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Nick Helm
Partner
Nick Helm is an infrastructure partner with 20 years of sector experience gained in the UK and internationally. He specialises in advising on infrastructure project finance and PFI/PPP schemes, often in the social infrastructure sector and increasingly in renewable energy, transport and other economic infrastructure. Renewables and net-zero projects are a focus, and Nick is active on energy from waste (EfW), energy storage, heat networks and clean air projects. Nick is active in advising on Clean Air Charging Zones.
Nick’s clients include sponsors, contractors, equity investors, funders and the public sector (both central and local government). His sector experience takes in education, clean and renewable energy, transport, defence, healthcare, social housing and emergency services. He also has significant infra M&A/secondary PFI market and refinancing experience.
Nick coordinates the infrastructure, transport and energy group in the UK, and he is a key member of pro-Manchester’s Transport and Infrastructure Steering Group.
Nick is identified as a Leading Individual in The Legal 500 2023, which states: “I have worked with them and partner Nick Helm on many occasions and have always found them to be responsive and knowledgeable and will always be able to find the answers required. They are proactive and think outside the box to find solutions as well as managing risk.”
- Advising on a wide range of low-carbon/renewable energy projects, including solar, heat network, energy storage/battery and EV charging schemes.
- Advising UK public sector bodies on the development and implementation of clean air zones (CAZs) – including the ambitious Greater Manchester CAZ – and associated measures aimed at improving air quality.
- Also advising a transport public sector body on the restructuring of its electric vehicle charging point scheme.
- Advising an energy services company on its strategic acquisition of EfW technology and associated EfW projects, including an 18MW scheme sited in Nottinghamshire.
- Advising a well-known PFI contractor/investor on a number of recent disposals of interests in social infrastructure schemes to leading infra investment funds.
- Advising the sponsor groups on distress and contractor replacement issues on three healthcare PFI schemes affected by the insolvency of Carillion group.
- Advising the sponsor groups on PFI refinancings, including the £260 million Leeds Oncology PFI scheme and the £85 million Carlisle Northern District Road PFI scheme.
- Advising a shortlisted bidder on the £260 million Burbo Bank OFTO scheme in OFGEM Tender Round 4.
- Leading the team that advised the sponsors (Galliford Try and InfraRed) on the £103 million North East Batch Priority Schools scheme, the UK’s first PF2 scheme.
- More than 20 years of experience of advising on all aspects of PFI/PPP schemes in the UK.
Education
- The College of Law, 1997
- Newcastle Law School, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, 1996
Admissions
- England and Wales, 1999