Despite stimulus packages from the Government, it unfortunately seems inevitable that a large number of businesses will enter liquidation in the short and medium term as the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is felt in nearly every sector.
Read moreMany tenants (particular those in the retail and hospitality sectors- but also a considerable number of office and industrial tenants) are not paying their rent in full or, in many cases, at all. Some of these tenants are major companies (such as JD Sports and WH Smith) who one would think could afford to pay. According to press reports, only 48% of commercial rents had been paid for the March 2020 quarter by the start of April.
Read moreThe discussions regarding the replacement of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) by the Sterling Overnight Index Average (SONIA) have been overshadowed somewhat by the COVID-19 pandemic, but despite the current challenging environment the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has emphasised that it is still focused on the change.
Read moreIn the recent case of Athena Brands Ltd v Superdrug Stores Plc [2019] EWHC 3503 (Comm) the courts held that a binding contract was made by a simple exchange of emails between parties. The case highlights the importance of businesses following internal policies when discussing and negotiating purchase agreements and being very careful when negotiating and discussing potential orders by email.
Read moreIn times of growing economic uncertainty business owners will face numerous commercial and strategic challenges. Ultimately, this may result in corporate restructuring or asset and business sales in order to manage liquidity or in more serious cases, protect parties from insolvency.
Read moreCharitable arts organisations have been hugely affected by the coronavirus pandemic. All of the large museums and galleries have had to cancel exhibitions and events, with enormous revenue consequences. Many charities delivering arts programmes (for example, in prisons, care homes, and for vulnerable children) have also had to cancel these because of social distancing rules.
Read moreThe social restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have complicated tasks that would have been simple only a few weeks ago. One such task is the making of a will, which must now be done in a way that takes account of the need for social distancing while also complying with the law.
Read moreThe coronavirus pandemic is first and foremost a human tragedy and the first call on our time and energy is the welfare of friends and relatives. But we must confront the economic implications as well. For rural estates, the connection between the human and the economic is close given the central role they play in binding together communities and looking after the physical landscape.
Read moreThe coronavirus pandemic has increased pressures on the charitable sector in an unprecedented fashion. Many operational charities are facing a perfect storm because their usual sources of fundraising (whether through public donations or fundraising events) have been depleted in circumstances where beneficiary needs have grown exponentially.
Read moreWhilst we are in lockdown is there any easing of the EPC requirements?
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