A. Yes – it may be possible to sell your company's shares, thus limiting Stamp Duty to 0.5% of the value.

A. Yes - advice should be taken to check whether there is a valid "keep open" clause within the Lease, requiring you to ensure the continued occupation and trading from the premises. You can be forced to occupy and trade by a Landlord if such a clause exists.

A. One possibility would be to enter into a form of Joint Venture Agreement with a developer who will incur the costs of the planning application and share with you the resulting uplift in the value of the land if, and when, such planning permission is granted.

A. Although a matter of negotiation, tenants are often successfully agreeing break options at specific time periods in Leases, e.g. every 2 years, provided the tenants give the Landlord reasonable notice, for instance 3 months.

A. This affects tenants of leased premises, Landlords, investors, construction professionals and architects. In essence shops, pubs, hotels and banks amongst others are obliged to take steps (that are reasonable in all circumstances) to enable disabled persons to use the service provided. In short this may require an alteration of the physical features of the premises, and you should liaise with the local authority on this matter.

A. The terms of the Lease should be examined closely to ensure that you serve a timeous Notice to Quit on the Landlord. If you don't in the absence of the Landlord serving one upon you, the Lease may be continued on the same terms and conditions for another year (if the Lease is more than 1 year long) and otherwise for the same period of the Lease if it was for less than 1 year.