Insights & News

Lewis Silkin bolsters Real Estate team with new partner hire

Press Release

06 January 2020

Firm appoints Sara Hanrahan as planning partner.

Blockchain and the UK Property Industry

29 October 2019

Since 2015 there has been a growing body of commentary extolling the virtues of blockchain and how it could, and in all likelihood will, revolutionise the property industry. The fact that I (a commercial real estate lawyer and not the most tech-savvy of individuals) am writing a piece about it demonstrates how blockchain is becoming more mainstream but, I wonder, is all this talk of “revolution” a little excessive?

Smart Cities – Lessons from Smart City Developments around the World

09 October 2019

When we think of smart cities, images of skyscrapers, satellite dishes and high tech gadgetry often come to mind, coupled with large scale broadband infrastructure, wireless networks and mobile devices. But a smart city is much more than just a technological network; the concept encompasses also the way in which a city uses new technologies for the benefit of its citizens and becomes more efficient in the process.

Digital Economy Act 2017 - the new Electronic Communications Code - two years on

06 October 2019

The Code was first introduced in 1984. It was then called the Telecommunications Code, and addressed the installation of landline equipment. Revisions in 2003 extended the scope to incorporate digital technology, but problems with the amended Code soon emerged.

Heat Network Regulations – Data Centres

29 September 2019

The Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations 2014 (the “Regulations”) were introduced as part of the continued drive for better energy efficiency (and reduced emissions) around the European Union.

More than just a stadium…

18 September 2019

However it’s done, whether being rebuilt from scratch (Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Arsenal), expanded (Liverpool) or converted from other uses (West Ham, Manchester City), one thing for certain is that football stadiums are big business. In this article, we explore some of the current projects and highlight some of the hot topics surrounding these cathedrals of the national game.

Agile working – the legal alarm bells that should be ringing

16 September 2019

The days of a stuffy office environment are gradually becoming a thing of the past. Over the years, a move has been made away from cellular offices to the more popular open plan set up – however, for many companies, especially those in creative industries, open plan offices are no longer enough. This is a key issue for tenants in office premises as they consider what to do with the space they are in.

Smart Floorspace Digitalising Retail Experience

10 September 2019

Media coverage over the last year for the retail sector has been saturated with reports about the decline of the nation’s high streets.

Property fraud is on the rise, how are you protecting your assets?

10 September 2019

Fraud involves a person dishonestly and deliberately deceiving a victim for personal or financial gain and this can be in terms of property or money. Anyone can be a victim of fraud and every property owner should be aware of the increasingly sophisticated methods that fraudsters are using.

Building contracts - good practice and inspections

Inbrief

06 August 2019

This guide will look at how employers, contractors and consultants can form, improve and maintain good relationships. Many of these tips are not exclusive to building contracts, but are especially important in construction projects due to the number of parties involved and the often complex nature of the work. Good faith and alliancing provisions are outside of this note.

Practical Completion and the Rectification Period

Inbrief

25 July 2019

This guide on delay and completion considers: what is practical completion; the consequences of practical completion either happening or not; the options if practical completion is delayed and obligations arising during and at the end of the Rectification Period.

Anthony van Hoffen writes for Open Access Government: Development sites and why you should pay them a proper visit

Press

11 July 2019

Anthony van Hoffen has written a guide for Open Access Government discussing what you need to check when making development site visits.

Thirteen lawyers listed in Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom

Press Release

28 June 2019

Lewis Silkin is pleased to announce that thirteen of our lawyers have been listed in the Eighth Edition of The Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom.

Lewis Silkin shortlisted for Real Estate Team of the Year award 2019

Press Release

08 May 2019

Lewis Silkin has been shortlisted for the Real Estate Team of the Year award at The Lawyer Awards 2019.

Secure future: Good news for tenants in relation to their retail premises

29 April 2019

Whilst recent years has seen a trend for retailers to shift from a store-based past to a digital future, for many retailers having a high street presence remains an important part of their brand. Indeed for some retailers, (particularly high end fashion labels) it is critical for their flagship store to be seen to be in a prime location to contribute to the luxury image associated with their brand and they will often pay substantial premiums to ensure they secure a lease of a prime site. Further significant sums will subsequently be spent on the shop fit-out.

The impact of protestors on retailers and how to deal with them

12 April 2019

Everyone has the right to hold opinions and impart information and ideas including by peaceful assembly and association with others. These are ‘human rights’ which we all enjoy and which protect the right to protest and which may not be interfered with by a public authority. However, whilst the right to protest is enshrined in law, any protest must be lawful and balanced with the rights of others, including those at whom the protest is directed.

Harry Potter, Fracking, eco-warriors and ‘mob rule’ or freedom of expression – the Court of Appeal decides in the Ineos injunction case

04 April 2019

Where is the dividing line between mob rule and lawful freedom of expression? This is one of the leading questions of the day. Should students be permitted to invite politicians with extreme views onto campus? Should a celebrated Oxford law professor be sacked for alleged homophobia? What about Brexit? Should protestors be arrested for confronting our MPs and expressing their views? And companies carrying out their lawful business – should they be allowed to do so without interference from protestors?

Sports Q&A - What are the key terms to be aware of when preparing and negotiating Heads of Terms in lease transactions?

01 April 2019

Here we look at some of the key things to be aware of with regards to heads of terms (HoTs) in commercial lease transactions, such as taking new office space or granting a lease of space in a stadium, and why HOTs are so important.

Supreme Court introduces new test for assessing a landlord’s intention to redevelop

13 March 2019

The Supreme Court recently handed down its judgment in the case of S Frances Ltd v The Cavendish Hotel (London) Limited. The decision marks a dramatic departure from the previously settled position regarding the proper test to be applied when establishing whether a landlord has the necessary intention to redevelop under ground (f) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. Introducing a new element to the test, a landlord must now be able to demonstrate, in addition to it having a settled intention to carry out the works, that it would do those same works even if the tenant left voluntarily.

Community Infrastructure Levy

Inbrief

18 January 2019

The Community Infrastructure Levy (“CIL”) is a discretionary planning charge which was introduced in 2010 through the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010.