Ask the Expert

Jane Courtney

Jane is Head of Commercial Property at Blackstone Solicitors, having recently joined the company. Jane has over sixteen years’ experience in dealing with all aspects of commercial property, ranging from acquisitions, disposals, leases (acting for both landlord and tenant), management, development and funding.

What does a tenant need to do to sublet all or part of business premises?

A tenant should check their lease to ascertain if it prohibits or restricts the subletting of all or part of the premises. Where subletting is permitted, the landlord’s consent is usually required and consent may be granted subject to certain conditions. A tenant should appoint a solicitor to liaise with the landlord regarding the subletting.

What does a tenant do when their lease is coming to an end?

In most circumstances, a tenant is entitled to renew their lease.

If the tenant proposes to renew their lease, they should approach the landlord to agree the new terms. A formal notice can also be served to protect the tenant’s position. Usually, a landlord must renew a business lease on the same terms as the existing lease, but subject to any new agreed terms and statutory modifications.

What should a tenant consider when negotiating terms for a new commercial lease?

Gail Spray

Gail Spray is the Head of Service at Adoption Counts and has over 25 years’ experience in local authority settings within safeguarding, early help and prevention, and adoption. Adoption Counts is the regional adoption agency covering the adoption services of five local authorities: Cheshire East Council, Manchester City Council, Salford City Council, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council and Trafford Council.

Who can adopt?

Adopters come from all walks of life. You may decide to adopt for many different reasons. You may have experienced infertility or you may be considering adoption because of your deep commitment to children or the planet, or you may be an experienced parent looking to grow your family through adoption. Whatever the reason, we’re here to help. We encourage enquiries from a diverse section of the community, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, disability, race or faith.

How do I start the adoption process? Starting your journey is easy. Firstly, visit our website, www.adoptioncounts.org.uk, and fill in an enquiry form. A member of our team will then send you our free information pack for you to read and book you onto one of our virtual information events. We’ll then organise a more in-depth conversation so we can get to know you, find out more about your personal circumstances and answer any questions you may have.

A tenant should think about:

• Where fit-out works are needed, consider obtaining a rent-free period

• Where flexibility is required, is a break option needed?

• The annual rent and whether VAT is payable

• Any rent review and whether it is upwards only

• Is a service charge payable?

• Limiting the repairing obligation by reference to a schedule of condition

• The ability to assign or sublet the premise

Who are the children awaiting adoption?

We are currently looking for adopters for children of all ages. We are particularly reaching out for people who will consider those children who wait the longest to be adopted: children aged three years and above, sibling groups, children from different ethnic backgrounds (particularly from Black African and Black Caribbean communities) and children with complex needs.