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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Hub Insights

News
Newly qualified solicitor joins leading Family Team at Steele Raymond LLP in Bournemouth
Newly qualified solicitor joins leading Family Team at Steele Raymond LLP in Bournemouth
Insights
Employment Law: Covid-19 and the future of the workplace
Head of Employment Deborah West explores what the lifting of lockdown rules means for UK employers and considers the future of the workplace post covid-19.
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Employment Law Top Five: Employment documents that every employer should have
While there are many other policies that can bring significant legal protections for an employer, the documents set out in this article are the minimum that even the smallest of employers should have in place.
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Forfeiture moratorium on commercial leases extended to 30 June 2021
The government has recently announced a fourth extension to the moratorium prohibiting commercial landlords from forfeiting their tenants’ leases for rent arrears, until 30 June 2021. 
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): A guide to family mediation during COVID-19 and lockdown
Those who may have been experiencing relationship and family difficulties before the outbreak of coronavirus are now more likely than others to be struggling to manage their living arrangements. Understandably many people will have concerns and anxieties for the future, and these will be exacerbated in the event of a family breakdown, a separation or pending separation.
Insights
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Government extends forfeiture moratorium and rent recovery restrictions for final time
Last week, the government announced what it promises is the final extension to its suspension of commercial forfeiture by a further three months, to next Spring.
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(Updated) COVID-19: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme extended and Job Support Scheme postponed
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Saturday that England would go into a second lockdown, it has been confirmed that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (Furlough Scheme) will be extended until December to provide support to businesses and employees during the new national lockdown.
Insights
(Updated) Coronavirus Job Support Scheme: Five Questions Answered
Following the announcement last month by the Chancellor of the new COVID-19 Job Support Scheme (JSS) to help businesses facing reduced demand, the Government has now produced a policy paper on how the scheme will work in practice.
Insights
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Government unveils new wage subsidy scheme
We are fast approaching the end of the Government’s highly successful furlough scheme. The scheme, which closes at the end of October, has been pivotal in saving millions of jobs through the COVID-19 crisis and the UK’s first nationwide lockdown.
Insights
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Government further extends protections for business tenants
The Government has announced that its temporary Coronavirus moratorium, prohibiting forfeiture of commercial leases for arrears of rent, will be extended once again, from its current end-date of 30 September 2020 until the end of the year. 
News
Steele Raymond shows unshakeable commitment to trainees in lockdown
Steele Raymond’s trainee solicitors have quickly adapted to home working, aided by a range of support offered by the firm which has helped to smooth the transition from office to home.
News
Steele Raymond advises Rushton Dog Rescue on Heaven’s Gate Farm Acquisition
Leading South Coast commercial property solicitors Steele Raymond LLP have advised animal welfare charity Rushton Dog Rescue on the acquisition of Heaven’s Gate Farm, a 20-acre animal rescue, treatment and rehabilitation centre in Somerset.
Insights
Stamp Duty Land Tax Holiday for some effective from 8 July 2020
The recent High Court decision in Fishbourne Developments Ltd v Stephens demonstrates how the Court will interpret the meaning of planning permission and development when the legal document lacks clarity, and is an important reminder that agreements should be drafted clearly to reflect the intentions of the parties.
Insights
Alternatives to redundancy in a post-furlough world: A Q&A for employers
Now that the arrangements for the end of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (or furlough scheme as it has become known) have been published, it is focusing employers’ minds on their post-lockdown staffing needs. In many cases, this means considering redundancies.
Insights
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Code of Practice for Commercial Property Relationships
The government published the much anticipated Code of Practice (the ‘Code’) for commercial property relationships on 19 June 2020. This guidance will be appreciated by both landlords and tenants alike, ahead of the June quarter rent payment date.
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Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – Key Dates
The UK’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (Furlough Scheme) has undergone several evolution's in recent months, providing much needed support for employers and employees during lockdown.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): What do the extended government protections mean for businesses?
On Friday 19 June, the government announced an extension to its program of statutory protection for commercial tenants, which was designed to protect them during the Covid-19 pandemic.  What do the extended government protections mean for businesses?
Insights
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Government extends protections for business tenants
With 30 June 2020 (the end date for the government’s moratorium on forfeiture of commercial leases) approaching ever nearer, tenants, landlords and lawyers alike have been waiting with bated to breath to find out whether the government will exercise its discretion to extend that protected period.
Insights
Coronavirus (COVID-19): “Roadmap to Recovery” for the UK’s construction industry
The Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) Covid-19 Task Force has recently published a “Roadmap to Recovery” for the UK’s construction sector, which contains proposals for a post-Covid-19 revival of the sector while setting the industry on a sustainable path towards recovery.
Insights
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Legal advice for Food & Drink businesses during the pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic and associated “lockdown” has hit the UK economy hard with certain businesses unable to trade at all, whilst others have abruptly lost their traditional customer bases. This applies none-more-so than in the food and drink sector where the production and supply of goods has been largely unaffected but their routes to market, including supplying to restaurants, bars and wholesalers, have been cut off or substantially reduced.
Insights
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill – what does it mean for businesses?
The government recently published its Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill, which will put in place a series of measures aimed at supporting businesses facing challenges resulting from coronavirus.
Insights
£1 billion Building Safety Fund now open for registrations to replace unsafe non-ACM cladding
The government has now announced more details about its Building Safety Fund and has opened registration for accessing grants in respect of the remediation of unsafe non-ACM cladding.
Insights
Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to release funds from your pension (SIPP) to fund your business
With businesses facing uncertainty over the length of time before trading returns to pre-Covid-19 levels and dividends in quoted stocks and shares being cancelled, business owners could support their cashflow by selling their business property to their pension scheme and renting it back. But how do you release funds from your pension?
Insights
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Force majeure clauses in commercial contracts
Force majeure clauses have been widely discussed over recent months. We have been receiving an increasing number of enquiries from businesses who are having significant concerns about the lack of performance of their contractual obligations, or the other contracting party’s lack of performance of its contractual obligations, as a result of the current coronavirus pandemic.
Insights
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Government warns the Covid-19 pandemic must not delay the replacement of unsafe cladding
The government has announced some additional measures, specifically about unsafe cladding, in relation to improving building and fire safety for multi-storey and multi-occupied buildings.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance for independent schools
As the economic fallout from the pandemic continues to increase, many independent schools in the UK are facing considerable challenges during the coronavirus crisis.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance on applying for a Bounce Back Loan
From Monday 4 May 2020, businesses are able to apply for the government’s new ‘Bounce Back Loan’ scheme. Find out some more guidance on how business-owners can apply for a Bounce Back Loan.
Insights
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Government issues further protective measures for Commercial Tenants
On 23 April 2020, the government announced new further emergency measures to protect commercial tenants from certain enforcement action by landlords, in addition to those already introduced by the Coronavirus Act 2020.
Insights
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Why ‘Lockdown’ is the best time to get your personal affairs in order
As we face unprecedented times in fighting the pandemic, ensuring you have a valid Will in place is vital. The current lockdown provides just the opportunity to do this, before the rush of everyday life returns to some semblance of normality. With this in mind, we have answered some key questions you may have below.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Business Tenancies – Who should pay for additional cleaning costs?
Though the government has not stipulated any Covid-19-specific cleaning obligations for commercial landlords, many have begun implementing enhanced cleaning measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Support from the Government for start-up businesses
On the evening of Monday 20 April 2020, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced the government’s £1.25bn package to support start-up businesses across the U.K which are facing financing difficulties.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Spousal maintenance – Your questions answered
Over the last few weeks our experienced and expert family solicitors have been approached to help guide clients through a wide range of family law issues during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): The latest government guidance on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS)
Since 20 March 2020, the government has released a significant amount of additional guidance and also a HM Treasury Direction to provide further information on the availability and implementation of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). Read the latest updates from Alice Toop.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Business Tenancies – Five Things You Should Know
In a time when the nation should be pulling together it is not unexpected to see that there remain those who see the outbreak as an opportunity to take advantage of the vulnerabilities of others.
Insights
Coronavirus (COVID-19): The Pursuit of Debt and Commercial Mediation
In the current climate of the coronavirus pandemic, it can feel like many aspects of commercial life have been placed on hold. The temptation for business owners may be to postpone pursuing a debt until the situation becomes clearer.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): The Rise of Coronavirus Scams
In a time when the nation should be pulling together it is not unexpected to see that there remain those who see the outbreak as an opportunity to take advantage of the vulnerabilities of others.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance on Business Interruption Insurance
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has recognised the unprecedented challenges facing us all as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak and has released new guidance on data protection regulation.
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Coronavirus (COVID 19): Assistance for Landlords and Tenants under the Coronavirus Act 2020
The Coronavirus Act 2020 (the 'Act') received Royal Assent on 25 March 2020 and attempts to alleviate the financial pressures on both tenants and their landlords. The Act temporarily alters the rules surrounding possession and forfeiture proceedings for both residential and commercial tenancies.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): The effect of COVID-19 on M&A transactions
COVID-19 and its effects arrived very quickly meaning there was very little time for those planning or currently engaged in M&A transactions to plan for the likely consequences of the virus.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Employer Obligations and Data Protection
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has recognised the unprecedented challenges facing us all as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak and has released new guidance on data protection regulation.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Implications for Commercial Lenders and Borrowers
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused enormous financial implications globally, from eroded equity values on national stock markets to reduced central bank interest rates and beyond.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Self-isolation and Sick Pay
The rapidity with which the Covid-19 pandemic has swept through the population has left many employers and employees unsure as to their legal obligations regarding employee absence.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Ongoing Help With Wills, LPAs, Estate administration and Tax Planning
At this time of sweeping uncertainty, we are, as individuals and collectively, taking the necessary steps to protect one another from the spread of Covid-19.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance on Compliance with Family Court Child Arrangements Orders
The President of the Family Division and Head of Family Justice has released the following guidance on compliance with Family Court Child Arrangements Orders [‘CAOs’] in light of the Coronavirus crisis.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Additional Support From the Government for Self-Employed Individuals
On the evening of Thursday 26 March 2020, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced the government’s “Self-Employed Income Support Scheme, following calls that the measures that he had previously announced did not go far enough to support self-employed individuals.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): A Summary of the Latest Guidance for the Construction Industry
There has been a significant amount of confusion and concern within the construction industry about how those working within the industry should respond to the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic. Construction Solicitor, Alice Toop provides a summary of the latest guidance to the industry.
News
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Working to minimise the spread of COVID-19 whilst maintaining quality service
The ability of our solicitors and support staff to work remotely is central to Steele Raymond’s continuity arrangements. Many of our staff members have already been working from home effectively since the UK Government advised measures on 16th March 2020, which has enabled us to provide an uninterrupted service to our clients.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Summary of Government Assistance for Businesses, the Employed and the Self-Employed
On Friday evening, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced further unprecedented measures to help individuals and businesses cope with the financial strain caused by the coronavirus.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Business Interruption Loan Scheme
On Tuesday, 17th march, Chancellor Rishi Sunak stated that the Government is extending the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Support for Businesses with Outgoings
There has been much commentary around the Government’s proposals to inject cash into struggling businesses. However, business owners should also consider seeking agreements with third parties to delay or restructure outgoings.
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Coronavirus (COVID19): Small Business Grants
In the recent 2020 Budget, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that small businesses in England, which are currently eligible for Small Business Rate Relief or Rural Rate Relief, will be eligible for a one-off grant of £3,000 to help meet their ongoing business costs through the Coronavirus pandemic.
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Residential Property Transactions and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Over the last few weeks our Residential Property Team have been involved in detailed discussions and negotiations with solicitors acting for buyers and sellers of residential property in an attempt to keep property transactions moving despite the disruption caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Update to clients
Supporting you through challenging times.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Impact on Commercial Contracts
The ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) contagion has led many businesses to consider whether they are able to seek relief from the performance of contractual obligations. One common mechanism to seek relief in such a situation is through reliance on a force majeure clause.

How we can help

Employment

Our employment experts are on hand to advise HR teams on any revisions required to working from home and health and safety polices and other workplace issues.

Banking & Finance

In these uncertain times many businesses will be seeking additional financial support from their banks to assist with cashflow. Our expert team is on hand to advise on new banking facilities or amendments to existing facilities and related security (e.g. charges over freehold property or other assets and personal guarantees).

Commercial

From preparing new agreements/terms and conditions to protect your business to reviewing and advising on existing contractual arrangements and potential liabilities, our commercial team has the expertise to give you pragmatic commercial advice in relation to all your business needs.

Corporate

Parties who have entered into conditional sale contracts in M&A transactions will need to consider whether the current events give them or the other party a right to withdraw. Companies are still required to file information at Companies House (e.g. accounts and annual confirmation statements). Our expert team are on hand to assist with all corporate law requirements.

Commercial Property

If you are a landlord or tenant and are having to look at lease terms to assess contractual obligations in relation to the payment of rent or compliance with break conditions then we have legal advisors who can help.

Dispute Resolution

If you have a party default on a contract and need to take enforcement action, our team of dispute resolution lawyers and litigators are on hand to assist.

Personal Finances & Planning

Our Private Client Team continue to assist our clients in preparing or updating their Wills, in putting together lasting powers of attorney and in starting or continuing to administer the estates of those who have died.

Family

Our expert family lawyers will offer constructive and fully-informed legal advice and information in relation to all manner of family circumstances and the relevant up to date Court and legal processes that are in place in light of the impact of coronavirus.

Property Development

It remains unclear how the coronavrius outbreak will impact the development sector. However, our solicitors can help in all legal aspects of the development process, from site acquisition and assembly to sale of completed units.

Intellectual Property

A registered trade mark must be renewed every ten years and businesses may need to renew their trade marks during this difficult period. We can assist with renewals of UK and EU trade marks.

Corporate Reorganisations & Demergers

We routinely advise on the use of corporate structures to protect valuable assets (e.g. freehold property or low-risk business streams) from higher-risk trading activities and given the current uncertainty, business owners may wish to consider the options available to them.

Residential Property

Our team of residential property lawyers are actively advising clients on the exchange and completion process and the impact that coronavirus is having on the housing market in these uncertain times.
The Legal 500

Bournemouth

Richmond Point

43 Richmond Hill

Bournemouth

Dorset BH2 6LR

Telephone: 01202 983999

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© Copyright 2024 Steele Raymond LLP

Steele Raymond LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales under number OC311376 Registered Office: Richmond Point, 43 Richmond Hill, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 6LR

Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA number 419728)

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© Copyright 2024 Steele Raymond LLP

Steele Raymond LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales under number OC311376 Registered Office: Richmond Point, 43 Richmond Hill, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 6LR

Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA number 419728)