Spotlight on Corporate Firm

Spotlight on Corporate Firm - Blake Morgan

Festival of innovation returns to South Coast - Blake Morgan partners with Venturefest South 2025

Blake Morgan is partnering with Venturefest South, a not-for-profit initiative which delivers a year-round programme of events to showcase talent, innovation and research capabilities across the South region.

The Festival of Innovation, which is taking place on Wednesday 12th of November, is Venturefest South’s flagship event, offering businesses and innovators an inspirational platform to build networks and promote their ideas. From student entrepreneurs through to start-up companies and established businesses, the festival gives attendees access to resources, sponsors and partners, and is a way for them to engage with the innovation supply chain or explore ways to scale up. The event is dedicated to nurturing innovation and helping businesses flourish. 

Blake Morgan is a headline partner of Venturefest South. The firm’s straightforward, commercial advice and expertise across disciplines such as corporate, employment and dispute management make Blake Morgan a natural choice of partner. Their lawyers deliver holistic service through every step of the business journey and their commitment to building long term trusted relationships and its reputation as a leading firm in the South aligns perfectly with Venturefest’s mission to stimulate the South’s innovation ecosystem. 

Stephanie Richardson, Business Development Manager at Blake Morgan, said:

“Blake Morgan is eager to continue its partnership with Venturefest South. We know that innovators need access to quality advice and resources to help them navigate their way as they grow, and Venturefest South is a fantastic way to stimulate innovation on the South Coast.” 

Blake Morgan advises on Propel Finance’s new funding round which supports thousands of SMEs

Blake Morgan has advised Propel Finance, the UK’s fastest growing asset finance lender, on a £1.5bn funding round which will provide funding for thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 

Propel Finance lends to businesses acquiring manufacturing, transport and construction equipment, as well as vehicles, technology and telecoms solutions. This new funding will allow SMEs to invest in business-critical equipment.

This new financing has been backed by leading financial institutions and investors such as Barclays, Bank of America, Citi, and British Business Bank. The money will enable Propel to continue its rapid growth and drive innovation in the asset finance sector as well as supporting its plans to double new lending over the next three years. 

Partner and Head of the Structured Finance Practice at Blake Morgan, Kath Shimmin, led the deal working with fellow partners Natalie Coates and Paul Duggan.

Kath Shimmin commented: “We are very proud to have worked with the excellent team at Propel Finance and its partners to launch this latest funding round. It’s a testament to the expertise and commitment of the whole team that we completed the transaction in record time. Blake Morgan has deep expertise in banking and structured finance which the team has brought to bear in supporting this impactful deal.” 

Blake Morgan joins Maritime Solent as a strategic partner

Blake Morgan has joined internationally recognised organisation Maritime Solent as a strategic partner, cementing its position as an expert in marine law on the South Coast.

Blake Morgan has extensive experience working in all areas of marine law including maritime and yachting. The company’s dedicated team of marine law solicitors specialise in ports, insurance, and leisure. They have access to an international network of surveyors and foreign correspondents meaning that their legal advice is always expertly tailored and delivered to the highest quality. 

Maritime Solent works to build international relationships, support economic growth and influence policy and boasts a membership of more than a thousand strong. Its mission to grow and lead in the marine sector aligns with Blake Morgan’s interest and expertise in marine law. 

Partner Lou Fuller, who specialises in superyachts and marine leisure activities, led the collaboration. Lou Fuller has decades of experience in the marine industry, and she commented: 

“We are delighted to join Maritime Solent as a partner. The Solent is a thriving hub for maritime innovation, trade and infrastructure and Blake Morgan is proud to support its continued growth. As specialists in marine law, we look forward to working alongside fellow members to share insights and strengthen the industry.”