Thinking of buying a commercial property? This guide breaks down commercial mortgages in a friendly, easy-to-understand way. We'll cover what they are, how to qualify, and key things to consider, helping you navigate the process with confidence.

SHW has advised law firm Birketts LLP on its expansion at One Suffolk Way in Sevenoaks, Kent, as part of the firm’s continued growth across the South East region.

Commonhold was introduced as a fairer alternative to leasehold, giving homeowners full ownership of their property and shared spaces. However, despite its advantages, mortgage lenders remain reluctant to finance commonhold properties. This article explores the key reasons behind their hesitation, including market uncertainty, financial risks, and legal concerns, and whether future reforms could change the landscape.

Managing debt can be a challenge. There’s one simple strategy that can save you thousands of pounds in the long run. This strategy is overpaying your loan. Whether it’s a mortgage, business loan, or property finance, paying more than the minimum required each month can be advantageous. You can reduce the interest paid over time. It also helps in clearing the debt faster.

Scam Alert to all UK IPO trademark applicants From Clive Bonny Clive@consult-smp.com tele 07973 799153 Please note the letter below requesting payment is a scam UK IPO have been advised Please alert your contacts From: Director of Finance - Intellectual Property Office Sent: 19 January 2025 20:42 Subject: Trade mark registration Dear Sir/Madam, On 07-11-2024, you applied to the Intellectual Property Office of the United Kingdom, via application number UK00004121747, for legal protection in the United Kingdom of the trade mark with Nice classifications 9, 35, 41, 42. On 10/01/2025, the trade mark you applied for was granted legal protection and received a trade mark registration certificate with the number UK 00008372... Please be advised that the completion of the registration procedure and the granting of legal protection to the trade mark at the Intellectual Property Office of the United Kingdom will require payment of a fee for the first 10-year protection period. In accordance with the Withdrawal Agreement concluded between the European Union and the United Kingdom, the fee of 1580.00 EUR must be paid to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EU – IPO) by 24/01/2025 via SEPA transfer to the account below: Payee's name: EU – IPO, 03008 Alicante IBAN (account for transfers from EU and non-EU countries): PL80109025900000000160974810 BIC: WBKPPLPPXXX Transfer reference: 68404 Yours faithfully, Neil Hartley Director of Finance - Intellectual Property Office

Sussex-based law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter (MWB) has announced a 7% increase in revenue for the past financial year, taking the firm’s turnover to more than £13.5 million for the first time, thanks to organic growth and team expansion.

stevensdrake Solicitors is proud to welcome Kristy Underwood to its Family Law team, marking an exciting milestone for the firm. With a distinguished career spanning family law and mediation, Kristy’s arrival makes stevensdrake the first law firm in Crawley to offer the innovative neutral lawyer service. Kristy also offers a full mediation service covering family mediation, workplace mediation and civil & commercial mediation.

New legislation comes into force on 26 October that increases penalties for employers who fail to prevent sexual harassment in the course of their workers’ employment. New steps are recommended in advance of the Christmas party season.

Top 100 law firm, Cripps, has published a new report focusing on gender bias and the career barriers senior businesswomen face. The report uses the findings of a survey of 101 female c-suite executives including CEOs, COOs, CFOs and business owners and founders. The report also contains personal experiences and opinions of senior businesswomen in Cripps’ own network.

A Brighton based business has been selected to support regional Chamber of Commerce members with specialist training and advice for enterprise sustainability.

Are you a professional services (accounting, law, consulting) business with between 20-250 employees? If not, do you have such businesses in your network?

As yet we are not seeing the predicted recovery for M&A activity in the UK. However, the South East appears to have bucked the trend showing a higher volume of deals for high growth companies in H1 2024 compared to the previous year. The South East continues to be the most active region for M&A transactions outside London, with deal volume driven by the technology sector. 

Leading Sussex law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter has moved its Eastbourne team to a new modern office hub in the heart of the town.

South East businesses accounted for 10% of administrations in the first six months of 2024 – the fourth highest region in the UK – according to analysis by Sussex law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter.

Cripps is proud to be awarded Independent Law Firm of the Year at The Lawyer Awards 2024. Widely regarded as one of the legal profession's most respected accolades, the awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of firms and individuals across the entire legal landscape.

In this Lunch and Learn session, we will be looking at the issue of performance management, with a particular focus on neurodiverse employees and those with mental health conditions, where employers need to approach the issue of performance with particular sensitivity and understanding.

On Friday May 24th 2024 the government rushed the Leasehold & Freehold Reform Bill through parliament before it was dissolved ahead of the General Election on 4th July. Michael Gove, who originally pushed to update the ‘feudal’ leasehold system, stood down from his role as Housing Secretary, as well as Conservative MP.

In light of a recent case that cost a family an extra £15,000, Sussex law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter is urging people to securely store their wills and keep them regularly updated to avoid significant complications and unnecessary expenditure for loved ones left behind.

April will mark a significant milestone in the UK’s employment landscape with the introduction of the UK Government’s Flexible Working Bill and changes to Flexible Working Legislation. This shift isn’t just a minor tweak in employment law; it’s a transformative move that acknowledges the evolving needs and expectations of the modern workforce. However, despite this progressive step, there’s a lingering skepticism in some industries about the feasibility of flexible working. The common misconception is that certain sectors can’t adapt to this model, but the truth is, flexible working is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It’s versatile, adaptable, and, most importantly, beneficial for both employees and employers.

Martin Searle Solicitors Launch their Annual Pregnancy and Maternity Discrimination Campaign ‘Mind the Bump 2024’.