TSP’s Commercial Property team, led by Stephen Firmin, a Fellow of the Agricultural Law Association, will work with you to address your specific business needs. Whether it is help with property ownership, management, development, acquisition or disposal that you need, our practical and constructive approach will enable you to focus on your business while we attend to the legal details.

The Commercial Property team represents a number of significant domestic and international clients, both directly, and in providing support on real estate aspects of corporate transactions led by the firm’s Corporate and Commercial team. In addition the team retains a core client base of regional businesses and organisations across a broad range of sectors, from retail and investment to agricultural.

They have extensive technical expertise in the handling of commercial and agricultural land and property acquisitions, disposals and related development transactions such as option and pre-emption agreements. Other areas of Commercial Property expertise include:

  • Acquisition and disposal of all types of freehold and leasehold property for trading and / or investment
  • Property development (including site acquisition, option and pre-emption agreements, planning issues, joint venture and other ownership structures, disposals)
  • Grants and disposals of leases in all sectors, including mining and mineral leasing transactions
  • Commercial mortgages and other secured finance arrangements including property based financing of corporate transactions
  • General property ownership and management issues (including easements, overage arrangements, ownership structures, compulsory purchase, property management documentation)

In 2022/23 the Thompson Smith and Puxon team was once again recommended by the Legal 500 with Solicitors Stephen FirminKerry Addison and Mark Rowlands being recommended for their work in this area. The Legal 500 said: With an office in Colchester, practitioners at Thompson Smith and Puxon have seen a steady recent increase in workload, particularly in complex and high-value work acting for landowners in strategic land planning and development matters. A recent highlight for the team in this area includes advising on strategic land projects with end development values over £100m. Practice head Stephen Firmin is commended as ‘an excellent commercial lawyer‘, and Kerry Addison specialises in developments and rural property issues.

Client Testimonials:

‘The team was able to complete complicated property agreements and contracts for sale with thorough efficiency and without unnecessary delay. There was also a significant element of diplomacy required which was handled with care and understanding.’

‘Kerry Addison stands out. She creates a calm and competent environment with an excellent understanding of her client’s requirements. She produces results.’

‘I have used this firm on several occasions during the year, mostly on property related problems. I have dealt with Stephen Firmin almost exclusively and I find him to be readily available and measured in his response. He is an excellent commercial lawyer.’

In 2021/22 the firm’s Commercial Property team was ranked amongst the best in Essex. Stephen Firmin and Kerry Addison are both recommended for their work in this area. The Legal 500 said: Thompson Smith and Puxon’s team in Colchester is regularly called upon to advise on a wide range of commercial property and rural land matters. The scope of the practice covers commercial and agricultural land and property transactions, as well as related development work. Kerry Addison is notably active in strategic land projects. Stephen Firmin, who has over 30 years of experience, is the head of the team. Mark Rowlands is also a name to note. Clients include landowners, developers, farmers, property investors and UK subsidiaries of international companies.

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