Regional law firm Michelmores has appointed Noel Beale as a partner in its commercial team as it maintains its strong growth.
Noel, pictured, offers expert advice on competition and economic regulatory matters to clients nationally and internationally. 
He has more than 25 years’ experience advising on competition law and regulatory compliance and investigations, as well as merger control strategy and national security and investment act clearances.
He has hands on experience of both sides of competition and regulatory investigations and compliance matters, including a range of advisory and contentious scenarios.
Michelmores, which has one of its four offices in Bristol, said he also provided practical and constructive advice to help businesses and organisations negotiate the risks and complexities that can arise in these areas, enabling them to get on with achieving their goals.
Noel has a particular specialism in the UK water sector, having been involved in many aspects of market opening and the development of price reviews over the past 15 years.
Having trained at international law firm Ashurst and worked in-house at water industry watchdog Ofwat, he was most recently director, competition – regulation at Bristol-headquartered national law firm Burges Salmon, where he spent for eight and a half years.
He said he was thrilled to be joining Michelmores during a period of continued growth for the firm.
“I am looking forward to complementing and enhancing the firm’s existing expertise and delivering the best solutions for our clients’ strategic, commercial and business goals, including in industry sectors that are heavily regulated,” he added.
Michelmores commercial team head Tom Torkar added: “Noel is a great addition to the business group, and we’re thrilled to have him join our team with his experience and expertise. His skillset further strengthens our offering in this sector.
“This is an exciting time for Michelmores as we continue to expand, demonstrating our commitment to our clients and our continued growth.”
Last month the firm announced it is to relocate its Bristol base from Broad Quay House on The Centre to new grade A space in the redeveloped 10 Victoria Street office scheme later this year.
The space will be the first of the firm’s four offices designed from scratch to complement its agile working model, with plans to create a bespoke configuration that supports collaborative working and offers a welcoming space for clients.
Michelmores, which also has bases in London, Exeter and Cheltenham, unveiled a new strategy and visual identity in March to reflect its sustainable ambitions.
The ambition behind Destination 2030 is to develop “a more diverse, equitable and engaged business, with a vision that delivers both profit and purpose”, according to the firm, which employs more than 450 people.
