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Legal aid – Punch Robson Solicitors managing partner Elaine McLaine-Wood with members of the commercial team, Abigail McManus, Jordan Leigh-Wilson and Nicole Cox.
PUNCHING AWAY
PICTURES: CHRIS BOOTH WORDS: PAUL FRASER
Tees legal firm shaped for booming property sector
Punch Robson Solicitors, a wellestablished firm with a rich history in the North-East dating back to 1877, is strategically positioned to capitalise on a significant growth area within the property sector.
Having seen a surge in investment in residential properties, particularly from company investors, the firm is providing a comprehensive legal service for these companies that spans investment agreements, property acquisition and sales, with a reach extending nationally.
The firm’ s expertise is concentrated in its corporate and commercial and commercial property department, led by managing partner Elaine McLaine-Wood.
This department handles a broad spectrum of work, including commercial property transactions plus company and commercial matters, while advising on joint ventures for investment opportunities involving land.
Elaine said:“ Our firm’ s structure allows us to provide seamless support across various legal needs.
“ A solicitor from our firm can assist with these related company matters, ensuring a smoother process for the client, all under one roof.”
The growth in this specialised area of company investment in residential property has been particularly apparent over the last eight years.
“ That was when we began to see the start of the significant growth in the buy-to-let market, with individuals and companies holding residential properties as part of their investment portfolios,” said Elaine.
“ That trend has now evolved, with property owners, especially those involved in property trading, often allocating properties to a holding company to ringfence profits.
“ This approach offers a more creative investment strategy than solely relying on pensions, which have become increasingly subject to government changes.”
This shift has led to a surge in demand for legal services tailored to the needs of both individual and corporate property investors.
As a result, Punch Robson has acted for more individuals and companies than ever before.
The firm’ s dedicated department handling buy-to-let transactions on the residential side also caters to clients requiring a faster turnaround, such as those involved in auction sales where a 28- day completion is often necessary.
Punch Robson understands the unique requirements of lenders in this sector.
Elaine said:“ Lenders in this growth area are distinct from typical high street lenders.
“ They demand a high level of security, including personal guarantees from company directors, and they conduct extensive due diligence. We are unique in the area, acting for both borrowers and lenders in these transactions.”
Punch Robson’ s reputation for speed and efficiency has attracted clients both locally and nationally.
Its ability to turn things around quickly has been a major factor in the law firm’ s growth.
Elaine is supported by a team of highly skilled fee earners, including Abigail McManus, Jordan Leigh-Wilson and Nicole Cox, who handle this specialised work.
“ The team is excellent,” said Elaine.“ Abi
44 | Tees Business