Howard Kennedy has landed household name Butlins as a new client, with the City firm advising the UK holiday group on a series of new development projects in Somerset.

The 68-partner West End practice bagged the eyecatching role after winning out in a competitive tender that is understood to have featured bids from a number of City rivals.

The deal, which was announced last month, sees Howard Kennedy advising Butlins on real estate and consumer issues, including contracts and tax for the company's new hi-tech timeshare project, dubbed BlueSkies, at its existing site in Minehead.

Customers will splash out £6,000 each for a 30-year lease at the 24-unit luxury apartment block, which is currently in development.

The project marks Butlins' first foray into the shared-ownership sector and is further evidence of its drive to move away from its traditional image, which has become synonymous with the redcoat holiday reps. The company has also recently unveiled similar schemes in Bognor Regis and Skegness.

Corporate partner Eric Gummers led the team for Howard Kennedy alongside associate Greg Kaye and property partner Deborah Swanwick.

Gummers told Legal Week: "Butlins has really come on since the 'happy camper' days – these are now genuine all-inclusive resorts. There is a lot of work to be had in the leisure sector right now, which perfectly suits our real estate and corporate-backed business."

It is understood both Baker & McKenzie and Richards Butler have previous links with Butlins, a division of private UK entertainment group Bourne Leisure, whose portfolio also includes Warner Breaks.