“BPE Solicitors has a strong investor and developer client base with particular expertise in the retail sector. The team advised Cult Retail LLP on multiple site acquisitions. Richard Handley specialises in high-value property acquisitions."

Legal 500 2009

"Clients laud this Cheltenham-based group as “always on the ball and aware of all the latest trends in the law.” The team has an excellent reputation among local surveyors, as well as residential developers, which it advises on site acquisition, options and plot sales. It is equally well known for its expertise in the acquisition and disposal of commercial land, recently advising hotel chain Golden Tulip on its acquisition of a site in York. The group also worked on the disposal of Llanelli Scarlets RFC’s Stradey Park ground to Taylor Wimpey. The team counts numerous well-known financial institutions among its clients, including Chelsea Building Society and RBS. “If you’ve got Richard Handley on board, you know you’ll get the deal done properly,” report commentators. “Highly experienced and easy to deal with,” he advises on major acquisitions and leases."

Chambers UK Guide 2009

Despite current market trends, BPE has won a good deal of instructions throughout Gloucester and along the M4 corridor. It is advising developers on several regeneration projects across the South West and has handled a series of office acquisitions, lease renewals and disposals for Countrywide.

Sources Say: “We value the sound judgement, superb knowledge and accessibility.”

Key individuals: “Practically minded,” Richard Handley is singled out for his “ability to see the wood for the trees and get to the nub of a problem quickly.” He heads the department and specialises in property acquisitions and rentals. Antonia Shield earns praise from both clients and peers for her pragmatic and sensible style: “She is keen to help facilitate a transaction and doesn’t create unnecessary problems.” She advises numerous high-profile clients, including a prominent retailer.

Chambers UK Guide 2010

"BPE Solicitors is recommended."

Legal 500 2009

"BPE Solicitors’ five-partner team is headed by the ‘highly regarded' Anthony Rudge, who recently led work for the Mears Group in its move from AIM to the Official List. Also recommended are the ‘calm and knowledgeable‘ Tim Ward and John Workman, who is ‘always available'."

Legal 500 2009

"This team’s profile continues to blossom, with the number of listed companies on its client roster - such as Maxima and the Jelf Group - continuing to grow. Clients note the team’s experience with public companies, and point to John Workman’s role in maintaining a number of these relationships. He recently advised the Gloucestershire-based Mears Group on its takeover of AIM-listed Careforce. Sources appreciate his calm demeanour and sense of humour, saying that he 'brings a much-appreciated air of lightness to stressful situations.' They also praise his 'incisive, clear-thinking advice, which injects pace to a transaction.' Tim Ward’s growing prominence, particularly in the health sector, earns him a position in the rankings this year, as clients universally praise his 'thorough, responsive and commercially astute approach.'"

Chambers UK Guide 2009

This Cheltenham practice has developed a fine reputation through offering a winning combination of excellent service and value for money.

Key individuals: A large part of the group's recent success is attributable to John Workman, who has an enviable name for gaining and retaining plc clients. Partner Tim Ward has particular expertise in the healthcare sector, and recently advised Careforce Group on a series of transactions with an aggregate value of around £40 million.

Chambers UK Guide 2010

This firm has carved out a notable niche in the world of asset and credit finance recoveries, acting for a major European car manufacturer and major UK operating banks, amongst others. The team boasts years of experience in debt recovery, both commercially and legally, giving the group real insight into the client's perspective.

Key individuals: Philip Radford is the main contact for clients.

Chambers UK Guide 2010

"BPE Solicitors’ credit and asset finance practice is led by Philip Radford. The team represents clients in the automotive and finance industries. Amanda Richardson receives particular praise for her ‘friendly and reassuring' approach and ‘fantastic industry knowledge'."

Legal 500 2009

“Meticulous, efficient and cost-effective,” the lawyers at this Cheltenham-based firm more than meet the demands of today’s commercial environment. They have been busy of late with shareholder and commercial contract disputes, and with a large professional negligence claim. Litigator Philip Radford is the main contact for the group, which services a client base featuring Bolton Pharmaceutical Company 100 and RBS."

Chambers UK Guide 2009

It has expertise in contractual, IP and partnership disputes, and has handled a number of sensitive cases in recent months.

Sources Say: "The team is soundly behind us and able to give good advice."

Key individuals: Philip Radford is the key contact.

Chambers UK Guide 2010

"Providing clients with ‘excellent communication skills‘ and a ‘pragmatic approach‘, BPE Solicitors’ two-partner practice is led by Philip Radford. It is experienced in advising on IP disputes and commercial contractual claims".

Legal 500 2009

"BPE Solicitors has a proven track record advising employers. Clients include Chelsea Building Society, Mears Group plc, and Scotts of Stow."

Legal 500 2009

"BPE’s Cheltenham-based employment team is made up of six dedicated specialists, whose work naturally spans the M4 Corridor but also occasionally extends further afield. The team as a whole has a growing reputation in defending high-profile individuals such as senior executives."

Chambers UK Guide 2009

"This team acts for clients as disparate as airport authorities and consumer brands, and is well respected for its all-round efficiency and effectiveness."

Chambers UK Guide 2010

"Iain Garfield’s IP and TMT team at BPE Solicitors recently acted for Tandy Brands on trade mark portfolio matters that included the registration of a number of new brands across the EU."

Legal 500 2009

"BPE Solicitors’ three-partner team, headed by Julia Briano, negotiated a £10m compensation for factory workers left with partial deafness, while industrial deafness specialist Pete Lodge represents Cowley car plant workers. Gloucestershire aerospace industry workers are also clients."

Legal 500 2009

"BPE Solicitors stands out for its teamwork: 'From secretary to senior partner, the group is extremely cohesive and close-knit.' Renowned for its work in industrial disease and deafness claims, the team has worked on many asbestos and mesothelioma-related cases of late. 'The overall impression it gives is excellent,' say sources. Mark Ovington is highlighted for his vast experience, and clients benefit from his past employment at large insurance companies."

Chambers UK Guide 2009

This efficient firm is particularly commended for its industrial disease work. It is based in Cheltenham but enjoys a client following that stretches across the south of England.

Sources Say: “It is clearly excellent at what it does.”

Key indiviudals: Mark Ovington has reduced his activity but continues to enjoy a strong profile in the sector. Ann-Marie Whelan is “an absolute pleasure to work with – she is determined and dedicated, with real passion for the case.”

Chambers UK Guide 2009