The new UK Government funded Property Advice Service has launched to support SMEs with commercial property related issues, across all London boroughs until March 2025. 

The free 'one-stop shop' service is providing in-person and online advice for small and sized enterprises, micro-businesses and solopreneurs who are struggling with issues such as re-negotiating leases, paying rent arrears, the new energy efficiency rating and business rate relief schemes. Commercial tenants can include gyms, cemeteries, shops, pubs, garages, theatres, offices, coworking spaces, creative studios, healthcare, charities and more.

Until March 2025 ventures across Greater London with a turnover of under £44 million can register to participate in a range of webinars, advice sessions and workshops. The Property Advice Service also signposts business owners to the resources which are most relevant to them and their situation.

Delivered by London Business Partnership, international property consultants Gerald Eve LLP, and the University of Law, the service aims to enable SMEs to grow whilst occupying commercial offices, retail and other workspaces.

Naima Omasta-Milsom, co-founder and Managing Director of London Business Partnership, explains: “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.

“Supported by the government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Property Advice Service is also bringing about a culture change among SME owners so the sector becomes more sustainable. We will do this by giving people the required practices to create conditions for success and improve business resilience.”

Steve Hile, partner at Gerald Eve, comments: “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.”

The Property Advice Service builds on the work of London Business Partnership's previous Property Advice Programme, funded by the Mayor of London's office. 

SME owners can register for a range of free support here.

Or visit: https://londonbp.co.uk/propertyadviceprogramme

London Business Partnership will be at The Business Show at London's ExCeL on the 22nd and 23rd of November (stand B1310), with Gerald Eve running a seminar at 3.30pm in Theatre 8 on the Wednesday.

Download images here.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For media enquiries, contact Elma Glasgow at London Business Partnership: eglasgow@londonbp.co.uk 

About London Business Partnership

Established in 2012, London Business Partnership is a not-for-profit organisation committed to the growth and sustainability of small and medium sized enterprises across London. 

The dedicated in-house team of advisors combines over 15 years of experience in strategic business operations, growth and funding. The Partnership's mission is to help new and existing entrepreneurs make the right decisions so that their business do not just survive but also grow and thrive.

They do this by offering one-to-one consultancy, facilitating group training and workshops, providing infrastructure and by developing collaborative networks to help business owners connect, learn and grow. The organisation has extensive experience running entire entrepreneurship programmes on behalf of local and European authorities.

About Gerald Eve, a Newmark company

Gerald Eve, a Newmark company, is an award-winning firm of property consultants based in the UK with 600 professionals working from nine offices. Gerald Eve, which counts many of the FTSE100 as clients, offers services including occupational and investment agency, planning and development, rating, building consultancy, rent review and lease renewal instructions, compulsory purchase and compensation, valuation and business rates. Gerald Eve, chartered surveyors and property consultants, advises 40% of the FTSE100 on all aspects of property including planning, asset management, agency and professional. The firm has 620 people, working from nine offices across the UK. www.geraldeve.com

About the UK Shared Prosperity Fund

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK Government's Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. 

For more information,visit  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus