The property department of the south east-based law firm will join Shawbrook’s legal panel and work with its development finance arm to advise on new transactions as the specialist team supports established property developers with residential and mixed-use refurb and new build projects.

The firm already sits on the panel of legal advisers for a range of both mainstream, challenger and specialist banks and will be assisting Shawbrook’s specialist team on transactions with loan sizes ranging from £1 million to £30 million.

Simon Knowles, senior director of development finance at Shawbrook Bank, said: “We are pleased to welcome Thomson Snell & Passmore as part of our panel of legal advisers.

“We were impressed by the team’s track record and impressive client service, especially in terms of delivering on highly complex transactions in tight timeframes.

“As a growing UK specialist bank that challenges the conventional approach of the mainstream banks, we are keen to work with other professionals who mirror our ‘good-sense’ approach to how we do business.”

Richard Ellard, head of commercial property at Thomson Snell & Passmore added: “As one of the largest commercial property teams in the region, we are dedicated to giving commercially orientated advice and ensuring speedily concluded transactions for our clients.

“Shawbrook has grown rapidly in the development finance sector in recent years and we’ve been impressed with their approach.

“The team is focused on delivering certainty for their clients – that’s what makes the difference in this sector and we’re looking forward to working alongside Shawbrook to do exactly that for property developers across the South East.”