21 OCTOBER 2020
Commercial Contracts and the effect of Covid-19
What is the position if parties are unable to perform a contract due to COVID-19?
The outbreak of the Covid-19 has caused locked down and closure for many businesses which triggered many contracts, physically and commercially impossible to fulfil. Here we consider the options available to parties who are unable to perform a contract due to the lockdown or restrictions. Read more...
10 September 2020
The New Code for Leasing Business Premises 2020
RICS has published a new “Code for Leasing Business Premises” (1st edition, February 2020) (the New Code), which replaces the previous Code for Leasing Business Premises in England and Wales 2007 (the 2007 Code). Read more...
27 August 2020
The Benefits of Virtual Mediation
Alternative dispute resolution (‘ADR’) is a vital tool which facilitates a proportionate and cost-effective response to legal disputes. This remains the case as much as ever during the Coronavirus pandemic. Read more...
11 August 2020
Redundancy in 2020
INTRODUCTION
The exceptional business circumstances caused by Coronavirus mean that redundancies are inevitable. Read more...
31 July 2020
Permitted Development: Extending the ability to Extend
The Government as part of its overall economic stimulus package in response to the Coronavirus pandemic proposes to introduce some significant planning changes...Read more
8 July 2020
Coronavirus: Commercial Landlord & Tenant Code of Practice
by Laura Balan
In a previous blog article (here) we considered the various measures which the Government has implemented at the outset of the Coronavirus crisis with a view to mitigating its impact on the commercial property sector. Here we look at the next stage as we start to emerge from lockdown and focus on rebuilding the economy. Read more...
19 June 2020
Sale and Leaseback:
Providing a welcome solution to owner occupier liquidity issues in 2020
For commercial property owners looking for increased cash flow without day-to-day business interruption, sale and leaseback transactions can offer a welcome solution. Read more...
13 May 2020
Housing Market to Re-open
From 13th May, anyone in England can move home if they follow the new government guidance. Previously homebuyers and sellers were advised to delay completions where possible until the lockdown had ended. Read more...
11 May 2020
Introduction of Mandatory Electrical Safety Checks for Residential Tenancies
by Gary Scott
On 1st July 2020 the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 will come into force in England and Wales. Read more...
29 April 2020
Funding Litigation: Damages Based Agreements
by Richard Spector
I have read a number of articles recently about firms seeking to offer their own funding solutions to clients such as Damages Based Agreements (“DBA’s”). We have been pioneering DBA’s since 2013, long before most lawyers would consider them, indeed they are still not commonly available in the legal market...Read more
28 aPRIL 2020
Coronavirus: Impact on Insolvency Proceedings
by Elina Sfongali
On 6 April 2020 a new temporary Insolvency Practice Direction (TIPD) came into to force to combat some of the effects of the coronavirus pandemic vis-à-vis the court system and its users... Read more
24 aPRIL 2020
Coronavirus: Effect on Landlord & Tenant
UPDATE
by Gary Scott
Following the implementation of measures to protect commercial tenants from eviction by way of forfeiture during this Coronavirus "lockdown" it seems that many commercial landlords have taken other steps to enforce the rent payments...Read more
24 April 2020
Planning use for the food a drinks industry: Update
by Sofia Loizidou
Our previous blog on this subject (here) dealt with the announcement of these proposed measures to create new revenue streams for businesses in the retail and hospitality sector which have been significantly impacted by the government’s lockdown measures and to assist with food supply to the general public...Read more
21 April 2020
Coronavirus: Impact on Secured Finance and Real Estate Investment
by George Constant
SC&W's Secured Finance and Real Estate Development tam undertake a broad cross section of work and we see what is happening day to day in these sectors. We feel that a great deal of the current commentary is overly negative...Read more
14 April 2020
Coronavirus: The effect on the Court System
by Richard Spector & Aurelia Matonis
During these unprecedented times amid the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak and subsequent lockdown in the UK, HM Courts and Tribunal Service (‘HMCTS’) have adapted quickly to ensure that the justice system continues to operate effectively...Read more
10 April 2020
Coronavirus: Effect on the Landlord and Tenant Relationship
by Gary Scott
In an attempt to cushion businesses and individuals from the economic effect of the “Stay at Home” rules imposed by the Government during the Coronavirus crisis the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak announced a number of measures which impact the legal relationship between Landlord and Tenant...Read more
9 april 2020
The Coronavirus Act 2020 and Furlough for Employees
by Christopher Atkinson
The Government on 9th April 2020 updated their official guidance on the financial help for Employers who have Employees who cannot do any work for their organisation at the present time...Read more
7 April 2020
Overseas buyers to face top rate of SDLT up to 17% from 1 April 2021
by Scot Tsang
In the Budget 2020 (which took place on 11 March 2020), Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a new SDLT (Stamp Duty Land Tax) surcharge of 2% for non-UK residents purchasing residential properties in England and Northern Ireland...Read more
3 April 2020
Civil Procedure Update: There's no escaping the truth
by James Robertson
Anyone who has been involved in Litigation will be aware of the existence of Statements of Truth. Put simply the statement of truth is made by a person signing documents such as claim forms, particulars of claim and witness statements confirming that they have an honest belief that the contents of that document is true...Read more
27 March 2020
Relaxation of planning laws to help food and drinks industry
By Sofia Loizidou
In response to the coronavirus outbreak, the government closed all cafes, restaurants and bars until further notice. The government has however announced its intention to allow a change of use of pubs (Class A4) and restaurants (Class A3) to hot food takeaways (Class A5) for a period of 12 months...Read more
12 February 2020
Clarity on CPR 12.3(1) and requirements for Default Judgment
by Aurelia Matonis
Default judgment is an early determination of a claim following the defendant’s failure to file an acknowledgment of service or a defence within the time limits set out in the Civil Procedure Rules (‘CPR’)...Read more
25 February 2020
Resolving Disputes by Mediation
by Gary Scott
There are some disputes which simply cannot be resolved without having all the issues flushed out before a Judge who will then make a decision binding on the parties, subject to the usual rules of appeal. These types of case are actually very rare...Read more
3 February 2020
Fifth Money Laundering Directive Update
by Elina Sfongali
The Fifth Money Laundering Directive (5MLD) which came into force on 10 January 2020 has introduced a number of key changes to the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 which law firms as well as other bodies will be required to comply with... Read more