Leading asset based lending partner joins our Manchester office

Simon, one of the UK’s leading finance lawyers, has joined as a partner from the London office of Dentons. He was previously a partner in the Manchester banking team at Addleshaw Goddard.

Simon has more than 20 years’ experience in acting for UK clearing banks, international financial institutions, challenger banks and independent asset based lenders. He’s developed one of the UK’s leading practices advising on asset-based lending and receivables financing and has advised on some of the most complex deals in the ABL market in recent years.

Simon is ranked as a “Leading Individual” for asset based lending in Legal 500 (being one of only 15 lawyers in the UK with that ranking) and is described as “exceptionally professional but personable, easy to talk to and stays calm under pressure”.

His appointment is designed to both accelerate growth for the firm in the asset based lending sector and to build a banking practice in Manchester and across the North. Simon will work closely with the corporate, commercial, and real estate teams, which have expanded in recent years, to offer a one-stop, full-service to corporate clients.

Chris Ross, head of the Manchester office, said: “The Manchester office has grown significantly and, although we're supported by a wider banking team, having a partner with the calibre of Simon on the ground is a significant step forward in demonstrating our drive to continue to grow our presence in the city.”

“Simon is a welcome addition to the Manchester office and his appointment will enhance the profile of our growing corporate, commercial and real estate teams, open up relationships with local lenders and intermediaries and provide a full service offering to our corporate clients.”

Simon said: “Mills and Reeve already has a well-regarded asset based lending team with an impressive roster of clients. I’m looking forward to bringing my experience and relationships in the ABL market to help drive the growth of the national ABL practice.

I’m also excited by the opportunity to launch a banking and finance team in Mills and Reeve’s rapidly expanding Manchester office which will extend the reach of the Firm’s national banking and finance practice to cover the North West market.”

Will Roles, head of the Mills & Reeve national finance and restructuring practice, said: “I'm delighted to welcome Simon to our team. His position as an asset based lending specialist, and his complimentary client base, will greatly assist the growth or our existing ABL practice. Adding Simon’s reputation and clients to our practice will position us as one of the leading national ABL teams.”

“Additionally, Simon is our first finance partner hire into the Manchester office and his appointment will greatly assist the achievement of our longer-term strategic aim to be recognised as a leading national finance practice.”