Muckle celebrates dealmaking excellence at Insider Dealmakers awards

It was a momentous night for our corporate team, as they took home four awards at the 2025 North East Dealmaker Awards, including Corporate Law firm of the Year. 

Sara Evans secured the Corporate Lawyer of the Year award, and our client deals were also recognised in two categories.

Andrew Davison, a previous head of the corporate team, also received an Outstanding Achievement award.

Corporate Law Firm of the Year

We are incredibly proud to be named Corporate Law Firm of the Year for the tenth time.

The award marks another outstanding year for our team, who advised on 77 deals in the qualifying period, with a combined value of more than £620m. The judges were not only impressed by this deal volume, they also noted the firm’s commitment to using business as a force for good for the community through grants, volunteering and pro bono work.

Corporate Lawyer of the Year

Sara has contributed significantly to the growth of Muckle's corporate team, and led on a number of significant transactions during the year. 

As well as her skill and technical ability, Sara also has a reputation for going the extra mile in every aspect of her work, making her the stand-out lawyer this year, according to the judges.

Deal of the Year (£20m+) and Deal of the Year (£5m-£20m)

We were thrilled to see two of our client’s deals win awards. Connect Health’s merger won the Deal of the Year in the £20m+ category and Aspire Technology’s acquisition of CouldCoCo won the Deal of the Year in the £5m-£20m category.

Managing partner Anthony Evans led on the legal advice for Connect Health’s merger, alongside solicitors Stephanie Brown, Ben Evans and Olivia Tindle.

Philip Clare, partner in our corporate team, led on Aspire Technology’s acquisition, with support from corporate solicitor Ben Evans and banking solicitor Georgia Sproat.

Outstanding Achievement Award

Andrew Davison, who is a previous head of our corporate team, was awarded an Outstanding Achievement Award.  The award recognised Andrew’s incredible career and long-standing dedication to the North East corporate finance community prior to his retirement.

Impact through collaboration

Philip Clare, head of corporate, said: "We're incredibly proud of this year’s awards. It’s fantastic for the team, Sara and two of the deals that we have worked on to be recognised in this way.  It was also a wonderful way to mark Andrew’s achievements throughout his career.

"I’d like to thank everyone for their continued support and congratulate all winners and nominees!"

Find out more about our award-winning corporate team or contact Philip Clare to see how we can help you.