Why care about the latest office design trends? Well, because statistics show they matter to your business productivity and staff engagement. In a recent survey, 31% of office staff who said they were pleased with their office environment showed an increase in productivity. In another piece of research, in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, scientists found that 37% of people working in a traditional open-plan office believe that its design decreases their productivity. So, what can we learn from this?

Employment Law Bulletin: Key Changes and What Employers Must Address in 2025! You are invited to attend this exclusive event.

Property consultancy Vail Williams has secured four major properties in Sussex, totalling 68,000 sq ft, for an expanding patient transport specialist.

We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Property Tax Update Webinar, where we’ll dive into critical tax changes and compliance updates affecting the property & construction sector. Whether you’re a property owner, investor, developer, or have a professional interest in this sector, this session will provide invaluable insights on navigating recent tax developments.

Storing substances that could be hazardous to humas health is a requirement by UK law. While many substances can be a risk, the good news is, when stored and used correctly they almost never do. In this blog, we take a look at good storage principles and types of cabinets and cages that can help you keep your workplace safe.

Discover how UK businesses can benefit from FX forward contracts to manage currency risk, improve financial planning, and support international growth. Plus avoid the losses and pain that the vast majority of SMEs suffer because they do nothing about it.

SHW, on behalf of landlord Lancer Investments, has secured two new lettings at Medway House, East Grinstead on Cantelupe Road.

Purchasing property at auction can be an exciting and potentially cost-effective way to invest in real estate. However, it also carries its own set of risks and complexities. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a first-time buyer, it's essential to be fully prepared—especially when it comes to securing auction property finance.

SHW has today entered into a definitive merger agreement with Bonsors Penningtons to expand its reach across the South West London region.

Leading law firm Cripps has launched its first-ever Impact Report, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and accountability, as a purpose-driven business. The report, unveiled as part of B Corp Month, outlines the firm’s achievements since becoming B Corp certified in December 2023 and sets ambitious goals for the future. Cripps’ Impact Report formalises the firm’s dedication to making a positive and lasting difference to the lives and businesses of its clients, people, communities, and the environment. By embedding purpose into its strategy and daily operations, Cripps aims to lead by example in the legal sector and beyond. Key highlights from the Impact Report The report showcases Cripps’ progress across four core pillars: Clients: Demonstrating how Cripps goes beyond solving legal challenges to act as a trusted adviser, making a meaningful impact on clients’ lives and businesses. 91% of its clients say Cripps understand their objectives, and 83% feel they genuinely care. By 2027, Cripps will develop a methodology to measure the positive difference it makes to its clients through legal services. People: Highlighting how Cripps fosters a purpose-driven workplace, to attract and retain top talent aligned with its values. The firm wants to enable easier access to the legal profession and currently has 15 solicitor or paralegal apprentices, four of whom earned law degrees with the firm’s support in 2024. Cripps wants to make the legal profession accessible to all and will be joining the Social Mobility Employer Index in 2025. Planet: Cripps has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability including improvements in carbon reporting across all sources of emissions. The firm’s leadership in the Legal Climate Forum further underscores its proactive stance on environmental issues. Cripps has reduced its own carbon emissions by 25% per employee and has introduced a new car-sharing program to reduce further. Additionally, the firm co-founded Amplifi – an initiative of 180 local business working to address the complexities of sustainability together. Cripps has been transparent with their progress towards net zero, publishing their carbon footprint report on their website. Community: Showcasing Cripps’ engagement in pro bono work, partnerships with schools and charities, and local initiatives that support social causes, amounting to over £200k, or 2% of profit. Cripps will allocate an annual allowance per employee for pro bono and volunteering time to achieve 5000 hours of positive impact in 2026. James Beatton, managing partner at Cripps, commented, “For us as leaders, and for all our people, we are motivated by wanting to be the difference for our clients and in our communities, each other and in our natural world. In all our interactions, we ask ourselves how we can give more than we take, and create a positive and lasting impact.” A call for collective action Cripps’ report serves as a call to action for other responsible businesses to collaborate in addressing social and environmental challenges. The firm embraces the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence, recognising that long-term success depends on shared efforts and collective responsibility. “Our purpose is to solve problems and champion ambitions, while making a positive and lasting difference. It’s about more than delivering exceptional client service—it’s about driving meaningful change,” said Mike Scott, senior partner at Cripps. “We invite like-minded businesses to join us to use business to create a more inclusive and regenerative economy. Together, we can create a thriving future for all.”  Read the Cripps 2024 Impact Report.

Spring Statement March 2025 Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, held the Spring Statement on Wednesday 26 March 2025. In the run up to the event, the Chancellor stated that she ‘remains committed to one major fiscal event a year to give families and businesses stability and certainty on upcoming tax and spending changes and, in turn, to support the government’s growth mission’. The Chancellor did meet her commitment that there would be no major tax announcements, but tax is only one side of the equation. The other is spending, and the Spring Statement confirmed a number of the measures recently announced, namely: • Cuts to the welfare state • Cuts to the civil service • Increase in defence spending There were also announcements about the rollout of the Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax project which are covered later in this document.

Recent reports have shown that around 17,000 British citizens owned approximately 22,000 properties in Dubai as of Spring 2022. However, data suggests that only 1,900 UK tax residents reported let property profits from a Dubai property in their 2021/2022 tax returns. Given that many of these property owners will have let out their properties rather than kept them solely for private use, many of these individuals will likely have had tax reporting requirements in the UK. If you're UK tax resident and own, or have owned, property in Dubai, it's important to consider whether you need to disclose your let property profits to HMRC.

Thinking of buying a commercial property? This guide breaks down commercial mortgages in a friendly, easy-to-understand way. We'll cover what they are, how to qualify, and key things to consider, helping you navigate the process with confidence.

SHW has completed the sale of the freehold interests in three South East warehouses, for a total of c. £6.3 million.

SHW has advised law firm Birketts LLP on its expansion at One Suffolk Way in Sevenoaks, Kent, as part of the firm’s continued growth across the South East region.

There are some dramatic changes coming into Private Rented Sector in the form of the Renters Rights Bill which are set to be the biggest shake up of the sector for decades.

SHW has secured two new occupiers for Capital Industrial’s Connaught Business Centre on Malham Road, Forest Hill.

Commonhold was introduced as a fairer alternative to leasehold, giving homeowners full ownership of their property and shared spaces. However, despite its advantages, mortgage lenders remain reluctant to finance commonhold properties. This article explores the key reasons behind their hesitation, including market uncertainty, financial risks, and legal concerns, and whether future reforms could change the landscape.

If you're looking to integrate sustainable energy solutions into your energy management plan, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) offer a great opportunity to drive decarbonisation without the need for significant upfront capital investment in infrastructure. However, securing these long-term contracts requires expertise and careful handling.

Managing debt can be a challenge. There’s one simple strategy that can save you thousands of pounds in the long run. This strategy is overpaying your loan. Whether it’s a mortgage, business loan, or property finance, paying more than the minimum required each month can be advantageous. You can reduce the interest paid over time. It also helps in clearing the debt faster.