Firm appoints new real estate partners in Oxford and Swindon

Charlotte Botham and Belinda Sinnott join the firm as part of its ongoing expansion across the Thames Valley and South East, with offices in Swindon and Oxford.

With nearly 20 years of experience each, Ms Botham and Ms Sinnott bring expertise in portfolio management and residential development respectively.

Greg Humphreys, partner and head of the real estate team at Gardner Leader, said: “The appointments of Charlotte and Belinda mark an important step in the continued growth of our real estate team.

“Both bring a depth of experience and sector knowledge that will be of real benefit to our clients.

“Their arrival also supports our continued investment in the team, where we are seeing increasing demand for specialist real estate expertise from businesses, developers and investors across the wider South East and beyond.”

Ms Botham joins from Horsey Lightly, where she was head of property.

She advises on acquisitions and disposals, landlord and tenant matters, secured lending, and property-related corporate transactions.

Her experience includes the £64 million sale of a public house portfolio and advising institutional investors, pension funds, and a global charitable foundation on complex property matters.

Ms Botham said: “Gardner Leader has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, commercially focused advice.

“It’s exciting to be joining the firm as it cements its position as having one of the leading real estate teams in the south of England.

“I’m looking forward to supporting both new and existing clients and adding my expertise as we continue to strengthen our services.”

Ms Sinnott was previously a legal director at Gateley Legal.

She specialises in residential development and has advised many leading UK housebuilders.

Ms Sinnott has extensive experience with greenfield and brownfield site transactions, including conditional contracts, sub-sale, option, and promotion agreements.

She also advises on overage arrangements, affordable housing disposals, and related matters.

Ms Sinnott said: “I was drawn to Gardner Leader’s strong presence in the commercial property sector, the depth of experience within the team, and its clear commitment to supporting clients across the full lifecycle of their projects.

“The firm’s practical, commercially focused advice and long-term client relationships strongly reflects my own approach, and I’m pleased to bring my experience in residential development to further strengthen the team’s offering to housebuilders, developers and landowners across the region.”

Gardner Leader has expanded into Oxford and Swindon as part of its growth strategy, increasing headcount by more than 50 per cent in five years to over 200 staff.

The firm was recently certified as a B Corp, reflecting its emphasis on balancing commercial success with positive social and environmental impact.