IP audit by Stephen Thompson

Stephen is a partner and also head of the firm’s Corporate and Commercial teams. He undertakes a wide range of transactional corporate work including acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures, investments and group restructures. Sectors of particular expertise include life sciences, nursing homes, manufacturing, veterinary practices and also hospitality. Stephen also advises on a wide range of commercial issues including franchising and intellectual property. In addition, Stephen has nearly 30 years’ experience advising businesses and individuals in relation to insolvency related legal issues. Stephen’s extensive and lengthy legal career means that he can bring to bear on his legal work a wealth of commercial knowledge and expertise. His commercial experience enables him to deliver legal advice and assistance to his clients that is tailor made to their particular business needs. Stephen is known for his calm, friendly manner and also a highly pragmatic approach to legal problems and issues. He is always able to get straight to the nub of issues for his clients, enabling them to quickly move on with running their businesses and not get bogged down with unnecessary legal niceties. In addition to providing regular support to established businesses, Stephen regularly works with start-ups and growth businesses across a variety of sectors. His wide-ranging legal experience across a variety of business sectors enables him to provide invaluable support to businesses that are in an early stage of their development and growth. On the franchising side, Stephen leads the team with 25 years’ experience in the sector. He has a widely known expertise in the franchising industry and is the Chair of the South West and Wales branch of Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF).  The firm is also an affiliate member of the British Franchise Association. Stephen also works extensively in the Housing Association and charitable sector advising on a range of corporate and also governance issues. Stephen is a regular speaking and writer in relation to a wide range of legal topics including radio and television appearances.