Tom is a Partner in the Commercial team.
Tom supports clients on a broad range of commercial and supply chain arrangements, including bespoke long-term supply and framework agreements, contract manufacturing and OEM arrangements and outsourcing structures. Tom also advises on maintenance and service level regimes, and has significant experience advising on manufacturing and engineering projects, including contracts for the supply, installation and commissioning of plant and critical components. He regularly advises on complex transactions involving fabrication, long-term maintenance, quality assurance, and testing and acceptance regimes.
Tom has extensive experience in software and technology transactions, including subscription SaaS agreements, software development and licensing, managed services, support and maintenance agreements, and software resale and channel partner structures.
In addition, Tom has experience advising on a range of route-to-market structures, including distribution, agency, VAR arrangements, as well as referral and introducer agreements, helping clients commercialise products and services effectively across multiple jurisdictions. He also has experience working on a broad range of IP transactions, including licensing (exclusive and non-exclusive), assignments and transfers, joint development structures, and brand and trademark licensing.
He is experienced in managing supplier exits and transition arrangements, novations, assignments and subcontracting structures, as well as transitional services and step-in rights, ensuring continuity and risk mitigation in complex commercial relationships.
Tom acts for clients across the full business lifecycle, from start-ups and owner-managed SMEs to large international corporates (with complex cross-border supply chains), and understands the different priorities of businesses at each stage of growth. He takes the time to understand the commercial objectives of his clients, and ensures that these are kept 'front and centre' in any negotiations.
Tom also has valuable in-house experience, having completed a six-month secondment at a UK refinery operated by an oil and gas major. During this time, Tom worked closely with the procurement function on contract negotiation and supplier management, advising on complex operational arrangements including plant maintenance and engineering installation, as well as improving the suite of standard document used by the team.
Recent examples of work you have undertaken
- Advised a UK-based supplier of metal alloys and components into the Aerospace and Oil and Gas sector on a long-term agreement with a leading global supplier of aircraft engines.
- Supported an industry leading manufacturer of rail materials on its tender for a long-term contract for the supply of concrete sleepers.
- Supporting a scale-up IT hardware and software provider on a contract for a network infrastructure project in Denmark, with a German-based main contractor and international charity end client.
- Preparing and advising on a Master Services Agreement for a leading driver and vehicle fleet management software platform provider
- Advised a listed software business on its contract suite relating to geo-spatial data management tools, and supported on negotiations with public authority clients (including the defence sector).