Trowers & Hamlins targets public sector

NATIONAL law firm Trowers & Hamlins has expanded its Manchester offering with the addition of a public sector team.

The new unit is led by former Eversheds partner Mike Mousdale, and is based at the firm’s office at Heron House, Albert Square.

With the Comprehensive Spending Review just days away, the firm wants to help central and local government bodies in the North implement new ways to deliver services.

The firm, which already offers housing, commercial litigation and construction advice in Manchester says growing public sector demand for advice has driven its investment.

It is working with councils across the country to implement including shared services, outsourcing and local asset-backed vehicles to enable local authorities to achieve cuts set by the Government. 

The Manchester team has already started work on major projects, including the Cheshire Waste PFI and the Blackpool Council Building Schools for the Future project.

It has recently secured important new instructions from Cheshire West and Chester Council and Lancashire County Council.

As well as Mr Mousdale, the team also includes Gerry Budd, formerly with Cheshire County Council, and solicitor Colin Murray.

Mr Mousdale said: “Councils and other public sector bodies are looking beyond the budget cuts to new models of service delivery through collaboration and partnership.

“Whilst the comprehensive spending review is going to set the agenda for the coming years, many authorities still believe that the means are there to continue to provide high quality services.”

Helen Randall, head of Trowers & Hamlins’ public sector commercial department, added: “As our public sector clients work hard to achieve cost savings, we are making changes within our offering to meet their needs.

“Many public sector bodies face the huge challenge of reducing their budget while maintaining frontline services and much of our work will be geared towards helping them to find effective solutions that match their needs.”