In the build-up to the UK’s general election, Labour’s shadow chancellor – and now chancellor – Rachel Reeves, said the party wanted to reform the country’s business rate framework. Reeves said a Labour government would look to cut overheads for small retailers on the high street, while asking larger corporations and multinationals to “pay their fair share”. Business rates are...

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng has revealed new legislation and a new Code of Practice designed to handle the issue of outstanding commercial rent debts accrued during the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. The UK government has shielded commercial property tenants from potential eviction until 25th March 2022, giving businesses and their landlords ample opportunity to discuss the way forward regarding...

Proposals to reform regulations surrounding flexible working are under consultation, in response to the relevant suggestions within the ‘Good Work Plan: Proposals to support families’ consultation in the summer of 2019. As long ago as 2003, new laws came into force enabling parents and guardians to request flexible working arrangements, surrounding their work hours and patterns. More than a decade...

One-in-ten office spaces in London may fall foul of impending upgrades to energy efficiency standards in England and Wales. Property agents Colliers believe that 20,000,000 sq. ft of prime grade London commercial space will fall below the new standards, which are due to commence from 1st April 2023.   The new standards will make it illegal for commercial property landlords...

The British Property Federation (BPF) believes the time has come for the UK government to draw a close to moratoriums on the commercial property sector. The BPF fears they are beginning to encourage a small section of tenants to withhold rent, starving commercial landlords of income and stunt much-needed investment in town and city centres.   Despite those concerns, new...

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has published its bold vision for transforming the UK economy in the post-pandemic recovery. Its forward-looking dossier, titled ‘Seize the Moment’, describes the UK as having a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to reunite and transform the economy for the “decade ahead”.   The roadmap notes the UK’s new trading relationship with the EU, Covid-19, the UK’s...

The UK Government has released a new voluntary code of practice for the commercial property sector. The code is designed to encourage tenants and landlords to work in harmony to safeguard the future of viable businesses. The code, which has been developed in close consultation with leading representative bodies such as the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), the British Property...

The recommendations from the independent Low Pay Commission to increase the UK’s National Living Wage (NLW) have been accepted by the UK government, with a 6.2% wage rise proposed for workers aged 25 and above. The scheduled increase to NLW for those aged 25 and over ensures the NLW will hit the target of 60% of median earnings from April...

It’s only a day now until the British people head to the polling stations for the snap 2019 General Election. The manifestos of each leading political party are now common knowledge among the electorate, but if you’re wondering what pledges the main parties have made when it comes to businesses and their premises, this article will fill you in on...

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) have been in existence since 2007, when it became law for domestic property sales with a minimum of four bedrooms. An EPC determines the performance of a property, providing an Energy Efficiency Rating and an Environmental Impact Rating. Both of which are important in determining how expensive a premises will be to futureproof and invest in...