FEATURE
Alison Walton , a partner at Muckle LLP , is excited by the Tees Valley ’ s development .
How leading law firm is helping Tees Valley ’ s transformation
LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS
Teesside has long stood as a symbol of industrial progress . Today , it ’ s flexing its might again with next generation lowcarbon developments reinforcing the area ’ s pioneering prowess .
And helping it progress is North-East commercial law firm Muckle LLP which , as part of the Tees Valley Combined Authority Group legal panel , is using the experience and knowledge of its trusted public sector team to drive forward investment and redevelopment projects .
Lawyers from across the firm provide legal support to the TVCA Group , working closely with bosses on schemes at Teesworks and Teesside International Airport and providing on-the-ground support for day-to-day legal issues .
Furthermore , as part of its initial fouryear commitment , Muckle – appointed as one of only four regional law firms , on a panel of seven , because of its local and national expertise – is delivering initiatives that include mentoring programmes with schools , colleges and universities to usher in new waves of talent .
For partner and head of procurement Alison Walton , the opportunity to support such change is thrilling .
She says : “ People are excited , projects are moving and there is a real buzz – organisations are being attracted by Teesworks and Teesside ’ s freeport status . “ Existing businesses are flourishing too . I ’ ve visited Teesport on a number of occasions and it has been fantastic to see the impact of recent investments made by PD Ports , with further projects set to deliver significant benefits in years to come .
“ Seeing the huge vessels dock , the constant movement of containers , and the general hive of activity down at Teesport is fantastic , and it really reflects the buzz across the wider Tees Valley .
“ The area has great transport links – the airport is expanding incredibly – and when you get big businesses like GE Renewable Energy , which is set to build a wind turbine blade-making factory for the Dogger Bank Wind Farm on Teesworks , it just snowballs .”
Such impetus , says Alison , will be galvanised by Muckle ’ s support around skills , which will see the business use past successes of nurturing the next generation for Teesside ’ s benefit .
She says : “ We are committed to providing exceptional social support , so while we ’ ll be helping companies get on the front foot with our legal expertise , we ’ ll also be helping bolster their progress from underneath too , in terms of education .
“ We ’ ve been supporting local charities addressing the issue of unemployment in the Tees Valley , with organisations such as Clean Slate Solutions and Three13 receiving grants from our Community Fund .”
Alison ’ s enthusiasm is mirrored by the firm ’ s delight at strengthening its commitment to the Tees Valley , where it has supported many organisations for decades .
Recent highlights include helping Port Clarence-based engineering company Wilton Universal Group on a multi-millionpound acquisition to boost green production capabilities , which could generate up to 200 new jobs .
The firm is also a long-standing legal adviser to Great North Air Ambulance and recently helped it purchase two new helicopters . And what ’ s also apparent , says Alison , is the reason why Muckle continues to enjoy such relationships – the marrying of national level expertise with peerless local knowledge .
She says : “ With some national firms , you might get a specialist arrive from another part of the country , do a piece of work and leave .
“ But everyone at Muckle lives in the North-East , is enthusiastic about the region and wants to see it thrive .”
Equally important , says Alison , is how Muckle can support TVCA Group ’ s efforts to encourage inward investment into the region .
As well as the firm ’ s significant procurement knowledge , its corporate and banking teams have been involved in some of the region ’ s biggest deals and have a wealth of experience advising serial acquirers , owner-managers and investors .
Alison continues : “ We ’ ve helped numerous organisations invest , grow and develop across , and into , the region .
“ And we are now bringing all of that experience , together with extremely strong public sector capability , to help the Tees Valley , and the North-East , once again lead the way .”
For more information , contact Alison Walton on 0191 211 7850 or visit muckle-llp . com .
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