Stephen Thompson

Stephen Thompson

Partner

DDI: 029 2082 9136

Mobile: 07970 160166

Email: sthompson@darwingray.com

Stephen is a partner and also head of the firm’s Corporate and Commercial teams.

He undertakes a wide range of transactional corporate work including acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures, investments and group restructures. Sectors of particular expertise include life sciences, nursing homes, manufacturing, veterinary practices and also hospitality.

Stephen also advises on a wide range of commercial issues including franchising and intellectual property.

In addition, Stephen has nearly 30 years’ experience advising businesses and individuals in relation to insolvency related legal issues.

Stephen’s extensive and lengthy legal career means that he can bring to bear on his legal work a wealth of commercial knowledge and expertise. His commercial experience enables him to deliver legal advice and assistance to his clients that is tailor made to their particular business needs.

Stephen is known for his calm, friendly manner and also a highly pragmatic approach to legal problems and issues. He is always able to get straight to the nub of issues for his clients, enabling them to quickly move on with running their businesses and not get bogged down with unnecessary legal niceties.

In addition to providing regular support to established businesses, Stephen regularly works with start-ups and growth businesses across a variety of sectors. His wide-ranging legal experience across a variety of business sectors enables him to provide invaluable support to businesses that are in an early stage of their development and growth.

On the franchising side, Stephen leads the team with 25 years’ experience in the sector. He has a widely known expertise in the franchising industry and is the Chair of the South West and Wales branch of Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF). The firm is also an affiliate member of the British Franchise Association.

Stephen also works extensively in the Housing Association and charitable sector advising on a range of corporate and also governance issues.

Stephen is a regular speaking and writer in relation to a wide range of legal topics including radio and television appearances.

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“Wall Colmonoy has worked very closely with Stephen Thompson at Darwin Gray for several years. Stephen has taken the time to gain a good understanding of our business and its commercial legal needs. Stephen is very responsive to any request for legal advice or council and has always proven to be a reliable and dependable business partner. Stephen has worked closely with the senior management team at Wall Colmonoy to develop robust commercial agreements and contracts which have helped us reinforce the professional standards and commercial strength at Wall Colmonoy.”

Wall Colmonoy Ltd

  • Advising a housing association in relation to a variety of corporate governance issues

  • Advising a housing association in relation to the formation of a commercial subsidiary

  • Advising a variety of franchisors in relation to dealing with franchisee disputes

  • Advising on and drafting a commission agreement for a property broking company

  • Advising on and forming a group company structure for a business advisory company

  • Conducting IP audit for a networking franchise

  • Drafting and updating franchise agreements for a variety of franchisor companies

  • Investment into a Welsh company producing computer systems and real-time graphics for quiz and light entertainment programmes

  • MBO of a local renowned fine foods company

  • Purchase of a local estate agency from administrators

  • Purchase of an engineering business from administrators

  • Regular commercial support to inhouse counsel for an IT company

  • Regular reviews of master service agreement for a life sciences company

  • Review of master service agreement for a life sciences company

  • Sale of a large nursing home based in South Wales

  • Sale of a leading clean air solutions company for £2.5m

  • Sale of a local engineering company

  • Sale of a national freight business by the administrators

  • Sale of an insurance brokerage for £0.5m

  • Significant early funding round for a Welsh cutting-edge AI risk management company

CORPORATE

  • Agency and distribution agreements

  • Consultancy agreements

  • Corporate governance and directors’ duties

  • Debt and equity investment

  • Group company restructures

  • Joint venture agreements

  • Lending and security documents

  • LLP and partnership agreements

  • MBOs

  • Pre-packs

  • Share and asset sales

  • Shareholders’ agreements

COMMERCIAL

  • Assignment and licensing of IP

  • Commercial contract reviews

  • Competition

  • Framework agreements

  • Franchise agreements

  • Freedom of Information

  • GDPR and data protection

  • IP audits

  • IT agreements

  • Non-disclosure agreements

  • Procurement

  • Training

  • Trust deeds

Experience

  • Partner, Darwin Gray – 2004 – present

  • Associate then Partner, Gimblett Williams, 1999 – 2004

  • Solicitor, Pinsent Curtis, 1997 – 1998

  • Solicitor, Morgan Bruce, 1993-1996

  • Trainee Solicitor, Morgan Bruce, 1991 – 1993

Education

  • Hutton Grammar School

  • University of West England

  • Member of the Data Protection Society

  • Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators

  • Affiliate of the British Franchise Association

  • Regional Chair of EWIF South West and Wales branch

I have worked with Darwin Gray for a number of years and the level of service, professionalism and timely response is second to none. I would highly recommend Darwin Gray to any business.”

Becs Beslee, Dice FM Ltd

Darwin Gray have provided us with a first-class service for many years now. They really take the time to understand our business and develop relationships which results in advice and support that is contextualised and effective.”

Rebecca Cooper, ACT Training

We have worked with Darwin Gray for several years and have always found their services and advice to be first class.”

Karen Gale, Stepping Stones Group

An extremely professional and sincere company who make time for your queries and understand the need to break down certain facts and information to ensure everything is understood perfectly. I would highly recommend the company to anyone looking for any type of legal advice”

Gwawr Booth, Portal Training Ltd

PSS has worked with Darwin Gray for many years. We have always received an excellent service. Prompt and professional advice and support.”

Ledia Shabani, Property Support Services UK Ltd

We have used several departments within DG recently and we have been very pleased with an effective, efficient and down to earth service. Very happy thus far and I expect that we will continue to use DG.”

Guto Bebb, Farmers’ Union of Wales

Darwin Gray offer us truly superb services. Very professional, quick and services available bilingually which is very important to us, highly recommend.”

Iwan Hywel, Mentrau Iaith Cymru

My “go to” in urgent and time sensitive cases for direction, support and advice. The team are quick to respond to calls or emails for advice and support on all matters. Always explain complex matters in a way a lay person can easily understand.”

Margot Adams, Guarding UK Ltd

Darwin Gray have acted for myself and my company over a number of years and at all times we have been treated with a professional manner yet maintain a common-sense approach at all levels. We couldn’t recommend them more highly.”

Simon Baston, Loft Co

We have been clients of Darwin Gray for many years; they’ve always dealt with all of our legal matters with such professionalism. They work around us, even during awkward hours, and we feel confident we can always rely on them.”

Louise Williams, ACT Training

Darwin Gray has been acting for Siltbuster for more than ten years. We would have no hesitation in recommending Darwin Gray to other organisations small or large.”

Richard D Coulton, Siltbuster Ltd

From the very first conversation, I had no doubt that Darwin Gray should be the firm to receive our instructions on this matter. I would have no hesitation in recommending Darwin Gray.”

Sandra Warr, Tomos TV

We regularly instruct Darwin Gray. Their service in dealing with our transactional matters and disputes is always professional, prompt and efficient.”

John Poppleton, Absolute Property Management Solutions Ltd

Darwin Gray guided me through a long and extended process that would have been much more difficult had it not been for their patience and constant support.”

Ifan Lewis

Excellent and efficient service. Great result achieved, highly professional and transparent on pricing. Would recommend.”

David Stevens

Superb legal service provided. Exceeded expectations. They went above and beyond in order to provide the best service possible.”

Huw Pickrell

Very professional and understanding. They were a calming influence in a very troubling situation and they brought it to a very successful conclusion”

Rachel Jones

We have used Darwin Gray and have been seriously impressed. The personal approach is what Darwin Gray are excelling on and is the reason why we will continue to work with them in the future.”

Cadwyn Housing Association
Darwin Gray Team
Julia Bridge
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Erin Phillips
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Fiona Hughes
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Oliver Morris
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Catherine Burke
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Emily Shingler
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Seren Trigg
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Kate Heaney
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Sarah Price
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Rhodri Evans
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Siobhan Williams
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Siôn Fôn
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Elin Davies
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Nicole Brendel
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Rich Craven
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Stephen Thompson
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Mike Raymond
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Tracey Holland
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