Ward Hadaway expands corporate team

Newcastle-headquartered law firm Ward Hadaway has appointed Nicola Williams as partner specialising in corporate tax and share incentives as it continues to strengthen its corporate team.

Nicola will advise clients across the firm's national network of offices and brings extensive experience supporting businesses on the tax aspects of mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, reorganisations and real estate transactions.

Recognised by The Legal 500 as a Next Generation Partner, she also advises on tax-efficient reward structures for employees, directors and investors, helping businesses manage risk and retain key talent.

Nicola said: “Ward Hadaway is at an exciting stage in its growth. 

“As the corporate team grows, there is a strong opportunity to extend our integrated tax offering alongside that work. 

“I was attracted by the firm’s culture and the chance to help develop a service that works across our national client base.”

Nicola’s appointment follows continued investment in Ward Hadaway's corporate practice, including the firm's merger with Teesside-based The Endeavour Partnership and a series of senior hires across its national network. 

The move also comes after the firm was ranked sixth nationally for completed transactions in Experian MarketIQ’s annual M&A review, having advised on 119 deals, while securing the top spot in both Yorkshire and the North East.

Nik Tunley, head of corporate at Ward Hadaway, added: “Nicola brings niche tax and share incentives expertise that sits directly alongside the work our corporate department is undertaking. 

“She will also bring her tax expertise to support the work of other colleagues across the firm, including in the real estate, commercial and private client teams.

“Tax advice is a key part of many transactions, particularly where businesses are buying, selling, raising investment or putting incentive structures in place. 

“Her appointment gives us greater technical strength in this area and adds further value to our work supporting growing businesses.” 

Managing partner Steven Petrie added: “Bringing Nicola on board reflects our continued investment in specialist expertise that assists clients across the full life cycle of their business.

“As companies grow and their requirements become more complex, they need advisers who can bring different areas of law together around their corporate and commercial objectives. 

“Nicola’s experience adds to that capability and will be a real asset to our work with businesses, investors and management teams nationally.”

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