4 minute read
Cleaver Fulton Rankin
(L-R) James Greene, Brittany Lyn, Stuart Sproule, Paul McBride and Jonathan Braden.
Cleaver Fulton Rankin, a leading commercial law firm in Northern Ireland, has welcomed key appointments to its Corporate & Commercial team, paving the way for ambitious growth plans.
The firm’s Corporate & Commercial offering has been strengthened by the most recent appointment of Director Stuart Sproule. Stuart joins the firm following his previous role as an inhouse legal counsel for Danske Bank, adding a depth of expertise and experience. Stuart’s main areas of expertise include mergers and acquisitions, finance and banking, and commercial contracts. Dual-qualified, Stuart has worked in leading commercial firms in both London and Belfast.
Paul McBride, Director and Head of Corporate & Commercial, joined Cleaver Fulton Rankin in January 2022. Paul heads a busy practice, advising on leading corporate and commercial transactions in Northern Ireland. With over 25 years’ experience, Paul specialises in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, management buy-outs, private equity, venture capital investments and project finance. In addition, he has significant industry sector expertise in energy and renewables, manufacturing and technology. Paul’s wealth of experience across all areas of corporate & commercial law and his reputation in the market continue to enhance the development of the team and services.
The team includes talent at various levels, with Jonathan Braden, James Greene and Brittany Lyn providing expert support and adding to the calibre of the team’s corporate offering. The strategic growth of Cleaver Fulton Rankin’s Corporate & Commercial team has enhanced the team’s depth of experience, as it continues to deliver exceptional support and high quality advice to its clients.
Paul McBride, Head of Corporate & Commercial, comments:
“The development and expansion of our Corporate & Commercial team has been an exciting chapter. We are delighted to welcome our most recent appointment, Director Stuart Sproule, who has already added a wealth of expertise and experience across a variety of sectors. We are now in a position of strength, bringing in fresh talent and a new depth of expertise to develop our corporate offering.”
“The team consists of support at a variety of levels, enhancing our services, supporting clients in their commercial instructions and key transactions, and delivering on efficiency and innovation. We look forward to the future growth of our corporate offering, with a focus on providing expert and high quality advice to our clients.”
To find out more about our Corporate & Commercial team, please visit our website at www.cleaverfultonrankin.co.uk.
Having recently joined the Corporate & Commercial team at Cleaver Fulton Rankin, we take a look at some key facts about Stuart, including his career move, why humour makes a difference, and the importance of a work/life balance.
Why did you choose a career in law?
When I was younger, I thought lawyers had all the answers and that is what put a career in law on my radar. As I got older, other aspects of being a lawyer (and specifically a corporate lawyer) really appealed to me, such as problem solving, team work and the feeling that you have made a difference to a client’s business. Being a trusted advisor for clients is something I take immense pride in and I’m lucky to be able to say I enjoy what I do.
What attracted you to your position as a director in the Corporate & Commercial team at Cleaver Fulton Rankin?
A new challenge presented itself, which would allow me to develop my corporate & commercial expertise in a leading commercial law firm in Belfast. The development of the Corporate & Commercial team provided an exciting prospect to help shape the growth and development of the team’s services. In addition, the appointment of Paul McBride at the beginning of 2022 provided an opportunity to work with a Corporate & Commercial expert with a depth of experience.
What are the challenges facing your sector and the economy in general?
It is no secret that these are incredibly challenging, turbulent times. The many phrases that have become commonplace in the media – rising costs of living, inflation, crippling energy costs, strikes – are impacting the world of commerce in particular. There has been a notable lack of confidence in the financial markets which has led in some cases to a reduced willingness to move forward with deals, acquisitions and investment in business. Companies that may have had major strategic objectives are now focusing on facing the challenges ahead. The continued evolution of businesses is key to driving the Northern Irish economy. Growth means more profits, employment, innovation, investment and exports. Although it might be tricky in the short term, businesses will need to be strategic and even creative to find new opportunities.
What has been your biggest lesson in your career so far?
I learned early in life not to take myself too seriously. I have been able to develop strong working relationships with clients and contacts by taking the time to understand their needs, and through bringing a personable and positive approach. I have always made sure that both my personal and professional relationships are infused with humour.
How do you achieve a work/life balance?
Like many people, the pandemic was a big factor in learning how to evaluate my need for balance. I learnt how to put boundaries in place, and have continued to apply these learnings as hybrid working has resumed. For me, this means maintaining full focus and giving my all during working hours, but I do aim to leave the laptop bag at the door when I return home and focus on family activities and downtime.
