UK Guide 2026 : Midlands
Ranked Individuals
Provided by Shoosmiths LLP
Our specialist banking & finance team advises clients on a range of financing transactions across industries including healthcare, energy, telecoms and retail, often with a multi-jurisdictional element.
Acting for borrowers, lenders and investors means we have a practical understanding of the needs of all parties to a financing transaction.
Our national banking and finance team operate across England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland providing a seamless service across our various locations. We work closely with the UK’s major banks and financial institutions and have approved panel solicitor status with many of them.
Managing transactions from start to finish, we ensure a smooth and cohesive process, enabling clients to continue to focus on building their relationships and running their businesses.
Our team will take responsibility for making the deal happen, speaking your language and putting your commercial interests first – one of the reasons clients describe our team as “commercial and results driven”.
What sets us apart from others is our ability to truly listen to our clients and use their feedback to continually improve. Because of this, we have been recognised in national award programmes for innovation and client service excellence.
Provided by Chambers
The specialist banking team at Shoosmiths has a strong presence across the Midlands. The team is experienced in advising a number of major high street and challenger banks on real estate, corporate and acquisition finance as well as on revolving finance and asset-based lending matters. The department also works with borrowers in the retail sector and property clients.
Provided by Chambers
Shoosmiths advised Aurelius Finance Company on the provision of a £10 million asset-based facility to India Bidco following its acquisition of Finders Genealogists Holdings.
Provided by Chambers
Shoosmiths is really commercial, really user-friendly, does a fantastic job and understands what we can and cannot do.
The Shoosmiths team adds a lot of value; rather than act purely on instruction, they proffer alternative solutions to issues, fostering a more collaborative relationship.
Shoosmiths' team is commercial, prompt and always available for follow-up calls and questions, and it has a very strong client focus.
Shoosmiths' partners are particularly commercially aware and I am often impressed by their ability to recall details from previous deals during negotiations with new prospects.
Provided by Chambers
Jon Bew has substantial experience acting for banks and corporates on matters relating to asset-based lending and acquisition finance. He also assists with refinancings.
Jon is a real trusted partner for us, absolutely first-rate.
Jon is extremely knowledgeable and experienced. He is very generous with his time and expertise, being more than happy to offer advice if requested, even outside of a specific transaction.
Jon Bew is a 'hall of famer' with a strong reputation in asset-based lending.
Jon is our go-to lawyer due to his considerable expertise and knowledge of our market.
Natalie Barnes focuses on acquisition finance. She acts for both borrowers and lenders.
Natalie Barnes is an excellent partner in the firm and a trusted adviser. She is a go-to for complex and challenging cases.
Natalie is extremely knowledgeable of our business and industry and is always helpful with good advice and is quick to respond.
Natalie has sound understanding of ABL law and is extremely commercial, which has helped smooth negotiations.
Natalie Barnes is very experienced and knowledgeable, as well as proactive in her approach.
She is both clear and concise in her communication and very responsive both to us as clients and to other parties within transactions.
Banking & Finance
Banking & Finance
Provided by Shoosmiths LLP
Jessika Thumpston
Jon Bew
View profile of Jon BewNatalie Barnes
View profile of Natalie BarnesUK 2026
Practice area: Banking & Finance
Location: Northern Ireland
View department profile for UK 2026
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