David Lowe

A partner in the Outsourcing, Trade and Technology team, I deal with a range of commercial contracts. Key areas are facilities management, property management, outsourcing, logistics, manufacturing, supply of goods and services, procurement, international trade, consumer trade and travel law.

Tel: +44 (0)20 7664 0322

Email: david_lowe@wragge.com

Best brains in ...

I have a particular strength in property management, facilities management (FM) and other commercial contracts in the real estate sector. I'm at my best when dealing with the unusual, particularly when there are no precedents. For example, the Olympics - or moving the Motor Show (UK's largest consumer show) from the NEC to ExCel.

On procurement structuring, I support clients' procurement teams to structure their overall approach and developing the contract tools they need - that might be pan-European structuring or manuals and training.

In the holiday and travel sector I learnt about the realities of the travel and holiday sector when on secondment at British Airways. I am an expert in the Package Travel and ATOL regulations.

Highlight of your career so far?

Advising the Mayor of London and the Greater London Authority in its bid on behalf of London for the 2012 Olympics. I reviewed the Host City Contract, which is the contract between London and the International Olympic Committee. It had to be reviewed as part of the final bid submission - next time I saw it, it was being held up in the air triumphantly by Sebastian Coe in Singapore. The first time I have seen one of my contracts on TV!

Most challenging job you've ever done?

I have supported BP on a number of large fuel supply agreements with its most substantial of customers - this year it was an agreement to supply fuel to more then 30 Moto motorway service stations. They are always challenging - the commercials are complex, there is often a tricky regulatory issue. The size of the deals means that many corners of BP are involved with the consequential challenge of coordinating commercial input and then there is the need to educate the customer on some of the curious features of fuel delivery and pricing. The negotiations are tense, demanding and stretching but always rewarding!

What about outside the UK?

International work is a routine part of advising on commercial contracts. Sometimes it's because English law is convenient - I recently advised on the sale of bulk cement from a Russian party to a US customer via a Spanish agent.

Sometimes it's in the context of helping UK businesses exploit opportunities in Europe - I am currently advising a well-known UK food manufacturer to set up pan-European procurement contracts.

Sometimes it's related to the export or import of goods. I advised on a $30m export of an automotive plant to China on a turn-key basis, with in excess of 300 containers, multi-modal transport arrangements, export licence clearance on a fast track basis and four difficult letters of credit. It brought together all the challenges of exporting.

What's your definition of going the extra mile?

Great client service is not one great moment, it's a constant and consistent effort. It is not an add-on but a fundamental part of the service we provide. I am especially proud of the work I have done over several years with CB Richard Ellis advising it on many of its property management contracts. These range from large city properties such as Spitalfields to portfolios such as the outsourcing by HSBC of the property management of its UK branches and other properties. CBRE needs to demonstrate to its clients excellent, commercial and responsive service, and I need to consistently ensure that we contribute to that. That means dealing quickly with the unexpected, helping CBRE find solutions which support its client service but at the same time manage its risk, and looking to contribute at a commercial business level as well as dealing with the legals.

Best example of a creative legal solution?

I have developed a process by which we can carry out fixed price reviews of routine (and not so routine) contracts. The system has three levels of service - gold, silver and bronze so that a client can choose up front what budget and scope to go for.

What's your single greatest contribution to Wragge & Co's corporate responsibility?

I used to be a regular organiser of sponsored walks to support our nominated charity - we completed the National Three Peaks, the Welsh 3000s and the Yorkshire Three Peaks, but having young children means I get less opportunity to get out. My main contribution now is to support our pro bono advice to Oxfam - which has ranged from helicopter charters for emergency relief to telemarketing contracts.