Planning and environmental law team hosts mock hearing for Barton Willmore

Blandy & Blandy LLP’s planning and environmental law team recently hosted a mock planning hearing for up to 18 guests from Barton Willmore.

The team acted out a real case relating to an ambitious proposal within the town centre which had been refused.

Those attending praised partner Simon Dimmick, in his role as inspector, and described the event as ‘realistic’, ‘thought provoking’, ‘really helpful and engaging’, with Blandy & Blandy labelled as ‘fantastic hosts’.

Blandy & Blandy is ranked among the UK’s top planning law firms and highly recommended in both Chambers UK Guide and The Legal 500.

Following the success of the event, a second one is being planned.

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Employment law seminar

Blandy & Blandy LLP will be hosting its annual employment law seminar at Green Park Conference Centre on October 12. The free event, ‘How to Stay Legally Compliant but Sufficiently Agile in Challenging Times’, will appeal to business owners, directors, HR professionals and managers who may, at some time, have to manage employment issues in the workplace. 100% of last year’s attendees rated the event as ‘good’or ‘excellent’ and 95% said they would recommend it to others.

To register, contact:

amanda.sarson@blandy.co.uk

Award-winning property team advises on high-profile Thames Valley lettings

Blandy & Blandy LLP’s leading commercial property team has enjoyed a busy and successful first half of 2017, culminating in being named ‘Property Law Firm of the Year’ at the Thames Valley Property Awards in May.

According to Chambers UK Guide, the team is ‘experienced in the full spectrum of commercial property concerns’, ‘well versed in complex asset management work’ and has ‘particular experience of property acquisitions and disposals’ alongside its extensive experience in advising clients on development land and property finance matters.

The team continues to advise on high-value commercial lettings, often involving sought after properties, acting for both landlords and tenants. Notable recent lettings include the lease of part of a new build office in central London, with an annual rent of more than £500,000, and a lease of an office in the outskirts of London, involving a second six figure sum. The team recently acted on the first pre-let of Reading’s landmark Thames Tower. Completion has now taken place, with the tenant client entering into a 10-year lease of the 11th floor, at an initial reserved rent also above £500,000 per annum. The team continues to advise clients in relation to lettings of premises at leading business and industrial parks across the Thames Valley and beyond, including Green Park, Thames Valley Park and Suttons Business Park in Reading and Mulberry Business Park in Wokingham.

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Law firm Blandy & Blandy announces four promotions

Reading law firm Blandy & Blandy LLP has announced four promotions, with Victoria Charlesson, Gemma Smith and Chris Wilson becoming associate solicitors and Jessica Irwin a senior associate solicitor.

Charlesson is a member of the firm’s planning and environmental law team, ranked among the best in the country, and qualified as a solicitor in 2013 having also trained at the firm. She advises on a variety of strategic planning projects spanning the Thames Valley and beyond and on all key areas of planning and environmental law.

Smith joined the firm’s commercial property team in 2014, having qualified as a solicitor in 2012. Her experience includes commercial landlord and tenant work, the acquisition and disposal of freehold properties and secured lending.

Wilson also trained at the firm and qualified as a solicitor in the corporate team in 2012. He advises businesses and organisations on a wide range of corporate and commercial matters.

A member of the firm’s dispute resolution team, Irwin predominantly handles property-related disputes, dealing with both commercial and residential property matters, working closely with the firm’s property and planning teams.

She trained at the firm, before qualifying as a solicitor in 2000, and her experience and expertise have been recognised in both Chambers UK Guide and The Legal 500.

Chairman and partner Brenda Long congratulated the four: “It is always a pleasure to see our solicitors progressing within the firm, reflecting their profiles in the Thames Valley business community and their contribution to the firm. Indeed, three of those promoted trained at Blandy & Blandy, highlighting our longer-term vision and ongoing commitment to investing in and developing our staff.”