Leading law firm helps the local Defence Security and Forces sector to manage matters of life and death with boosted specialist team

Local defence and security firms as well as those working as part of the armed forces, are set to benefit from an expanded, specialist Defence, Security and the Forces team at Cheltenham–based solicitors Harrison Clark Rickerbys.

Local defence and security firms as well as those working as part of the armed forces, are set to benefit from an expanded, specialist Defence, Security and the Forces team at Cheltenham–based solicitors Harrison Clark Rickerbys.

The launch of the Harrison Clark Rickerbys’ new Defence, Security and the Forces team at the Malvern Festival of Innovation recently provided a springboard for growth, with the team recently welcoming a new defence consultant, Brigadier Iain Cholerton CBE.

The team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys, led by Partner Richard Morgan, can now provide a full range of legal services to businesses and individuals in the sector, at a local, national, and international level.

Supported by industry consultants, the new team supplies defence and security related services and consultancy.  Their expertise includes advice for businesses that develop and manufacture equipment and technology for the armed forces and non-military organisations; claims or disputes in the UK or internationally, as well as cross border litigation, and trade or export contracts.

The team also caters for those serving within the armed forces, offering expertise on the unique domestic issues that can arise, as well as helping those leaving the Forces to set up their own business, with advice on opportunities for expansion and growth and a free legal helpline.

“We fully understand the pressures – both business and personal within this sector,” explains Richard Morgan, Partner and Head of Defence, Security and the Forces team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys. “Their work is literally a matter of life and death. It is impossible to identify a more important part of British industry and service.  Each member of our team has been specifically selected for their expertise, and includes a number of consultants who have considerable, hands-on experience in the sector. Whatever the particular case or issue, our open communication and speed of service, coupled with a proactive and commercially astute approach, ensures we offer the best possible service for our clients,” continued Richard Morgan.

Most recently Brigadier Iain Cholerton CBE has joined the growing team as a consultant, bringing vast and varied hands-on experience with him. Iain is a former senior Army executive who has completed a successful military career, including service with UK Special Forces.  He has extensive experience in a broad range of operationally focused environments in many parts of the world.  His work has encompassed working with fragile and conflict-afflicted states to reform security and enable them to govern themselves.

Iain joins a number of expert consultants working with Harrison Clark Rickerbys Defence, Security and the Forces team, including Rear Admiral Philip Wilcocks CB DSC DL.  An experienced military leader, Philip is widely recognised as a dynamic, combat proven Flag Officer, Joint Commander and Naval Officer. He is a highly experienced in particularly complex change management situations, as well as SME Board Chairmanship, leadership, teambuilding, multi £100M annual budget accountability, risk assessment and rapid decision-making in a global, world-class, blue-chip organisation.

Philip joined Richard Morgan, Head of Defence, Security and the Forces team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys, as well as speakers from across the industry including UKTi and members of the British Security Industry Association, at the Malvern Festival of Innovation in November to officially launch Harrison Clark Rickerbys’ Defence, Security and the Forces team and take part in a presentation and networking event.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys has 350 staff and partners based at offices in Worcester, Cheltenham, Hereford, Ross-on-Wye and the Thames Valley, placing them at the heart of a region where some of the most specialist defence, security and the forces equipment manufacturers and service providers are located.  The firm provides a complete spectrum of legal services to both business and private clients, regionally, nationally and internationally. 

Harrison Clark Rickerbys also has a number of other highly successful teams specialising in individual market sectors, including health and social care, education, agricultural and rural affairs, hospitality, leisure and sport, and construction.