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Rachel Saint

Partner - Head of Retail & Leisure

My experience

I am a partner in the Commercial Property department heading up the Retail and Leisure team.  My main areas of expertise are in:

  • Development including retail, leisure and mixed use schemes;
  • freehold acquisitions and sales;
  • disposals and lettings;
  • landlord & tenant;
  • franchising – dealing with all property aspects and working alongside the rest of the Franchise team; and
  • portfolio management.

I am quick to respond with an eye to detail coupled with a clear understanding of my clients requirements. I have the expertise to deal with all nature of property and development transactions.

My team and I have a wide range of experience in dealing with and advising owners, buyers, sellers, developers, landlords, tenants, franchisors and franchisees, operators, investors and funders.

My retail clients include a number of national retailers including the Co-Operative Group, Hobbycraft and Ann Summers, as well as the very highly regarded garden centre operators in the Southern region, Hilliers and Haskins.

On the leisure side, I deal with:

  • restaurants, bars, cafes, coffee houses, clubs and all types of licensed premises;
  • holiday parks. Clients include Bourne Leisure;
  • public houses – for owners and operators, as well as tenants (advice on the issues arising from the Pub Code to include FOT and MRO tenancies);
  • hotels;
  • sports facilities;
  • marinas; and
  • cinemas and mixed use complexes.

Together with my dedicated team I am able to offer comprehensive legal services to meet the needs and demands of clients.

How I’ve helped our clients

I have worked closely with the Paris Smith team for a number of years on a range of property issues and have found them to be responsive, knowledgeable and excellent value for money. Their experience is evident in the professional manner they adopt and the outcomes achieved. They are very personable and their interest in both work and personal well being has earned my trust over numerous years.

Darren Nelson-Hall, Head of Estates
Co-Operative Group

Rachel is an intelligent and commercial professional whose enthusiasm and dedication shines through everything she does. She is responsive and knowledgeable and the interest she shows in her work and her clients, ensures her clients’ confidence and assists her clients achieving their goals.

Paul Matton, Commercial Real Estate Director, Chartered Surveyor, NED, RICS Assessor, Coach & Mentor
Business Owner

I have engaged Rachel Saint and her team for the past eight years and find them one of the best property lawyers I’ve used. Rachel Saint and her team are all very knowledgeable, efficient and professional and a real pleasure to work with. I mostly deal with Rachel, Hannah Winchester, Claire Long, Lisa Sherman and Janay Jones, all of whom I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending.

Andrew Moulden, Property Director
Hobbycraft

Rachel and her team continually deliver and have the expertise and professionalism to meet all of our requirements.

Rona Kelly, Head of Estates
The Gym Group

Rachel Saint provides a very high level of service which is commercial and client-focused.

Acquisitions & Development Manager
Co-operative Group