering a leisure activity that is its first for the city.

Paul Elbro, Director at Cam Skate said: “I went to my first ‘With Purpose Network’ in-person networking evening in November 2023. In the ‘speed dating’ session between businesses and community groups, I met Sarah Coates, Partner at Tees, who listened to my hurried pitch about Cam Skate’s indoor skatepark project and kindly offered to review, pro bono, the lease documentation for the warehouse venue from our prospective landlord when the time was right.”

In May 2024, we received the lease documentation, and both Sarah and Charlotte Hamilton, a solicitor on Sarah’s team, did a very thorough review of the lease for us, all pro bono, and supported us through to signing the lease at the end of July.

We are hugely grateful to Tees, and the With Purpose Network, for the amazing support with our project!”

Sarah Coates, Partner of the Commercial Property team said: “It is incredibly difficult for community organisations who are just starting out or who are struggling with funding demands to access good quality legal support. This is an issue Tees recognises and is keen to do what it can to ease the burden on organisations that do such good work in our communities. We are delighted to have been able to assist.”

Cambridge’s first community indoor skatepark ‘The Warehouse’ opened this weekend on Sunday 29 September. Tees’ Commercial Property team in Cambridge would like to thank Rachel Hales at With Purpose Network who helped facilitate the meeting between Tees and Cam Skate.

2024 Commercial property: Flexibility, sustainability, shifts

Posted on 24 June 202427 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Commercial property trends 2024

According to PropertyWire, flexibility, sustainability, and diversification are key trends in the commercial property market so far this year.

Flexible workspaces are increasingly in demand, reflecting the shift to hybrid working since the pandemic. Co-working spaces, quality buildings, and adaptable offices, as well as those in prime locations, are more popular.

Sustainability continues to be a priority, prompting landlords and developers to adopt eco-friendly practices. Eden, a new sustainable office space in Salford, is one of the developments leading the way. The 12-storey, 115,000 sq. ft. building was designed to meet net-zero targets. Features include air-source heat pumps, a rainwater harvesting system, and energy-efficient lifts.

Logistics and distribution centres are in demand due to the upturn in e-commerce. As the online retail market grows, high street units have to diversify their offering to become more than just shops; some are now incorporating experiences, entertainment and restaurants.

London lacking big deals

According to Savills, April was another quiet month for the City investment market.

At the end of April, the year-to-date turnover was £474.3m across 25 deals – 77% down on the previous year and 79% lower than the five-year average. Interestingly, the number of deals was only 18% less than the five-year average, indicating that fewer larger deals bring down the turnover volumes. The City has not had a deal above £100m so far this year.

With a muted market, Savills believes investors could use this opportunity to take advantage of reduced competition, commenting, ‘It seems the time is ripe for investors to act on big-ticket deals in London. By making the most of the market dynamics, unlocking undervalued assets, and harnessing historical insights, investors can position themselves to take advantage of this ever-evolving market landscape.’

Industrial and retail outperforming the office sector

CBRE’s monthly index for April highlights a positive outlook for the retail and industrial sector, while the office market is experiencing some challenges.

The report found that, in April, retail capital values increased by 0.1%; standard shops were a key driver of this, recording 0.2% capital growth. Also, retail warehouse capital values rose by 0.1% and for the first time since April 2023, shopping centre values did not decrease.

As for the industrial sector, capital values were up 0.3% in April, with the South East region performing particularly well compared to the rest of the UK.

The office sector did not fare so well, with total returns at -0.1%. Capital values of Outer London/M25 offices fell by 1.2%, causing a monthly decrease of 0.6% overall. However, office rental values did increase by 0.1%.

Jennet Siebrits, Head of UK Research at CBRE, reflected, “Industrial and retail performance is a source of optimism for UK real estate investors. Both sectors exhibit steady rental growth, particularly industrial and have reported positive total returns every month in 2024.”

All details are correct at the time of writing (19 June 2024)

Tees are here to help

We have many specialist lawyers who are based in:

Cambridgeshire: Cambridge
Essex: Brentwood, Chelmsford, and Saffron Walden
Hertfordshire: Bishop’s Stortford and Royston

But we can help you wherever you are in England and Wales.

Tees to sponsor new award at Eastern Echo Awards

Posted on 13 May 202429 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Tees Law is set to sponsor a brand-new award for Responsible Employer of the Year at the Eastern Echo Awards. Now in their third year, the awards will take place on the evening of Wednesday, 26 June, in Cambridge to celebrate the best of the East of England’s property industry.

The black-tie event will be attended by leaders from across the property sector and country, with our very own Commercial Property team due to attend to present the new award.

Tees is a top-tier Legal 500 commercial property firm. Our clients include national and international investors, trusts and pension funds, national retailers, trading companies, local authorities, private and public healthcare providers, schools, and colleges. Tees is also a national panel member of the NFU (covering Hertfordshire, Essex and Suffolk) – one of only 16 law firms on the panel. This is a recognition of the outstanding quality of our service and expert knowledge of both agricultural law and a broad range of legal services for families and businesses.

Partner and head of Commercial Property in Cambridge, Sarah Coates, said: “Responsible business strategy is at the heart of Tees Law and in one of the most unequal cities in the UK, where there is still so much focus on the need for growth and development, it is essential that this remains the case. Tees Law is proud to be sponsoring this award and give others a platform to showcase their efforts to ensure “good growth” in the city.”

New for 2024, the award for Responsible Employer of the Year is being sponsored by Tees and organisers asked to hear from a company/consultant/project team that can demonstrate how successful it has been in delivering a responsible business strategy. Measurables were to include how businesses incorporated innovation, adoption of social responsibility, engagement in the local community, approach to the environment and governance or feedback from clients or a supply chain on the approach taken to do responsible business.

Excitingly, the shortlisted teams and individuals have now been announced following submissions from leading professionals.

(Responsible) Employer of the Year (sponsored by Tees)

Gen Two Real Estate
KMC Transport Planning
Lanpro Services
RG Carter
Saunders Boston Architects

The Eastern Echo Awards is targeted at projects, people, and places across the East of England and will be judged by a panel with extensive experience and knowledge. The panel covers a range of property sectors, including office, industrial, retail, life science, and residential.

The design of the awards itself is responsible, considering the need to reduce carbon footprint. The event’s location is deliberately near public transport, and digital ticketing is implemented to limit the use of paper.

Managing Director Matthew Battle at the UK Property Forums, who is organising this event, said: “The quality and range of projects submitted this year have been truly impressive, and we have easily exceeded last year’s total of entrants. This has ensured that the judges had their work cut out.

“The competition is very strong. Entries have come from all corners of the East for the 12 awards which will be up for grabs at a black-tie awards night dinner on 26 June at Homerton College, Cambridge.

“One notable feature of this year’s submissions is the wide-ranging geographical locations many have come from, including Stevenage, Welwyn, Norwich, Peterborough and Cambridge.”

All shortlisted businesses and projects can be viewed online: https://ukpropertyforums.com/shortlist-unveiled-for-eastern-echo-awards/

The judges have been busy looking at submissions that cover the 12 months of 2023 and have organised site visits to assess progress. We look forward to attending Homerton College in Cambridge in June to see who is awarded on the night and network with fellow commercial property professionals.

Commercial property market review April 2024

Posted on 8 May 202424 April 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Commercial property market update

Latest research from Cluttons indicates that vacancy rates hit 4.1% at the end of 2023 – up from 3.8% in September.

This is partly due to e-commerce activity remaining strong and the demand for buildings to meet net zero standards. Vacancies are expected to keep increasing as supply continues to be released into the market.

Meanwhile, rental growth is easing across the UK; at the end of last year, the annual growth of asking rents in London was 3.5% – significantly less than the peak of 10% in Q2 of 2022. Experts hope this slowdown will cause the commercial property market in the capital to pick up. Industrial yields are more stable, rising above 4% in London and 6.9% in Manchester. Industrial equivalent yields have risen to 6.5% across the UK, which will likely bring in investors.

Retrofitting older buildings

With industry standards rising, investors and occupiers in the UK logistics market face pressure to retrofit older properties to keep up with the high quality of new builds. If older buildings are not improved, they risk being unusable in the coming years.

The report states that the ‘flight to quality of demand has, inevitably, started to weigh on the letting prospects of older, poorer-quality second-hand stock.’

With the government intent on decarbonising the economy, the focus on Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) and Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) have risen to prominence across all sectors of the commercial property market.

By 2027, the minimum EPC rating for existing commercial properties will be C, a building rating below this will be considered unsaleable and unlettable. While a few years later, in 2033, standards are likely to tighten (currently under consultation), applying to any property with an EPC rating under B. The report summarises, ‘While landlords will be wary of the tightening standards, retrofitting provides an excellent opportunity to meet these standards and future-proof warehouse assets.’

Major London skyscraper now 95% let

The flagship London office scheme of AXA IM Alts – 22 Bishopsgate – is now 95% let.

AXA IM Alts, on behalf of multiple investors, owns the state-of-the-art building near Liverpool Street. A global software company, UiPath, and a London-based service provider have both signed 10-year leases totalling 35,495 sq. ft.

Completed in 2020, 22 Bishopsgate has not appeared to suffer from the shift to flexible working, as AXA IM Alts say they are heading towards full occupancy. The investment managers reported that ‘leasing momentum at the building has remained robust’ – in the past year, around 112,000 sq. ft. of space has been leased, and there is strong interest in the 70,000 sq. ft. that remains vacant.

Hilton enters luxury lifestyle market

Hilton has made their first move into the luxury lifestyle market by acquiring a majority controlling interest in Sydell Group, owner of NoMad hotels.

Hilton reportedly aims to develop up to 100 NoMad hotels internationally, with 10 sites already in advanced discussion stages with Sydell. Hilton will lead the development of NoMad hotels, while Sydell will remain responsible for branding, design and management.

As part of the deal, Hilton will take control of the NoMad’s flagship hotel in London, situated in London’s Bow Street Magistrates Court building.

Chris Silcock, President of global Brands and Commercial Services for Hilton, commented, “By pairing an already proven brand concept that’s ready for expansion with the power of Hilton’s commercial engine, we are accelerating our ability to drive growth in the luxury lifestyle segment.”

This acquisition is part of Hilton’s plans to expand globally; earlier this year, the firm partnered with Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), an association that inspects and verifies a curated collection of boutique accommodations. Hilton said they expect to increase their portfolio of luxury properties to 600-700 over the next few years.

All details are correct at the time of writing (17 April 2024)

It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this document is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice and the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. It does not provide individual tailored investment advice and is for guidance only. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK. We cannot assume legal liability for any errors or omissions it might contain. Levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation are those currently applying or proposed and are subject to change; their value depends on the individual circumstances of the investor. No part of this document may be reproduced in any manner without prior permission.

Solar farm development

Posted on 7 May 202427 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Tees provides legal support to a landowner

Solar farms have become popular for landowners to generate income from their land and are part of the growing renewable energy sector. However, the process of setting up a solar farm can be complex. This case study highlights the importance of seeking legal support when developing renewable energy infrastructure to ensure that all necessary legal and regulatory requirements are met and to mitigate the risk of any disputes arising during the term of the lease.

If you are considering starting a renewable energy project on your land or have been approached about renewable energy development, it’s vital that you seek expert legal advice to ensure you protect your interests.

Alex Waples, senior associate lawyer, and the Tees renewable energy team acted for a landowner who wanted to install a solar farm on their land. Tees undertook due diligence to identify potential issues with the proposed site, negotiated and completed the lease and any necessary easements, and provided ongoing advice throughout the term of the lease.

Due diligence

Alex and the renewable energy team undertook a detailed review of the title documents, as well as a detailed review of various searches commissioned against the proposed solar farm site.

The purpose of the review is to identify any potential issues. For example, a parcel of land may be burdened with a historic covenant preventing the building of a structure in, over, or under the parcel of land in question. Any such covenant could significantly affect the site’s efficacy, and various design changes may need to be made to accommodate it.

Option agreements and lease negotiation

Alongside due diligence, the early stages of a transaction involve negotiating and exchanging an option for the lease and for any required easements.

Alex provided legal assistance in drafting the option agreement that granted the solar farm company the right to lease the land to install solar panels. He and the renewable energy team also negotiated the lease terms on behalf of the landowner, reviewing and drafting the lease agreement to ensure that it complied with relevant laws and regulations and represented the client’s best interests.

Once the funding is secured and the site is satisfactorily viable, the options are triggered, and the transaction can proceed to installation. The lease must afford sufficient solar farm installation rights, including access to neighbouring land.

Completion of the lease and easements

With funding, Alex arranged for the options to be triggered and completed the lease and the necessary easements. With the lease and easements in place, the installation of the solar farm could start.

Ongoing advice

During the lease term, The Tees legal team was available to provide ongoing legal advice. Tees’ dispute and resolution team provided tailored advice on exercising the tenant’s rights. They can advise on triggering any option to renew the lease or, alternatively, deal with any transaction whereby the tenant wishes to dispose of their interest in the solar farm, that is, by way of assignment.

If any disputes arise during the lease term, the dispute resolution team will provide expert advice to achieve the most commercially practical outcome.

If you are considering or if you have been approached about renewable energy development, contact our expert legal specialist today.

Tees solicitors celebrate Agricultural Law Association fellowships

Posted on 22 February 202429 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Two of Tees’ Agricultural team Alexander Waples and Chris Claxton-Shirley have recently achieved Fellowship of the Agricultural Law Association (ALA).

The Agricultural Law Association is the UK’s largest inter-professional organisation devoted to the law and business of the countryside.

The course included topics such as property, tax, regulatory issues, and important legal issues that affect farmers and rural business across England and Wales. Gaining Fellowship status is the highest qualification possible.

Alexander Waples in the commercial and agricultural property team, having worked with Tees since 2015. He acts for a wide range of landowning clients, including individuals, partnerships, corporate entities as well as landed estates. Alexander is also a key part of the Tees’ renewable energy team.

Chris Claxton-Shirley, in the Private Client team, advises on a range of issues from succession and tax planning to the administration of estates.

Partner Letty Glaister, who heads up the Agriculture Team, said; “This is great recognition of Tees’ dedication to the agriculture legal sector and ensuring our experts have the in-depth knowledge needed to advise our rural clients.

“The agricultural community is an integral part of our firm and having solicitors with the Fellowship title shows we are constantly investing in learning so that we can provide the high-quality service our clients expect.”

Membership of the ALA is open to anyone training or qualified in the advisory professions and to others with an interest in the subject. The ALA exists to promote the understanding and development of the law and practice in agriculture, environment, food, and related issues and to provide a forum for professionals serving those sectors – lawyers, surveyors, accountants, bankers, farm business consultants and others – to support each other in their specialisms.

Tees demonstrates support for Essex and Cambridgeshire businesses with the appointment of two new Commercial partners

Posted on 13 October 202329 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Leading law firm Tees has demonstrated its commitment to increasing its ability to provide a wider range of pragmatic legal advice to more businesses in the region with the appointments of Claire Powell, a partner in Company and Commercial based in Chelmsford and Brentwood and Sarah Coates as Partner and Head of Commercial Property based in Cambridge and providing support across the region. Both have more than 20 years of experience and joined Tees in September.

Claire is a Corporate and Commercial expert, working on acquisitions and disposals, restructuring, mergers and demergers, joint ventures and all types of commercial contracts. She was previously a partner in the firm of Thompson Smith and Puxon and thrives when working with businesses that need sensible, pragmatic and decisive advice. She also specialises in advising GP practices, care homes and dentists.

Sarah has expertise in residential development and development finance work, as well as in assisting educational establishments and companies in the tech/life science sphere with their wide-ranging property needs. Sarah also has a passion for supporting charitable and social enterprise initiatives in Cambridge, most notably acting as Chair of Trustees for the Cambridge Cyrenians, a charity supporting those at risk of homelessness in and around Cambridge. She has practised in Cambridge for 17 years and previously worked for International law firm Penningtons Manches Cooper.

Commenting on her appointment, Claire said: “I’m delighted to join this leading regional law firm and be part of Tees’ ambitious plans to reshape the legal landscape for Essex businesses. Essex is thriving with a multitude of successful businesses serving London and the world but for too long the provision of legal services has been lacking. Tees is committed to changing that and leading the way in doing business responsibly.”

Catherine Mowat, Senior Partner, stressed the significance of these new appointments: “We are delighted to welcome Claire and Sarah into the Tees’ partnership. We have identified that businesses in Essex are underserved by the current legal offering. By appointing two senior and experienced specialists, we are growing our Commercial teams and expanding our offering in line with our 2028 Strategic Growth Plan. Our aim is to better serve the local business communities in all the areas we work and these appointments will help us do just that.”