We have welcomed a new commercial partner, Carys Thompson.

With more than 16 years' experience, Carys joins the firm from Keebles - recently acquired by Knights plc - where she was head of the commercial team.

Working with a broad range of clients, from start-ups to major national and international businesses, Carys has particular expertise in digital, technology and manufacturing having spent time in-house with an international manufacturing and engineering business as their head of legal.

Based at the firm's Sheffield hub, Carys' appointment follows a string of new partner hires and forms part of the firm's growth strategy; broadening its Midlands footprint both North and South.

Carys said: "The parts of my job that I enjoy most are building trusted relationships with clients, and concluding a contract negotiation to achieve a good result for the client in line with their business strategy and risk appetite.

I think there is a real opportunity for Shakespeare Martineau to increase its profile in Sheffield and beyond; and I look forward to being part of the team that makes that possible."

Victoria Tester, managing director of the life and business unit at Shakespeare Martineau said: "We've seen an increased demand from clients for commercial IP support. Intellectual property is a growing legal service as increased digitalisation both expands and adds complexity to the world of licensing and data protection."

Day-to-day, Carys advises on a range of commercial transactions, arrangements and contracts. Including supply agreements, joint ventures and collaborations, manufacturing, distribution, agency and franchise agreements, consultancy agreements, IP licensing arrangements, standard terms of supply and purchase, B2B and B2C e-commerce, outsourcing and NDAs. As well as providing support and training in data protection.

Victoria added: "Our positive culture is proving to be a beacon for new talent and we're thrilled to welcome Carys, who has vast experience gained from her roles as head of legal and head of commercial."

Shakespeare Martineau is proactively seeking talented people to join the firm on its growth journey, including mergers, team recruitment and lateral hires nationally.

We catch up with Carys about her new role:

What attracted you to Shakespeare Martineau?

The breadth of experience across the Commercial and IP team, the clear commitment and focus on supporting its people and the ambitions for the Sheffield office with the opportunity to be a part of making that a success.

What do you hope to achieve while working with us?

I hope to help become a valuable member of the Commercial and IP team nationally and also play a significant part in building the commercial side of the firm's Sheffield office into a successful and well-respected commercial team within the local market and further afield.

Tell us more about what you find exciting about your area of expertise:

I find it really interesting finding out about different clients' businesses, getting into the nuts and bolts of how their business works and their aspirations so that I can help to protect and reflect those objectives in their contractual arrangements.