A LAW firm has helped a specialist legal education provider strengthen its presence in a UK city.

Swinburne Maddison, in Durham City, was appointed by The University of Law to act on its behalf in an expansion programme at its Manchester centre.

Swinburne was asked to prepare a deed of surrender for an existing lease and draw up a new lease on additional accommodation.

Bosses say The University of Law, formerly The College of Law, made the move in response to continued demand from students wanting to train with the organisation.

They added when an opportunity arose to buy accommodation in the same building, which was previously occupied by a gym operator, Swinburne dealt with the complex lease and change of use issues.

Victoria Walton, partner and head of Swinburne’s commercial property team, said the work was a coup for the firm.

She said: “I’m delighted such a highly regarded educational institution chose to appoint us to act on its behalf.

“I know many solicitors that trained there, including a number of our partners.

“On this occasion, because the upper floor was occupied by a gym, the deal to take over that floor hinged on gaining change of use for education purposes.

“Having satisfied that point we were able to deal with the other issues of lease surrender and drawing up a new 15-year lease.”

The university’s chief operating officer, David Johnston, praised Swinburne for its work.

He added: “With an ever increasing number of students wanting to study with us, it was important we acquire the extra space to support our growth and remain in the same building.

“Swinburne’s input has been instrumental in successfully achieving what we set out to do and I look forward to welcoming larger numbers of students in the future.”

Last month, The Northern Echo reported how Swinburne struck up a partnership with former Premier League striker Michael Owen on brand ambassador agreements for a drinks firm.

The company worked on behalf of Harvey’s of Edinburgh, focusing on Spey Whisky, a Scottish whisky brand owned by Speyside Distillers (SD), which is a subsidiary of Harvey’s.

Mr Owen, who scored 40 goals for England, is now global ambassador for Spey, which is already an established brand in the Far-East.