Pannone Corporate has been appointed by Aviva Studios – home of Factory International – in a raft of new client wins for the Manchester-based law firm.

The team will provide legal support to the ‘landmark’ cultural venue, which was built on the former site of Granada Studios, opening in June 2023.

The firm has also been appointed to the legal panel of MIDAS – Manchester’s inward investment agency – together with two highly-regarded industrial businesses. Pannone will support the in-house legal team at the family-owned global metals and mineral inspection and analysis firm Alfred H Knight, together with the Midlands based industrial equipment supplier, Crestchic.

Paul Jonson, senior partner at Pannone, said: “As a Manchester based firm with longstanding roots in the city, we’re delighted to be working alongside two important and influential regional brands in Aviva Studios and MIDAS – each making a significant mark on the city’s cultural and economic landscape.

“As a firm, we’ve built real strength and depth in both our team and sector expertise. Our appointment by industrial specialists Alfred H Knight and Crestchic demonstrates our versatility as a firm and to be aligned with key industry players is another significant step forward in our growth journey.”

The client wins come on the back of a trio of partner promotions earlier this year. In April, Sarah Bazaraa was promoted to partner in the firm’s dispute resolution team and will head up the IP litigation and media team. Alongside Sarah, Michael McNally was made partner in Pannone’s employment team. Michael and Sarah were joined by Gareth Birch, who was promoted to partner in the firm’s real estate team.

Pannone Corporate has strengthened its cross-sector expertise, after being appointed by a trio of high-profile clients – TalkTalk, Silentnight, and ExamWorks.

The North West law firm will provide legal support to UK connectivity provider, TalkTalk, which operates Britain’s biggest unbundled broadband network, while the firm has also recently been appointed by renowned sleep brand, Silentnight.

In addition, Pannone has joined a panel of external advisers for ExamWorks – a market leading service provider to the insurance, legal, and healthcare sectors. The company specialises in a range of services, including accident aftercare, medical reports, health assessments and rehabilitation treatment.

Paul Jonson, senior partner at Pannone Corporate, said: “We’re delighted to be appointed by such respected brands – each of which has carved out a strong, market leading position in their chosen sectors. To be aligned with key industry players is a step forward in our growth journey.

“It’s also really pleasing that each of the brands is North West born and bred, while possessing a national and international reach that demonstrates the strength and depth of our regional economy. We look forward to working alongside TalkTalk, Silentnight, and ExamWorks moving forward.”

Earlier this year, Pannone was appointed by The Lowry, New Balance and Beauty Bay, strengthening its retail and leisure credentials.

Pannone Corporate has strengthened its retail and leisure credentials with a trio of client wins, after recently being appointed by The Lowry, New Balance and Beauty Bay.

The North West law firm will provide legal support to the renowned North West arts centre, The Lowry, while the firm has also recently been appointed to the legal panel for New Balance – a global sports footwear and apparel manufacturer. In addition, Pannone has joined the legal panel for skincare and cosmetics retailer, Beauty Bay.

Paul Jonson, senior partner at Pannone Corporate, said: “Retail and leisure remain a core part of our experience, and we are delighted to kick off the first quarter of the year with such positive additions to our expanding client portfolio.

“The Lowry, New Balance, and Beauty Bay, are all prominent brands across key their own retail and leisure sub-sectors, and help to strengthen our industry credentials in the regional market, across a range of teams and specialisms.”

Last year, Pannone was appointed by Costcutter and The Fragrance Shop, as well as being reappointed to the Boohoo Group legal panel. Pannone Corporate works alongside a growing list of retail and wholesale businesses including Bestway and Iceland.

Jonson added: “Retail and leisure are hugely varied and constantly evolving sectors, which continue to demonstrate dynamism in the face of strong economic headwinds and changing consumer dynamics. Whether it’s sports, fashion, arts and culture, or beauty, each has distinct challenges and opportunities. Our team is perfectly placed to support clients as they continue on their growth journey – both domestically and overseas.”