Articles by ‘Vicky Hernandez’

The government has delayed making a decision on introducing a new tax on online sales in its March Budget following dramatic growth in online sales during the COVID pandemic. It had been widely anticipated that this would be accompanied by a shake-up of the business rates regime and throw a much-needed lifeline to struggling high streets.

The government has set out its eagerly awaited roadmap to re-opening a locked-down country. Shops and hairdressers together with outdoor hospitality will reopen from 12 April, with all restrictions hopefully removed by 21 June.

No-one would argue that 2020 hasn’t been tough for retailers but there are some who are emerging as clear winners from this turbulent year.

It’s the September quarter day and an important day for retailers as, for many, the next quarter’s rent will be due to their landlords. However, as the Government recently extended its moratorium on the recovery of commercial rents until the end of the year landlords may not have high hopes of being paid today.

Restaurateur and chef, Asma Khan, is to move her iconic Darjeeling Express restaurant to new and larger premises in the heart of Covent Garden, with the help of law firm RWK Goodman.

Here we explain the changes to the property use class system, and Vicky Hernandez comments on what the changes might mean for landlords.

Vicky Hernandez from our Real Estate team comments on the latest guidance for retailers as wearing masks in shops becomes mandatory from today, 24 July 2020.

In a case keenly watched by the agricultural sector, a planned housing development on a farm in south Wales may not be able to proceed due to the developer being unable to undertake wildlife surveys. A ruling that has significant implications for both landowners and agricultural tenants.

Creditors of AllSaints, the fashion retailer with 225 stores in 26 countries, have today approved its CVA with a majority vote of over 90% in favour of the retailer’s proposals. The CVA will see rents paid to landlords in the UK, Canada and the US directly linked to the future success of the retailer through the adoption of turnover rents.

Following the news that Intu is close to administration, Vicky Hernandez from our specialist Retail team looks at what this might mean for commercial landlords in the sector as well as the future of the high street.

Retail tenants will increasingly demand rents linked to turnover and footfall, says property law firm RWK Goodman. But how do turnover leases account for online sales, click and collect, returns, and any future forced closures?

In his statement yesterday (23 April), Business Secretary set out measures to protect high street shops and other companies under strain from aggressive rent collection.