Law firm bolsters Manchester office with new housing partner

Anthony Collins Solicitors (ACS) has appointed a new partner to its Manchester office.

Thomas Starkey has been recruited to help lead the social purpose law firm’s housing practice, with the remit of growing ACS’ Manchester office and property team.

Starkey joins from Weightmans where he was a partner in its real estate team, specialising in supporting social housing providers, charities and local authorities.

Starkey brings more than 15 years’ legal experience to ACS, with expertise in managing complex property matters, spanning site assembly, large scale developments and regeneration schemes.

In his previous role, Starkey helped a registered provider acquire a portfolio of 1,000 homes located across Northern England in an acquisition programme spanning three years. This is alongside also leading a team that acted for a Cheshire-based registered provider on a multi-phased, mixed tenure scheme incorporating 250 new houses and office space.

Thomas Starkey, partner at Anthony Collins Solicitors, said:

“Anthony Collins Solicitors is at the forefront of legal expertise in the social housing sector – boasting a list of client partners that are transforming housing in the UK. However, what makes the firm unique is its clear mission of improving lives, communities and society.

“The firm is investing into its Manchester office with new hires. This is a clear statement of intent and I’m excited to help grow the firm’s property division, while also expanding its reach across the North West and nationally.”

Starkey’s appointment follows ACS outlining plans to grow its presence in the North West, with Suzanne Gregson joining the firm’s Manchester office as partner earlier this year.

ACS is headquartered in Birmingham. Its Manchester office is led by Jonathan Cox.

Jonathan Cox, head of Anthony Collins Solicitors’ Manchester office, said:

“Tom’s appointment represents a key step on ACS’ growth journey in the North West. It follows a series of hires to our Manchester office, but we are not stopping there. We plan to capitalise on this momentum, with further growth and recruitment in the region.

“Tom joins the firm with a wealth of expertise and an ambition to expand our housing practice. His experience managing complex property matters will be invaluable to ACS and our client partners that count on us to bring forward innovative legal solutions that leave a positive impact on their communities and wider society.”