The UK Government has introduced a Property Advice Service to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in London with commercial property issues until March 2025.
Delivered by London Business Partnership, Gerald Eve LLP, and the University of Law, this free service offers both in-person and online assistance.
It caters to a diverse range of commercial tenants, including sectors like healthcare, retail, and creative studios, helping them navigate challenges such as renegotiating leases, handling rent arrears, and understanding new energy efficiency regulations.
Eligibility extends to London-based businesses with a yearly turnover under £44m. Participants can access webinars, advice sessions, and workshops tailored to their needs. The service aims to foster sustainable practices and resilience in the SME sector.
Naima Omasta-Milsom, managing director of London Business Partnership, said: “SMEs are key to the economic prosperity and growth of London in terms of employment and wealth creation. However, when it comes to commercial property, many business owners often have to face many unexpected challenges which can, in some cases, cause a business to fail.”
Steve Hile, partner at Gerald Eve, added: “As experts in commercial property, we want to help SME owners understand their commitment before signing leases. All too often important legalities are overlooked, which can have a negative impact on business growth. Not only that, but we aim to arm entrepreneurs with the know-how to tackle mounting costs related to rent, Net Zero and energy.”
This service continues the work initiated by the London Business Partnership’s previous Property Advice Programme and is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
