Expertise

As a member of our Finance and Projects Group, Nick specialises in non-contentious transactional finance work.

He has a particular focus on funding which has a positive environmental, social and/or governance purpose or impact, and has been recognised by independent guides for his work in the social and affordable housing sector.  Nick provides advice on the sector and the current funding market, and enjoys long-standing relationships with a number of our major financial institutional clients including Barclays Bank, Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest / RBS and Santander UK. He also leads our sector relationships with National Australia Bank, Clydesdale Bank, Yorkshire Building Society, Nationwide Building Society, BNP Paribas, Dexia and Handelsbanken UK.

Recent social impact, sustainability-linked and/or housing finance transactions he has led include advising:

  • each of Barclays Bank, National Australia Bank, National Westminster Bank, Nationwide Building Society, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and BNP Paribas on their respective 'sustainability linked loan' transactions, with metrics linked to the relevant borrower meeting certain environmental and/or social impact key performance indicators
  • each of AIB Group, Lloyds Banking Group, National Westminster Bank, Royal Bank of Scotland and Santander UK on facilities totalling £720m to the Catalyst housing group and the Rosebery housing group as part of the merger of these housing groups
  • each of Barclays Bank, Lloyds Banking Group, The Royal Bank of Scotland and Santander UK plc in respect of their existing loan facilities to LiveWest group totalling £525,000,000 in relation to the conversion of LiveWest Treasury
  • each of Barclays Bank, Barclays Bank UK, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Santander UK and Triodos Bank UK on the restatement of £196,000,000 of loan facilities to the Citizen housing group in connection with its group amalgamation
  • each of Barclays Bank, National Westminster Bank, Nationwide Building Society and Santander UK on facilities and bonds to the Torus62 Limited
Testimonials

Standout individuals include Nick Barlow who is "well known and holds significant relationships".
Chambers 2018

With a team of "unmatched experts" that "consistently performs at the best possible level", Addleshaw Goddard is "considered a clear leader in the social housing field with a strength in depth that is rare to find". Nick Barlow "provides practical and sound advice".
Legal 500 2018 

Nick Barlow is "eminently capable, knowledgeable and easy to work with," say clients.
Chambers 2019

Nick Barlow advises funders to major housing groups on loan agreements, including the restructuring and refinancing of loans, including following housing association mergers. Sources say he is "a real specialist in the field with a wealth of experience."
Chambers 2020

'Nick Barlow is prompt, attentive and attuned to what banking clients in the region want and expect'.
Legal 500 2020

Nick Barlow "helps to put matters into layperson's terms, has tactical foresight and is always available."
Chambers 2021

Nick Barlow is an authority on social, sustainable and green finance.
Legal 500 2021

"Nick Barlow - senior partner but always approachable and available to provide informal advice and counsel on any matters pre/post deal. Provides considered and pragmatic advice and seeks solutions and importantly speaks clear English - always essential for non-legal experts! Nick has tremendous sector knowledge and always delivers a good outcome for clients."
Legal 500 2021