Meet the team

Summary

I have a variety of clients from a number of interesting sectors including education, recruitment & manufacturing. In respect of education, I enjoy my role as Vice Chairman of Barnfield West Academy. The achievements of Barnfield are phenomenal, and Barnfield West has won several awards for the ‘outstanding’ progress they have made, which has been well publicised nationally. Everyone in business knows that successful businesses strive to "do it once and do it right." This is the best approach to not only the services and products provided but also to the management of staff and the policies and procedures that are needed to support them. With all of my clients I ensure that they avoid employment disputes by doing it once and doing it right.

Expertise

I have a particular interest in the education sector and I am often called upon by regional colleges and schools to give them sound HR advice. I also have an array of recruitment agency clients so I am regularly called to advise on atypical workers (such as agency workers). Of course due to my sound commercial background I am frequently called upon to advise on TUPE issues arising from the sale or acquisition of a business.

Case studies

It is extremely rewarding when I am considered a safe pair of hands by my fellow professionals. I recently successfully defended a Legal 500 law firm when they were sued by two employees in the Employment Tribunal. Both cases were successfully won.

Personal

I enjoy socialising. This ranges from business networking, to kicking back my heels with friends and associates alike. I also enjoy reading and have yet to read a book which has matched my favourite of Time Travellers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. If you have a recommendation then please email them to me!

Summary

With any transaction each client has distinct objectives and every client’s needs are unique. Reducing those objectives and needs into a legal form can present challenges to achieving those aims. My commitment is to understand your commercial objectives by working in ‘partnership’ with you; negotiate the legal elements on your behalf where necessary; give clear explanations and ensure that high levels of personal client service, satisfaction and care are achieved.

Whilst I am on your team but not always on your payroll, I pride myself on allying a friendly, results orientated approach with professional expertise and enthusiasm, so that you know you will always have credible legal support available to you.

Expertise

I am an expert in all aspects of Commercial Property. I can advise you on what strategies work and those that will not in order to maximise your return and reduce your risk of loss. My specialities include residential and commercial site acquisitions for development and disposals, including site assemblies; all aspects of commercial landlord and tenant, planning agreements; and buying and selling businesses and companies where an interest in property forms a key asset.

Prior to qualifying as a solicitor, I worked as a branch manager for a bank, and UK subsidiary of a major American technology company.

Case studies

I have a diverse range of clients, from house-hold name PLC companies; to private limited companies; pension funds; property investors and owner managed businesses and partnerships; to individual sole traders, within the property development, leisure, office and retail sectors. For some examples I am the retained advisor for companies operating internationally within the fields of precious metals reclamation and environmental waste management and, more locally, restaurateurs’ businesses and high street retailers.

Always however, my aim and commitment is to provide the same personal expertise to everyone.

Personal

As a former competitive swimmer and holder of a junior record in the East Midlands and subsequent masters’ swimmer, I still enjoy swimming but more often now I also like to “take in the scenery” by running road races and have completed several marathons.

Summary

My aim in dealing with all property transactions is to enhance my clients business operation and secure their long-term success.

Expertise

I have over 30 years transactional experience in commercial property, advising on a broad range of commercial property matters including the grant of new leases, lease renewals (acting for both landlords and tenants) and the acquisition and sale of development land including options, conditional contracts and overage agreements.

My clients are by and large small to medium size owner managed businesses but also include national companies, banks, charities, offshore and overseas companies.

Case studies

During the last 12 months I have acted for:

• A Guernsey registered group of companies on a 7.5 million pound refinancing of a commercial development in Buckinghamshire

• Securitisation of a million pound plus loan for a major UK bank of commercial premises in Hemel Hempstead

• Completion of a series of property acquisitions for Hong Kong based clients using both offshore and English registered companies as acquisition vehicles

• The grant of new and renewal of numerous leases of commercial property for both landlords and tenants

• The acquisition of and sale of completed units for a development of barn conversions in Worcestershire

Testimonials

"Gerard and his team always give good practical advice based on their close knowledge of what Grounds for Development Ltd want to achieve from a transaction. Their understanding of our business and attention to detail of our needs ensures we receive good value for money through their services "

"A few years ago, I asked a friend if they could recommend a good solicitor to me, ‘Gerard Sampson at Pictons’ was the immediate reply. ‘He’ll be able to help you and his office has vast experience covering various legal issues’ they added.
I subsequently telephoned Gerard and have never looked back. Here was someone with a friendly voice, willing to listen and help and who is now someone I would call a friend, as opposed to a business acquaintance. Both Gerard and his colleagues have now helped me through some difficult transactions and their help and advice has been totally professional, thinking only of my interests and guiding me through to the end, with the right results.
Now when someone asks me if I can recommend a solicitor, I have no hesitation in saying Pictons because they are a totally professional in their business, have an experienced team of solicitors and deliver a service which is second to none."

“Pictons Solicitors LLP lead by the Head of Commercial Conveyancing – Gerard Sampson is truly professional in their approach to even the most challenging of leases.
The team are constantly updating and informing as the process progresses and their main objective is to complete on time and on budget.” Damon Merridan Auto Mobility Concepts Ltd

Personal

My main interests are horseracing, most sports, theatre, cinema and reading, mostly historical novels, for exercise, I walk my dog.

Summary

With all property transactions, my aim is to ensure that the process and results properly fit my clients business needs. I communicate clearly and in plain English, to ensure that everyone has a clear understanding of whatever the transaction involves My clients know that they can call me and be sure of a friendly and approachable expert to help them, no matter what the issue may be.

Expertise

I have a wide range of transactional experience in commercial property for a diverse group of clients – ranging from the largest property companies to small businesses and sole traders.

I can advise in all aspects of commercial landlord and tenant transactions (acting for both landlord and tenant), the sale and purchase of land (both registered and unregistered) including conditional contracts, development agreements, option agreements and title issues.

Case studies

I have acted:
In the grant of new and renewal of numerous leases of commercial property for both landlords and tenants, including agreements for lease and surrenders of existing leases.

In the sale of a commercial office building in London for £4 million, including substantial title issues.

In the acquisition of new business premises for a variety of businesses (from industrial units to office buildings and retail units).

In the acquisition of development land for a substantial new residential development, through option agreements, overage agreements, co-ownership agreements and outright purchases.

In drafting and negotiating option agreements with conditions ranging from the grant of multiple satisfactory planning permissions to successful first registration.

Personal

I play badminton regularly (though will admit that my serve needs some work). I am interested in cinema, and am involved in the production of short films. Travel is another interest of mine, and I’m trying to visit the most far flung places first (trips include Mongolia and Fiji – both of which I would recommend for a visit). I volunteer for a local hospice charity every weekend.

Summary

I have a committed approach designed to ensure that all aspects are covered for work to be done to the expected timescale.
I try to make sure that my clients are never left feeling that more could or should have been done for them.

Expertise

I have a broad legal experience over 30 years practising in Hemel Hempstead and Luton dealing predominantly with commercial and commercial property matters. I joined Pictons as a Consultant in October 2010.

I specialise in commercial property work in particular property development both for residential housing and commercial developments. I deal with the grant of new leases acting for landlords and tenants and in lease renewals.

I regularly advise private clients in relation to inheritance tax, estate planning and succession issues particularly with a commercial or business element or with trust involvement. I also advise in relation to partnership issues.

Case Studies

I am currently involved in the development of a new Medical Centre in Milton Keynes consisting of a new doctors surgery, pharmacy and dental suite and with a residential element including the site acquisition, funding and construction aspects and the leasehold disposal of the completed surgery, pharmacy and dental units.

I am also acting in the development for offices of a substantial 13 acre site in Cardiff Bay being developed under a joint venture agreement. I have been involved in the development since the original acquisition of the whole of the site in 2002, the development and sale of Phase 1 and currently in the development and leasing of Phase 2 of the site.

I act in the acquisition of a variety of sites for residential redevelopment including the funding aspects and then preparing the schemes for sale of the completed residential units.

Personal

I was Educated at Manchester Grammar School and Kings College, London and Trained with Trower, Still and Keeling (now Trower and Hamlins) in London before moving to practice in Hemel Hempstead. I was President of Hertfordshire Law Society in 1996-1997.
I have lived locally in Berkhamsted for 35 years. I am interested in most sports including rugby, cricket and latterly golf. I also have an interest in a family farming partnership growing and selling Christmas trees in the North West of England.