“I have spoken to a couple of businesses who, as tenants, have had


break clauses which they could exercise, but they were in a dilemma. Ideally, they wanted to stay in their premises, but the terms of their leases were no longer working for them, with the ability for home working likely to be something that they would be introducing for their employees beyond the restrictions of the pandemic. “From surveyors and other solicitors I have spoken to, this is a


recurring question. In cases such as this, an upcoming break clause can be used to open negotiations between landlords and tenants allowing them to agree an arrangement which benefi ts both parties. T e tenant remains in the premises, so the landlord continues to receive rent, and the tenant gains a bit more fl exibility, for example, they are able to sublet part of the premises. “Although they can be used in this way, break clauses are notoriously


tricky and one of the most litigated areas of Landlord and Tenant law. So, if you do wish to either exercise a break clause or use it to negotiate, please speak to a solicitor fi rst. And, as with most things, seek advice early – at least six weeks before your break date.”


Flexible and responsive Free from corporate processes, Ruth relishes the fact that she has con- trol over the way she works. Most important to her is the fl exibility and responsiveness that she can off er in a way not all large practices can. She also works on fi xed fees so her clients can eff ectively manage their budgets, and know that they can call her without worrying how much it will cost them. Many of her clients have found her through word of mouth,


recommended by others who have found Ruth’s approach perfectly fi ts their business. Where necessary, Ruth works outside of normal offi ce hours, something that is increasingly attractive to those who are trying to juggle working from home with childcare and home schooling. “I love the idea that I have full control over the


way I do things,” said Ruth. “Over the years, working in bigger practices, I’ve often thought that there are ways to make a process smoother or improve the experience of instructing a solicitor for clients, but changing corporate procedures is not a simple task. “Now I can respond to clients’ needs and,


particularly in these times, they seem to appreciate that. If someone needs to chat at 8pm because that’s the earliest they are free, so be it. Maybe they fi nd it more comfortable doing that when they know that I’m my own boss and I’ve chosen to work around them. “My clients can rest assured I’m there for them


and can respond quickly and effi ciently. “T ere’s been a shift in people’s attitude to one


another. Everyone is under so much pressure, and if you can be fl exible, more helpful, kinder, more understanding, then now is the time to do that.”


Contact Ruth Burrell, Consultant Solicitor on 07312 825787 or email ruth.burrell@nexa.law


ALL THINGS BUSINESS


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