Harrison Drury’s property law team has advised business rescue and recovery specialist Leonard Curtis on its lease of new premises in Lancashire.

The Bury-headquartered firm has opened an office at South Rings Office Village, a newly-built flagship office development at Bamber Bridge, near Preston.

The firm has taken a 1,400 sq ft unit on a 10-year lease at South Rings, which has been built by Roundhouse Properties.

The expansion takes the number of Leonard Curtis offices to nine. It also has offices in Manchester, London, Birmingham and Bristol and employs more than 150 staff.

Owen McKenna, who led the property team at Harrison Drury, said: “Leonard Curtis is a long-established firm that has helped steer many business owners away from danger, as well as assisting creditors and professionals with debt and financial problems. This move will allow the firm to serve the whole of Lancashire and beyond due to South Rings’ location at a key interchange between three North West motorways.”

The new Lancashire office is being led by newly-appointed director Mark Delaney and existing director Mark Colman.

Mark Delaney said: “In these difficult financial times, more and more small businesses are struggling with debt, Crown arrears and cashflow problems. The convenient and central location of our new Preston office will make our services more accessible to companies based not only in Lancashire, but also in Merseyside and Cumbria.”

Harrison Drury has advised former England rugby captain Bill Beaumont on his company’s lease of new commercial premises in Chorley and the sale of its historic former home.

Bill Beaumont Textiles Ltd has moved out of Park Mills in Deighton Road to a modern warehousing and distribution unit on Chorley North Business Park.

The company has secured Units 3 and 4 at Chorley North giving it over 3,200 Sq M (34,700 sq ft) of space.

The family business goes back five generations to 1888 when Joseph Blackledge set up a small weaving shed in Chorley to supply niche products to local cotton markets.

Today it specialises in supplying household textiles with a particular focus on high-end curtains and upholstery fabrics. Its customers include the retailer John Lewis.

The Park Mills site, built in the early 1900s, was no longer suited to the company’s requirements and it will benefit from modern facilities and improved transport links at Chorley North.

Bill Beaumont Textiles Ltd was advised on the sale of the Park Mills site and the leasing of the new units at Chorley North by the property team at Harrison Drury Solicitors.

John Chesworth, managing partner of Harrison Drury (pictured above with Bill), said: “This move sees a business of historical importance and economic significance staying in Chorley. The move will allow the company to grow the business further from modern premises with excellent access to the motorway network. The sale of the Park Mills site will also allow the area to benefit from new family homes.”

Bill Beaumont, managing director of Bill Beaumont Textiles Ltd, said: “It has been clear for some time now that to continue growing the business profitably, we would one day have to move from Park Mills. Having such long associations with Chorley it was important to us that jobs stayed in the town and so we are delighted with our move to Chorley North Business Park, which provides us with a property that will keep the business running efficiently.”

The 3.5 acre Park Mills site has been sold to Newfield Construction Ltd for an undisclosed sum. The site has planning permission for housing and the company intends to build 63 new homes there.

Bill Beaumont is the great-great grandson of Joseph Blackledge. He joined the firm, where his father was also sales director, straight from school.

Bill bought the business from the family in 1998 and, recognising the decline in UK and European clothing manufacturing, took the company in a different direction and established Bill Beaumont Textiles, devoting all its expertise to furnishing fabrics.

Bill’s wife Hilary now oversees the purchase and development of all of the firm’s fabric designs, while eldest son Daniel is involved in the day-to-day running of the business and is the sixth generation of the family to work in the firm. Bill’s middle son Sam, captain of Fylde Rugby Club, is also running a marquee hire business from the new site at Chorley North.

Harrison Drury has launched a dedicated service aimed at removing business owners’ fears of being charged on the clock when speaking to their lawyer.

HD Anytime allows clients to gain access to a full range of commercial law services for a fixed monthly price.

John Chesworth, managing partner of Harrison Drury, believes the tough economic conditions call for a move away from the traditional charging structures in the legal sector.

He said: “We have spent 12 months speaking to clients and professional partners about provision of legal services and, at a time when the need for clear advice at an early stage has never been greater, value for money is the biggest issue for businesses.

“Many business owners are getting frustrated when they pick up the phone to chat something through with their solicitor and afterwards they receive a bill. This leads to a feeling that solicitors should only be contacted in extreme cases, and can result in more legal problems arising because advice is not taken early enough.

“Recessions are a time when businesses need cost-effective legal protection. HD Anytime is not just a reactive service, clients will have a dedicated solicitor who will work proactively to identity and mitigate risk at a fraction of the cost.”

HD Anytime will enable companies to pay a fixed-fee per year relative to their turnover and number of employees which includes:

• 24/7 legal hotline to a dedicated relationship manager.
• Preliminary meetings to discuss any issue affecting the business.
• Commercial dispute reports giving clear guidance on the merits, costs and possible outcomes.
• Annual review and updates of business structure documents; ownership management agreements; terms and conditions; and contracts.
• Employment law service including annual review and updates of contracts and employee handbooks. Further option to insure against any employment claim.
• Monitoring of up to 25 customers and unlimited first debt letters to aged debtors.
• Will review for directors and shareholders.

John Chesworth added: “While there will be instances where we have special projects that will be treated as one-off pieces of work – such as business acquisitions and mergers, major disputes or property purchases – HD Anytime will encompass a wide range of legal services and benefits giving excellent legal protection to our clients when they need it most.

“Clients do have the option of using us on a project by project basis, but the law affects businesses every day and HD Anytime will allow firms to cut legal cost and cut legal risk at the same time.”

Harrison Drury has retained the services of well-known Lancashire accountant Bob Rawkins to spearhead the firm’s business development activity.

Bob, who has over 40 years’ experience in the professional services sector, will operate as a consultant to help strengthen the firm’s relationships with professional intermediaries and assist with the launch of new products and services.

Bob started his accountancy career with some of the biggest names in business, including international accountancy practice Touche Ross, now Deloitte, and car manufacturer British Leyland.

The chartered accountant was senior partner of accountancy firm, Bowmans, for 25 years which was sold to RSM Tenon in 2007, a firm he continued to work for until February 2011.

John Chesworth, managing partner of Harrison Drury, said: “As the firm continues to grow, Bob’s vast experience of the professional services sector, and his contacts in the business community, will be invaluable in raising our profile with the region’s professional intermediaries.”

Bob added: “Under John’s leadership, Harrison Drury has become well known in Lancashire for its professionalism and commercial law expertise. I’m looking forward to helping the firm win new business and grow this reputation further.”

A former meat-packing factory on a Lancashire industrial estate has been given a new lease of life after being converted into new business units.

The 10,000 sq ft property at Walton Summit Business Park, near Preston, was built in the early 1990s and was used as a boning hall by meat wholesaler Kepak until it moved from the premises in 2006.

The building, which enjoys excellent motorway links, has been purchased from Kepak by Mark Thistlethwaite and Richard Sharples who have split it into four fully-refurbished units offering workshop and storage facilities along with associated office space.

The property team at Harrison Drury provided legal advice on the purchase of the building and the leasing of the new units.Sportswear firm Kukri and education provider Mad Science are among the firms that have already let three of the 2,500 sq ft units, based in Carr Place, and there has been a high level of interest in the remaining unit which is being marketed to businesses that require a location with excellent motorway links.

John Chesworth, managing partner of Harrison Drury, said: “This property had been unused for almost five years and is a great example of how larger and older commercial buildings can be converted to smaller units to attract new tenants, especially those with good transport links. At a time when good quality commercial premises remain hard to find, this building provides an ideal hub for four local businesses.”

Richard Sharples added: “We were very quick in filling the first three units and we’re in discussions with a number of potential tenants for the remaining unit, which we hope to have leased very soon.”

The legal executive, who has almost 20 years’ experience in family law, joins Harrison Drury from Napthens solicitors and was previously at Roscoes.

In her new role Shena will act on all aspects of family law, including divorce and separation, children issues and financial disputes.

Shena said: “We continue to see big changes in family law, with the push towards greater use of mediation in divorce cases, moves to better protect children during separation, and improved rights for cohabiting couples. Expert legal advice is essential in ensuring better outcomes for those involved and I’m looking forward to helping the firm protect its clients.”

John Chesworth, managing partner at Harrison Drury, added: “We’re continuing to see growth across the business and that includes demand for family law expertise. Shena brings a significant amount of experience to the firm and will be instrumental in helping us further develop our offering.”

Shena, who qualified in 1995, is a member of Resolution, a national organisation of family lawyers committed to non-confrontational divorce, separation and other family problems.

Harrison Drury has given its backing to a newly formed community interest company aimed at driving the revival of Preston’s historic Winckley Square.

Winckley Square Community Interest Company (WSCIC) has the backing of Preston City Council, Lancashire County Council and other land owners of the Square.

The Business Improvement District (BID) has pledged an initial £30,000 in 2011 and a further £150,000 over five years should it secure a second five-year term in December 2011.

Harrison Drury managing partner, John Chesworth, has become one of the founding members and elected directors of WSCIC, along with David Gill, consultant, Moore and Smalley Chartered Accountants; Simon Turner, managing director, Freshfield; Mick Goode, director, Croft Goode Architects; Richard McDowell, partner, Napthens; and Mark Clarkson, partner, Eckersley.

David Gill, Chairman of WSCIC, said: “This is a Big Society concept and we are thrilled to have brought together a unified private and public sector group.  We have some of the most experienced regional regeneration experts in and around Preston so it makes common sense to use them.

“The main role of the WSCIC is to work with the council and Winckley Square stakeholders to identify realistic ideas, funding streams and how to overcome barriers to restoration.

“The first issue was to get buy-in from all stakeholders such as Preston City Council, businesses and interest groups. We are now working collectively to map out a short, medium and long term vision.

“Any proposal made by the founders needs to be approved by the board of the company. By being a community interest company, we can also act as a vehicle to attract funding, all of which will be invested into the Square. None of the directors will receive remuneration.

“We all felt the original plans didn’t suit the Square. We want to create a sustainable, considered legacy that the people of Preston can always be proud of.”

Simon Turner, company secretary, said: “If the Square can be revived, this will permeate into the surrounding area. The Winckley Square district has potential to be a thriving Northern business, leisure, retail and cultural city quarter.

“This is not a talking shop but we have to be realistic. Things will not happen overnight. However, we have had some excellent feedback so far and there is an obvious passion for improvement. We have already made progress on tackling the ownership and drainage issues.

“Similar models have been used in overseas cities to great effect. We have started a partnership process and there is no reason why we can’t mirror that (overseas) success and inject life into one of our most iconic areas.”

John Chesworth added: “The formation of the WSCIC means we can finally start to make some real progress on reviving this important business district and we are proud to be involved.”

In addition to the founding members, the board of directors includes representatives from

Preston City Council, BID and is seeking representation from Lancashire County Council, St Wilfrid’s Catholic Church, Preston Historical Society, and UCLan.

Councillor Peter Rankin, leader of Preston City Council, said: “’As a new administration, we have drawn a line under the previous plans. However, a lot of investment was made into preparatory work and research. Much of this material is still very relevant and has been passed over to the WSCIC.

“Given our economic constraints, we’re delighted the private sector is taking a lead on this and they have our unequivocal support. We are committed to working in partnership.”

Ken Williams, chairman of the Preston Business Improvement District (BID), said: “Winckley Square is undoubtedly one of the most iconic areas of Preston’s city centre.  Its history, its architecture and the business surrounding it are pivotal parts of the city’s business quarter. The BID has agreed to invest £30,000 from its 2011-2012 special project fund to the enhancement of the Square.

“We’re quite aware that the upkeep of such an area is a hugely expensive job. That said, should BID be elected for a second term, we’ve pledged to provide £30,000 per year for the next five years, meaning a total donation from BID in excess of £180,000, which will be a significant contribution towards the Square’s improvement plans.

“If we have a vibrant Winckley Square, Preston will improve as an aspirational place to live, work, shop and enjoy. It’s a very important part of the city centre and we applaud the formation of this group.”

A property developer has been ordered to pay almost £40,000 in additional fees to an architecture practice after a successful adjudication result secured by Harrison Drury Solicitors.

The dispute arose following the delayed completion of a new housing development which, according to the claimant Core Design, resulted in significant additional work outside what it was contracted to provide under its fixed-price building contract.

The scheme of four blocks of flats on the site in Chesterfield had been due to complete in February 2008, but work was not finished until March 2009, prompting the adjudication proceedings.

Acting for Core Design, Harrison Drury successfully argued that the additional works caused by the delay amounted to a “changes in the programme of works” under the building contract and that its client was therefore entitled to payment for those additional works.

The adjudicator found in favour of Core Design and the developer was ordered to pay the sum of £38,382 to reflect Core Design’s fees for the additional works, together with interest.

Colin Fenny, associate at Harrison Drury Solicitors, commented: “This case demonstrates the clear benefits of using adjudication to resolve construction disputes. Had our client used one of the traditional methods of dispute resolution, such as court proceedings or arbitration, it would have meant them having to invest significant time, cost and resource to obtain the same outcome. The adjudication procedure took six weeks from start to finish.”

The adjudication procedure was introduced under the Housing Grants Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 as a means of protecting the cashflow of contractors and sub-contractors, but is now commonly used for resolving most types of construction disputes.

It is a flexible procedure intended to be both quick and inexpensive, but most importantly the decision is binding until the dispute is finally determined by litigation or arbitration and is therefore enforceable by the parties in the meantime, hence why it has been described as a ‘pay first, argue later’ process.

For more information on adjudication, or any other dispute resolution advice, please contact Colin Fenny on 01772 258321.

A popular Preston legal executive has retired after working for Harrison Drury for over 55 years.

Brenda Rainford, who is well known in the city’s legal circles, retired from the firm at the end of May after joining the firm straight from school on August 5, 1955, as a junior clerk.

Brenda, who has a daughter and three grandchildren, met her husband Fred while working at Harrison Drury and rose through the ranks to become senior legal executive for its residential conveyancing team, advising on the sale and purchase of houses.

She has only ever worked in two offices, the firm’s current Fleet Street premises in Preston and its previous offices in nearby Lune Street which it moved out of in 1960.

She said: “Most girls were encouraged to go into teaching or nursing when they left school back then, but I think Tom Drury, the principal of the firm at the time, saw potential in me for a legal career, so I joined Harrison Drury and never looked back.

“There’s been huge changes over the last five and half decades, there’s much more red tape now and everything is done by phone and e-mail, but when I first started everything was done face to face, so the job felt a lot more personal. But technology has also changed things for the better too and the process of buying a house is now quicker.

“Harrison Drury has always been a firm that keeps holds of its staff and I feel privileged to have always worked with a really nice set of people. I’ll certainly miss the camaraderie.”

Brenda, who has been an avid Preston North End fan since 1950, and until recently followed her team home and away, says her love of football and spending time with her family will keep her busy in retirement.

John Chesworth, managing partner at Harrison Drury Solicitors, said: “Brenda’s vast experience and personality meant she always secured a lot of recommendations and repeat business and she was well liked by colleagues. On behalf of everyone at the firm, I’d like to thank Brenda for her remarkable loyalty and wish her all the best in her retirement.”

Andrew Bartlett, partner at Harrison Drury, is now heading up the conveyancing team following Brenda’s retirement.

Manchester’s four-star Pinewood Hotel has been purchased by the owners of a Lake District hotel for an undisclosed sum.

The 58-bedroom Pinewood Hotel, situated near Wilmslow and Manchester Airport, has been acquired from Menzies Hotels by Pinewood on Wilmslow LLP, a partnership of the four directors from the Best Western Castle Green Hotel in Kendal.

The new owners, who were advised on the purchase by the mergers and acquisitions team at Harrison Drury Solicitors, have plans to further develop the site following the seven-figure deal and will rebrand the property to the Best Western Pinewood on Wilmslow.

Managing director Tim Rumney said the new management team is looking to identify further opportunities to improve the customer experience and financial performance of the business, and expects significant job creation through the growth of the team and longer-term development of the site.

David Filmer, associate at Harrison Drury, said: “This targeted acquisition provides Tim and his team with an exciting opportunity to reposition the Pinewood as an independent hotel, providing excellent facilities in a prime location.”

Tim Rumney commented: “We have been looking for an acquisition since we sold The Princess on Portland, Manchester in March 2008. The Pinewood Hotel is in a great location for corporate and leisure guests – close to the motorway network, four miles from Manchester Airport and 10 miles from Manchester city centre and close to the affluent town of Wilmslow.”

He added: “As an independent hotel, but under the brand of Best Western, we believe we will be able to reposition the hotel within the local community and provide an excellent facility for business users. We will work with the existing team and key personnel from the Best Western Castle Green Hotel in Kendal to bring new opportunities to this long established hotel.”