Dilapidations are one of the most valuable, and most frequently mishandled, aspects of commercial lease management in London. When a lease ends, a landlord is entitled to compensation if the tenant has not maintained the property as the lease requires. The principle is straightforward, but the execution is where landlords routinely lose ground.

From the Section 18 cap and the timing of the Schedule of Dilapidations through to reinstatement obligations and the RICS Protocol, the same mistakes appear again and again across the London market, from City offices to industrial units in Park Royal. This guide sets out the six errors we see most often, and explains why each one matters.

The UK government has confirmed the biggest overhaul of late payment law in 25 years: a 60-day cap on payment terms, mandatory 8% statutory interest with no contracting out, a 30-day window to dispute invoices, and new fining powers for the Small Business Commissioner. Here's what Park Royal SMEs need to do now to protect cash flow — whether you're chasing late payers or worried about being one.

Can a family agreement, made around a table and never written down, change who really owns the family home? The High Court's decision in Uddin v Uddin [2026] EWHC 150 (Ch) revisits this familiar question and offers an important reminder of the limits of the common intention constructive trust.

High Court Win: Lyon Croft Law Defeats Application for Interim Injunctions

Acting for the Respondent, Lyon Croft Law successfully resisted an application for both mandatory and prohibitory interim injunctions before the High Court of Justice in the Rolls Building, London. The dispute concerned an alleged breach of a commercial supply contract and exclusive distribution rights in Italy. Applying the principles in American Cyanamid, the Judge dismissed the application in full — finding no high degree of assurance for the mandatory injunction, an inadequate cross-undertaking in damages for the prohibitory injunction, and that the relief sought was impractical and went beyond the terms of the contract itself.

This article explains the key legal risks UK companies face in international agreements and outlines practical steps, under English law, to structure cross-border contracts properly and protect commercial interests.

A professionally drafted shareholder agreement protects control, regulates share transfers and prevents costly disputes. For companies in London and the UK, it provides clarity, minority protection and long-term commercial stability.

The High Court confirms that a claim is only “brought” for limitation purposes when validly issued in accordance with mandatory electronic filing rules, and considers the point on the Court’s power to remedy procedural errors.

Shareholder disputes often arise over control, dividends, dilution or exclusion from management. Your rights will depend on the company’s articles, any shareholders’ agreement and statutory protections under the Companies Act 2006.

A winding-up petition is a formal court application seeking the compulsory liquidation of a company. It often follows the non-payment of a statutory demand and engages a defined insolvency process under the Insolvency Act 1986. This article explains how the process works, from statutory demand to petition and court hearing, and outlines the procedural options available to companies at each stage.

The Court of Appeal has considered the termination of a Covid-era supply contract for face masks, examining how wrongful termination, affirmation and ongoing performance obligations interact in high-pressure commercial arrangements. The decision offers important guidance on termination rights, delivery obligations and the risks of keeping a contract alive after an attempted repudiation, with clear lessons for businesses operating in manufacturing, logistics and supply chains.

Wrongful trading arises where a company continues to trade at a point when its directors knew, or ought to have known, that there was no reasonable prospect of avoiding insolvent liquidation. Governed by section 214 of the Insolvency Act 1986, wrongful trading can expose directors to personal financial liability for losses caused to creditors. This article explains when trading becomes wrongful, who may bring a claim, and the consequences for directors facing insolvency proceedings.

When a contract is breached, the key question is rarely whether the law provides a remedy, it is which remedy actually works in practice. This article explains the main remedies available for breach of contract, including damages, termination, and court-ordered relief, and highlights the strategic considerations that often determine whether a claim delivers a meaningful commercial outcome.

In HMRC v Purity Limited, the High Court confirmed that HMRC can shut down businesses promoting tax avoidance arrangements without first proving a loss to the public revenue. This decision has significant implications for directors, umbrella companies, and businesses operating complex remuneration or tax structures. Our article explains the ruling and, more importantly, what it means in practice for businesses seeking to manage risk and stay compliant.

Contracts don’t end just because a relationship breaks down. Terminating a contract without the right legal basis can create more risk than the original dispute. This guide explains when a contract can lawfully be brought to an end, how breach and repudiation fit into that analysis, and why getting the route to termination right matters.

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces the most significant reform of the private rented sector in a generation. With the abolition of section 21, strengthened possession grounds, new tenant protections, and expanded enforcement powers for local authorities, landlords and agents will need to reassess how properties are let, managed, and enforced. This overview sets out the key changes, critical implementation dates, and the practical implications for those operating in the London rental market.

Freezing injunctions are among the most powerful tools available in commercial litigation, but their effectiveness depends entirely on procedure and jurisdiction. In Bharucha v Patel & Anor, the High Court examined what happens when interim relief collides with an enforceable arbitration clause. The decision offers important guidance on when freezing orders can be maintained, when they must fall away, and how early procedural choices can determine whether asset preservation survives at all.

Winding up proceedings are one of the most powerful tools available to creditors—but only when used strategically. This insight explains how statutory demands and winding up petitions work, when they are appropriate, and how a measured, commercially focused approach can help secure payment while avoiding unnecessary legal cost and risk.

This article explains how corporate debt recovery works in practice, from secured and unsecured debts to enforcement, charging orders, and insolvency proceedings. We set out a clear, cost-conscious approach to recovering payment efficiently, helping businesses understand their options and avoid unnecessary legal expense.

The Arbitration Act 2025 introduces targeted reforms to modernise arbitration in England and Wales, enhancing procedural efficiency, legal certainty, and judicial support. This insight outlines the key changes and their practical implications for commercial parties and dispute resolution strategy.

The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces significant changes to UK employment law, affecting employers and employees across a wide range of areas, including sick pay, family leave, dismissal rights, workplace harassment and redundancy obligations. With reforms being phased in between 2025 and 2027, this briefing highlights the key changes and outlines the practical steps employers should consider now to prepare for implementation.