Garry Mackay
Partner and Head of Commercial Services
T: +44(0)117 321 8020
F: +44(0)117 321 8023
g.mackay@ashfords.co.uk
Garry trained at Ashfords. He left the firm in 1999 and rejoined in 2001. He was promoted to Associate in 2002 and Partner in 2004. Before studying law Garry worked as a computer programmer and systems analyst, including in-house at the Alton Towers Theme Park.
Garry is a member of the Society for the Computers and the Law. He has also gained the Intellectual Property Certificate of the University of Bristol.
Garry has advised government departments, major regional newspaper groups, internet service providers, software warehouse companies, well-known brand retail outlets and other major commercial enterprises.
Recent projects undertaken by Garry include, advising:
- Connaught plc on the replacement of its national IT infrastructure agreements with Sirocom. This included assistance on the tender documents, contract negotiations and drafting of final contracts;
- Aid-Call Limited on its design and development agreement for new personal alarm service with Intervox (French company) and on its switch from O2 to the Vodafone network. This included assistance on the general roll out of new mobile phones and Blackberry devices;
- Sapa Transportation on its new contracts for the various support services relating to the provision of high precision machinery and software for the Manchester metro trains;
- South West Telecoms on its new service terms and conditions including hosting and development agreements;
- Actaris Pty Limited (Australia) on its national and international agreements with Ezikey for the supply and support of various utility software for its pre-payment meters;
- Fender on its new cross European border monitoring policies and procedures;
- GLO Limited (Chinese telecom company) on its AIM float and subsequent IT and telecom infrastructure contracts;
- Eden Venture on its investment into IT company True Phone;
- Eden Ventures on its investment into Software Cellular Networks Limited.
- The South West Regional Development Agency on its appointment of a new provider for the Business Link services;
- Actaris UK Limited on its managed service and escrow agreements with Scottish Power and British Gas UK Limited;
-
Northamptonshire County Council on its concessionary fare scheme agreements; and
- AIG on its portal platform for IFAs.
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Garry Mackay is "an experienced commercial lawyer who is personable and conducts business in such a way that counterparties enjoy working with him. He's refreshing."
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2012 Edition
Garry Mackay is a highly respected practitioner who continues to impress with his broad IP practice. He has a particular focus on IT issues, including software licensing, development agreements and maintenance contracts.
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2012 Edition
Garry Mackay offers "pragmatic legal advice" on large procurements, and is said to "understand client needs intuitively."
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2011 Edition
Garry was recognised as a Leader in the Field for Information Technology in the 2007 Edition of Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession and recommended for his non-contentious skills in the 2007 Edition of Legal 500.
"Garry Mackay is managing partner of the Bristol office, and also heads the firm's commercial sector. Clients praise him for his understanding of the IT services market and for being "able to assess both our requirements and the best way to manage a supplier's expectations."
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2009 Edition
"Managing partner Garry Mackay heads the IT team and specialises in IT, e-commerce and data protection. He is "extremely knowledgeable about the industry" and recently advised key client Finotec UK on the white-label licensing agreements for its stock market software platform."
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2009 Edition
"Clients hail Mackay as 'the most impressive of lawyers"
Legal 500, 2007 Edition
"Garry combines his "excellent commercial knowledge" with a strong grasp of technical issues."
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2007 Edition
"honest, clear and down-to-earth," according to interviewees, who also highlight his availability and accessibility. He advises clients on issues including outsourcing and software and hardware agreements."
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2006 Edition
Garry Mackay, is highly regarded for his IT expertise
Legal 500, 2009 Edition
