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  • Specialist Commercial Lawyers

    Full service Commercial law

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  • Employment

    Professional advice in employment law

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  • Property and Construction

    Property, construction and planning law

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  • Insolvency and Financial Rescue

    Clear and pragmatic legal advice

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  • Debt collection

    Advising on all aspects of debt collection

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  • Intellectual Property and Media

    Industry and commercially-focussed advice

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  • Litigation and Dispute Resolution

    Practical approach to the resolution of disputes

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  • Invoice Finance

    Founder affiliate of the ABFA

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  • Asset Finance

    Established market leaders

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  • Private Client

    Supporting clients on their personal affairs

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  • Commercial

    All aspects of commercial matters, partnership and charities law

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Bermans is a multi award winning practice of commercial, forward-thinking lawyers with offices in Liverpool and Manchester.

Our partner-led approach to client service is underpinned by clear, uncomplicated legal advice.

We are a full service Commercial law firm who are market leaders in Asset Finance and Invoice Finance, having won 'Best Receivables Finance Lawyer 2021' at The Business Money Receivables Awards. Our team of highly experienced lawyers is able to provide specialist advice on a comprehensive range of Commercial legal issues.

Recognised by The Legal 500 as a top tier law firm for debt recovery.

Our key practice areas are:

Bermans has earned a strong national reputation due to our accessible approach and wealth of expertise which allows us to deliver expert practical advice to our clients in the most cost effective way possible.

Contact us today to find out how we can help you.

Specialist Sectors: ABL

Our lawyers are industry experts in Invoice Finance and Asset Finance.

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Commercial Practice Areas

Our legal services cover all aspects of commercial law.

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Specialist Sectors: Commercial

Our commercial teams are able to provide sector specialist legal advice.

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International Legal Network

Bermans is regulated to provide legal services in England & Wales, but many of our clients operate their business on a UK wide and global basis.

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What our clients think....
“Jon Davage is an expert Lawyer who provides much more than a professional service. Jon assisted me with a rather complicated purchase which was somewhat complicated and required in-depth enquiries to ensure appropriate resolution. Jon acquired the necessary information quickly, consequently cost-effectively. “
Bermans Testimonial
2018-04-12T11:05:20+00:00
“Jon Davage is an expert Lawyer who provides much more than a professional service. Jon assisted me with a rather complicated purchase which was somewhat complicated and required in-depth enquiries to ensure appropriate resolution. Jon acquired the necessary information quickly, consequently cost-effectively. “
“We have used Bermans now for over 15 years for various matters including property, commercial and litigation and they continue to deliver every time. They differ hugely from some of the larger national corporates where you often end up being passed to a junior employee. The partners and the staff at Bermans are approachable, knowledgeable and indeed a pleasure to work with in all aspects. “

Alan Bevan, Managing Director - City Residential Ltd

Bermans Testimonial
2018-04-12T11:11:30+00:00

Alan Bevan, Managing Director - City Residential Ltd

“We have used Bermans now for over 15 years for various matters including property, commercial and litigation and they continue to deliver every time. They differ hugely from some of the larger national corporates where you often end up being passed to a junior employee. The partners and the staff at Bermans are approachable, knowledgeable and indeed a pleasure to work with in all aspects. “
I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for all your help with the debt recovery. Something that we don’t normally have to deal with so your guidance and advice was gratefully received. Thank you for working so hard for a successful outcome, your input allowed me to get on with the day to day running of my business with peace of mind you were on the ball. Your clear and speedy communication was impeccable.

Georgina Myers, Practice Sales Manager - MyersLaRoche

Bermans Testimonial
2018-07-13T14:07:31+00:00

Georgina Myers, Practice Sales Manager - MyersLaRoche

I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for all your help with the debt recovery. Something that we don’t normally have to deal with so your guidance and advice was gratefully received. Thank you for working so hard for a successful outcome, your input allowed me to get on with the day to day running of my business with peace of mind you were on the ball. Your clear and speedy communication was impeccable.
Jon Davage fashioned a Share Purchase Agreement which offered maximum protection to me as his Client, whilst affording due consideration to other parties. Jon brings considerable experience to bear when acting for his Clients. I am pleased to say that he uses this experience to the benefit of his Clients whilst fashioning any associated legal documentation.”

Mark Ryan, Private Investor

Bermans Testimonial
2018-04-12T11:11:08+00:00

Mark Ryan, Private Investor

Jon Davage fashioned a Share Purchase Agreement which offered maximum protection to me as his Client, whilst affording due consideration to other parties. Jon brings considerable experience to bear when acting for his Clients. I am pleased to say that he uses this experience to the benefit of his Clients whilst fashioning any associated legal documentation.”
Bermans took a proactive and commercial approach guiding us through the process of the sale of our business.

Anton Stirrett provided excellent commercial legal advice throughout the sale process and him and his team were responsive and able to deliver under very tight timescales. Both Anton and Holly Bartlett were a pleasure to work with and Holly worked tirelessly and diligently on our behalf throughout the sale process.

Bermans were able to provide a 360 service for all aspects of legal advice required for the transaction and the service represented good value for money.

We achieved a very positive outcome for the shareholder group and the business going forward and I would highly recommend Bermans for a commercial and cost-effective service

Becky Buchma, Managing Director - Jane Lewis

Bermans Testimonial
2018-11-28T12:04:22+00:00

Becky Buchma, Managing Director - Jane Lewis

Bermans took a proactive and commercial approach guiding us through the process of the sale of our business. Anton Stirrett provided excellent commercial legal advice throughout the sale process and him and his team were responsive and able to deliver under very tight timescales. Both Anton and Holly Bartlett were a pleasure to work with and Holly worked tirelessly and diligently on our behalf throughout the sale process. Bermans were able to provide a 360 service for all aspects of legal advice required for the transaction and the service represented good value for money. We achieved a very positive outcome for the shareholder group and the business going forward and I would highly recommend Bermans for a commercial and cost-effective service
“We have worked with Bermans for many years and see them as part of our team. Experts in all aspects of ABL, they provide a highly efficient, professional service.”

Tim Hawkins, Managing Director, Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending Ltd

Bermans Testimonial
2018-04-12T11:10:18+00:00

Tim Hawkins, Managing Director, Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending Ltd

“We have worked with Bermans for many years and see them as part of our team. Experts in all aspects of ABL, they provide a highly efficient, professional service.”
“I have worked with Chris McDonough on contractual aspects for a number of years. The advice has always been very practical, timely and in particular of a commercial nature.”

Stephen Marks, Company Secretary – Numark

Bermans Testimonial
2018-04-12T11:04:40+00:00

Stephen Marks, Company Secretary – Numark

“I have worked with Chris McDonough on contractual aspects for a number of years. The advice has always been very practical, timely and in particular of a commercial nature.”
"I contacted Bermans to assist with some employment disputes and worked with Alex for around 3 months. In that time, he has provided me with professional and accurate information and advice. He always ensured to explain legal processes clearly and thoroughly to me, informing me of actions and next steps I was required to take as part of the legal process. Alex always responded very timely throughout and delivered on what he said he would and within the timeframes he advised. He kept me up to date regularly and acted compassionately throughout. I would highly recommend Alex's and Bermans services to anyone and thank you for all of your support and dedication to my case."

Employment Law Client, Anonymous

Bermans Testimonial
2024-02-12T10:46:05+00:00

Employment Law Client, Anonymous

"I contacted Bermans to assist with some employment disputes and worked with Alex for around 3 months. In that time, he has provided me with professional and accurate information and advice. He always ensured to explain legal processes clearly and thoroughly to me, informing me of actions and next steps I was required to take as part of the legal process. Alex always responded very timely throughout and delivered on what he said he would and within the timeframes he advised. He kept me up to date regularly and acted compassionately throughout. I would highly recommend Alex's and Bermans services to anyone and thank you for all of your support and dedication to my case."
“We have dealt with Bermans for more than 20 years because the range of services they offer and the commercial approach they take whenever we pick up the phone. It’s almost like having your own in house solicitor.”

Mike Nolan, Managing Director – Academy Leasing Ltd

Bermans Testimonial
2018-04-12T11:03:57+00:00

Mike Nolan, Managing Director – Academy Leasing Ltd

“We have dealt with Bermans for more than 20 years because the range of services they offer and the commercial approach they take whenever we pick up the phone. It’s almost like having your own in house solicitor.”
After experiencing a terrible case of injustice at work with a sexual harassment issue, a friend recommended Sarah at Bermans.

During the whole journey Sarah was excellent! Professional, empathetic and strong in her approach to my cause. Sarah not only listened to me and how I felt, she explained everything to me in such detail step by step that I put my entire trust in her.

Sarah’s passion for the right moral result also shone through and she happily pushed the case along at good speed making sure the impact on myself was as minimal as possible.

Sarah’s tenacity and drive to get the right result for me has ended in success and made a very difficult time come to a fitting conclusion.

Thank you Sarah! I could not of done this without you.”

Sexual Harassment client, Employment Law

Bermans Testimonial
2025-05-02T09:46:15+00:00

Sexual Harassment client, Employment Law

After experiencing a terrible case of injustice at work with a sexual harassment issue, a friend recommended Sarah at Bermans. During the whole journey Sarah was excellent! Professional, empathetic and strong in her approach to my cause. Sarah not only listened to me and how I felt, she explained everything to me in such detail step by step that I put my entire trust in her. Sarah’s passion for the right moral result also shone through and she happily pushed the case along at good speed making sure the impact on myself was as minimal as possible. Sarah’s tenacity and drive to get the right result for me has ended in success and made a very difficult time come to a fitting conclusion. Thank you Sarah! I could not of done this without you.”
"The 'highly experienced' five-partner team at Bermans provides a 'cost-effective' and 'pragmatic' service, both on the transactional and litigation front, to commercial finance and alternative finance companies providing funding to owner-managed business and SMEs. The firm has developed a particular expertise in relation to invoice financing, a sector of the market in which Liverpool-based team head Alex Chapman and Manchester-based partner David Gledhill provide an 'exceptional service' and maintain superb client loyalty as a result of their many years' experience in the field."

The Legal 500: Asset Based Lending - London

Bermans Testimonial
2018-04-12T13:22:23+00:00

The Legal 500: Asset Based Lending - London

"The 'highly experienced' five-partner team at Bermans provides a 'cost-effective' and 'pragmatic' service, both on the transactional and litigation front, to commercial finance and alternative finance companies providing funding to owner-managed business and SMEs. The firm has developed a particular expertise in relation to invoice financing, a sector of the market in which Liverpool-based team head Alex Chapman and Manchester-based partner David Gledhill provide an 'exceptional service' and maintain superb client loyalty as a result of their many years' experience in the field."
"Bermans, although a sizable firm, appeared to me boutique, in that my dealings were predominantly with a partner and his associates. I never once felt as though I was being passed down the line. They are very much a hands on firm which gives the impression they are constantly with you and you are not facing what is a trying time alone."

 

"Nick Harvey is an excellent communicator. From our initial meeting he put me at ease and throughout the case constantly explained the intricacies of law in a way I could understand. Nick made himself available to me all hours of the day and constantly took the emotion out of my arguments bringing the focus back to the bigger picture of winning. Nick knew the basis on which we would win and did not allow me to deviate."

The Legal 500: Commercial Litigation - Liverpool

Bermans Testimonial
2018-04-12T13:24:38+00:00

The Legal 500: Commercial Litigation - Liverpool

"Bermans, although a sizable firm, appeared to me boutique, in that my dealings were predominantly with a partner and his associates. I never once felt as though I was being passed down the line. They are very much a hands on firm which gives the impression they are constantly with you and you are not facing what is a trying time alone."   "Nick Harvey is an excellent communicator. From our initial meeting he put me at ease and throughout the case constantly explained the intricacies of law in a way I could understand. Nick made himself available to me all hours of the day and constantly took the emotion out of my arguments bringing the focus back to the bigger picture of winning. Nick knew the basis on which we would win and did not allow me to deviate."
“I have found Chris McDonough never to fail in Customer service excellence and legal expertise; he has an innovative approach and provides support always in a timely and friendly manner”.

Mark Conroy, Chief Operating Officer - Aerocare Component Services Limited

Bermans Testimonial
2018-04-12T11:13:05+00:00

Mark Conroy, Chief Operating Officer - Aerocare Component Services Limited

“I have found Chris McDonough never to fail in Customer service excellence and legal expertise; he has an innovative approach and provides support always in a timely and friendly manner”.
"Bermans managed the Corpro MBO with friendly professionalism, enthusiasm and attention to detail, that I have grown to expect and appreciate over the years. Their company is my first port of call when I require good, sound legal advice on legal matters."

Phil Scott, Managing Director, The Filter Design Company

Bermans Testimonial
2020-06-23T15:44:02+00:00

Phil Scott, Managing Director, The Filter Design Company

"Bermans managed the Corpro MBO with friendly professionalism, enthusiasm and attention to detail, that I have grown to expect and appreciate over the years. Their company is my first port of call when I require good, sound legal advice on legal matters."
“We have worked with Chris McDonough for many years and have come to rely on him for all commercial contract matters. Chris has gone the extra mile in understanding our business and can be relied on to lead effectively in hardnosed negotiations.”

Chris Oliver, Managing Director - Mast Group Limited

Bermans Testimonial
2018-04-12T11:10:45+00:00

Chris Oliver, Managing Director - Mast Group Limited

“We have worked with Chris McDonough for many years and have come to rely on him for all commercial contract matters. Chris has gone the extra mile in understanding our business and can be relied on to lead effectively in hardnosed negotiations.”
“We appointed Bermans as Administrators of a Company where the director sold a company asset and may have benefitted personally from the proceeds. Bermans liaised with us to understand the issues, put forward the options and then clearly identified their recommended strategy. Even though the matter didn’t result in increased realisations for the case, we were able to demonstrate that we had taken every step to pursue this matter and taken clear, concise and cost effective advice.“

Gary Lee, Partner - Begbies Traynor

Bermans Testimonial
2018-04-12T11:09:11+00:00

Gary Lee, Partner - Begbies Traynor

“We appointed Bermans as Administrators of a Company where the director sold a company asset and may have benefitted personally from the proceeds. Bermans liaised with us to understand the issues, put forward the options and then clearly identified their recommended strategy. Even though the matter didn’t result in increased realisations for the case, we were able to demonstrate that we had taken every step to pursue this matter and taken clear, concise and cost effective advice.“
“Adrian Fryer ensured that he was available to answer my calls/emails with amazing speed. As I am a stand-alone HR Manager, it is vitally important to me that I know I have such high quality, commercial support on hand whenever I need it”

Rachael Lees, Human Resources Manager, DCBL (Direct Collection Bailiffs Ltd)

Bermans Testimonial
2018-04-12T11:05:45+00:00

Rachael Lees, Human Resources Manager, DCBL (Direct Collection Bailiffs Ltd)

“Adrian Fryer ensured that he was available to answer my calls/emails with amazing speed. As I am a stand-alone HR Manager, it is vitally important to me that I know I have such high quality, commercial support on hand whenever I need it”
“I have used Phil Farrelly at Bermans for many years on a number of different matters arising from my insolvency appointments. I trust his judgement and I appreciate the depth of his knowledge and experience. Phil provides good, pragmatic advice that focuses on the core issues. Importantly for me, he is always aware of not only the strengths but also the weaknesses of my cases which means that he is able to bring matters to a conclusion in an efficient manner and at a price that represents good value for money.”

Neil Henry, Partner - Lines Henry

Bermans Testimonial
2018-04-12T11:07:11+00:00

Neil Henry, Partner - Lines Henry

“I have used Phil Farrelly at Bermans for many years on a number of different matters arising from my insolvency appointments. I trust his judgement and I appreciate the depth of his knowledge and experience. Phil provides good, pragmatic advice that focuses on the core issues. Importantly for me, he is always aware of not only the strengths but also the weaknesses of my cases which means that he is able to bring matters to a conclusion in an efficient manner and at a price that represents good value for money.”
"We value the real expertise and experience that Bermans have in our sector. They give us fantastic service and have a pragmatic approach to getting deals done. They have been a real asset to our business and we are delighted to have them as our legal partners and advisors.”

David Smith, Managing Director - Positive Cashflow Finance

Bermans Testimonial
2018-04-12T11:09:36+00:00

David Smith, Managing Director - Positive Cashflow Finance

"We value the real expertise and experience that Bermans have in our sector. They give us fantastic service and have a pragmatic approach to getting deals done. They have been a real asset to our business and we are delighted to have them as our legal partners and advisors.”
"Phil Farrelly – Solid commercial advice and timely response."

The Legal 500: Insolvency and Corporate Recovery

Bermans Testimonial
2022-06-28T11:07:12+00:00

The Legal 500: Insolvency and Corporate Recovery

"Phil Farrelly – Solid commercial advice and timely response."
“We asked Ian Munford and his team to look into the legal aspects of whether a particular lease product of an asset was possible. Following Ian’s advice, we added the product offering to our product range and have leased tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of pounds in asset value with this product.”

Philip Venner, Director of Legal & Compliance - PEAC (UK) Limited

Bermans Testimonial
2018-04-12T11:03:36+00:00

Philip Venner, Director of Legal & Compliance - PEAC (UK) Limited

“We asked Ian Munford and his team to look into the legal aspects of whether a particular lease product of an asset was possible. Following Ian’s advice, we added the product offering to our product range and have leased tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of pounds in asset value with this product.”
"I have worked with Steve Jarman for 15 years and he has consistently provided pragmatic, timely and authoritative – no-nonsense – advice on all Corporate matters. Highly recommended."

 

"The firm has a wide company/business offering but the corporate function is clearly punches above its weight. I have followed Barney Leaf from his last firm to Bermans and his advice is not only academically and technically very good but the commercial advice, that is clearly based on a great deal of experience, is the reason that I choose to instruct Barney Leaf and his team at Bermans."

 

"I have instructed Barney Leaf for many years and, as a former practising solicitor, I expect a high standard of service and quality of legal advice. Barney Leaf have consistently managed to provide this high level of service "

The Legal 500: Corporate and Commercial - Manchester

Bermans Testimonial
2022-06-28T11:02:36+00:00

The Legal 500: Corporate and Commercial - Manchester

"I have worked with Steve Jarman for 15 years and he has consistently provided pragmatic, timely and authoritative – no-nonsense – advice on all Corporate matters. Highly recommended."   "The firm has a wide company/business offering but the corporate function is clearly punches above its weight. I have followed Barney Leaf from his last firm to Bermans and his advice is not only academically and technically very good but the commercial advice, that is clearly based on a great deal of experience, is the reason that I choose to instruct Barney Leaf and his team at Bermans."   "I have instructed Barney Leaf for many years and, as a former practising solicitor, I expect a high standard of service and quality of legal advice. Barney Leaf have consistently managed to provide this high level of service "
David Tournafond has been my solicitor - both for business and personal business, for over 20 years. I recently instructed David to act on my behalf when I sold my company to a larger organisation within the same sector. Thanks to David and the other members of the Bermans team the transaction was carried out in a timely, professional manner which led to the desired outcome being achieved.”

Geoff Potts, Business Owner

Bermans Testimonial
2018-04-12T11:12:45+00:00

Geoff Potts, Business Owner

David Tournafond has been my solicitor - both for business and personal business, for over 20 years. I recently instructed David to act on my behalf when I sold my company to a larger organisation within the same sector. Thanks to David and the other members of the Bermans team the transaction was carried out in a timely, professional manner which led to the desired outcome being achieved.”
“Chris McDonough has advised us on many aspects of our business for ten years and always delivers a professional approach and ensures our concerns are addressed, whilst at the same time providing practical solutions to achieve the ultimate goal of the project concerned”

Richard Horrex, Finance Director - VMS (Fleet Management) Ltd

Bermans Testimonial
2018-04-12T11:08:39+00:00

Richard Horrex, Finance Director - VMS (Fleet Management) Ltd

“Chris McDonough has advised us on many aspects of our business for ten years and always delivers a professional approach and ensures our concerns are addressed, whilst at the same time providing practical solutions to achieve the ultimate goal of the project concerned”

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