BERMANS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Head of Employment
- Unfair Dismissal - Compensation
- Worker Status
Adrian Fryer qualified as a solicitor in 1997 following his degree in Law, and has specialised in employment law since then.
Adrian joined Bermans as a partner in 2013 and was appointed as head of employment in 2018.
He has a particular interest and experience in TUPE, collective consultation issues and trade union recognition.
Adrian acts for clients in a number of sectors, including social housing, financial services, manufacturing and leisure. His clients praise him for his "great professionalism", "commerciality of approach" and "pragmatic advice".
Notice is normally needed in order to lawfully end an employment contract. A failure to give notice - by either party - will usually be a breach of contract. Many employers include PILON - payment in lieu of notice - clauses in employment contracts to enable them to end employment early provided they pay the correct notice pay. If an employee resigns, there will be no dismissal. However, s95 Employment Rights Act 1996 says that an employee is dismissed if the employment contract is terminated by the employer, with or without notice. The EAT has looked at a case where the employee resigned but the employer ended the contract before the notice period had ended by making a payment in lieu of notice. The employee said he had been dismissed and was therefore entitled to bring an unfair dismissal claim.
Normally in employment tribunal cases, the tribunal will only make decisions about issues that are raised in the pleadings (the ET1 and ET3) and/or those agreed between the parties during the case management process. The recent case of Osinuga v BPP University showed that there are exceptions to this general rule. The employee brought claims for unfair dismissal and discrimination. She said she had been targeted for redundancy due to complaints she had made about her pay. At a preliminary hearing, the tribunal identified various issues for the tribunal to decide, including the reason for dismissal. The list of issues did not include a complaint by the employee about the lack of any fair redundancy procedure (fair consultation, selection and a search for suitable alternative employment).
Alex Chapman is a partner in our invoice finance team in Liverpool.
Alex has been at Bermans since 1994 following his law degree and qualification as a solicitor in 1988.
Alex specialises in the non-contentious aspects of invoice finance assisting his clients on security matters, drafting of bespoke documentation, reviewing contracts for quality of debt issues and assisting invoice financiers when they fund acquisitions and buy-outs.
Alex is recognised by his clients for making complex areas of law understandable and applying legal principles in a commercial manner to ensure the job gets done. He values client service as a top priority and understands the needs of his client's businesses. Alex regularly lectures the industry on legal issues affecting the invoice finance market.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Team - Asset Finance, Team - Invoice Finance
Alissa is a Senior Associate in our asset based lending team, acting for both financial institutions as well as corporate borrower clients. Since joining Bermans in 2017, she has undertaken a broad range of banking and finance work including invoice finance, asset finance and general corporate finance.
Alissa graduated from Liverpool University with a law degree before qualifying as a solicitor in 2010.
Alissa has a keen interest in live music and travelling, and have previously spent time travelling Thailand, Australia and Fiji.
Andrew Henderson (left) joined Bermans in 1985 and has developed an expertise in asset finance litigation. He has been made a Partner and joins Alex Chapman, David Gledhill and Jonathan Berkson as partners in the specialist Asset Based Lending team that is ranked in the Legal 500 London Asset Finance Lending rankings.
He deals with matters such as fraud, freezing orders, title claims, delivery up claims, guarantee/indemnity claims, shortfalls and general debt recovery for a wide range of asset based lenders.
Andrew joined Bermans in 1985 to assist Ian Munford following the opening of our Manchester office and became a Partner in 2021. Since then he has gained great experience in both Invoice and Asset finance litigation.
He has over 30 years experience in Asset finance litigation dealing with matters such as fraud, freezing orders, title claims, delivery up claims, guarantee/indemnity claims, shortfalls and general debt recovery for a wide range of asset based lenders including members of the Finance & Leasing Association and UK Finance (previously the Asset Based Finance Association).
He is a strong litigator but equally at home negotiating towards an amicable settlement, where costs, commercial or other reasons for advising settlement dictate. His calm and approachable manner is much appreciated by clients.
Though his football playing days are long gone he retains a keen interest in sport. Andrew is a season ticket holder at Manchester United and also follows the fortunes of his home town Rugby League club Salford Red Devils.
Andrew joined Bermans in January 2017 as a Partner in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution team based in Manchester.
Andrew studied law at University College, Oxford and The College of Law, Guildford, before qualifying as a Solicitor in 1987.
Andrew advises for owner-managed businesses, professional practices, insolvency practitioners, property developers, secured lenders and individuals.
He specialises in property litigation, shareholder and partnership disputes; litigation for secured lenders; contract disputes; professional negligence and insolvency.
Outside of work, Andrew enjoys football (both playing 5-a-side and watching Manchester City); running; walking/climbing; music and learning to play the piano. Plus he is a member of the Manchester Law Society.
Anton Stirrett joined our Liverpool based Corporate team in January 2017 and specialises in all forms of corporate transactions including business acquisitions, MBO's, MBI's and corporate re-organisations.
Anton Stirrett joined our Liverpool based Corporate team in January 2017 as a Partner.
Anton qualified as a solicitor in 2001 following his law degree, and specialises in all forms of corporate transactions including business acquisitions, MBO's, MBI's and corporate re-organisations.
Anton prides himself on working with clients to form close working relationships to understand their requirements and to ensure that work is completed within tight timescales and within agreed budgets.
Anton specialises in advising SME's and owner managed businesses but also has expertise in the healthcare sector, in particular pharmacies and dental transactions.
Barney is a Partner in Bermans Corporate team and joined in 2020. Prior to becoming a solicitor he worked for a national domestic bank. He has a degree in Business Studies and qualified as a solicitor in 1996.
Barney is a Partner in Bermans Corporate team and joined in 2020.
Prior to becoming a solicitor he worked for an international domestic bank. He has a degree in Business Studies and qualified as a solicitor in 1996.
He has over 20 years of corporate law experience and acts for a variety of international and domestic business in several sectors including retail, software, online, professional services firms, finance and investment funds.
His work includes acquiring and disposing of businesses from £500k to £120M, venture capital and private equity work, shareholder and partnership disputes, development of businesses prior to disposal in addition to the general commercial work that working with long established clients brings.
His recent work/transactions includes:-
Catherine joined Bermans in August 2016 as a Solicitor in the Corporate team and became a Senior Associate in 2021. She qualified as a Solicitor in 2005 following her law degree.
Catherine advises a variety of clients ranging from sole traders and start-ups to medium-sized enterprises.
She is experienced in drafting documents for and negotiating a broad spectrum of corporate transactions assisting clients in reorganisation of businesses and company structures, business/company sales and acquisitions, shareholders and cross option agreements, company law and partnership matters.
Job Titles:
- Colin Dean October 20, 2020 Team - Corporate / Trainee Solicitor
Chris joined Bermans Manchester office in September 2020 and is a Trainee Solicitor in the Bermans Corporate Team, having previously studied Law at the University of Liverpool.
Chris acts predominantly for SMEs in respect of both transactional and non-transactional matters. He has experience in assisting the team in respect of due diligence and drafting / reviewing various supporting documents used in a variety of matters.
He lives in Cheshire and plays 7-a-side football and likes to spend time with his friends and family.
Claire joined Bermans in 2006 as a trainee solicitor and following her solicitor qualification in 2008 joined the Property team.
Claire has a degree in business studies and also completed a LPC before commencing her training contract with Bermans.
Claire offers specialist advice in all areas of commercial property and has a depth of experience in landlord and tenant work, commercial and residential development and secured lending. Claire also advises on the real estate aspects of corporate acquisitions and disposals.
Claire aims to provide clients with a pragmatic and commercial approach to problems to enable transactions to be completed with the minimum amount of fuss and within the appropriate deadlines.
Job Titles:
- News - Property and Construction, Team - Property
Job Titles:
- News - Property and Construction, Team - Property
Job Titles:
- News - Asset Finance, Team - Asset Finance
Job Titles:
- News - Invoice Finance, Team - Invoice Finance
Job Titles:
- News - Invoice Finance, Team - Invoice Finance
Dave joined Bermans in 1984 and qualified as a solicitor in 1986 following his degree in law.
Dave is a partner in our Invoice Finance team and is highly experienced in all commercial aspects of invoice finance and asset based lending and known for his commercial and practical advice to clients.
Dave has always been and still is a bit of a fitness fanatic and runs most days before work, cycles at the weekend and is a regular high handicap golfer who never seems to improve that much but loves the game!
Dave has worked in invoice finance nearly all of his professional career providing sound commercial advice to all Bermans clients in the invoice finance and asset based lending field and is well respected for his commercial and down to earth approach when advising clients.
Job Titles:
- Litigation Executive
- Team, Team - Asset Finance, Team - Invoice Finance
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Team - Asset Finance, Team - Invoice Finance
Job Titles:
- News - Invoice Finance, Team - Invoice Finance
Job Titles:
- News - Invoice Finance, Team - Invoice Finance
Aleena joined Bermans in 2019 and is a Litigation Assistant in the Asset Based Lending team. Aleena predominantly deals with prelegal correspondence and process driven claims and enforcement.
Faizan joined Bermans Manchester office in January 2021 and works within the Corporate department.
Faizan assists and works closely with the Corporate team on various corporate instructions involving due diligence, disclosure and the review and drafting of supporting transactional documents.
Faizan graduated from the Legal Practice Course in Manchester and has previous experience of working on a variety of corporate transactions including share/asset acquisitions and disposals, company reorganisations, restructures, demergers, incorporations and also private equity.
Outside of work Faizan enjoys dining out, keeping fit at the gym, partaking in sports and is an avid hiker. He also has a keen interest in sports, science, film and culture.
Job Titles:
- Finance
- Partner
- Head of Property and Construction
Fergal heads up the Property and Construction team in Bermans Liverpool and Manchester offices.
He qualified as a solicitor in 1986 following his degree in law.
Fergal specialises in commercial property transactions and his clients include property developers, investors, fund managers, banks and bridging loan companies.
His clients value his pragmatic approach and willingness and ability to ensure their objectives are met and he is well known and respected in the Liverpool business community.
Fergal has been the Bermans finance partner since 2007 and is a founding member of the Bermans board.
Job Titles:
- Litigation Executive
- Team, Team - Asset Finance, Team - Invoice Finance
Gayle joined Bermans in August 2017 and is a Litigation Executive in the Asset Based Lending team.
She has over 25 years experience of producing and managing court process for a variety of commercial clients and has worked extensively for clients in the asset based finance market.
Gayle predominantly deals with undefended and process driven claims.
Job Titles:
- Trainee Solicitor
- in 2019 As a Paralegal
- Member of Cheshire Riding School
Georgia joined Bermans in 2019 as a Paralegal in our Asset Based Lending team, before becoming a Trainee Solicitor in September 2021.
Georgia currently assists the Corporate and Commercial teams on a range of transactional work for a variety of clients, from sole traders to medium-sized enterprises. Her responsibilities include conducting due diligence and drafting reports on the same, drafting disclosure letters and drafting supporting documentation for share exchanges and buybacks.
She graduated from university in 2018 with a first class degree in Law, before completing her Masters and LPC with a distinction at Nottingham Law School.
Previously, Georgia worked at a family law firm in London specialising in divorce and finance, before deciding to pursue a career in commercial law.
Outside of work, Georgia is a member of Cheshire Riding School and enjoys sailing off the coast of North Wales.
Guy is a partner at Bermans and joined Bermans Property and Construction team in 2006.
He qualified as a solicitor in 2006 following his degree in Classics.
He provides commercial property advice to clients within many different sectors including commercial property development, house builders, Private Rental Sector (PRS), property investment, retail and banking.
He has a wealth of experience across a wide range of commercial property transactions including, commercial property acquisitions and disposals, commercial leases, site acquisitions and disposals, development and planning agreements, secured lending, receivership appointments and property disposals and the creation of easements and rights of way.
Guy prides himself on providing speedy and pragmatic advice to his clients and also on his ability to deliver a top quality service within a transparent and competitive fee structure and within the required timeframes.
Ian Munford is Head of Asset Finance and one of the most reputed lawyers in the country specialising in this business area.
After his degree in Law at Sheffield University, Ian joined Bermans in 1978 upon qualifying as a solicitor. He acted extensively in those early years for then market leaders such as Anglo Leasing, Woodchester LMS and Lombard Business Equipment and the knowledge gained formed the foundation for his specialisation in asset finance.
Ian and his team provide legal advice and assistance to funders, brokers and discounters ranging from Bank subsidiaries and multinational financiers to small businesses. Services provided include documentation, risk advice, dispute resolution and regulatory work. He prides himself on building strong client relationships based on first class service delivery provided in a pragmatic and personable manner.
James Whittaker is a Senior Associate in the insolvency team, having joined Bermans in 2019 after practicing law at large international law firms since qualifying as a solicitor in 2012.
Prior to qualification, James studied Psychology at the University of Liverpool and then converting to law at the University of Law at Chrisleton.
James has experience acting for and advising companies, individuals, directors, creditors and office-holders within insolvency proceedings in respect of both contentious and non-contentious assignments.
Currently, James has a focus on contentious insolvency proceedings and is regularly instructed to issue and defend applications under the Insolvency Act 1986 and the Insolvency Rules 2016 including:
Applications for injunctions to restrain presentation of or advertisement of winding up petitions,
All stages of the creditors' winding up petition process, including opposing a petition which is disputed in good faith on substantial grounds;
All stages of the bankruptcy petition process, including applications to set aside statutory demands and disputed bankruptcy petition hearings;
Full range of office-holder applications arising from the administration of insolvent estates against directors, companies and individuals (including misfeasance/preference/undervalue/void dispositions),
Acting for Trustees in Bankruptcy against individuals and companies, applications for possession and sale and annulment applications;
Administration applications include applications to challenge validity of appointment, and administration extension applications;
Applications for block transfers of office holder appointments.
Outside of work, James likes to spend as much time as possible outside either cycling (having recently completed Haute Route Alps) or walking/camping in the hills of North Wales and the Lake District. James is also an avid follower of professional cycling, and Liverpool Football Club.
Jessica joined Bermans in April 2022 as a Property Finance Paralegal.
Jessica graduated from Liverpool John Moores University with a First Class degree in Law in 2021 and is currently studying the Legal Practice Course. Jessica also has experience in advising Commercial Employment, Public Sector Employment and Business Immigration clients.
Jessica assists with all types of Property Finance transactions, including but not limited bridging finance deals, re-finances, buy-to-let investment acquisitions and sales.
Job Titles:
- Head
- Head of Corporate
- Head of Corporate and Author!
Some of you may be aware that Jon Davage is head of our corporate team but did you know he […More]
Jon heads up the Corporate team having joined Bermans as a Corporate Partner in January 2012.
Jon previously worked at SME focused law firms in Manchester since qualification in 2001.
Jon has a degree in law and is a specialist in transactional and corporate finance work as well as providing general strategic advice.
Some of you may be aware that Jon Davage is head of our corporate team but did you know he has also contributed a chapter to a book? Working with our clients, Guy Remond and Ian Brookes from The Start Up Factory, they developed an idea to share their experience of the journey from founder … Continue reading Jon Davage, Head of Corporate and author!
Jonathan is an award winning, experienced dispute resolver. He works with clients to resolve complex disputes in the most cost effective and commercial way.
He qualified a solicitor in 1990 following his degree in law.
Jonathan's commercial recovery work for asset based lenders has added to the firms niche in this area of practice.
Jonathan has been recognised as a top lawyer by the Times as their "Lawyer of the Week" in September 2011, and Legal Business Magazine who highly commended him for "Lawyer of the Year" in 2012. Jonathan was the Liverpool Law Society's "Solicitor of the Year" in 2013.
Joseph joined Bermans as a Paralegal in the Asset Based Lending team in July 2021.
Madeleine joined Bermans in October 2021 and is a solicitor in the Commercial department.
Before joining Bermans, Madeleine graduated from the University of Liverpool with a first class Law degree and then completed the LPC MSc at the University of Law in Chester. She completed her training contract at an international law firm.
Job Titles:
- Colin Dean February 19, 2020 Team, Team - IP / Partner
Martin is a Partner in Bermans insolvency and restructuring team and joined in 2020.
He has a law degree and qualified as a solicitor in 1998.
Martin has over 20 years experience as an insolvency and restructuring lawyer, focusing mainly on transactional and advisory work. He is a very familiar face in the North West restructuring market and has extensive experience acting for insolvency practitioners, corporates, ABL and other lenders advising on restructuring and new lending matters.
Melanie joined Bermans in January 2015 as a Trainee Solicitor and qualified as a Solicitor in January 2017, becoming a Senior Associate in the Property team in 2021.
Melanie graduated from Lancaster University with a degree in Law in 2011, before completing the Legal Practice Course at The University of Law, Chester. Prior to joining Bermans, she spent time as a paralegal and working at an international bank.
Melanie deals with a wide range of property matters, including all types of property finance, commercial property acquisitions and sales, residential and commercial developments and acquisitions and redevelopment of buy-to-let properties. She also provides property advisory support for transactions conducted by our Corporate team and prides herself on her friendly, common-sense approach with clients.
Melanie Morris joined Bermans in January 2015 as a Trainee Solicitor and qualified as a Solicitor in January 2017, becoming a Senior Associate in the Property team in January 2021.
Michael joined Bermans as a trainee solicitor in 2008 and became a Partner in 2021.
Following his degree in law and qualification in September 2010, he joined the Litigation and Dispute Resolution team based in the firm's Liverpool office.
Michael's focus is commercial litigation and he provides specialist advice to clients in relation to a wide range of disputes, including shareholder and partnership matters, warranty and covenant claims, property litigation and complex, high-value contractual disputes.
Michael prides himself on his approachable and positive attitude, and clients appreciate his ability to explain complex legal issues in simple, understandable terms. Always keen to keep matters firmly in a commercial focus, Michael works with clients to resolve disputes and meet objectives in the most cost-effective way possible.
Nathan Hughes joined Bermans in February 2022 and is an assistant solicitor in our Corporate team based in Manchester.
He works with SME's and owner managed businesses and is experienced in corporate law, merges and acquisitions, corporate finance and investments, company law and business advice.
Nathan studied Law with Philosophy at The University of Liverpool and qualified as a solicitor in 2021.
Outside of work, he has an interest in castles and has visited many in Wales and England, with his personal recommendation being Harlech Castle in North Wales. He also enjoys playing guitar and science fiction.
Job Titles:
- Head of Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Nick, a partner since 2001, and member of the firms management board also heads up the Litigation & Dispute Resolution and Collections teams.
Nick has a degree in law and qualified as a solicitor in 1997.
He is a highly respected commercial litigator and cited by the Legal 500 as one of the top lawyers in the North West, he has expertise in heavy weight contractual disputes ranging from shareholder, partnership and franchisor issues to complex property construction, insurance and tax litigation. Professional negligence claims is also an area in which he is highly regarded.
As co-founder of the multi-award winning dispute resolution product, Escalate, Nicks innovative, solution driven and price sensitive approach is well recognised by his clients.
Alive to the changing climate, Nick has embraced ADR and has conducted many successful negotiated settlements through mediation.
Palma joined Bermans in March 2022 as a Paralegal based in our Manchester Litigation team.
She works in areas such as breaches of contract, partnership disputes, probate, acquisition and tenancy issues.
She studied Law at the University of South Wales and obtained her LPC at the Manchester Metropolitan University.
She is also currently undertaking an online course in Intellectual Property and Policy provided by the University of Pennsylvania.
Outside of work, Palma enjoys going to the gym, hiking, yoga, cooking, reading and discovering restaurants and coffee shops.
Philippa Baty joined Bermans in May 2022 and is a Paralegal in our Property team.
She studied at the University of the West of England qualified as a Solicitor in 2017.
Philippa primarily assists the team on a variety of commercial property matters.
Outside of work, Philippa enjoys seeing friends and family, going for walks/to the beaches on the Wirral…plus the odd psychological thriller or true crime documentary!
Rebecca joined Bermans in September 2016 as a Consultant in the Property team.
She has a degree in law & French and qualified as a Solicitor in 2005.
Rebecca advises a variety of clients including SMEs, private individuals and international investors. She specialises in all aspects of commercial property, in particular acquisitions and disposals, landlord and tenant, property finance and property development.
She is also a volunteer for Henshaws Society For The Blind and is a member of Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Rebecca joined Bermans in January 2022 and is a paralegal in our Corporate team based in Liverpool.
She previously specialised in due diligence reviews and analysis of international merger control regimes and has transactional experience.
She graduated from the University of Lincoln in Law and Politics and International Business Law and she completed her LPC at the University of Manchester.
In her spare time she enjoys reading, listening to true crime podcasts and watching foreign language TV shows. She is also practising her pool-playing skills so she can beat her friends at a game!
Robert Maddocks (pictured), qualified as Solicitor in 2008 and joined Bermans in July 2019 as a Senior Associate in the Employment team.
Robin joined Bermans in December 2015 and became a Partner in the Corporate department in 2022.
He qualified as a solicitor in 2011 having trained in London.
Robin advises clients ranging from start-ups to large companies on a range of corporate matters including mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital investments, reorganisations, joint ventures, incorporations and corporate governance issues. He also regularly advises on employee share and incentive schemes.
Robin was ranked by Experian Corpfin as first in the North West for deals worked on in 2013, 2014 and 2018 and also first in the UK in 2014.
Robin Hastings (pictured below), qualified as a solicitor in 2011 having trained in London and after a spell at a
Solaman joined Bermans Liverpool office in September 2021 and is a Trainee Solicitor in the Property Team, having previously studied Law at the University of Liverpool.
He works with SME's and private individuals, dealing with commercial transactions including acquisitions and sales of commercial property as well as dealing with both freehold and leasehold residential property transactions.
He lives in East Lancashire and likes to keep fit by swimming and playing 5-a-side football. In his spare time he likes to read about history.
Sophie Robertson (pictured), qualified as a Solicitor in September 2019 and joined Bermans upon qualification as a Solicitor in the Employment team in Liverpool.
Job Titles:
- Team - Asset Finance, Team - Invoice Finance
Stephen is a partner and heads up the Commercial Team, having joined Bermans in June 2021.
After qualifying as a solicitor in 2008, Stephen has trained and worked at a number of large regional firms; as well as working in-house. He is a highly experienced commercial contracts lawyer with in-house experience (including working with major international brands), and has good experience working for international companies. This in-house experience gives Stephen a commercial approach in problem solving, which assists clients in achieving their commercial goal and objectives.
He advises on all types of commercial contracts and arrangements. This extends to agency or distribution, confidentiality, consultancy, cooperation, event management, outsourced services, sponsorship, software or website development, equipment or venue-hire, intellectual property rights and licensing, trade mark licences and standard terms and conditions of trade, service and supply. He advises clients in a wide range of sectors and industries; including the cosmetic, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, leisure, retail and sports.
In addition to his commercial contracts experience, Stephen has substantial experience in the sports sector, and is an important part of the growing Bermans Sports Team. Before coming back to private practice in 2019, Stephen was senior legal counsel at MATCH Hospitality, providing legal and commercial advice in connection with a number of major sporting events; including the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia™ 2017, 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™, the ATP Tennis Finals (at the O2 Arena in London) and the Formula One Paddock Club. He was also previously lead legal adviser to the T20 Caribbean Premier League.
Stephen has over 20 years of experience and his focus is mainly on company formations, mergers and takeovers, disposals and MBO/MBIs, as well as general commercial contracts and advice.
Stephen joined our Manchester based corporate team as a partner in April 2018.
Stephen has a degree in law and qualified as a solicitor in 1991.
His focus is mainly on company formations, mergers and takeovers, disposals and MBO/MBIs, as well as general commercial contracts and advice.
His clients are both regional and national and range from sole traders to large companies.
Outside of work, Bolton based Stephen enjoys going to the gym, supporting Manchester City, gardening and spending time with his granddaughter.
Tahsin qualified as a solicitor in September 2019 and joined Bermans Manchester office in November 2021 as a Solicitor in our Employment team.
He advises across all employment law and HR issues including drafting contracts of employment, directors' service agreements, settlement agreements, handling disciplinaries and grievances, redundancies and TUPE transactions.
He has also advised across the full spectrum of Employment Tribunal claims with particular focus on discrimination claims.
Tahsin acts for a wide range of clients ranging from international and national companies to OMB's.
He studied at The University of Manchester and The University of Law and outside of work Tahsin teaches the LPC as a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Law and is an avid Manchester Utd fan as well as regularly playing football in his spare time.