Adrian Fryer
April marks the month each year where changes to statutory rates come into force. Most rate changes take effect from 6th April (to align with the start of the new tax year). National minimum wage changes take effect from 1st April.
Continue Reading
Partner & Head of Commercial
Richard Riley joined Bermans in March 2025 and is a Partner and Head of Commercial.
Richard works with SME’s and business owners, family managed companies, life sciences, scientific sectors advises on all areas of Commercial Law, including:
Richard studied Biology at the University of Edinburgh and Law at Manchester Metropolitan University, before qualifying as a Solicitor in 2009.
He is currently recognised in the Legal 500 for his work on commercial matters.
Outside of work, Richard is currently marathon running, and also enjoys spending his time Crossfit/Hyrox training, as well as going to theatre, gigs, stand up and movies.
E:richard.riley@bermans.co.uk
T: 0161 827 4612
Sarah Collier
Employers are being warned they could land in hot water with staff over their annual holiday entitlement because Easter falls late this year.
Continue Reading
Trainee Solicitor (Property Finance)Arabella joined the firm as a Paralegal in January 2022 and is now a Trainee Solicitor in the Property Finance department. Having obtained a First-Class Economic History Degree from the London School of Economics, Arabella completed her law conversion and post-graduate LPC at the University of Law in Liverpool in 2022.
Arabella advises both lender and borrower clients on a range of development and bridging finance transactions. She is actively involved in progressing transactions from instruction through to completion, working closely with the wider Property Finance team to ensure that matters progress efficiently.
Arabella is recognised for her organised and proactive approach, alongside her responsiveness and strong commercial awareness. She is committed to delivering a high standard of service and helping clients achieve their objectives.
Following an excellent performance during her Training Contract, Arabella will join the Property Finance department as a Solicitor upon her qualification in September 2026.
Outside of work, Arabella enjoys reading, cooking and baking
E: arabella.pickering@bermans.co.uk
T: 0151 224 0545
Alex Murray
Several significant changes in employment law rates are set to take effect in 2025. These updates will impact various aspects of employment, including wages, family-friendly payments, and statutory leave. Below is a detailed overview of the key changes.
Continue ReadingAs we step into 2025, the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 brings several crucial updates aimed at enhancing corporate transparency, protecting personal information, and combating economic crime. These changes are set to impact businesses across the UK significantly. Here, we explore the key updates and their implications.
Continue ReadingAll businesses should have robust terms and conditions in place which set out the legal framework for the relationship between the business and its customers. This will help to ensure clarity and protection for both parties involved in commercial transactions.
Continue Reading
Partner
Elizabeth joined Bermans in March 2025 as Partner in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution team.
Elizabeth has over 25 years’ experience of helping clients resolve disputes efficiently and cost effectively. Elizabeth specialises in advising on the rights and obligations of directors and shareholders and is particularly experienced in shareholder disputes and claims involving directors’ duties and warranties in sale and purchase agreements.
She advises clients on minimising risk and protecting the value of their businesses, enforcing restrictions in employment contracts and sale agreement when needed. She is experienced in securing urgent solutions such as injunctions and asset freezing orders.
Elizabeth also advises on partnership disputes, commercial contracts and negligence by professionals such as accountants or surveyors.
She has advised a wide range of clients during her career from SMEs and OMBs to large corporates and PLCs as well as individuals.
Elizabeth has been recognised a Recommended Lawyer in the Legal 500.
Away from work, Elizabeth loves to travel with her family and enjoys reading and training at karate.
E: elizabeth.wilkinson@bermans.co.uk
T: 0161 383 2134
Senior Partner
James joined Bermans in February 2025 as a Partner in our Property Team based between the firms Liverpool and Manchester offices.
James studied Law and International Relations at Keele University and then went on to qualify as a solicitor in 2003.
He specialises in residential and commercial property development and works with high net worth individuals and owner managed businesses.
James is ranked by The Legal 500 and he won ‘Team of the Year (Property)’ at the Manchester Legal Awards (2023) for the work he carried out at a previous firm.
Outside of work, James is a keen triathlete and spends his spare time training whilst also looking after his young family.
E: james.harris@bermans.co.uk
T: 0151 224 0522
Where an employee is discriminated against by their employer in relation to a protected characteristic, they can bring a number of claims under the Equality Act 2010. The protected characteristics set out in this Act are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
Continue Reading
| 
