Meet the Commercial Property team
Douglas Armstrong
Nicky Corner
Paul Engelbrecht
Georgiana Applegate
Natalie Betteridge
Thomas Christie
Kate Fountain
Stacey Dell
Eleanor Gobey
Samantha Taylor
Jaime Gay
Joseph James
William Pearce
Lily Clayton
Ellee Docksey
Client stories
Boultbee Brooks Real Estate
Read MoreLatest from the Commercial Property team
Are Overseas Entities in the UK ready for the latest changes in UK property law?
In this article, Commercial Property Partner Paul Englebrecht looks at how recent changes in UK property law will impact Overseas Entities
2022 in review for BPE’s commercial property team
BPE’s Commercial Property Team have been reflecting on their achievements over the last 12 months. The team boast clients that include high end fashion retailers, a top flight rugby team and heavyweight property developers. These are some of their work highlights of 2022.
What does 2023 hold for commercial real estate?
Alongside an economic outlook that anticipates some big challenges there are also some key legislative changes coming into force in 2023. Here is a brief summary of some of the key predictions and legislative changes expected this year.
BPE Solicitors advises Sef Steakhouse on Lease for first UK restaurant
The Commercial Property team at BPE Solicitors were delighted to complete a Lease for Sef Steakhouse’s first restaurant in the UK the Quadrangle in Cheltenham.
BPE Solicitors advises Lillian Faithfull Care on acquisition of Bay Tree Court
The Team at BPE has advised well known local charity Lillian Faithfull Care on their recent acquisition of Bay Tree Court, a spacious purpose-built 59 bed home together with independent living units, tucked away on Prestbury High Street in Cheltenham.
Five Key Points for First Time Landlords and Tenants
Our Commercial Property Team explores the five key terms to consider when entering into a commercial lease, explaining the contractual terms and providing a concise overview of the potential financial implications for both parties and the need for careful consideration and negotiation for each.
BPE’s Commercial Property team advise on new lease for social enterprise
Under team leader Douglas Armstrong, the BPE Commercial Property team has had the pleasure of working on some exciting deals recently, advising on new leases, securing lettings and assisting companies with their expansion.
BPE Solicitors advises Warners Retail on Cleevelands Centre development
BPE Solicitors advises Warners Retail on its state of the art retail development at the Cleevelands Centre, Bishops Cleeve
A warning for developers - The Tate Modern viewing platform is a nuisance, Supreme Court rules
The Supreme Court extended the English law, ruling that ‘visual intrusion’ from a neighbouring property may form the basis of a claim under the tort of private nuisance in the case of Fearn and Others v Board of Trustees of the Tate Gallery.
Greenbelt housing: a boost to landowners or an increase in government control over development?
The Labour government has now given further details surrounding its ambitious pledge to build 1.5 million new homes by 2030. New powers are being proposed by ministers to allow councils to compulsorily buy up green belt land that would previously have been ineligible for development.
BPE Solicitors advises Dodo Pub Co on a 20-year lease of The White House from Brasenose College
The team at BPE, led by partner Doug Armstrong, has assisted Dodo Pubs Co with the acquisition of its latest project – The (Grade II Listed) White House in Oxford. Dodo Pub Co now has nine community focussed pubs in its growing portfolio (including The Bottle of Sauce in Cheltenham and The Rusty Bicycle in Oxford), each offering a quirky yet welcoming style.
Assisting Stroud Town Council’s Office Move
Thomas Christie from the BPE Solicitors LLP Commercial Property team recently advised Stroud Town Council on their purchase of the former Locking Hill Surgery.
BPE Solicitors advises Aqua Construction on Gloucester's Kings Quarter Development
BPE Solicitors advises Aqua Construction on development in conjunction with Gloucester City Homes for affordable housing at Gloucester's King Quarter Development
Buying your first commercial property? Top 10 issues to consider
Navigating the purchase of a commercial property brings with it many points that need to be considered. Stacey Woolmer considers 10 of the most important things that a buyer should be thinking about to achieve the best possible position for the investment.
Spotlight on BPEs Commercial Property Team Celebrating International Women's Day 2023
On International Women’s Day 2023, we reflect on the work of women not only in the law but in our own workforce. Women make up 70% of our staff in our commercial property team and today we introduce and celebrate those women in commercial property who have a combined total of over 150 years’ experience in the law
BPE Solicitors assists Pete Creed and Tom Noest with acquisition of another Country Pub Hotel
BPE Solicitors has advised Pete Creed and Tom Noest in relation to their latest venture – a 10 year Lease of The Sherborne Arms in Northleach, from the UK’s largest pub company, Stonegate Group.
MEES Regulations changes coming 1st April
Commercial Property Owners Beware – Changes Are Coming On 1 April 2023 – Avoid Becoming An April Fool!
BPE Solicitors advises Dodo Pubs Co on a 20 year Lease of The Cross Hands, Bristol
The team at BPE, led by partner Doug Armstrong, have assisted Dodo Pubs Co with the acquisition of it’s newest location – The Cross Hands in Bristol.
Overage Agreements – Mind the Gaps!
In this article Natalie Betteridge looks at what needs to be considered with the complexities of Overage Agreements
Commercial Conveyancing Searches
In this article Cara Forrest explains the commercial conveyancing searches process
Securing Your Smile: BPE Acts on Lease of New Dental Office
Thomas Christie in BPE’s Commercial Property team recently assisted Nuyu Cheltenham in securing a lease for a new state-of-the-art dental office on Market Place Retail Park, Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham due to open later in 2024.
Japanese Knotweed – A Legal Update
Solicitor Stacey Woolmer looks at the dangers of Japanese Knotweed having again recently hit the headlines.
Purchase and finance of property valued over £900,000 completed by BPE’s Commercial Property team
Thomas Christie in BPE’s Commercial Property team recently assisted a client with the purchase of a multi-use investment property in Oxford.
BPE Solicitors advises Karndean Designflooring on new HQ expansion with purpose-built premises
The Commercial Property team at BPE Solicitors, led by Partner, Paul Englebrecht, are delighted to have assisted Karndean Designflooring in relation to a new purpose-built premises at Vale Park, Evesham.
BPE Solicitors advises on the conditional sale of Greenway Nurseries to Burrington Estates
The Commercial Property team at BPE Solicitors, led by partner Paul Englebrecht, have advised the Owners of Greenway Nurseries on a conditional sale of the Nursery along, Shurdington Road in Cheltenham to Burrington Estates
Spring Budget Update – the Abolition of Multiple Dwellings Relief against SDLT
In the recent Spring Budget, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced that Multiple Dwellings Relief (“MDR”) is to be abolished from 1 June 2024. In this update, we explain what MDR is, what is changing and what this may mean for the property market.
Is a right of way that grants access “at all times, for all purposes” as unlimited as it appears?
In this Legal Update Trainee Olivia Gladstone asks if a right of way that grants access “at all times and for all purposes” is as unlimited as it first appears?
Acquiring Land by Adverse Possession Explained
In this article Associate Natalie Betteridge, and Paralegal Paige Skudder, explain adverse possession and the process of claiming it
Option Agreements – What are they?
Our Senior Associate Cara Forrest looks at the pros and cons of option agreements
3 ways to end your commercial lease early
In this article Associate Natalie Betteridge looks at way to end commercial leases early including Break clauses, surrendering, and conduct
It’s been an exciting 6 months for BPE’s Commercial Property Team
BPE’s Commercial Property Team have been reflecting on the exciting work they have undertaken during the first half of 2023. Here are some of their work highlights of the year to date.
Business Tenancies – Reform on the horizon?
The Law Commission is in its initial stages of conducting a review into the right to renew business tenancies under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.
BPE Solicitors advises Brunel Homes on the acquisition of Land at Hartpury
The Team at BPE, led by Partner Paul Engelbrecht, have advised on the acquisition of Land at Over Old Road, Hartpury by Brunel Homes.
BPE Solicitors advises Weird Fish on UK retail premises expansion
The commercial property team at BPE Solicitors were delighted to recently complete the leases on five new retail premises for Weird Fish in Whitstable, St David’s, Aldeburgh, Southwold & Boscastle.
Fairlawn House, Amesbury – Press Release
The Commercial Property team at Cheltenham-based BPE Solicitors have advised the owners on the sale of Fairlawn House, Amesbury a beautiful Grade II listed Georgian guest house for an undisclosed amount.
BPE Solicitors advises Boultbee Brooks on the sale of Hyphen Building in Manchester
The Team at BPE, led by Partners Jo Bewley and Doug Armstrong, have advised Boultbee Brooks Real Estate on their sale of the newly refurbished Hyphen Building in Manchester.
Subletting or Assigning a Commercial Lease
In the dynamic world of renting, commercial tenants often find themselves at a crossroads when circumstances change. Whether it's a relocation desire or an economic downturn, situations arise where tenants need to part ways with their leases. Enter subletting and assigning, two options that can be your ticket to tenant freedom. But what's the difference, and which one should you choose? Let's break it down.
Don’t lose your Head when agreeing Heads of Terms
For anyone engaged in commercial property dealings, from agents and accountants to clients, understanding the importance of "Heads of Terms" is paramount, for they are the cryptic gateway to a spine-tinglingly smooth and efficient transaction process.
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard ‘MEES’- Important Commercial Landlord Key Dates
On the 20 September 2023, the Prime Minister delivered a speech announcing important changes to the Government’s environmental targets including delaying the elimination of gas boilers and pushing back the ban on purchasing new petrol cars from 2030 to 2035.
BPE Solicitors congratulates Aqua Construction on the successful delivery of its 20th affordable housing development to Gloucester City Homes
The Commercial Property team at BPE Solicitors, and lead client adviser Partner Paul Engelbrecht, have congratulated building company Aqua Construction following its delivery to Gloucester City Homes of The Robinswood development on Matson Avenue, Gloucester.
What did 2023 hold for commercial real estate?
In January 2023, we published our article “What does 2023 hold for commercial real estate?”, which summarised some of the key predictions and legislative changes that were expected this year. After a very interesting 12 months we reflect on some of those predictions and changes and provide an update on where we are now.
BPE’s Commercial Property Team celebrate momentous Work Anniversaries
BPE’s Commercial Property Team have been celebrating some milestone work anniversaries. Having shown such dedication to their roles over the years we wanted to say a huge thank you to these BPE stars and hear from each of them what it is about BPE that they love so much.
What does 2024 Hold for Commercial Real Estate?
Against the economic backdrop for 2024, there are some key legislative changes expected in the commercial real estate arena. Here are some of those which we expect will have the most far-reaching impact.
What does 2022 have in store?
Will Carter, Solicitor in the BPE Employment team, looks ahead to new legislation coming up in 2022.
Samantha Taylor: My BPE story
I first joined BPE in November 2017 having completed my Law degree at BPP University and I was keen to see how a law firm functions before deciding that a career in law was right for me.
BPE Solicitors advises Boultbee Brooks on lease for Wales’ largest post-production company
The Commercial Property team has advised Boultbee Brooks in leasing one floor of the Royal Talbot Building to post-production company, Gorilla TV.
BPE Property Services Team welcomes two new recruits
BPE’s Property Services team continues to grow as the Commercial Property and Residential Property teams each welcome a new member
BPE Corporate team advises Partners on latest partnerships with Direct Healthline and advo Group
BPE Solicitors has acted for longstanding client Partners& on it joining forces with Direct Healthline and creating a strategic partnership with advo Group.
BPE Solicitors advises Boultbee Brooks Real Estate on sale of The Lightbox Building for £7.5million
The Commercial Property team at BPE has advised property development and investment company, Boultbee Brooks Real Estate, on the sale of The Lightbox Building for £7.5million.
Outstanding 12 months for BPE’s Property team
The Commercial Property team at BPE have experienced an extremely busy twelve months, acting for numerous clients on leases, sales and acquisitions of property throughout the UK.
BPE Solicitors acts for Totally plc on latest multi-million pound acquisition
The Corporate team at Gloucestershire-based BPE Solicitors has acted for longstanding AIM-quoted client, Totally plc, on its acquisition of Pioneer Health Care Limited, in a deal worth up to £13 million.
Beware your repair clause
It is a common misconception that, when taking a lease of commercial property, a tenant only has to return that property at the end of the lease in the same condition in which they took it but this is not the case. Understanding the repair clause in your lease is vital to ensuring you are not left with a very large dilapidations liability when you leave the property at the end of your lease.
BPE Solicitors acts on new lease for Decentralised Exchange platform, Swapsicle UK Limited
The Real Estate team at Cheltenham based, BPE Solicitors, has acted for Swapsicle in connection with their new office premises in the creative tech centre of Shoreditch
The changing face of the office environment
The pandemic has caused many changes in recent years but here, Kate and Matt look at its impact on the office environment
Super surgery property specialists advise on development of major new Cheltenham healthcare surgery
Specialists in super surgery developments advised on the acquisition, construction and financing of the new Wilson Health Centre.
Auctioning off the High Street – regeneration or political gimmick?
Retail landlords could soon be forced by local authorities to rent out empty premises, or they will be able to step into their shoes and do it for them via compulsory rent auctions, according to the proposed Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill.
BPE Solicitors advise on £1 billion investment into Spectrum Medical Group
BPE Solicitors has acted for longstanding client, Spectrum Medical on a partnership agreement with CVC Fund VIII worth £1 billion.
Recognition of expertise across BPE Solicitors
For a fifth consecutive year, eight teams at BPE Solicitors has either retained or improved their ranking in the Legal 500 annual rankings.
BPE’s Commercial Property team continues to grow
The Commercial Property team at BPE Solicitors has welcomed back Paul Engelbrecht as a Partner and Notary Public, to provide commercial and practical advice to the firm’s clients.
Promotions for two key members of staff
Two key members of staff are celebrating after being promoted.
Series of acquisitions for KFC
Paul Engelbrecht has advised international fast food restaurant chain, KFC on a recent acquisition.
BPE Solicitors advises KFC on move into Stroud
As legal property advisors to KFC, BPE’s Commercial property team has acted for the franchise on its acquisition of a new site on Merrywalks Road in the heart of Stroud.
What is a break clause?
Paige Skudder discusses break clauses - what they are, the conditions of a clause and the relationship between break clauses and other leases
BPE Solicitors advises on new lease of life for Boultbee Brooks property
The Commercial Property team acted on the completion of an extensive refurbishment at Windsor House in Harrogate, owned by longstanding client, Boultbee Brooks Real Estate.
Warner’s Retail Lettings at Cleevelands Centre, Bishops Cleeve
Warner’s Retail, a family-owned, locally established business with deep roots in the Gloucestershire community, has been a key player in the region’s retail sector for many years. Their latest venture, the Cleevelands Centre in Bishops Cleeve, is a prime example of their proactive approach to retail development.
