“The ‘quick and proactive’ commercial property team at BPE’s Cheltenham office received a further boost in 2006 by the arrival of ‘entrepreneurial’ partner Richard Handley, previously based in the firm’s Birmingham branch. Clients appreciate Mark Anton-Smith’s ‘good inter-personal skills’, and Antonia Shield is considered ‘knowledgeable, committed and good on detail’.”

Legal 500 2007

“Based in Cheltenham, this ‘fine outfit’ attracts wide acclaim from a number of circles for its strength in residential and lease work for national chains and franchises. Recent highlights include working for Wolseley UK in the first phase of a programme of sale and leaseback designed to unlock the value in its freeholds. The team was also engaged in work for long-term client, Pizza Hut, in the acquisition of leasehold sites for its pizza delivery and takeaway service, this year acting on 26 such purchases. Richard Handley is lauded by both peers and clients, with commentators suggesting he is someone who ‘sees the big picture and doesn't get bogged down in the minutiae.’ He handles acquisitions consistently worth more than £5 million, and leases with rents over the million-pound mark. Julian Pyrke deals with lending and leasing matters, and is commended by clients for having ‘great communication with the other side and providing easily understandable advice.’”

Chambers UK Guide 2007

“BPE has an active construction practice, while on the straightforward property side deals in investment, portfolio management and residential are common. Nicky Corner heads the group and Richard Handley is active on the transaction, while Adele McDermott has good experience in major development projects.”

Legal 500 2007

“BPE's construction practice has been transformed by the arrival of former materials engineer Derryn Rolfe from EMW Law LLP, to work between the firm's Birmingham and Cheltenham offices.”

Legal 500 2006

“John Workman heads BPE's corporate department, supported by two other Cheltenham partners. The team's average transaction value - across more than 30 deals - was over £3m. The firm acts for six AIM-listed clients, including Maxima.”

Legal 500 2006

“The ‘extremely competent’ corporate team has seen a busy year with its lawyers handling a substantial number of deals for an interesting client base. Recent highlights include advising software and IT systems provider Maxima Group on its acquisition of Hanston Technology Partners. The team continues to support the consolidation strategies of its long-standing clients, including the Jelf Group. Head of the corporate department, John Workman is ‘extremely hard working, upbeat and pleasant to deal with.’”

Chambers UK Guide 2007

“Faced with difficulties, clients turn to BPE because 'it gives value for money, is highly competent and constantly reminds us of the need to weigh costs of litigation against benefits'. Practice head Philip Radford is regarded as 'excellent', especially for IP litigation.”

Legal 500 2006

“The commercial litigation department of this Cheltenham-headquartered firm deals with a wide variety of disputes, including property, construction, insolvency, debt recovery, employment, IP, professional negligence, consumer credit and licensing matters. The nine-lawyer team represents private individuals, as well as commercial clients such as Wynne-Jones Laine & James; Creed Catering Supplies; LINPAC Materials Handling and Cintec International. In recent times, it defended a £1.7 million breach of warranty claim and advised Douglas Equipment in connection with a misappropriation of confidential information claim where proceedings were issued in the USA. In other matters, it represented a UK pharmaceutical company in an important trade mark infringement case.”

Chambers UK Guide 2007

“BPE is new to the top tier this year, thanks in part to the strength of client praise for its work. Partner Darren Sherborne, has 'extensive knowledge and confidence' and Associate Andrea Bateman is 'thorough, clear and precise'. The firm has a strong record in defending cases at tribunal.”

Legal 500 2006

Leading employment solicitors in Cheltenham, this outfit has increased its fee earners from two to five and has an increasingly broad client base, including Mears Group, Business Link Gloucestershire, the Timber Trade Federation and Cult Clothing. Clients say: ‘This is a great team - it feels like a part of our business.’ The team advised Vestas Blades on a redundancy and restructuring programme. Head of the group, industrial relations specialist and ‘formidable advocate,’ Darren Sherborne had a successful year, also defending a leading building society and a national logistics company in tribunal cases. Clients extol his virtues: ‘He almost makes employment law interesting! He’s not afraid to give his opinion, even in the grey areas and fills you with confidence from the outset that the advice is professional and the right way forward.’ Clients are particularly impressed with the quality of assistant Andrea Bateman’s work: ‘Her research and presentation were thorough, clear and concise.’ Clients found her ‘easy to talk to, pragmatic and keen to find a solution that suits.’”

Chambers UK Guide 2007

“This Cheltenham-based firm has captured some significant clients in the Midlands, including Coventry City Football Club, Countrywide Farmers and Mears Group, which has 2,500 employees. Reasonable fees, flexibility and excellent timekeeping are just a few of the reasons employers use this team for non-contentious issues and for defence at employment tribunals.”

Chambers UK Guide 2007

“Under the leadership of Partner Andrew Taylor, BPE's small insolvency team frequently punches above its weight and attracts high-quality administration instructions from the likes of KPMG. The firm's growing reputation was acknowledged by Yorkshire Bank, which appointed it to its national panel for asset finance and recoveries work.”

Legal 500 2006

“New entrants BPE are recommended for the strength of their work both locally and further afield.”

Legal 500 2006

“IP head Iain Garfield of BPE is a client favourite, and attracts praise for being 'professional and supportive'. International licensing disputes have been a significant source of work of late.”

Legal 500 2006

“The quota of partners at BPE has risen to three with the recent promotion of Gillian Heighway. Mark Ovington leads the team, which has recently handled numerous industrial deafness claims from former workers at BMW and Rover car plants. It also advises on RTAs.”

Legal 500 2006

“Described as ‘friendly and sociable’ as well as ‘serious and sensible’, this firm has a large following in the region. The team handles a significant caseload of PI work often relating to industrial disease. For example, the team has managed instructions for more than 2,000 industrial deafness claims for ex-employees of BMW and Rover. The firm is also involved in road traffic claims and general employers' liability matters.”

Chambers UK Guide 2007