Mike, our client

Manufacturing Lawyers

Our commitment to UK manufacturers goes beyond providing expert legal advice – we bring deep market insight to the table and work with businesses to develop and fulfill their strategic goals in a time of uncertain markets.

We know your key markets. Our clients include a number of prominent international, national and regional manufacturers.  We bring this experience to every new relationship, and use our understanding and familiarity to support you in achieving your objectives.

Our team act for clients across all sectors, providing deep market insight and specialist expertise in areas such as:

  • Energy sector 
  • Industrial products
  • Food and drink
  • Metals and materials solutions
  • Recycling and waste management
  • Chemicals

The manufacturing industry is facing a number of challenges but also some fantastic opportunities that we can help you take advantage of – we aim to be more than just your lawyers, we want to become your strategic business partners.

Brexit brings great uncertainty for manufacturing businesses but currency fluctuations could mean a boost to exports and improved competitiveness against overseas competitors. Industry 4.0 will mean huge changes for the sector but also has the potential for significant productivity gains for businesses that prepare well.

Our experienced team of manufacturing lawyers will work collaboratively with you to provide proactive solutions for these challenges and any others you might face, providing real added value for any business in the manufacturing sector. 

If your business is going through uncertain times, then our specialist restructuring and insolvency solicitors can help you with all aspects of the restructuring plan process, where appropriate.

Contact Us

Our specialist lawyers provide a full range of legal services for the manufacturing sector. Give our friendly team a call on 0808 291 4962 or get in touch online.

Claire Petricca-Riding
Claire Petricca-Riding Partner Meet Our Manufacturing Sector Team
UK Powerhouse

Overcoming Disruption in the Manufacturing Sector

UK Powerhouse is our quarterly economic growth report charting the regional effects for businesses across the UK.

What does 2022 have in store for the manufacturing sector? Despite the huge challenges faced in 2021, we found that the next 12 months offers opportunities for growth and recovery.

Read the UK Powerhouse report

Case Study - Hills Numberplates

Hills Numberplates is the UK’s market-leading manufacturer and supplier of number plates to the automotive industry. We assist with the day-to-day legal services needed to run the business effectively and support strategically important projects as part of their ambitious growth plans.

Irwin Mitchell’s Fergal Dowling began working with Hills by providing outsourced employment law and HR advice as part of our IMhrplus service. As he got to know the business over several years, Fergal has been able to offer wider commercial advice and to introduce colleagues with other relevant expertise as the company flourished.

We advised Hills on a string of strategically important projects which will drive their long-term performance and growth. This has involved advising on the acquisition of French number plate manufacturer Faab Fabricauto; UK number plate supplier Signam; and vacuum metallising and paint spraying company Dual Metallising Limited.

More recently we have advised Hills Numberplates on a £10m investment to support the group's continued expansion plans.

Irwin Mitchell’s consistency, level of response and clarity on fees has been excellent. Their services are tailored to a medium size business, they understand that. I find Fergal very interesting, he is a bit of an overseer now, but I like his consistency of approach, making it known they are there without pushing too hard, his understanding of our business is very good.

We have worked with Irwin Mitchell’s M&A lawyers on several acquisitions over the last year, both in the UK and Europe. Our experience is of an enthusiastic and highly committed team. They have a hands-on style and a collaborative approach, and their input will allow us to expand into new markets and geographies where there is considerable potential for growth."

Richard Taffinder, Managing Director

Recent Work

Shawbrook Bank Limited

Drafted a receivables finance agreement plus ancillary documents, including an intercreditor deed, for construction and design consultancy Santia Asbestos. Part of a £2.5m deal

Terrafertil UK Limited

Advised on to the transfer of shares in Terrafertil UK Limited as part of the global sale of a majority stake in Latin American health foods company Terrafertil to Nestlé

Plumbing and heating manufacturer

Defending against a product liability claim worth circa £30 million

Mechanical seal manufacturer

Advising on commercial contracts and corporate matters such as share buybacks

Swiss steel manufacturer

Advising on the use of restrictive covenants in employment contracts

ThyssenKrupp

Providing commercial-focused and pragmatic HR legal support for the international industrial conglomerate

Related Services

Corporate

Our corporate lawyers provide advice on M&A, disposals, private equity and equity capital market transactions, as well as everyday corporate matters.

Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Our experienced team acts for businesses of all sizes, providing advice and representation in relation to various disputes and are highly skilled in alternative dispute resolution, including mediation.

Intellectual Property

Our well-established intellectual property lawyers advise on IP rights in the UK and internationally, from clearing and registering a new brand name and commercialising your rights, to resolving any disputes that may arise.

Employment Law

Our market-leading team of employment solicitors provides cutting edge service and pragmatic advice on HR best practice and employment law with a strong presence in the City and regionally.

Regulatory & Compliance

Our expert regulatory solicitors advise and represent many firms, directors and high level individuals every year on both current and potential investigations, as well as offering guidance on regulatory compliance.

Commercial

Our commercial lawyers provide the legal documents, processes and support that your business needs in its everyday operations. We provide timely advice on often complex commercial matters, free from unnecessary jargon.

We Work Nationally

We have offices in major cities throughout the UK and our lawyers can arrange to visit you or your business in person if necessary. We also have international capability, with global links to other legal specialists.

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