Simon Baigent

Simon has a proven track record as a skilled and tenacious litigator. Leveraging that experience he uses that expertise not only when proactively and effectively managing disputes but also assisting  clients mitigate risk in their day-to-day individual business operations.

He specialises in commercial and financial disputes and shareholder disputes.

Recent Work

• Advising a national LPG, propane and butane gas supplier, in obtaining permanent injunctions against a former distributor. This was as a result of serious concerns that the distributor was engaged in illegal filling and unlawful handling of the client’s cylinders. Simon worked alongside the client to use the court process to protect the client’s position procedurally and reputationally. Ultimately a successful outcome was reached and permanent injunctions obtained
• Successfully establishing that the clients had an interest in land of significant value. The matter was heard over five days in the High Court, which attracted media attention and in which complex points of law and a detailed examination of the parties’ relationship over c20 years was required ((1) Mr Sean Preson and another v (1) Mr Ivan Preson and others [2023] EWHC 1486 (Ch))
• Advising a purchaser of c£1.2m worth of steel from a national steel manufacturer and distributor in respect of the quality and fitness for purpose of the supplied steel and the financial losses it suffered as a consequence

Simon has acted for businesses within the Food Sector for some years. He has represented both retailers and suppliers on disputes arising under the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (both in Arbitration Requests to the GCA and in High Court Litigation).

He delivers both training and advisory work on Code compliance.

Recent Work

• Advising a national poultry feed supplier in relation to the termination of an agency agreement. It was essential that the dispute that arose from the “run-off” provisions within the agreement was settled swiftly. Simon handled a mediation to facilitate exactly that, reaching a commercial and successful outcome for the client
• Representing one of the UK’s largest packers and producers of eggs in a dispute relating to outbreaks of a novel strain of salmonella
• Advising on a range of GSCOP claims

Simon has established an impressive expertise in property litigation, ranging from disputed break notices to dilapidations claims and lease renewals. He has combined his insolvency experience to carve out a particular niche advising clients in relation to both tenant and landlord insolvency.

Recent Work

• Simon advised the owner of properties occupied by BHS, in relation to the options available to them as a consequence of the insolvency of BHS. He then worked on a strategy with the owner and liaised with administrators to implement these strategies as the business of BHS was wound down.
• Simon advised a national retail operator with regards to a dispute arising from the failure of the landlord to return a rent deposit – in accordance with the terms of the rent deposit deed. The matter was complicated by the fact that the landlord had changed during the term of the deed. This raised challenging issues relating to whether or not the covenants were personal and if so, the ramifications of the same. Simon successfully guided the client through the litigation process; ultimately succeeding in the trial of the action and the recovery of the rent deposit