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Option agreements, overage, and promotion agreements are common in property deals but come with risks if not drafted carefully. Understanding the key drafting traps  and sticking to clear timelines  is essential to protect your interests and avoid costly disputes. These agreements often involve complex terms that must cover all possible outcomes to work effectively. You need to watch for ambiguous language and unclear deadlines, which can cause disagreements later. Each type

If you are on a UK visa and thinking about angel investing , it is important to understand what activities are allowed. You can invest in UK startups and small businesses, but there are clear rules about how involved you can be in the company’s management. Passive investment is generally permitted, but active roles  may be restricted depending on your visa type. Your visa conditions  might limit you from taking board roles or managing the business directly. Being aware of the

Understanding how to contract out security of tenure under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 is crucial if you want to manage your business lease  effectively. Contracting out means agreeing to exclude the automatic right to renew your lease, but this must be done properly to avoid disputes and loss of protection. When you know the correct way to handle contracting out , you can plan your renewal strategy more confidently. You will be able to decide if staying protected under

When dealing with commercial property, understanding how VAT and Stamp Duty Land Tax  (SDLT) apply is essential to avoid unexpected costs. You need to know when VAT is charged, especially if the property is new or the seller has opted to tax it. Opting to tax means VAT is added to the sale price, which also affects the SDLT calculation, often increasing the overall tax you pay. There is a way to avoid paying VAT upfront through something called a Transfer of a Going Concern (

When you enter commercial deals today, environmental risks  and ESG factors are crucial to address early. Phase 1 environmental reports give you a clear picture of potential site contamination, including asbestos risks, helping you avoid costly surprises later. Understanding these reports is key to managing liability  and protecting your investment. Sustainability clauses are becoming standard in contracts to ensure parties meet environmental and governance standards. These c

Changing the use of a building or land can be straightforward or require permission, depending on how you plan to use it. Use Class E  allows many types of businesses to switch between commercial, retail, and service uses without needing full planning permission , making changes quicker and simpler. However, some changes within or outside this class may still need prior approval, which means you must get permission before starting. Understanding when you need planning permiss

Relocating a family office to the UK involves navigating both immigration and tax rules that directly affect principals and staff. You need the right visas to ensure your team can live and work legally, while also understanding key tax considerations to manage wealth efficiently. Knowing which visas apply and how tax rules impact your move is essential for a smooth relocation and ongoing compliance. The UK offers several visa options  for family office executives, entrepreneu

To move from the Innovator Founder visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain  (ILR), you must meet specific job creation and business growth targets. These criteria prove your business is viable, scalable, and contributing to the UK economy. Understanding exactly what counts as job creation and how to demonstrate growth is key to avoiding costly mistakes in your ILR application . Your business must show clear progress, including hiring staff and increasing sales or investment where

When your business is acquired or goes through a merger, handling sponsored workers correctly is crucial. You must have a valid sponsor licence  and notify UKVI within 20 working days of the transfer to maintain sponsorship  and avoid visa issues for your employees. If you don’t, sponsored workers risk losing their visas and your licence could be suspended. The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) regulations (TUPE) protect employees during ownership changes, b

Managing Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) is a crucial part of sponsoring skilled workers  from overseas. You need to understand the difference between defined and undefined CoS, how your annual allocation works, and the process for extending sponsorships. Knowing which type of CoS to use and how to manage your allocation effectively can prevent delays and keep your business compliant  with UK immigration rules. Defined CoS are assigned for specific roles and applications, o