Eaton Smith's Corporate & Commercial Team Shortlisted for LawNet Team of the Year Award
We are delighted to announce that Eaton Smith's Corporate & Commercial Team has been shortlisted for Team of the Year (Business Law) at the LawNet Awards 2026. The shortlisting recognises the team's expertise, commitment to client service and continued success in supporting businesses across Yorkshire, the UK and... Read More
Everyone Blames the Land Registry Backlog. But That's Not the Whole Story…
When a property registration is delayed, most people assume the problem lies with HM Land Registry's backlog. While registration times have been under scrutiny in recent years, that explanation only tells part of the story. Many delays are caused by something far less visible: avoidable errors in applications.... Read More
Cheap Commercial Property? The Legal Risks That Could Cost You Far More Than the Purchase Price
Everyone loves a bargain. In commercial property, the prospect of buying below market value can feel like a smart investment decision, offering the potential for higher returns and future growth. But here's the uncomfortable truth: some commercial properties are cheap for a reason. In our experience, some of the most... Read More
The Dispute Resolution Option Most People Overlook: Why Mediation Should Be Considered Before Court
When a dispute arises, many people assume they only have two options: accept the situation or go to court. In reality, there is a third option that is often overlooked and can deliver faster, more cost-effective outcomes: mediation. Whether you are involved in a commercial dispute, a landlord and tenant disagreement, a... Read More
Meet Eaton Smith's Commercial Property Team
For businesses, developers, investors, landlords and organisations across Yorkshire, property transactions are often among the most significant commercial decisions they will make. Whether acquiring development land, expanding a property portfolio, negotiating commercial leases or managing investment assets, having the... Read More
5 Commercial Property Deal Breakers to Identify at Heads of Terms
Commercial property transactions can become difficult, expensive or impossible to complete when problems are discovered during legal due diligence. By that stage, the parties may already have paid for valuations, surveys and professional advice. Funding applications may have been submitted, completion dates agreed and... Read More
Eaton Smith Appoints Gloria Benstead to Lead Marketing Function
Eaton Smith is delighted to welcome Gloria Benstead as the firm's new head of marketing, bringing with her a wealth of experience, international business expertise, and a passion for driving growth through strategic marketing. Gloria joins the firm following a varied and successful career spanning both the education... Read More
The Rise of the Evidence Employer: Why Summer Is Becoming a Compliance Stress Test
Employers are facing a new kind of summer pressure. For years, managing annual leave, school holidays and major sporting events was seen as the primary seasonal challenge for HR teams and business leaders. Today, however, summer is becoming a far broader compliance test. Alongside workforce absences, employers are... Read More
AI Meeting Notetakers: Legal Risks, GDPR and Best Practice for Businesses
AI meeting notetakers are rapidly becoming part of everyday business life. Whether built into platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom or provided through specialist AI assistants, these tools can automatically record meetings, generate transcripts and produce meeting summaries in seconds. The productivity benefits... Read More
The Hidden Property Reform in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026
Why commercial landlords should be paying attention to a devolution law
When the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026, most headlines focused on mayoral powers, community ownership rights and local government reform. Less publicised was a provision that could have... Read More
National Security and Investment Act (NSI Act): Why One Missed Filing Could Cost Millions
The National Security and Investment Act 2021 (NSI Act) is one of the most significant regulatory developments affecting UK mergers and acquisitions, foreign direct investment and corporate transactions. Under certain circumstances, a failure to comply with the regime can render an acquisition legally void and expose... Read More
Earn-Out Provisions in Company Acquisitions: Advantages, Disadvantages and Common Disputes
A disagreement over valuation is one of the most common reasons company acquisitions fail. Sellers may be confident that future growth will justify a higher valuation, while buyers are often reluctant to pay today for performance that has not yet materialised. An earn-out can provide a practical solution. By linking... Read More