Department profile
Harper James

SME-focused Firms

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide


Harper James

About

Provided by Harper James

Overview

Every founder’s journey is unique, but legal hurdles are universal. From launch to exit, the choices you make today shape tomorrow’s success. We’ve supported thousands of ventures – from bold start-ups to standout scale-ups – helping founders grow with confidence.

The big idea

You’ve found your gap and built your plan. Before chasing your first customer, pause to protect your idea and lay strong legal foundations.

  • We helped university spin-out Lockabox craft a distinctive brand and secure trade mark protection across key markets.

Getting started

Momentum is exciting – but rushing can hold you back. We’ll help you lock in the essentials so you’re built to scale.

  • Since 2021, Diistil has shaken up the spirits scene. We supported growth with contracts, GDPR and age verification, fuelling expansion to 25+ venues.

Getting on with it

You’re growing fast – bigger clients, bigger stakes. We’ll keep you protected and ready for what’s next.

  • When Slime Party needed new premises, we reviewed terms, flagged risks and secured a deal aligned with their ambitions.

Scaling up

Growth brings opportunity and complexity. From funding rounds to acquisitions, we’ll keep you covered.

  • For Saicho, we negotiated VC terms supporting global expansion and founder control.

Exit

You’ve built something great – now it’s time to move on. Whether a sale or buy-out, we’ll make your exit seamless.

  • We helped Korus Health set up an Employee Ownership Trust, managing every step for a smooth transition.

Clients (17)

  • Saicho
  • TOPRA
  • Codevate
  • Korus Health
  • RedteQ
  • Vet Vision AI
  • iFast
  • DMPG
  • CEWE
  • Manors Golf
  • Diistil
  • TicketSellers
  • VirtueUK
  • Chameleon Technology
  • CES Power
  • Slime Party
  • Youtility

Industries (9)

  • Technology
  • Creative Industries
  • Energy, Utilities & Environmental
  • Life Sciences
  • Manufacturing & Engineering
  • Public Sector
  • Retail & Luxury Brands
  • Sports
  • Start-ups

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

SME-focused Firms - UK-wide

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Founded by Toby Harper in 2014, Harper James provides legal access to small and medium-sized businesses, offering flexible price plans including subscription-based models for SME clients. As a full-service law firm, it supports clients across a range of areas, including corporate law and commercial contracts. Its lawyers are also experienced in IP, dispute resolution and employment issues. The firm is particularly strong in the technology sector, including matters involving AI.

Notable practitioners

Adam Kudryl is a key contact.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Harper James advised Vet Vision AI, an agritech company that uses AI to monitor the behaviour and welfare of livestock animals in real time. The firm undertook comprehensive contract reviews and assisted in developing the company's initial suite of contracts.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Everyone in the team has been spectacularly impressive. They have very specific knowledge of what I'm looking for; it's very reassuring.

    SME-focused Firms respondentUK
  • Harper James is a one-stop shop for anything legal. It has excellent breadth, with experience on a large number of deals and multiple departments for different legal areas.

    SME-focused Firms respondentUK
  • Harper James provide a high-quality service. They are always on the end of the phone and handle all matters efficiently.

    SME-focused Firms respondentUK

Members

Provided by Harper James

  • Adam Kudryl

  • Ben Evans

  • Ian Carson

  • James Ratcliffe

  • Jill Bainbridge

  • John Pauley

  • Parmjit Gill

  • Simon Gilmour

  • Stephen Pearne

  • Samantha Lenox

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

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