Legal briefs: Harrison Drury rocks with Rod Stewart; Kuits; Ratio takes a stand

HARRISON Drury has taken centre stage after providing legal support for a series of Rod Stewart concerts.

The Preston firm has advised concert promoters Cuffe and Taylor on its contractual agreement with the veteran singer, as well as deals with individual venues and ticketing company Ticketline.

Members of Harrison Drury’s corporate team have been working closely with Cuffe and Taylor on its plans to stage the three concerts in Blackpool, Stoke and Brighton in June next year.

David Filmer, associate solicitor at Harrison Drury, said: “Cuffe and Taylor is a fast growing business that is striking deals with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry to promote concerts attended by thousands of people.

“It’s vital for such businesses to have robust contracts in place to protect them in all eventualities. We’re excited to be helping the company stage concerts with one of Britain’s most famous stars and recognisable voices.”

The concerts, which will be called Rod Stewart Live, will take place at Blackpool Football Club’s Bloomfield Road stadium, Stoke City’s Britannia Stadium and Brighton’s Amex Stadium.

The tour will see him perform songs from his 29th and latest hit album, Time.

Cuffe and Taylor was established in 2009 by Peter Taylor and Daniel Cuffe.

::

KUITS Solicitors has advised former footballer turned pundit and entrepreneur Gary Neville and former United team mate Ryan Giggs on their new hospitality management venture, GG Hospitality.

The company has two initial projects underway – Café Football and Hotel Football.  Café Football opened Westfield Stratford, London last week.

This will be followed by the launch of Hotel Football in 2014, which is an innovative hotel located near the Old Trafford stadium.

Kuits advised on a range of issues including company structuring, intellectual property and brand ownership and protection. The firm also obtained the licence and advised on the lease of the property at Café Football and provided further commercial property and construction advice in relation to the development of Hotel Football.

Mssrs Neville and Giggs were advised by a team led by Rob Buckley, corporate and commercial partner at Kuits, and includes head of licensing and leisure Anthony Lyons, commercial and intellectual property associate James Wall, commercial property solicitor David Moroney and construction solicitor Simon Franklin.

::

PROPERTY and business law firm Ratio Law has announced a two-year sponsorship deal with football club client, Bury FC. The deal follows the appointment of Ratio partner Gisella Alberici to the board in May 2013, following property investor Stuart Day’s takeover of the League Two club.

The club’s west stand has been renamed The Ratio Law Stand as part of the firm’s agreement with the club, and Ratio signage will also be on display around the ground. The club’s programme will also feature regular Ratio adverts outlining exclusive offers and discounts to fans.

Gisella Alberici said: “As a proud North West practice, and as solicitors to Bury FC, my partners and I are very excited to have been asked by the club to join their exclusive group of corporate sponsors.

“We are very pleased to be supporting Bury FC at what is a very exciting time for the club, and as a keen football fan, it is fantastic to be able to look onto the pitch and see The Ratio Law Stand from the directors’ box.”

Bury chairman Stewart Day added: “Part of the restructuring of this club has been to attract new sponsors that appreciate the value of being associated with our brand and work with us as we achieve our goals.

“I am absolutely delighted that Ratio Law has stepped up to the mark and committed to working with us over the next few years. I want to thank them and look forward to working with them along this exciting journey.”