Legal shorts: Kuits cheers Poundworld; Irwin Mitchell & more

THE licensing team at Manchester law firm Kuits Solicitors is advising Yorkshire retailer Poundworld Retail Limited on the expansion of its Discount UK store network.

The family-owned firm which has 130 Poundworld shops now has 30 Discount UK units, including shops in Warrington and most recently in Denton, where it has created 40 jobs.

Anthony Lyons and Felicity Harris-Knott from Kuits are advising Poundworld with obtaining premises licences to allow the Discount UK stores to sell alcohol.  The team have also been assisting Poundworld staff attain their personal licences.
 
Licensing partner Anthony commented, “We have found that as a result of the recent economic conditions many value for money retailers have geared themselves towards expansion.  Poundworld Retail Limited are in the position to do just this and we are delighted to be involved with such a well-established family business.”

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IRWIN Mitchell has won two industry awards for its commitment to diversity and graduate recruitment.

The firm, which has an office in Manchester, won the Most Effective Diversity Programme – Gender, and Best Graduate Trainee Recruitment Campaign at The Lawyer’s Workplace And Diversity Awards held this week in London.

Alison Eddy, partner and chair of the firm’s diversity-focused IMPowered Group said : “Our people are our biggest asset and it is wonderful to see IM being recognised externally for the work we do.

“Our overall number of female partners has been increasing consistently over recent years and I think this really demonstrates our meritocratic and inclusive culture where we reward our people for their contribution, achievements and skills.”

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WARD Hadaway has advised property developer Allied London – the group behind Manchester’s Spinningfields business district, on its investment in Leeds.

Allied has acquire a 150-year head lease on the 1.2m sq ft Clarence Dock scheme from Australian group Lend Lease.

Ward Hadaway is currently advising Allied London at Spinningfields including lettings at No 1 The Avenue, work around the new Tower 12 building at the development.