Blake Lapthorn Linnell scoops PMA role from Manches

Manches has lost its long-standing position as the principal legal advisers to the Property Managers Association (PMA) to regional law firm Blake Lapthorn Linnell.

Blake Lapthorn has been appointed to the role following a presentation to the PMA, which represents the interests of the retail sector.

Blake Lapthorn’s head of retail Stanley Beckett made the presentation, centring on changes to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, which came into effect on 1 June 2004.

A spokesman for Blake Lapthorn explained that while the presentation was not considered a pitch for a place on the association’s legal panel, it had resulted in the firm’s appointment as the PMA’s sole legal advisers covering all general commercial matters.

The firm was asked to speak before the PMA following a recommendation by one of the firm’s clients, which is also a member of the organisation. It has since held two of the association’s sub-committee meetings at the firm’s new office in Oxford.