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Lawrence Stephens Swiftly Completes Two Loans for Castle Trust Bank after Recent Appointment to their Legal Panel

Posted on: August 11th, 2025 by Ella Darnell

Lawrence Stephens’ Real Estate Finance team are delighted to have completed two loan transactions for Castle Trust Bank after the recent appointment to their legal panel.

These deals mark the beginning of a strong and collaborative relationship with Castle Trust, and the team responded to the client’s needs with dedication and efficiency under tight deadlines. 

Castle Trust offers a range of specialist bridging finance solutions, including standard bridging loans as well as light and heavy refurbishments, and their Buy to Let product provides longer-term funding with competitive fixed rates. Following significant increases in business volumes over the last nine months, Castle Trust expanded its legal panel to meet growing demand, appointing Lawrence Stephens as part of this initiative. 

Loan 1

The first loan involved an amount of £1,120,000 for business purposes and refinancing.

Acting on a dual representation basis for both the borrower and the bank, the team worked to a tight deadline to secure an exclusive rate for the client.

The borrower, a portfolio landlord, used the funds in relation to property comprising two House in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Buckinghamshire. In order to meet the tight deadline and secure the exclusive rate for the client, the first loan was completed within approximately two weeks of instruction, demonstrating the team’s ability to deliver under pressure and within strict time constraints.

Loan 2

The second transaction involved a £740,000 refinance out of an existing mortgage. The team acted again on a dual representation basis, supporting both the bank and the borrower, who was a portfolio landlord refinancing a freehold house.

As the borrower required an expedited process, our team provided timely and efficient support, responding to the urgency of the transaction whilst also remaining focused on delivering a smooth and effective outcome for the client.

The team, led by Director and Head of Real Estate Finance Ann Ebberson and Director Laura Brown, was also supported by Senior Associate Zahra Shah. 

Ann Ebberson commented on the completed loans, adding: “We are delighted to have completed these loans for Castle Trust Bank. This marks the beginning of a strong collaborative relationship and displays our commitment to delivering high-standard expertise under tight deadlines as their trusted legal advisers. We are proud to support Castle Trust Bank and look forward to supporting their continued growth.”

Anna Lewis from Castle Trust Bank added: “The responsiveness, attention to detail, and ability to meet challenging deadlines from the Lawrence Stephens team have made them a valuable addition to our legal panel. These initial transactions were handled with efficiency and professionalism, and we’re confident this marks the beginning of a strong and productive partnership.”

For more information on our services and expertise in the Real Estate Finance sector, please click here.

Lawrence Stephens advises Blue Shield Capital on three completions with joint value of £27million

Posted on: August 1st, 2025 by Ella Darnell

Lawrence Stephens have advised Blue Shield Capital on three completions in three weeks with a joint value of over £27 million.

The team, led by Director and Head of Banking Ajoy Bose-Mallick and Head of Real Estate Finance Ann Ebberson, also included Director Alex Edwards and Senior Associate Ashley Wright.

Blue Shield Capital is a publicly backed real estate finance firm, specialising in bridging loans across a broad range of property sectors within the UK market.

Deal one

We advised Blue Shield Capital on the successful completion of a £7.9 million senior facility, secured against a freehold office building located in the prestigious district of Fitzrovia, in London’s West End.

The 24-month facility, structured at 70% loan-to-value (LTV), supports the acquisition of the property and includes an additional £2 million advance to fund a comprehensive refurbishment programme. The works are aimed at repositioning the building as high-quality office space, capitalising on the continued strong demand for premium office accommodation in the West End.

The sponsor is an experienced operator with a proven track record of delivering successful projects across prime Central London locations.

Deal Two

The team advised Blue Shield Capital on the provision of a £14.5 million senior facility, secured against two freehold office buildings located in North London.

The facility refinanced an income-generating asset where the borrower has successfully enhanced rental income and secured permitted development rights. In addition, it supported the acquisition of a second vacant office property, offering strong redevelopment potential, with a planning strategy already in progress.

Deal Three

We advised Blue Shield Capital on the provision of a £3.2 million facility, secured against a fully-let retail site in Barking, East London.

The site, which has been owned by the borrower for over a decade, is now set to move forward with a major residential-led mixed-use redevelopment. The site was previously owned outright, and the funding gives the borrower flexibility as the project moves through the planning process.

Ajoy Bose-Mallick said, “We are proud to have supported Blue Shield Capital across a number of successful transactions, helping to deliver tailored legal advice that align with their strategic objectives. These deals reflect a strong collaborative approach and a shared commitment to unlocking value through thoughtful investment and development.”

These transactions highlight Lawrence Stephens ongoing commitment to supporting property owners and lenders with fast, flexible, and bespoke legal solutions.

For more information on our services and expertise in the banking sector, please click here.

Chambers HNW 2025: Lawrence Stephens Residential Real Estate Team Recognized, Goli-Michelle Banan Ranked Band 3

Posted on: July 24th, 2025 by Alanah Lenten

We are delighted to announce that Goli-Michelle Banan, Head of Residential Real Estate at Lawrence Stephens, has been promoted from Band 4 to Band 3 in the latest Chambers High Net Worth 2025 guide. Her individual rise is matched by an exciting development for the wider Residential Real Estate team, which has secured its first-ever ranking, entering directly at Band 4 in the Real Estate: High Value Residential category.

This recognition places us firmly in competition with some of the capital’s larger and most established firms, including Howard Kennedy and Edwin Coe, underscoring the strength, calibre and growing market presence of our Residential Real Estate team.

With more than a decade’s experience in the prime and core London residential market, Goli-Michelle is a trusted adviser to HNW and UHNW individuals, developers, investors, and trust administrators across the UK and internationally. Known for her commercial insight and unrelenting attention to detail, she is also recognised in the Spear’s 500 as one of the UK’s top recommended property lawyers.

This year’s Chambers HNW guide includes glowing endorsements from clients and peers, who describe her as:

  • “Exceptionally efficient and professional. She has remarkable attention to detail and a thorough approach.”
  • “Incredibly helpful and very detailed… a great solicitor that I’ve had the pleasure of working with.”
  • “Positive, thorough and professional.”

Our Residential Real Estate practice advises on a wide range of complex and high-value transactions, including property sales and acquisitions, leasehold enfranchisement, development site purchases, refinancing, and Islamic finance. Clients range from private investors and family offices to corporates and developers, all of whom value our commercial, solution-driven approach and high-quality service.

Our team’s first-time ranking also reflects the exceptional feedback received this year:

  • “Lawrence Stephens is committed to its clients and provides excellent legal advice, offering solutions and updating all parties involved in an extremely timely manner.
  • “The team is easy to work with, personable, client-centric, pragmatic and collaborative.”

We’re proud that Chambers HNW 2025 has acknowledged the expertise that defines our real estate offering. Congratulations to Goli-Michelle and the entire Residential Real Estate team on this well-earned recognition, a major step forward in our continued growth within the HNW space.

Lawrence Stephens advises Scutum on strategic acquisition of IDS Fire & Security

Posted on: July 23rd, 2025 by Alanah Lenten

Lawrence Stephens has advised global security and fire protection provider Scutum UK & Ireland on its acquisition of IDS Fire & Security (Intruder Detection & Surveillance Limited), a leading provider of integrated fire safety and security solutions across the UK.

The acquisition includes three UK sites and marks a significant step in Scutum’s strategic expansion into the North East and North West of England. IDS Fire & Security is known for its customer-first approach and comprehensive service offering, including fire alarms, CCTV systems, and access control solutions tailored to commercial and industrial clients.

This transaction was completed alongside another acquisition for Scutum, with both deals closing within two days of each other, demonstrating the client’s ambitious growth strategy and the firm’s ability to deliver under tight timelines.

The Lawrence Stephens team was led by Corporate and Commercial Head Jeff Rubenstein, and supported by Director Nick Marshall, Senior Associate Krysha Hunt, Associates Charlotte Hamilton and  Isobel Moran and Solicitor Becci Collins . 

Jeff Rubenstein commented:

“We are proud to have once again supported our client Scutum, on this important acquisition, which further strengthens their presence in the UK market. Running two simultaneous transactions required close collaboration and a deep understanding of the client’s objectives. We’re pleased to have delivered on our promise and look forward to continuing our work with Scutum as they grow their UK footprint.”

Richard Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Scutum UK & Ireland, added:

“We are very grateful to the Lawrence Stephens team for their outstanding dedication and commercial insight throughout this process. Their ability to manage multiple complex transactions efficiently and under tight deadlines was instrumental in achieving our goals.”

Mo Pasricha interviewed on talkSPORT

Posted on: July 14th, 2025 by Ella Darnell

Head of Sports and Entertainment Mo Pasricha was recently featured on the weekday mid-morning sports programme talkSPORT.  Speaking to well-known radio and television presenter Jim White and co-presenter Simon Jordan, businessman, media personality and former chairman of Crystal Palace Football Club, Mo discussed a range of topics, including:

  • the role of lawyers behind the scenes in the modern game
  • the debate around profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) and whether it can work in football.
  • the intricacies of regulatory enforcement, including Manchester City’s 115+ charges. The Premier League charged City in 2023 with breaking financial fair play rules on 115 occasions, and Mo provided insight into the charges case and the potential outcome.

talkSPORT is the go-to station for sports fans in the UK, especially those passionate about football, rugby, and boxing. The video of the interview is available on talkSPORT’s YouTube video channel here.

For more information on Sports and Entertainment services, please click here. 

Lawrence Stephens hosts An Audience with Karen Millen

Posted on: July 14th, 2025 by Natasha Cox

Directors Stephen Messias, Nickhil Mandora and Alexa Kordowicz were delighted to host An Audience with Karen Millen OBE in partnership with the Foundxrs Club, a private membership club for founders and entrepreneurs.

Karen is well-known for her sophisticated, tailored womenswear and the brand grew into an iconic name in British fashion with a presence in over 65 countries. Karen exited her business following its sale to Icelandic bank Kaupthing.

Head of Retail and Hospitality sector Nickhil Mandora introduced the firm to members followed by Karen who shared her inspiring journey from founding a small boutique in Kent with just £100 to building a globally recognised fashion brand valued at over £120 million.

Karen’s thought-provoking story was a powerful example of entrepreneurial vision, resilience, and strategic growth.  She relayed the challenges of building a global fashion empire, navigating the complexities of business ownership and exit, which resonated with the audience of fast-growing entrepreneurial businesses.

For more information on our Retail and Hospitality services, please click here.

Lawrence Stephens advises Scutum on strategic acquisition of Black Box Group

Posted on: July 11th, 2025 by Alanah Lenten

Lawrence Stephens has advised global security and fire protection provider Scutum UK & Ireland on its acquisition of Black Box Group, a leading integrated fire and security solutions provider based in the Northwest of England.

Founded over 45 years ago, Black Box Group delivers end-to-end fire and electronic security services including system design, installation, maintenance, and 24/7 monitoring. The group comprises Black Box Security Alarm Systems (BBS), INS (Integrated Network Systems), and ESI (Electronic Security Installations), and serves clients across sectors such as education, healthcare, defence, and commercial property.

The acquisition, completed in tandem with a second,  significantly strengthens Scutum’s regional presence in the Northwest, complementing its existing fire detection capabilities and enhancing its strategic account offering across the UK.

The Lawrence Stephens team was led by Corporate and Commercial Head Jeff Rubenstein, supported by Tax Director Leigh Sayliss, Senior Associates Harshita Samani and Krysha Hunt, and Solicitors Avni Patel, Becci Collins and Carla Bernstein.

Jeff Rubenstein commented: “We are delighted to have supported Scutum, a long standing and valued client for Lawrence Stephens, on this important strategic acquisition. The integration of Black Box Group marks a significant step in Scutum’s UK growth strategy, and we are proud to have played a role in bringing this deal to completion. It was a pleasure working with the Scutum team. Their collaborative approach was greatly appreciated and we look forward to supporting them on future transactions”

Richard Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Scutum UK & Ireland, added: “We are extremely grateful to the team at Lawrence Stephens for their expert guidance and commitment throughout the transaction. Their commercial insight and responsive approach were instrumental in helping us complete this important acquisition efficiently and effectively.”

 

Lawrence Stephens secures rescission of winding-up order

Posted on: July 10th, 2025 by Natasha Cox

The Lawrence Stephens Restructuring and Insolvency team, represented by Associate Lefteris Kallou, have succeeded in making an application to rescind a winding-up order. This is a relatively rare order granted only in exceptional circumstances, and which is the subject of very few reported cases in England and Wales.

The order, made under Rule 12.59 and Schedule 5(3) of the Insolvency (England and Wales) Rules 2016, enabled our client (shareholder of the company) to regain control of his company from the Official Receiver and resume trading, thereby minimising the company’s exposure.

This matter involved several significant challenges:

Out-of-time application: We were instructed outside the strict five-business-day time limit for rescission applications. We successfully argued that exceptional circumstances justified the court exercising its discretion to allow the application to proceed.

Evidencing solvency post-winding-up: Despite a winding-up order having already been made, it was crucial to demonstrate that the company remained fundamentally solvent. We worked closely with the client to assess the company’s financials, debtor lists, and trading impact. We presented robust evidence, including up-to-date financial statements and management accounts, confirming the company’s ability to meet its debts.

Full discharge of unsecured creditors: A key condition was full repayment of the company’s unsecured creditors. In this case, all trade creditors had been discharged in advance of the hearing. The remaining creditor, HMRC (the petitioning creditor), had not confirmed up-to-date figures or bank details prior to the hearing. To provide the court with the necessary comfort, the client transferred £1.2 million into our client account to adequately cover the company’s HMRC liability. This allowed us to provide a solicitor’s undertaking to make full payment immediately upon HMRC’s confirmation.

Rare neutrality from the Official Receiver: Typically, where the petitioning creditor has not yet been paid (or where the petitioning creditor’s involvement has been limited), the Official Receiver will oppose rescission. In this case, however, the Official Receiver took the unusual step of remaining neutral – a significant factor in the court’s decision to grant the order.

Preventing receiver appointment by secured creditor: We engaged with Barclays, the secured creditor, to negotiate a temporary standstill pending the outcome of our client’s application. The delay in enforcement action prevented significant costs being incurred whilst preserving the company’s position during the interim.

Commenting on the case, Lefteris Kallou said “This matter presented a unique combination of procedural, evidential, and strategic challenges over a very short period of time. The court’s decision reflects both the strength of our client’s position and the structured approach we took in presenting it”.

For further information on our insolvency and restructuring services please click here

Lawrence Stephens Joins Castle Trust Bank’s Prestigious Legal Panel

Posted on: July 8th, 2025 by zhewison

Lawrence Stephens is pleased to announce that we have been appointed to the legal panel of Castle Trust Bank.

Castle Trust’s range of specialist Bridging products covers standard bridging as well as light and heavy refurbishments, and their Buy to Let product provides longer-term funding with competitive fixed rates. Their business volumes have increased significantly over the last nine months, to the point where their legal panel warrants further expansion to help meet demand.

As a leading provider of legal services, Lawrence Stephens is excited to bring our specialist expertise in real estate finance and banking to Castle Trust Bank’s panel of legal advisors.

Anna Lewis, Commercial Director – Property comments: “We are delighted to welcome Lawrence Stephens to our exclusive panel of legal advisors. Demand for our Bridging and Buy to Let products has increased significantly over the last nine months and we expect that trend to continue. Bringing the expertise and experience of Lawrence Stephens onto our legal panel will help ensure we can continue to meet the high standards that specialist brokers have come to expect from Castle Trust Bank. ”

Gregory Palos, Head of Financial Institutions Sector at Lawrence Stephens comments: “We are thrilled to have been appointed to Castle Trust Bank’s legal panel. It is a pleasure to work with a bank that prioritises strong relationships and delivers a bespoke, tailored service, and client focused solutions – values that closely align with our own.
We look forward to collaborating with Castle Trust Bank to support its mission of accelerating their continued growth.”

For more information on our Banking and Real Estate Finance solutions please click here.

Lawrence Stephens & Howden Unveil Innovative Crypto Theft Recovery Solution

Posted on: July 7th, 2025 by Natasha Cox

Lawrence Stephens has partnered with Howden, the global insurance intermediary group, to launch a first-of-its-kind solution for the cryptocurrency sector. This innovative facility combines robust crypto theft insurance with expert legal asset recovery services, offering clients a comprehensive and credible response to digital asset theft.

The new solution delivers more than just insurance – it provides clients with a fully integrated approach that includes legal expertise, access to leading crypto vendors, and forensic recovery capabilities.

“At Howden, we believe in delivering solutions that go beyond traditional insurance,” said Freddie Palmer, Head of Digital Assets and Blockchain at Howden. “By partnering with Lawrence Stephens, we’re empowering our clients with a seamless, end-to-end service that combines technical insurance advice, legal recourse, and access to the broader crypto ecosystem. It’s a powerful response to one of the industry’s most urgent challenges.”

Key features of the facility include:

  • Specialist legal support from Lawrence Stephens to initiate asset freezing and recovery proceedings.
  • Insurance coverage that includes partial reimbursement of legal recovery costs when engaging Lawrence Stephens.
  • Access to a trusted network of crypto vendors and forensic experts to trace and recover stolen assets.

“We’re delighted to offer our legal expertise to the insurance market through this collaboration with Howden,” said Matt Green, Head of Blockchain, Digital Assets and Technology Disputes at Lawrence Stephens. “After all, the legal process began helping an insurer reclaim payment following a ransomware attack.”

This launch marks a significant step forward in institutionalising crypto asset protection, offering clients a credible, structured, and responsive solution in an increasingly complex digital landscape. As digital assets become more mainstream, institutional-grade protection is essential to build trust, reduce risk, and support the long-term growth of the crypto economy.

To find out more about our Blockchain, Digital Assets and Technology Disputes services, please click here

Strategic Growth: Lawrence Stephens Appoints Zahra Shah to Strengthen Real Estate Finance Practice

Posted on: July 4th, 2025 by Ella Darnell
Lawrence Stephens is pleased to announce the appointment of Zahra Shah as Senior Associate to its Real Estate Finance team.
 
Zahra joins us from a high street firm, where she was a Partner in the Real Estate department. She brings extensive experience across both residential and commercial property matters, with particular expertise in real estate finance. Zahra qualified as a Solicitor in 2019, having previously worked as a real estate paralegal at the Department for Education. Her appointment further strengthens our team’s capabilities and reflects our continued commitment to growth.
 
Head of Real Estate Finance, Ann Ebberson said “I’m pleased to welcome Zahra Shah to Lawrence Stephens and our Real Estate Finance team. Zahra brings strong and diverse sector experience, that will further strengthen our team’s capabilities. Her appointment marks another exciting step in the firm’s continued growth and reflects our commitment to expanding our expertise and commercial reach.”

Anti-Doping Case Dismissed: Lawrence Stephens Defends Rugby Star Successfully

Posted on: July 3rd, 2025 by Natasha Cox

Angelique Richardson, Senior Associate in the Sports and Entertainment team at Lawrence Stephens, together with Christopher Saad and Ellie Horan of 2 Bedford Row, successfully acted for professional rugby league player Jake Maizen in proceedings brought by UK Anti-Doping before the National Anti-Doping Panel.

The matter was referred to Lawrence Stephens through the Sport Resolutions Pro Bono service, which provides eligible athletes with access to legal representation in anti-doping and disciplinary matters.

Mr Maizen was cleared of an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) for the use of cocaine In-Competition, contrary to Article 2.2 of the UK Anti-Doping Rules. The charge was formally dismissed following a contested hearing in April 2025.

While Mr Maizen admitted to a separate ADRV under Article 2.1, relating to the presence of a prohibited substance in his system, the Tribunal accepted that the ingestion occurred Out-of-Competition and was unrelated to sporting performance. As a result, the standard three-month period of ineligibility was backdated and deemed already served by way of provisional suspension. Mr Maizen has therefore been immediately eligible to return to the sport.

The decision of the National Anti-Doping Panel can be viewed here.

For more information on our work in sports and entertainment law, please see here.