International law firm Pinsent Masons has joined a business alliance to support entrepreneurs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The firm joins NatWest and Ulster Bank as partners – referred to as “Eagles” – of Entrepreneurial Spark and its business accelerator programme, and will offer its expert legal advice and support to “chiclets” across the organisation’s Hatcheries.

Pinsent Masons will ascribe a team of three lawyers to each of 11 Hatcheries across the UK.

At each location, the lawyers will take part in fortnightly Partners’ Corner sessions, during which chiclets can drop in and ask any of Entrepreneurial Spark’s partners for advice; run 30-minute legal clinics for more in-depth or confidential issues; and also hold masterclasses on the legal issues that will be of most interest to chiclets.

Lucy-Rose Walker, chief entrepreneuring officer and co-founder of Entrepreneurial Spark, said: “Pinsent Masons is a great addition to our network of Eagles and shares Entrepreneurial Spark’s values of entrepreneurship, collaboration and ambition.

“As we continue to expand across the country, and internationally, it’s incredible to be joined by such high calibre partners that share our vision of developing the entrepreneurs behind the businesses, and encouraging an entrepreneurial mindset in all aspects of life.”

Barry McCaig, partner at Pinsent Masons, added: “Pinsent Masons is an enterprising firm and we pride ourselves on being able to find innovative solutions for our clients.

“We have an established national presence, entrepreneurial culture and extensive experience of working with startups and helping them to scale up their operations, making us a natural choice for Entrepreneurial Spark.

“This is an exciting opportunity for us to build relationships with new and innovative businesses, while helping to ease the growing pains that businesses experience in their early stages.”