Posted: Friday, 29 January 2010 @ 16:43
Issued to the press early January 2010
A growing Birmingham business law firm has issued a list of top tips for commercial property transactions in 2010.
To mark the expansion of the firm with the arrival of commercial property solicitor Paul Harrison, the firm has put together a list of dos and don’ts for businesses to help them avoid the pitfalls of property issues and capitalise on potential opportunities.
The list includes:
- Being proactive as a landlord to prevent rent arrears and spotting the warning signs that a tenant might be in financial trouble
- Investigating ways to save stamp duty now the threshold has changed
- Exercising extra caution before signing personal guarantees on lease agreements and bank loans
- Urging pub tenants to look at negotiating lower rents and explore the potential of purchasing the freehold cheaply
- Taking advice on claiming business rates relief or avoiding the rates altogether.
Paul, working from an office in Northampton and covering clients across the Midlands, joined Cousins Business Law in December from a firm in Milton Keynes. A graduate of Derby University, Paul began his legal career at a firm in Leamington Spa before moving on to specialise in commercial property. He deals with everything from lease renewals and negotiations to property and land purchases, as well as small business purchases and sales, in particular restaurants, pubs, hotels and shops.
“I really love the negotiation involved in practising this type of law and trying to get the best deal for the client,” said Paul, who is married with two young daughters.
“I am delighted to be joining Cousins Business Law and opening a new chapter in my career.
“We felt we wanted to do something to mark the occasion and so have identified five bits of key advice for clients involved in commercial property to follow to help safeguard their investment and ensure business runs smoothly in 2010.”
Cousins Business Law is a virtual law firm established in Moseley, Birmingham, in 2008 by Gary Cousins. Its lawyers operate from home offices, rather than city centre offices.
Gary, a graduate of Birmingham University with more than 20 years’ experience practising law, said: “Perhaps because of the difficult economic conditions, the need for reliable, tailor-made commercial legal advice has never been more critical.
“Paul brings a wealth of additional experience to the team. I am sure that his knowledge will be invaluable to our clients across the region.”
Cousins Business Law is always interested in speaking to experienced business lawyers. Visit our vacancies page for more details.
For more speak to the commercial property specialists at Cousins Business Law.
For free advice on this topic please call us on 0845 003 5639.
This blog is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor is it intended to be a complete and authoritative statement of the law, and what we say might be out of date by the time you read it. You should always seek legal advice to confirm whether or how any information in this article applies to your particular situation. We offer a
free telephone consultation to discuss your particular circumstances.