COVID-19: Information Hub

Banking and Finance: New financial support packages are available to businesses across the UK (including the Covid Corporate Financing Facility or the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)). We can run through these options with you and help your business find a solution that works for you.

Corporate: Businesses are being forced to reorganise in order to adapt to ongoing changes as a result of COVID-19. Our experienced team can advise you on restructuring your business to separate out profitable and un-profitable arms and maximise your business’ efficiency.

Commercial: It is important that businesses understand their contract risks and opportunities. We provide pragmatic advice on the legal principles and considerations that businesses should be alive to as the situation develops, whether acting as supplier / seller or customer.

Construction: The industry is currently under the spotlight in respect of the Coronavirus, particularly as pressure on the Government mounts to require development sites to be closed. We provide strategic legal advice on the implications of cash flow issues leading to delayed payments, potential force majeure events, delay in performance and of course issues surrounding the safety and wellbeing of the work force.

Disputes: We have a broad range of experience helping businesses resolve commercial disputes, including contract disputes resulting from supplier / customer default. Furthermore, our knowledgeable property litigators can assist with issues arising from leases and other tenancies, including issues arising from default on rent payment obligations.

Employment: We provide businesses with the guidance they need at this uncertain time, advising on all the options available to employers facing difficulties, including what steps can be taken with employees to ensure continuity during this difficult period.  One such option is the Government’s “Furlough” scheme which is proving a lifeline for many businesses. We can provide briefing notes as well as the relevant written agreements that are needed to properly implement the scheme.  The scheme is complex to understand but we are helping clients maximise the benefit of it for both employers and employees.

Immigration: Everything is changing so quickly – the Home Office has been updating its policies – make sure you are up to date and know your rights in relation to your Visas, and if you are a UK resident you are up to date with travel advice.

Landlord & Tenant: There are concerns for both commercial landlords and tenants. Businesses face pressure on their financial resources and it is likely that many tenants will not be in a position to pay their rent. We provide assistance to both landlords and tenants.  We can assist in documenting any agreements you may have reached in relation to rental payments and any resulting variations to the terms of existing leases. We also provide strategic assistance and advice in how best to manage these challenging times.

Asset Protection: Be prepared and make sure your personal affairs are in order and up to date.  We are here to advise and support you through these uncertain times and will be pleased to answer any questions you may have.  We can offer assistance with reviewing, preparing and updating your wills and putting in place powers of attorney.

Disputes: We assist individuals  concerned about their tenancy, who have issues with their neighbours or are concerned they have made been or could be made bankrupt.  Furthermore, our experienced lawyers can advise on issues arising from Wills and making applications to the Court of Protection.

Family Law: With the current Government advice that everyone should stay at home, families are feeling immense stress and pressure. In some circumstances those who have made a decision to end their relationship may fear for their safety or their children’s safety. There is no need to put matters on hold, our specialist team of family solicitors will continue to be able to provide you with the advice and support that you need in the coming weeks and months; providing clarity on seeing your children, taking measures to protect you and your family, and assisting you with progressing your divorce and finances arrangements on separation. In addition, the family courts remain “open for business” with court hearings now being dealt with remotely.