Bermans has successfully acted for the Appellant in a significant Court of Appeal decision (Kiko UK Limited v Pianoforte Holdings SpA [2026] EWCA Civ 513) concerning the scope of a parent company guarantee under a lease of commercial property.
Continue Reading
Mike Carter
Residential landlords are being warned that the Renters’ Rights Act will substantially increase setbacks in possession claims, with a wrong move likely to send more cases back to square one in a game of snakes and ladders.
The Act is being rolled out from May 1 and introduces the most significant reforms to tenancy law in decades.
Continue ReadingThe Renters’ Rights Act introduces the most significant tenancy reform in decades, with major changes coming into force from 1 May 2026.
For landlords, understanding these reforms now is essential to staying compliant, protecting assets, and avoiding costly pitfalls.
Continue Reading
Andrew Koffman
This is the latest in a series of articles on the “fixed recoverable costs” regime introduced in the civil courts in October 2023. The most recent articles before this one can be found here:
Continue ReadingAndrew Koffman
In an article in December 2023 we reported on the Court of Appeal’s decision which, for the first time, gave the courts the power to compel parties to mediate.
Court of Appeal backs compulsory alternative dispute resolution (ADR) | Bermans
There have been further developments since then. In October 2024, changes to the court rules (CPR) were made to give the court the specific power to order the parties to take part in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) such as mediation.
Continue Reading
ParalegalSaffa joined Bermans in July 2025 and is a Paralegal in our Litigation team in Manchester.
She assists in property disrepair cases, commercial leases and contract disputes. She often helps prepare bundles, take counsel notes and various other tasks.
Saffa studied Law at the University of Leeds, graduating in 2024.
Outside of work, Saffa enjoys reading and going to the gym. She also enjoys playing tennis with friends on a weekend (when the weather is nice!).
Elizabeth Wilkinson
We have noticed an increase recently in instructions from clients who own shares in private companies and who for a variety of reasons want to leave and sell their shares but find this difficult to achieve.
Continue Reading
Bermans has appointed a new head of its commercial team and a litigation partner as it continues to strengthen its ranks with key strategic hires.
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
Solicitor
Jack joined Bermans in September 2024 and is a solicitor in our litigation team based in Manchester.
He works on a wide range of commercial litigation and property matters and works with a variety of companies and business owners.
Continue Reading
| 
