Mark O’Shea

Partner in the Commerce & Technology Team and Head of Franchising


Direct telephone:            +44 (0)1293 558523
Email:                           moshea@rawlisonbutler.com
Location:                       Gatwick office

Expertise

I head the Commerce & Technology team and specialise in commercial contracts, technology law, competition/anti-trust and non-contentious intellectual property.  I also lead a cross-departmental Franchising team.

Profile

After qualifying with a regional law firm, and having spent several years in the City, I joined Rawlison Butler in 1997 becoming a Partner in 1999.

Memberships

I am a member of the Society for Computers and Law (SCL).  I sat on the Executive Board of CADIA, the Gatwick Diamond Business Association, a local business networking organisation, for the last five years.  I represent Rawlison Butler at British Franchise Association (bfa) meetings. We are an Affiliate member of the bfa.

Public profile

I regularly speak on commercial topics such as agency, distribution, franchising and intellectual property. I have presented to UK Trade & Investment, Sussex Enterprise, Surrey Chamber of Commerce and Sussex International Trade Forum and regularly provide in-house trainiing for clients.

What others say about me ...

"Outstanding as usual!"
Alec Harrow, Client Delivery Director – Northern Europe, Zetes Limited"

"Mark has worked closely with our senior management and sales teams for several years, building a strong relationship with them throughout that time, and has demonstrated a strong knowledge and understanding of our business and requirements."

"We frequently negotiate and contract with blue chip and other major corporates, often within tight timescales, and Mark has always shown great commitment and flexibility, working hard to complete contracts within agreed deadlines."
James Hannay, Senior VP Northern Europe, Zetes Limited

In my spare time ...

I am a Governor of Copthorne Preparatory School.

Away from the office interests include rugby, football (Chelsea being my team), playing guitar, live music and natural history, when I can fit these in around my family!

What I said when I was asked ...

How do you contribute to our Corporate Social Responsibility?

I am a Governor at a local independent school.  Most recent charity events I have undertaken include a personally organised sponsored bike ride for a Sussex school for children with various physical and learning disabilities, and a long-distance walk in aid of Oxfam and Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

What changes to do you expect in the next 12 months?

I am hoping that the new Government will be the catalyst for an improving economy and upsurge in commercial activity. In the technology field, the trend towards more portable and remote access devices will continue unabated.

What has been your most challenging or memorable deal?

My most memorable deals for me are the acquisition by, outsourcing to and development by Amadeus IT Group S.A. of British Airways Plc’s reservations, booking and flight control/departure systems and the Zetes supply, commissioning support and maintenance services agreement with Wm Morrison Supermarkets Plc in Bradford, which involved some splendid late night curries.  I have also done some extremely interesting sponsorship work for Swarovski and for Suzuki, both involving some well-known celebrities and events!