Manufacturing

At MFMac, our dedicated Manufacturing team offers expert legal guidance tailored to the needs of clients operating at the cutting edge of innovation.

Driving Scotland’s manufacturing success: Legal expertise for a global, evolving sector

Scotland’s manufacturing sector – ranging from food and drink to pharmaceuticals and digital tools – accounts for over half of the nation’s international exports. MFMac is uniquely positioned to support Scotland’s manufacturing sector through a blend of legal precision, cross-sectoral insight and client-first innovation. Our expertise addresses the sector’s most pressing challenges, from regulatory complexity to workforce constraints and digital transformation.

Legal solutions for Scotland’s export-driven manufacturers

We provide tailored legal services to Scotland’s export-driven manufacturers, especially in food and drink, pharmaceuticals and digital tools. Our expert support includes contract negotiation and international trade, regulatory compliance and risk mitigation, IP protection, dispute resolution and innovation strategy.

The team is highly skilled and professional in their interaction with clients and understanding the client need.

Legal 500

I have worked with this team for a number of years and over that time I have come to trust and rely upon their level of professionalism and competence to deal with the day to day activities with a minimum of input from myself but also knowing that I will be contacted on anything that needs involvement or anything I need to be aware of, which allows me to efficiently focus my limited time and resources.

Legal 500

The depth and breadth of their licensing experience, combined with a very personal and hands on approach.

Legal 500

I have been dealing with MFMac for many years regarding my licensing matters. They know my business and my needs. They are always very efficient, quick to reply.

Legal 500

Who We Work With

  • Project profile

    Quality Meat Scotland (QMS)

    QMS is the public body responsible for helping the Scottish red meat sector improve its efficiency, sustainability, integrity and profitability and maximise its contribution to Scotland's economy. Their three brands –Scotch Beef UK GI, Scotch Lamb UK GI and Specially Selected Pork – are renowned for their quality with the reassurance that they are produced to one of the oldest and most robust quality assurance standards in the world. MFMac has provided legal support to QMS.

    + Hover for more
  • Project profile

    Johnstons of Elgin

    We have a longstanding relationship with this globally renowned, family-owned luxury cashmere brand, known for producing high-quality tweeds and knitwear for over 225 years. We support them across branding, innovation, property, people, manufacturing, collaborations, international growth and commercial matters.

    + Hover for more
  • Project profile

    Coco Chocolatier

    We act for an Edinburgh-based premium chocolate brand – known for its high-quality, ethically sourced chocolate and distinctive artist-designed packaging – on corporate matters as well as providing assistance with the assignation of intellectual property rights and licensing of artistic works.

    + Hover for more
  • Project profile

    Brewgooder

    Brewgooder is a purpose-driven beer brand that supports community projects promoting opportunity and equality – both locally and globally – through its non-profit Brewgooder Foundation, with every beer sold contributing to this mission. We act for this social enterprise brewery on matters including product recall, regulatory compliance and a wide variety of commercial contracts, helping them navigate legal complexities while staying true to their impact-led ethos.

    + Hover for more
  • Project profile

    Edinburgh Street Food

    We have acted for ESF, a collection of independent global food vendors, since its early inception and provide comprehensive legal services to the business covering commercial and corporate law, equity fund raising, employment law, real estate and litigation related matters.

    + Hover for more

Legal services that power the manufacturing sector

From protecting innovation and managing workforce needs to navigating regulation and driving strategic growth, we deliver comprehensive legal support tailored to the operational and commercial realities of modern manufacturing.

  • Intellectual Property & Licensing

    Manufacturers often rely on proprietary designs, technologies and processes to maintain a competitive edge. MFMac helps protect these innovations through patents, trademarks and design rights, and we advise on licensing strategies that enable safe collaboration and commercialisation. Whether you're developing new machinery, automation software or branded products, our IP team ensures your assets are protected and your licensing agreements are commercially sound.

  • Employment & Immigration

    A skilled and stable workforce is essential to manufacturing success. We support clients with employment contracts, workforce policies and union relations, tailored to the sector’s operational demands. For businesses recruiting internationally, we provide immigration advice on sponsorship, visa applications and compliance with right-to-work regulations – ensuring access to talent whilst maintaining legal integrity across your workforce.

  • Litigation & Dispute Resolution

    Disputes in manufacturing can arise from supply chain disruptions, defective products or contractual disagreements. We provide strategic advice and representation in commercial litigation, product liability claims and IP disputes. Our approach prioritises early resolution through negotiation or mediation, but we’re fully equipped to litigate when necessary – always with a focus on protecting your business and reputation.

  • Commercial Contracts

    Contracts underpin every aspect of manufacturing – from supplier agreements and distribution deals to service contracts and warranties. We draft, review and negotiate commercial agreements that manage risk and support business continuity. Our expertise includes cross-border arrangements, long-term supply contracts and bespoke manufacturing terms, ensuring your commercial relationships are robust and scalable.

  • Regulatory Compliance

    Manufacturers operate within a complex web of regulations covering health and safety, environmental impact, product standards and trade. We help clients stay compliant with UK and international frameworks such as REACH, CE marking and ISO certifications. Our team also advises on ESG obligations, supply chain transparency and regulatory audits, helping manufacturers mitigate risk and maintain operational resilience.

  • Banking & Finance

    Manufacturers often require tailored financial solutions to support growth, innovation and day-to-day operations. We advise on asset-based lending, equipment finance, trade credit and grant funding. Our team also supports investor negotiations and debt restructuring, helping clients secure the capital they need whilst aligning financial arrangements with long-term business goals.

  • Real Estate

    From production facilities and warehouses to logistics hubs and R&D centres, real estate plays a critical role in manufacturing. We advise on acquisitions, lease negotiations, planning permissions and property development. Our team understands the sector’s need for scalability, infrastructure and strategic location, ensuring your property decisions support operational efficiency and future growth.

  • Corporate

    MFMac supports manufacturers through mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and investment transactions. Whether expanding operations, entering new markets or preparing for exit, we provide end-to-end legal support – from due diligence and structuring to negotiation and post-deal integration. Our sector insight ensures deals are aligned with operational realities and strategic ambitions.

Manufacturing insights
Food & Drink

Scotch Whisky needs more than a trade deal to raise a dram in India

The UK–India trade deal has been billed as a landmark moment for Scottish exporters - and for whisky, it opens the door to a market with huge commercial promise. Tariffs, long one of the biggest obstacles to growth in India, are set to fall dramatically. For Scotch whisky, that means a 150% duty will be halved, then gradually reduced to 40% over the next decade. 

Find out more
Annie Spratt 8 Wzu5xkfkk Unsplash
Agricultural & Rural

MFMac is buzzing to sponsor the SBA Honey Tent at the Royal Highland Show which celebrates one of nature's vital workers.

We are proud to sponsor the Scottish Beekeepers’ Association and support the Honey Tent at the Royal Highland Show - an engaging platform that promotes pollinator awareness and celebrates Scotland’s beekeeping heritage. Our partnership reflects a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and community education.

Read More
SH18304
Food & Drink

Thatchers was just the start: Courts are now protecting how brands make us feel

When the Thatchers v Aldi ruling landed earlier this year, it sent a clear message: if your product is designed to evoke the reputation or vision of a well-known brand, even without directly copying it, you could be in trouble. This message also reflects a broader shift in legal thinking.

Read More
Cdx08033 Scaled
Food & Drink

ESF: The journey so far

In our latest podcast, Andrew Walker, Partner in MFMac's Food & Drink sector is in conversation with Ben MacMillan, Managing Director of Edinburgh Street Food (ESF), and Adam Hardie, Head of Food & Drink at Johnston Carmichael regarding the evolution of ESF as a business to date and its exciting plans for the future.

Read More

Our team of experts

With deep sector insight and cross-border capability spanning Scotland, the UK and beyond, MFMac's legal experts deliver end-to-end support – advising on commercial contracts, corporate finance, intellectual property, data protection and UK GDPR, IT procurement and cloud services, software development and licensing, publishing and copyright, employment law, dispute resolution, regulatory compliance, competition law and more.

  • Euan Duncan

    Partner

    Euan advises manufacturing clients on IP, digital media, and contracts – helping protect and commercialise assets through licensing, sponsorship and distribution deals.

  • Julie Hamilton

    Partner

    Julie advises clients in the manufacturing sectors on dispute resolution and risk management, with expertise in both negotiated settlements and litigation.

  • Andrew Walker

    Partner

    Andrew is a trusted corporate adviser to food and drink businesses, with expertise in M&A, joint ventures, contracts and structuring across the UK and internationally.

  • Alan Delaney

    Partner

    Alan, an accredited employment law specialist with 20+ years’ experience, advises employers – including in food and drink – on all aspects of employment and employee relations.

  • Elise Turner

    Legal Director

    Elise provides strategic employment advice to food and drink manufacturers on HR issues, executive contracts and workforce compliance so senior leaders can manage risk and drive operational success.

  • Daniel Cormack

    Solicitor

    Daniel advises food and drink sector employers on employment law matters and is known for clear empathetic guidance that supports senior decision makers through sensitive workplace challenges.

  • Nikita Sandhu

    Senior Solicitor

    Nikita delivers expert guidance on contracts, policies, redundancy and discrimination for food and drink businesses helping senior leaders navigate regulatory and workforce complexities with confidence.

  • Ellen Grant

    Solicitor

    Ellen advises food and drink sector employers and employees on a wide range of employment matters and empowers senior decision makers to make informed choices in a fast-moving industry.

  • Pavan Sumal

    Senior Associate

    Pavan supports food and drink manufacturers with sponsor licences, compliance and workforce mobility enabling senior leaders to address skills shortages and regulatory demands in a global market.

  • Kyle Dillon

    Senior Solicitor

    Kyle advises food and drink manufacturers on construction law, procurement and supply chain projects so senior decision makers achieve commercial and operational goals.

  • Ciaran Harkness

    Senior Solicitor

    Ciaran advises food and drink businesses on restructuring, M&A and commercial contracts providing senior leaders with practical solutions to drive growth and protect intellectual property.

  • Joshua Grieveson

    Senior Solicitor

    Josh specialises in intellectual property, data protection and commercial contracts for food and drink clients helping senior decision makers commercialise innovation and ensure regulatory compliance.

  • Elizabeth Sparks

    Legal Director

    Elizabeth advises food and drink sector leaders on succession planning, asset protection and wealth transfer ensuring business continuity and long-term security for senior stakeholders.

Cross-Border and International Services

Scotland’s Legal Edge for Manufacturing

MFMac delivers expert Scottish legal services tailored to the manufacturing sector – trusted by UK and international businesses for commercial contracts, IP, regulatory compliance, dispute resolution and cross-border operations. We combine deep sector insight with seamless international collaboration to support everything from export-led growth and licensing strategies to supply chain resilience and innovation protection.

Read More

Make an Enquiry

From our offices we serve the whole of Scotland, as well as clients around the world with interests in Scotland. Please complete the form below, and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.

Morton Fraser MacRoberts LLP will use the information you provide to contact you about your inquiry. The information is confidential. For more information on our privacy practices please see our Privacy Notice