Case study: advising on the business restructure of Lime Tree Dental Practice

Posted10 June 2026

Our Commercial Services division recently advised on the restructuring of Lime Tree Dental Practice in Portishead, Bristol, to incorporate the practice and allow for the investment of a new partner.

Advice on the incorporation and new investment as part of restructure

Lime Tree Dental Practice is a long-established dental practice based in Portishead with an enviable local reputation.

Nic Barker (Corporate) and Elsie Lyford (Corporate and Commercial), with James Corrigan from our Commercial Property team, advised the practice owner, Nick Williams, on the incorporation of the practice and investment by long-term associate, Lacie Bowen.

Fay Cornelius and Matt Morgan of Swansea accountants, Carr Jenkins Hood, advised on the tax and financial structure of the deal, which was approved by HMRC.

The transaction aimed to bring Lacie Bowen into the ownership of the practice, following her longstanding role as a member of the team, and to give Nick the protection and benefits of incorporation while restructuring the business.

A key factor was to allow the dental practice to continue its usual smooth operation and patient care without interruption.

The practice team managed the Care Quality Commission liaison, working to a tight transaction deadline.

Navigating unforeseen delays

Although Nick and his team had prepared well in advance, there were a number of unforeseen delays which challenged all of us as we pushed to complete within the required timeframe. The dental practice, legal, and accountancy teams achieved this successfully through a great team effort.

“I was extremely happy with the support, guidance and advice I received from Nic, James, Elsie and the whole team at Barcan and Kirby.

I felt that the team really understood me, my wishes and the structure of the changes we were trying to make. Nic Barker took real ownership of the task and the project, often driving it forward by requesting meetings with other parties when challenges arose.

The whole project was achieved within my time frame, which was very beneficial to me and my long-term planning. I am very grateful to Nic and the team for taking so much care of this project and achieving the end goal in time. Thank you!”

– Nick Williams, Lime Tree Dental Practice