The Milton Keynes corporate team of Freeths LLP has achieved a significant milestone at this year’s Insider Central & East Dealmakers Awards, picking up three awards including Corporate Law Firm of the Year, Deal of the Year (£50 m+), and International Deal of the Year.
Held at the Hilton DoubleTree in Milton Keynes, the event recognised standout legal, advisory and banking deals across the Central & East England region. Freeths’ wins underline its growing presence and influence in this part of the market.
In the judges’ commentary for Corporate Law Firm of the Year, they noted that the Freeths corporate team in Milton Keynes had delivered more than 15 % revenue growth and over 20 % increase in deal-volume in the last 12 months. The firm’s “collaborative, partner-led approach” and emphasis on innovation and client outcomes were specifically highlighted.
One of the landmark deals acknowledged — namely the acquisition of Dawsongroup by global investor KKR — was awarded both Deal of the Year (£50m+) and International Deal of the Year. The judges noted the strategic significance of the transaction for the region and its alignment with global climate strategy and decarbonisation goals.
Partner Lucy Bradban, who led the real-estate elements of both the Deal of the Year and International Deal awards, commented: “It was a wonderful evening for our MK corporate team and I was honoured to contribute to the real-estate side of such a major transaction. These awards reflect the power of teamwork, collaboration and ambition.”
This success follows Freeths being named Law Firm of the Year at the Legal Business Awards in 2024 — recognition of the national firm’s broad performance, organic growth and market positioning. Freeths
Separately, Freeths also recently achieved Gold accreditation from Investors in People, celebrated in a company-wide afternoon tea hosted by managing partner Jonathan Hambleton in Milton Keynes. This underscores the firm’s commitment not only to external deal performance but to internal culture and people.
With over 1,200 colleagues across the UK, and clients ranging from major household names to universities and charities, Freeths continues to expand its footprint while emphasising its values of being smart, bold and together. Freeths+1
For businesses in the Central & East region seeking legal partners with a strong local base and international reach, Freeths’ recent accolades reinforce its role as a go-to adviser for high-value and cross-border transactions.
