How can I help your business

• Advise on commercial contracts for technology businesses, supporting transactions across a range of sectors and growth stages
• Guide overseas companies, particularly Nordic and Eastern European clients, on establishing and operating in the UK market
• Provide practical advice on cross-border collaborations, drawing on established international networks

Overview & Expertise

Simon Portman is an Of Counsel and solicitor based in London and Cambridge. He specialises in commercial contracts for technology-focused organisations, advising clients ranging from start-ups to multinational companies, as well as public bodies and charities.

His practice covers a broad range of commercial agreements, including licences, R&D collaborations, agency and distribution arrangements, manufacturing agreements, and contracts in the TV and film sector, as well as procurement documentation. He works with clients across sectors including immersive technology, medical devices, electronics, bioscience, defence, software, artificial intelligence, food and drink, and the creative industries.

Simon also advises on regulatory matters, including compliance with clinical trials legislation, human tissue banking and data protection, and has experience supporting clients in responding to data breaches. In addition, he provides IP, privacy and commercial contract due diligence on corporate transactions, including for public listings.

A significant proportion of Simons work involves contracts with an international element, whether for overseas companies entering or operating in the UK or UK companies doing business abroad. 

Client Work & Case Experience

• Universities and research institutions — advising organisations including Kingston University London, Liverpool University, the John Innes Centre and the Sainsbury Laboratory on commercial and contractual matters
• Industrial and manufacturing sector — supporting companies such as Landis+Gyr, AB InBev and Cummins on commercial agreements
• Start-ups and life sciences businesses — advising clients including ReagentGenie and Duke Street Bio on contractual and clinical trial issues