North West Fund reveals panel appointments

THE £185m North West Fund has appointed panels of law firms to carry out contract work during its four-year operational lifespan.

The biggest panel consists of the seven firms that can be called up to carry out work on investment contracts. They include Cobbetts, Aaron & Partners, Laytons, Brabners, Ward Hadaway, Geldards and Mills and Reeves. Laytons and Brabners also made the three-strong panel which will advise the fund on employment law, alongside Hillyer McKeown.

Appointees to the third panel, which will advise on intellectual property, are expected to be announced next Monday.

Barney Leaf, a corporate partner at Laytons, said: “The North West Fund has a profoundly important role to play in the development of the regional economy. It will help generate the momentum that delivers total funding for North West SMEs in excess of £400 million.

“In these challenging economic times, we are obviously proud to be a part of project that supports growth, employment and prosperity. Of the eight law firms on the panel we are the only one which has been involved from the start and our appointment demonstrates the strength and breadth of our offering in Manchester.”