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.
Wall Colmonoy Ltd
Advising a housing association in relation to a variety of corporate governance issues
Advising a housing association in relation to the formation of a commercial subsidiary
Advising a variety of franchisors in relation to dealing with franchisee disputes
Advising on and drafting a commission agreement for a property broking company
Advising on and forming a group company structure for a business advisory company
Conducting IP audit for a networking franchise
Drafting and updating franchise agreements for a variety of franchisor companies
Investment into a Welsh company producing computer systems and real-time graphics for quiz and light entertainment programmes
MBO of a local renowned fine foods company
Purchase of a local estate agency from administrators
Purchase of an engineering business from administrators
Regular commercial support to inhouse counsel for an IT company
Regular reviews of master service agreement for a life sciences company
Review of master service agreement for a life sciences company
Sale of a large nursing home based in South Wales
Sale of a leading clean air solutions company for £2.5m
Sale of a local engineering company
Sale of a national freight business by the administrators
Sale of an insurance brokerage for £0.5m
Significant early funding round for a Welsh cutting-edge AI risk management company
CORPORATE
Agency and distribution agreements
Consultancy agreements
Corporate governance and directors’ duties
Debt and equity investment
Group company restructures
Joint venture agreements
Lending and security documents
LLP and partnership agreements
MBOs
Pre-packs
Share and asset sales
Shareholders’ agreements
COMMERCIAL
Assignment and licensing of IP
Commercial contract reviews
Competition
Framework agreements
Franchise agreements
Freedom of Information
GDPR and data protection
IP audits
IT agreements
Non-disclosure agreements
Procurement
Training
Trust deeds
Experience
Partner, Darwin Gray – 2004 – present
Associate then Partner, Gimblett Williams, 1999 – 2004
Solicitor, Pinsent Curtis, 1997 – 1998
Solicitor, Morgan Bruce, 1993-1996
Trainee Solicitor, Morgan Bruce, 1991 – 1993
Education
Hutton Grammar School
University of West England
Member of the Data Protection Society
Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
Affiliate of the British Franchise Association
Regional Chair of EWIF South West and Wales branch
I have worked with Darwin Gray for a number of years and the level of service, professionalism and timely response is second to none. I would highly recommend Darwin Gray to any business.”
Darwin Gray have provided us with a first-class service for many years now. They really take the time to understand our business and develop relationships which results in advice and support that is contextualised and effective.”
We have worked with Darwin Gray for several years and have always found their services and advice to be first class.”
An extremely professional and sincere firm who make time for your queries and understand the need to break down certain facts and information to ensure everything is understood perfectly. I would highly recommend the firm to anyone looking for any type of legal advice”
PSS has worked with Darwin Gray for many years. We have always received an excellent service. Prompt and professional advice and support.”
Darwin Gray have acted for myself and my company over a number of years and at all times we have been treated with a professional manner yet maintain a common-sense approach at all levels. We couldn’t recommend them more highly.”
We have been clients of Darwin Gray for many years; they’ve always dealt with all of our legal matters with such professionalism. They work around us, even during awkward hours, and we feel confident we can always rely on them.”
Darwin Gray has been acting for Siltbuster for more than ten years. We would have no hesitation in recommending Darwin Gray to other organisations small or large.”
From the very first conversation, I had no doubt that Darwin Gray should be the firm to receive our instructions on this matter. I would have no hesitation in recommending Darwin Gray.”
We regularly instruct Darwin Gray. Their service in dealing with our transactional matters and disputes is always professional, prompt and efficient.”
Darwin Gray guided me through a long and extended process that would have been much more difficult had it not been for their patience and constant support.”
Excellent and efficient service. Great result achieved, highly professional and transparent on pricing. Would recommend.”
Superb legal service provided. Exceeded expectations. They went above and beyond in order to provide the best service possible.”
Very professional and understanding. They were a calming influence in a very troubling situation and they brought it to a very successful conclusion”
We have used Darwin Gray and have been seriously impressed. The personal approach is what Darwin Gray are excelling on and is the reason why we will continue to work with them in the future.”
