Bio

Paul Wigham specialises in acquisitions and disposals of companies and businesses for both owner managed businesses and large corporate clients. He advises on private equity investments, particularly in relation to early-stage companies, and provides general funding advice to companies, including advice on banking facilities and security documentation. In addition, Paul provides general corporate governance advice to companies and directors and assists companies with their annual compliance and statutory obligations under the Companies Act. Paul provides advice to all organisations within, or who interact with, the education sector, including schools and academies (including free schools, alternative provision academies and university technology colleges), further education corporations and universities. In relation to schools and academies, Paul has significant experience in providing advice to academy trusts on expansion through the sponsorship of other schools and re-brokering of existing academies (including advising trustees on their duties in connection with expansion), and major capital build projects. He also advises academies on compliance with the financial handbook and governance handbook, and on the establishment of trading subsidiaries and other group structures. Within the maintained sector, Paul has advised on federation and de-federation issues, as well as the establishment of charitable companies providing opportunities for collaborative practice, shared learning and other professional development opportunities for clusters of schools. Paul forges strong relationships with clients underpinned by his focus on making things happen. He has an excellent project management track record and an enviable breadth of knowledge in connection with DfE policy and cutting edge academy work.