LAW
We don ’ t just know the law , we know the local landscape .
MEET THE TEAM : I lead our Teesside practice . Darlington born-and-bred , I have more than 25 years ’ experience of supporting the local businesses and major transactions that have changed the region ' s industrial landscape .
No stranger to the chemicals sector , I was previously an in-house lawyer for ICI and INEOS .
But my expertise spreads across all of the key sectors that make up Teesside ' s ever growing industrial landscape .
From manufacturing to transport and logistics services , I have advised major multinationals to fast growing SMEs across the region and beyond , on their strategic projects and day-to-day activities .
But it ’ s not just me with the keys to Teesside , our full-service offering has all bases covered for the legal needs of inward investors .
Let me introduce you to just a handful of the talented people we have at WBD who all regularly advise inward investors in Teesside .
PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE : STEPHEN DAGG , LEGAL DIRECTOR No stranger to the planning needs of manufacturers and other industries , Stephen has a wealth of experience of dealing with issues facing developers and objectors to development , from planning agreements to planning enforcement .
With more than 10 years ' experience of working on Teesside , he has advised manufacturers , developers , statutory undertakers and local authorities in the region on a wide variety of schemes .
An example of his work is acting for large chemical companies on a number of schemes on Teesside , to secure protective provisions in respect of assets affected by development consent orders .
REAL ESTATE : JENNY SMITH , MANAGING ASSOCIATE Our extensive real estate team can support across all site needs , from advice relating to acquisitions to negotiation of infrastructure documentation .
Jenny has particular expertise in dealing with complex commercial developments , including advising on conditional contracts , development agreements , option agreements and disposals .
ENVIRONMENT & REGULATORY : FRANCESCA HODGSON , PARTNER As a regulatory specialist , Francesca advises clients on a range of regulatory and compliance issues and disputes with a particular focus on environment .
As well as providing specialist regulatory compliance support with transactional matters including corporate due diligence and agreements regarding allocation of environmental liabilities in respect of acquired sites , Francesca and her team have got all regulatory areas covered , including operational advice relating to fire safety , health and safety and other environmental protection .
CONSTRUCTION : VICKY MCCOMBE , PARTNER With more than 15 years ’ experience in transactional construction work , Vicky is no stranger to complex projects and has advised on numerous projects in the region .
Her specialisms include advising on EPC contracts in the renewable energy and manufacturing sectors which makes her invaluable to the team ' s work on Teesside .
EMPLOYMENT : HILARY DU RANDT , PARTNER With more than 20 years supporting the region ' s employers with their people issues , Hilary heads up the North-
To find out more about how we can support inward investors and other businesses on Teesside , as well as contact details for our team , scan the QR code .
East arm of our employment team , advising on all aspects of employment law , from recruitment through to dismissal .
Our employment team has extensive experience advising inward investors across a range of specialist areas , including complex restructuring , outsourcing , industrial relations , discrimination and equal pay .
The team also advises on business immigration matters and provides specialist advice on overseas recruitment and global mobility issues .
In a highly competitive market where skills shortages are impacting a number of sectors , this can be an essential resource for many businesses looking to relocate or expand into the region .
COMMERCIAL : STEPHEN HANDS , SENIOR COUNSEL Not just any transactional lawyer , Stephen has more than 25 years ’ experience working in-house in the energy sector and can advise on a range of commercial contracting matters but with a particular expertise in utilities supply contracts .
He also has a wealth of experience under his belt in doing business in Teesside , having worked for some of the biggest players over the last few decades , including Rolls-Royce , Enron Europe and Sembcorp Industries .
A man in the know , Stephen has many connections and relationships with the various key stakeholders and other intermediaries who can help your project succeed .
COMMERCIAL : SARAH DAUN , PARTNER Industrial North-East clients and international clients alike come to Sarah for all things commercial and for her knowledge of the region .
Sarah acts for a wide range of manufacturing clients and is actively involved in the North East Process Industry Cluster . Speak to Sarah or Peter to discuss any support your business may require and they can introduce our specialists as needed .
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