Peter Belcher

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Contact details

Peter Belcher

Partner

Areas: Construction Solicitors,
Property Finance,
Real Estate Lawyers

Peter specialises in commercial property transactions with a particular focus on secured lending in the hotel, leisure, banking, health and social care sectors. He represents many leading franchisees and ultra-high net worth individuals backed by private equity. His work in the financial sector spans borrowers and lenders including Santander, NatWest, Clydesdale Bank and Bank of Singapore.

He is, he says, “I am of a generation where you didn’t specialise. You did everything, which does give a more rounded perspective. Often, I’ll be working with a borrower and I’m able to prevent them wasting their time because I know what they’re proposing won’t be acceptable to the bank. That means we can focus our attention on proposals that will be acceptable.

“And when I’m acting for the banks – I understand what prospective borrowers are saying and why they’re saying it.”

Described as a “master tactician”, Peter revels in his work. “I like the cut and thrust of the transaction. I enjoy enabling the client to get from A to B, and I do that by using the rules as a framework to get a deal done, not an opportunity to score points.”

An arch pragmatist, Peter sees his role as facilitator. “A lot of the deals I do have borrowers, lenders, assets and security spread around various jurisdictions. I’m often the organiser who ensures it all fits together. And given the interests of my clients and the values involved, I have to get it right.”

One of the keys to getting it right, Peter acknowledges, is to have a little fun. “You have to enjoy what you do. That can make a deal run more smoothly but it’s not a tactic, it’s who I am and it helps make client relationships stronger.

“The best thing a client ever said to me was that I tell them what I think before they know they’re thinking it. That’s what comes of building relationships that really last.”

Qualifications & Experience

Peter attended Nottingham University (LLB Hons) 1981 and qualified as a solicitor in 1985, following his nose – and his clients – to property. “It wasn’t necessarily my goal,” he explains, “but because I love transactions it was a natural fit.”

Peter joined GSC in 1995, becoming a partner in 1996 and an equity partner in 2001.

See Peter Belcher’s latest articles:

GSC Solicitors LLP Shines in the Legal 500 Rankings GSC in the Press – Entrepreneur Tribune: GSC Solicitors advises longstanding client on £420m acquisition GSC Queensway Tristan Deal

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‘A small firm which punches well above its weight’ GSC Solicitors LLP undertook leasing transactions for several blue-chip corporate tenants, particularly in the media sector. It acted for a number of hotel owners regarding the acquisition and development of new hotels.

“We have found the service excellent, and it is for this reason we have continued to use GSC. The key strengths for us have been a commercial approach to deals that is often missing from solicitors, and a personal service based on a knowledge of us and our needs and long-term plans.”

“The main positive comparison we have noted from GSC is the personal touch and commercial acumen.”

“We have often used different legal firms for IP and other work in the past, but GSC’s commercial approach and professionalism, coupled with the excellent working relationship we have built up over a number of years makes it our preferred choice.”

“As a Financial Advisor I have been personally using and recommending GSC for over thirty years. I have referred clients of mine to them and only ever been thanked for the recommendation, which should convey the confidence I have in the individuals, and the firm.”

“Great result today. Just wanted to say thank you for your continued hard work in fighting our corner on this case. You have both been amazing. Michael incredible support and good ideas.”

Legal 500: 'Peter Belcher is very good at allocating the right team members to projects that play to their specific skills.’

Legal 500: 'Peter Belcher has all-round knowledge of real estate including conveyancing, leasing and financing. He gets to crux of the deal and does not waste time on matters that are insignificant.’

Legal 500: ‘Carole Joseph and Peter Belcher balance sound and detailed legal advice with practical and pragmatic business sense. We couldn’t ask for more.’

Legal 500: 'Peter Belcher is wonderful at managing teams and complex projects.’

Legal 500: ‘Peter Belcher is hugely experienced in property transactions. He understands hotels, brands and banks and just makes the most complicated transactions come together.’

Legal 500: 'Peter Belcher is very knowledgeable with a wealth of experience. He is very practical to deal with it and nothing is ever an issue. He is very good at solving problems and is professional in his approach. Client care is paramount to Peter.’

Legal 500: ‘Peter Belcher is extremely well respected in the hospitality sector and has vast knowledge in hotel transactions.’