Technology & Creative Industries
Whether you’re building the next breakthrough app or producing award-winning content, your business needs legal support that keeps pace with your ambitions. At Slater Heelis, we help innovative businesses across technology and the creative industries turn ideas into successful ventures.
Contact Us
From securing your first round of funding to negotiating complex licensing deals, we provide straight-talking legal advice that’s built around how your business actually works. We understand the challenges you face—protecting your IP, managing rapid growth, navigating regulation, and staying ahead in fast-moving markets.
Based in Manchester, Sale and Chester, we work with tech startups, creative agencies, media producers, software developers and digital innovators across the North West and beyond. If you need legal support that’s commercially focused and industry-aware, we’re here to help.
Call us on 0330 111 3131 | Contact us via our online enquiry form
What We Can Help With
We support businesses and professionals across the full spectrum of technology and creative industries. Whether you’re launching a SaaS platform, producing film content, or scaling a design agency, we provide legal advice tailored to your sector and your goals.
Technology Law Services
For startups and scale-ups: We work alongside entrepreneurs and innovators from incorporation through to exit. Whether you’re seeking seed funding, preparing for Series A, or planning your IPO, we help structure deals that protect your interests and position you for growth.
Software and digital services: We draft and negotiate SaaS agreements, software licensing deals, API terms, and development contracts. We understand the technical and commercial issues at play, from liability caps to service level commitments.
Intellectual property protection: Your innovations are your competitive advantage. We help protect your patents, trade marks, and copyright, and advise on licensing strategies that maximise value while managing risk.
Corporate transactions: From mergers and acquisitions to joint ventures and strategic partnerships, we guide you through complex deals with practical advice that keeps transactions moving forward.
Data protection and cybersecurity: We advise on GDPR compliance, privacy policies, data processing agreements, and breach response. We help you build data governance frameworks that satisfy regulators and reassure customers.
Commercial contracts: We draft and negotiate supplier agreements, customer terms, distribution deals, reseller arrangements and outsourcing contracts. Our focus is on protecting your position while maintaining commercial relationships.
Creative Industries Legal Support
We work with creative professionals, agencies, media producers and tech innovators across advertising, design, film, television, digital media, software development and content creation. We’ve advised design agencies, film producers, touring artists and immersive experience organisers on the legal challenges that matter to creative businesses.
Service agreements and commercial contracts: We draft and negotiate client contracts, supplier agreements and collaboration terms that protect your interests while maintaining strong working relationships.
Intellectual property protection and licensing: We help you protect and license your creative work, from copyright and design rights through to licensing agreements that maximise value while managing risk.
Influencer, sponsorship and brand partnership agreements: We advise on partnership terms, rights usage, payment structures and compliance obligations for brand collaborations and influencer campaigns.
Software, SaaS and app development contracts: We work with digital creators and developers on licensing deals, development agreements and terms that balance technical requirements with commercial protection.
Privacy policies, data processing agreements and GDPR compliance: We help you meet your data protection obligations with privacy policies, data processing agreements and compliance frameworks that satisfy regulators and reassure clients.
Dispute resolution: When issues arise—IP infringement, breach of contract or commercial disputes—we provide practical advice on resolution strategies, from negotiation through to litigation.
Cross-Sector Support
Investment and funding: We help secure investment from angels, VCs and institutional funders. We draft term sheets, shareholders’ agreements, and investment documentation that balances investor protection with founder flexibility.
Employment matters: As you grow, we support with employment contracts, share option schemes, team exits, settlement agreements and employment tribunal defence. We work closely with our employment law colleagues to provide joined-up advice.
Commercial property: Whether you’re looking for office space, studio facilities or R&D labs, our commercial property team helps negotiate lease terms, understand your obligations and protect your interests.
Dispute resolution: When issues arise—IP infringement, breach of contract, partnership disputes or regulatory investigations—we provide pragmatic advice on resolution strategies, from negotiation through to litigation.
How We Work With You
Getting the right legal support shouldn’t be complicated. Here’s what you can expect when you work with us.
1. Understanding your business
We start by learning how your business works, what you’re trying to achieve, and where the challenges lie. This might be a quick call or a more detailed consultation, depending on your needs. There’s no obligation for initial conversations.
2. Providing clear advice
We explain your options in plain English, highlight the risks and opportunities, and recommend a practical course of action. We’re here to help you make informed decisions, not to complicate things with unnecessary jargon.
3. Taking action
Once you decide to proceed, we get to work. Whether that’s drafting contracts, negotiating terms, or managing a transaction, we handle the legal detail so you can focus on running your business.
4. Staying responsive
We know timing matters in fast-moving industries. We respond quickly to queries, provide realistic timescales, and keep you updated throughout. If priorities change or new issues emerge, we adapt our approach accordingly.
5. Building relationships
Many of our clients come back to us as their businesses grow and their needs evolve. From first incorporation through to exit, we’re here to support you at every stage of your journey.
Why Choose Slater Heelis for Technology & Creative Industries
Supporting innovative businesses
We’ve been working with technology companies and creative businesses since the late 1990s. We’ve seen industry cycles, regulatory shifts, and technological disruption firsthand. That experience means we can anticipate challenges, spot opportunities, and provide advice grounded in commercial reality.
Real sector expertise
We don’t just read about your industry—we work in it every day. We’ve negotiated IP licensing deals for creative agencies. We’ve supported software companies through acquisitions and media producers through rights disputes. Our Legal 500 recognition for IT and Technology Law reflects the depth of our sector knowledge.
Gold Partner of Sci-Tech Daresbury
We’re proud to be a Gold Partner of Sci-Tech Daresbury, one of two national science and innovation campuses and an internationally recognised hub for high-tech businesses. This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting ambitious companies at every stage of development, from incorporation through to capital markets and exit.
Full-service support
As a full-service firm with offices in Manchester, Sale and Chester, we can bring in colleagues from our employment, corporate, litigation and property teams when your needs extend beyond pure commercial matters. Whether you’re negotiating a new lease, handling an employment issue, or managing a shareholder dispute, you benefit from integrated advice that keeps every aspect of your business aligned.
Transparent pricing and practical service
We offer fixed fees where possible so you can plan with confidence. We’re upfront about costs, realistic about timescales, and focused on delivering value. When you need urgent support or a fast turnaround, we prioritise your needs and respond accordingly.
Trusted by businesses across the North West and beyond
Our clients include early-stage startups, established agencies, growing tech companies and ambitious creative ventures. We work with clients throughout the UK, providing advice that’s commercially focused, legally sound, and delivered with a straight-talking approach that’s built on trust.
Meet Your Key Contact
Carla Murray – Partner & Head of Commercial
Carla is your dedicated contact for technology and creative industries legal matters at Slater Heelis. With nearly two decades of experience in commercial law, IT law, and intellectual property rights, she provides practical, business-focused advice to clients ranging from startups to PLCs.
Recognised by The Legal 500 as a Leading Individual for IT and Technology Law and a finalist at the Manchester Legal Awards, Carla has worked extensively with design agencies, film producers, touring artists, immersive experience organisers, software developers, and digital platforms. She advises on contracts, IP licensing, data compliance, commercial transactions, and dispute resolution across technology, media, entertainment, and life sciences sectors.
Whether you’re launching a digital platform, negotiating licensing deals, or need ongoing commercial support, Carla and the team at Slater Heelis provide the strategic insight and practical solutions your business needs to thrive.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re working in technology or the creative industries and need legal support that understands your world, we’re here to help. Whether you’re launching a new venture, negotiating a deal, or planning your next phase of growth, our team provides practical, commercially focused advice that keeps your business moving forward.
Call us on 0330 111 3131 to speak with one of our solicitors in Manchester, Sale or Chester, or contact us via our online enquiry form and we’ll get back to you promptly.
Our offices are conveniently located in Manchester city centre, Sale and Chester, with easy access throughout the North West. We also work with clients across the UK who value our sector expertise and straight-talking approach.
