Capsticks has significantly expanded both its client base and team in the North West this year, having achieved a number of key framework appointments and strategic hires on Legal Director and Solicitor level.

The housing team now acts for some of the leading housing providers in the region, including Your Housing Group, Regenda Homes, Broadacres Housing Association and, most recently, Onward Homes.

Onward is a key provider of social housing in the North West, managing over 35,000 homes. With offices in Merseyside, Lancashire and Greater Manchester, the group is committed to the regeneration and sustainability in the region, making a positive difference to local communities.

The external legal services panel launches in July 2021 and will remain in place for four years. Capsticks will provide a full range of services on four lots, including development, conveyancing, housing management and commercial advice. Onward will be able to consult Capsticks on a variety of specialist matters, including:

• new build plot sales, land sales and acquisitions, planning agreements and staircasing,
• site development, stock swap, funding and construction,
• policy, tenancy rights and obligations, possession proceedings, injunctions, ASB, debt and gas servicing, as well as
• commercial, intellectual property, public procurement, information law and regulatory issues.

Paul Lloyd, Housing Management Partner, said: “Providing excellent client care is the main priority of our team. Our full-service offering and years of experience in the sector will assist Onward Homes in managing their properties effectively and putting their tenants’ interests first. Our team look forward to supporting Onward on future projects and help local communities thrive.”

To service its housing clients efficiently, the firm has focussed on building a strong team of housing experts in all disciplines. The newest addition to the team is Chorley-based Legal Director Jennifer Hankinson, formerly a Partner and Head of housing and regeneration at Forbes Solicitors. Jen brings invaluable experience in housing and regeneration matters such as sales and acquisitions, development agreements, leases and shared ownership plot sales. With her career spanning both in-house and law firm positions, Jen brings commercial acumen, expertise in housing policy and a broad knowledge of the sector to her new role.

Capsticks offers a full service to housing providers, including development and regeneration, asset and housing management, as well as commercial contracts, stock rationalisation and portfolio management, always with a focus on clear and practical advice to clients.