21 OCTOBER 2020

Commercial Contracts and the effect of Covid-19

by Fahmida Chowdhury

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

by Andrew Demetriou

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

by Aurelia Matonis

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

by Christopher Atkinson

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

by Alun Williams

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

by Marion Silvey

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

by Sofia Loizidou

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

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Update

by Christopher Atkinson

Since my last blog on this subject (here) the Government have tried to remedy some of the difficulties I described within it.  I highlight what I think are the most important recent changes...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