A lucrative roof over your head?

The Olympics have officially arrived!  In the UK we love athletics!  Or that is what the media would have us think.  But, to me, their attempts to convince us that people in this country actually care about athletics fly in the face of all recognised research (i.e. a quick poll amongst my friends and reports that the UK is the most obese nation in Europe).  People seem more concerned with the traffic problems the Games will cause…    

However, all jokes aside, there is no denying that the deluge of tourists pouring into the nation’s capital will bring a massive economic benefit.  Some people have been quick in seeking to capitalise on this opportunity. 

The BBC reported in May 2012 that many tenants in east London were being evicted from their homes with little or no notice by their unscrupulous landlords in readiness for wealthy tourists seeking accommodation close to the Olympic arena. Properties typically rented for £350 per week were being marketed for £6,000 per week.

Of course this behaviour is deplorable and potentially illegal.  Evicting a tenant without proper notice – or harassing tenants – can lead to a maximum custodial sentence of 2 years.  It is important for both the tenant and the landlord that their respective rights are properly protected and a well drafted tenancy agreement or lease will ensure this is the case.  The residential property group here at B P Collins LLP can provide bespoke leases for its clients and advise on all of the associated issues, including the procedure under the Housing Act 1988.

Commercial tenants may also want to participate in similar, less condemnable, behaviour by subletting their properties to retailers for the duration of the Games.  The permission of the landlord may be needed (to avoid forfeiture of the lease or a claim for damages) but often, if it is needed, consent cannot be unreasonably withheld and the activity can prove lucrative for a tenant.  The commercial property group at B P Collins LLP has much experience on advising on short term leases, both inclusive of rent or those based on turnover rent, and on licences to occupy on a short term basis.

Whether a commercial or residential premises owner, make sure you play fair during the Games this summer.

Posted by Matthew Crockford, trainee in the property practice.

Matthew started his training contract with B P Collins LLP in January 2012. He graduated in 2010 from The University of East Anglia with a 2:1 (Hons) in Law before moving on to the Oxford Institute of Legal Practice to study the LPC, achieving a Distinction. In his spare time Matthew enjoys playing football (mostly 5-a-side) and watching Tottenham Hotspur FC whenever possible.  Interestingly he used to be in a heavy metal band, but grew out of the idea!

The legal hurdles of the Games

Unless you have been in outer space for the last 7 years, you will be well aware that the Olympics began with a bang last weekend. Whether you see them as a fantastic opportunity to showcase the UK, or an expensive inconvenience, they give rise to a number of legal considerations.

We have all been invited to 'join in' with the Olympics. However, one Staffordshire florist found out the hard way that the party comes with strict doormen. Trading Standards officers ordered her to remove a window display depicting the Olympic rings as it was a breach of trademark. A similar fate befell an elderly lady who knitted a doll for sale at a local fête as the doll was wearing a top displaying those same rings. As you can imagine, sections of the national press were up in arms!

While these are more extreme examples of intellectual property protection, every corporate client will have some form of intellectual property to protect: from brand logos (such as the rings), to inventions and industrial processes. The corporate and commercial practice are able to offer advice on both how to protect newly created intellectual property rights and to assist with assigning or licensing pre-existing rights. Should your intellectual property rights be infringed, our litigation and dispute resolution lawyers are able to assist with enforcing them.

The Olympics also raise important employment considerations. In spite of the debate over the ticket distribution, it turns out that some people actually have tickets for Olympic events. Even those who weren't so lucky may have volunteered as 'Gamesmakers', or might be planning to watch certain events at home. This will cause employers headaches as they try to deal with a large number of employees requesting annual leave during the same period. It is important to formulate a plan in advance of the event, such as whether to give priority to employees who are working as volunteers, those with tickets to events or those who submit their leave requests first.

Similar considerations arise (albeit on a smaller scale) for large local or national events such as international football tournaments, race meetings and annual music festivals. It is important to ensure that you have well drafted policies in place to deal with events which can cause disruption to the operation of the business. These range from flexible working or home working policies, through to disciplinary policies in respect of unauthorised absences. Our employment lawyers are well versed in advising clients on the best approach and drafting the appropriate policies.

Now all that's left to do is sit back, relax and cheer on Team GB!

Posted by William Key, trainee in the litigation and dispute resolution practice.

William started his training contract with B P Collins LLP in January 2011. He graduated from the University of Leicester obtaining first class honours in Law, before undertaking the LPC at Nottingham Law School gaining a distinction. Outside of the office his interests include supporting Coventry City FC, cricket, snowboarding and travel.

Welcome!

Dear readers

Welcome to our new blog! Entitled 'The Insider', it is written exclusively by our trainee lawyers. This blog will showcase their career development within the firm and post their monthly opinions on such themes as life as a trainee lawyer and recent cases in the legal world.

B P Collins LLP has a reputation for delivering high quality trainee contracts due to the 'hands on' nature of legal work that they are exposed to. As such, all our trainees demonstrate a real passion for the law and this platform allows them to express their personality through writing and provide insight to future trainees who are considering a career at B P Collins.

We hope you enjoy reading this unique perspective on the law and about the services we provide. Please email any feedback on The Insider to me at jacqui.symons@bpcollins.co.uk.

Jacqui Symons
HR Manager
For and on behalf of B P Collins LLP