For tenants, occupiers & business owners

Whether you’re taking on your first commercial premises or expanding an existing footprint, getting the lease right from the outset matters - probably more than most people realise. A commercial lease isn’t just a document; it’s a long-term commitment that affects your costs, your flexibility and your exit options for years to come.

I act for occupiers across all commercial property types - industrial units, retail units and office space - advising on new leases, renewals, assignments and formalising rent reviews. I help clients understand not just what a lease says, but what it means in practice, and where the risk really sits.

What this looks like in practice

Negotiating lease terms that actually protect your position. Flagging the clauses that look standard but aren’t. Advising on break options, repair obligations and alienation provisions so you know exactly what you’re committing to - and how to get out if you need to.

For investors, landlords & portfolio builders

Buying or selling commercial property is rarely straightforward  - and the legal process is where deals can stall, unravel or cost you more than they should. I manage acquisitions and disposals for investors, landlords and business owners, handling everything from advice on the initial heads of terms through to completion.

I work on both freehold and leasehold transactions  - whether that's a standalone acquisition, a sale with vacant possession or a purchase of an investment property with tenants in situ. My job is to keep things moving, flag the issues that matter and get the deal done without unnecessary drama.

What this looks like in practice

Due diligence that's thorough but proportionate. Clear reporting so you understand what you're buying. Proactive communication with agents, brokers and the other side's solicitors - because a deal that goes quiet rarely ends well.

For landlords & property investors

If you own multiple commercial properties, you'll know that the legal side never really stops. There are leases to grant, renewals to negotiate, licences to consent to, assignments to approve, forfeiture issues to navigate  - and all of it needs to be handled efficiently, without every instruction feeling like it's starting from scratch.

I work with landlords and investors on an ongoing basis to manage the legal needs of their portfolio. The advantage of working with me directly - rather than a large firm - is that you always have the same person across your matters. I know your properties, I know your priorities and I give straightforward advice that helps you make decisions, not just process them.

What this looks like in practice

Licence to assign, licence to underlet, licence for alterations,  lease renewals under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, forfeiture and surrender negotiations, tenant default advice. Handled efficiently, communicated clearly.

For trustees, advisers & business owners

Pension funds can purchase commercial property - and for the right client, it's one of the most tax-efficient ways to hold an investment asset. Rent paid into the pension grows free of income tax, the property sits protected within the pension wrapper, and - subject to the rules - a business owner can even lease their own premises back from their pension fund.

SIPP and SSAS transactions are a niche area that requires a solicitor who understands both the commercial property side and the specific compliance requirements that come with pension fund ownership. I have extensive experience in this space and work closely with SIPP providers, SSAS administrators and financial advisers to make these transactions smooth, compliant and timely.

What this looks like in practice

Pension fund acquisitions and disposals, connected-party transactions (where your business leases the property from your own pension), leaseback arrangements and acting on refinancing within the pension wrapper. Clear communication with all parties - including your adviser and the SIPP/SSAS provider - to keep things on track.

For investors, developers & property professionals

Good legal advice doesn't stop at the transaction. Some of the most useful conversations I have with clients happen before a deal is even agreed  - thinking through the structure, spotting the issues early, connecting them with the right people in my network.

I work with investors, developers, agents and surveyors who want a solicitor that adds value beyond processing paperwork. Whether that's advising on how to structure an acquisition, thinking through the implications of a lease term for future investment value, or flagging something in the heads of terms that needs addressing before lawyers are formally instructed - I'm happy to be part of those conversations.

What this looks like in practice

Early-stage deal structuring, review of heads of terms, introductions to trusted professionals (agents, surveyors, finance brokers, capital allowances specialists), advice on commercial property issues facing businesses at key growth points. The kind of input that saves problems - and money - down the line.