Shoosmiths bolsters Banking & Finance team

Alastair, who joins from DLA Piper, has a robust practice focused on asset-based lending and possesses valuable experience in managing cross-border financing transactions and receivables financing. He notably has expertise in complex upper mid-market transactions, enabling him to serve a diverse range of clients including clearing banks, alternative lenders, private credit providers, and corporates involved in asset-intensive sectors such as manufacturing, logistics and mobility.

Jon Bew, Partner and Head of Asset Based Lending at Shoosmiths, elaborated on Alastair's addition, stating, "Asset based lending is a growing and increasingly sophisticated area of the finance market, and Alastair’s addition strengthens our capabilities to support clients across the UK and internationally on complex matters." He further highlighted Alastair's "deep specialist expertise and strong, well-established network" as significant assets that will enhance the firm's capacity to handle multi-asset and cross-border mandates as part of their 2030 growth strategy.

Widely recognised for his contributions to the field, Alastair has been named a ‘Rising Star’ in both Asset Based Lending and North West Banking and Finance by the Legal 500 and Chambers UK. Alastair expressed his enthusiasm regarding his new role, commenting, "Shoosmiths has a clear and ambitious vision for its Banking & Finance practice, and the firm's commitment to building out a market-leading offering in the upper mid-market was immediately compelling." He views this position as an exciting opportunity to meet the growing demand for asset-based lending while leveraging the firm’s broader strengths in Corporate and Restructuring Advisory.

This appointment underscores Shoosmiths' ongoing investment in its Banking & Finance practice, a key area of growth under its 2030 strategy, and follows recent developments including the recruitment of E&I specialist partner Graham Knight and the promotion of leveraged finance partner Charlotte Thomas. With Alastair's arrival, the Manchester Banking & Finance team now comprises 13 professionals, positioning it as one of the largest teams in the North West.

Shoosmiths’ Banking & Finance team provides counsel to borrowers, lenders, and investors across various areas including corporate finance, real estate, leveraged and acquisition finance, and asset-based lending. The team is versatile, working across multiple sectors such as energy, infrastructure, logistics, and retail, offering solutions for growth, acquisitions, restructurings, and working capital needs