Poppleston Allen names Graeme Cushion as new Managing Partner

Licensing law firm Poppleston Allen has named Graeme Cushion as its new Managing Partner, taking over the role from Lisa Sharkey who will remain at the firm in a full-time fee-earning role.

With over 20 years of experience in licensing and regulatory law, Cushion brings a wealth of expertise to the role as the firm continues to strengthen its position as the country’s leading licensing firm.

Cushion joined Poppleston Allen in 2001 and has been pivotal in the firm’s success, leading major client accounts including PizzaExpress, Prezzo, Ask Italian, Burger King and Yo! As Managing Partner, he will oversee the firm’s strategic direction, growth plans and team development.

“It is an honour to be entrusted with leading Poppleston Allen into its next chapter, and to be passed the baton from Lisa Sharkey who has done a fantastic job, which, of course, includes successfully managing the firm through the unprecedented Covid pandemic.”

“Our firm has a strong history of delivering exceptional licensing advice to the hospitality sector, and I look forward to building on that legacy by driving innovation and meeting the evolving needs of our clients.”

Commenting on the move, Sharkey said: “It has been a genuine privilege to lead the firm for the last 6 years. I could never have imagined when I joined the firm as a trainee solicitor over 30 years ago, with just 5 of us, that I would end up as the head of the largest boutique licensing firm in the UK.”  She continues: “Graeme is an extraordinary solicitor and very popular in the sector.  I have absolutely no doubt he will further the firm’s success and take us into the next phase of our business, stronger than ever.”

Poppleston Allen, with offices in Nottingham and London, is the leading boutique licensing law firm in England and Wales. They provide advice on alcohol, entertainment, and gambling licensing, along with advice on crimes ancillary to licensing, such as underage sales, health and safety and food safety issues.