Blog Posts: July 2011

The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill is nearing the end of it’s passage through Parliament and will probably be given the Royal Assent before the Autumn is out and come into force some time early next year. So what is all the fuss about and what will it mean to the licensed trade? You may recall that when the consultation process was bounced through with the elegance of a kangaroo late last summer, the Government’s strap line was that it was conducting a “re-bal.... (read more...)

It’s not just the weather that’s bad this summer; the economy’s not looking too sunny either. Bank lending to businesses continues on its downward track with the reduction in lending in June being faster than the average of the previous six months. Small businesses are particularly suffering; according to the Bank of England, lending to small businesses fell 4.2% in May compared to the previous year. Businesses are blaming the banks for not lending and it’s certainly true.... (read more...)

A ‘pre-pack’ is a legal process where the business and assets of a struggling company are sold immediately after it is placed into administration. As the name suggests the deal is agreed beforehand meaning that unsecured creditors (including landlords) are not given the opportunity to object. Pre-packs are now popular as they allow the business to continue without the unprofitable parts or a heavy debt burden and can save jobs. They have also been controversial where they allow fai.... (read more...)

Capital Allowances are a valuable form of tax relief available to commercial property owners who have incurred expenditure on various fixtures and fittings. Capital Allowances are available in two situations. Firstly when a commercial property is purchased for occupation or investment purposes and secondly when a new commercial property is built or fitting out/refurbishment works are undertaken. The rules relating to Capital Allowances are typically very complex but in simple terms they are .... (read more...)