Pannone Corporate has been named as a supplier on Government Commercial Agency (GCA)’s Legal Panel for Public Sector framework for the first time, securing a place on the two Lots the firm bid for. The panel provides UK public sector organisations with access to purchase a wide range of legal services.

Pannone will provide legal services to public sector buyers across the Lots below.

• Lot 2 – Focused Legal Support
• Lot 3 – Litigation and Disputes

Paul Jonson, senior partner at Pannone, commented: “Being appointed on GCA’s legal framework is a significant achievement for the firm – one that we are extremely proud of. This demonstrates the strength of our teams and our ability to support organisations with a wide range of expertise.”

Government Commercial Agency (GCA) is the UK’s central commercial and procurement organisation, connecting public and private sectors to achieve the best outcomes for the UK and its citizens. GCA uses its commercial expertise to create a simpler procurement experience that redirects valuable resources into essential public services – creating value for the nation.

The future of one of Manchester’s oldest pubs has been secured, following a long-running legal battle with brewing giant, Heineken.

The Briton’s Protection, which is one of only three surviving city centre buildings to have stood near the site of the Peterloo Massacre, has been locked in a legal dispute over its application for a new tenancy. This follows a decision by Punch – a subsidiary of Heineken – not to renew the tenant’s lease in 2021.

The two sides have now come to a ‘positive resolution’, ending the legal battle and securing the future of the iconic pub. Pannone Corporate acted on behalf of BP Leisure Limited, owned by Frank Walsh and Mark West, providing litigation support to the pub’s owners in its bid to renew the pub’s lease.

Pannone’s Real Estate Litigation team was led by partner, Gemma Staples, with support from Jack Taylor (solicitor) and Jiho Yu (paralegal).

Gemma Staples commented: “The Briton’s Protection is a Manchester institution, with genuine historical status. BP Leisure has worked tirelessly over the last three years to secure the pub’s future. Pannone is delighted to have worked alongside them to reach an amicable agreement with Punch.

Mark West added: “This is very much a David and Goliath moment for the Manchester pub and demonstrates the value that institutions such as The Briton’s Protection bring to the regional leisure and hospitality scene.”