Alan Grisedale - Partner

Expert profile

Alan is head of the firm's public sector services group. In addition to advising on private sector contractual agreements, Alan has a wealth of significant contract experience in the public sector having advised in a number of substantial public/private partnerships and outsourcing relationships, particularly in the local authority environment.

Alan's specialisms:

• PFI/PPP arrangements
• Outsourcing and facilities management contracts
• Procurement issues
• Information technology issues
• Preparation of bespoke trading terms and general commercial contracting arrangements

In the hot seat...

How do you see the commercial team developing over the next few years?
I see the commercial team continuing to develop a more ‘sector’ based approach, particularly with regard to its focus on commercial contracts and the public sector.  The public sector will increasingly require additional legal assistance over the coming years, as central government roll out cost savings through ‘transformation’ and ‘shared services’ and I would like to see the commercial team in a position to advise and develop that market.

How would you describe your team?
Knowledgeable, helpful and enthusiastic.

Why did you choose to work at Muckle LLP?
I have been based in the North East throughout my legal career so know the local market. Muckle LLP have a certain energy and enthusiasm about them and presented some great opportunities to build my career.  Also, with the re-branding and office move coupled with the ‘service excellence’ approach, it is exciting to be part of something so forward thinking.

What has been the most challenging legal deal you’ve been involved in?
Leading the legal team advising a utility company on the outsourcing of its information and communication technology requirements.  The supplier competition was maintained up to contract signature which meant attending back-to-back contract negotiation meetings with the different potential suppliers, then amending the contract documents overnight to ensure negotiations could continue the following day.  This went on for a number of weeks!

Describe how you live in 3 words?
According to my children, ‘grumpily, bossily and impatiently’.   However, I think that having children and an old house, ‘always in debt’ sums it up more accurately.

Is there anything you'd change about yourself?
I would improve my gardening ability.  At the moment I appear to have a stunning collection of weeds and mosses.  Agent Orange would make a positive impression on my garden!

What's your greatest fear?
Being stuck, trapped or held hostage somewhere with Sir Cliff Richard, who then insists on singing to keep everyone’s spirits up.

What’s your biggest extravagance?
I am not really a very extravagant person.  I suppose buying ‘organic’ or ‘Tesco Finest’ when the standard product will do, is as extravagant as I get.  I have a thing for pens but that is more a worrying fetish than an extravagance!

What would be your dream day?
It’s Saturday morning, the sun is shining, the coffee is made, papers and croissants purchased, …… and there are no jobs to do in the house.  I’m a man of simple tastes!

Direct line: 0191 211 7956
Email Alan