Elizabeth Reid

I'm a partner in our Projects Group, based in London, and co-head our International Aviation & Defence Sector Group. I advise on projects for the design, build and operation of technologically complex assets across two sector groups: Defence & Security and Energy.

Working in the defence, security and energy sectors means that I am privileged to advise on projects across a diverse range of assets – everything from military equipment (land, air and sea) to renewable energy power plants (including wind, solar, energy storage and CHP). I chose to specialise in these sectors because of the common thread running through them: both involve the procurement of technologically complex, rapidly transforming assets or services and are heavily regulated. I find that my longstanding experience of the sector specific commercial and legal issues this presents is vital and brings real practical value to clients.

In the Defence & Security sector, my team and I have in-depth knowledge and experience of the complexities associated with defence contracting, including Single Source Contract Regulations, competitive defence procurement strategies, systems/technology integration and alliancing, the MoD standard form project agreement and DEFCONs (the MoD's standard form T&Cs). By way of example, we have recently been advising a number of global defence contractors on single source procurement projects that are regulated by the Single Source Contract Regulations. We have been providing practical advice on how these regulations are applied 'on the ground' and have been devising solutions to the issues that arise with a complex, new regulatory regime.

In the Energy sector, the vast majority of my work is in renewable energy technologies. Most recently this has included advising on the development, build and operation of hundreds of mega-watts of solar farms, secondary market transactions, early stage storage projects as well as innovative corporate power purchase agreements. I also have experience in advising on more complex and cutting edge renewable project structures, including forward funding models and grid sharing arrangements. I find that our experience means that myself and the team can ensure that the project is completed to tight timescales and is 'bankable'.

I always work with a diverse team of specialised lawyers, each chosen for their particular area of expertise and seniority. Our Two Birds team works cohesively with the team at the client. This is one of the things I enjoy most about the job: it is immensely satisfying to feel an integrated part of the client's team and work collaboratively for a common goal.

• Bluefield Partners LLP on its multiple projects to acquire, design, build and operate solar farms in the UK. These projects involved the co-ordination of large multi practice teams and were completed in extremely tight timescales to strict client budgets.
• DS Smith plc on the development of their two large CHP plants, each to be constructed at DS Smith's site at Kemsley Mill. Advice included negotiation of in respect of the energy supply agreements for the supply of electricity and steam from the CHP plants to DS Smith's paper mill. These were large, complex and innovative projects and part of an emerging UK trend for large scale corporate PPAs on industrial sites.
• Goldbeck Solar GmbH: on the design, build, operation and financing of over 300MW of solar photovoltaic plants in the UK. The structures of these projects were highly innovative, with the construction costs being either owner financed, project financed or financed by Goldbeck vendor financing.
• A major European defence contractor on the single source in-service support contracts for two military helicopter fleets. Our advice included navigation of some complex issues arising from the Single Source Contract Regulations, including the MoD's statutory right to audit non-UK contractor's records.
• A major UK defence contractor on a number of procurement projects for the multi-billion pound design and manufacture of military maritime equipment, together with associated alliance arrangements.