James Woodward

James advises franchisors, franchisees, and property stakeholders on the real estate aspects of franchise roll-outs, acquisitions and day-to-day trading.

This usually includes negotiating and documenting leases, agreements for lease, licences, assignments, underleases and lease renewals; advising on landlord and tenant issues such as alienation, repair, service charge, break rights, rent review, dilapidations and statutory renewal rights; coordinating property due diligence for new sites and franchise transfers; managing consent requirements from landlords, lenders and superior landlords; and helping clients structure property occupation arrangements so they align with the wider franchise agreement, operational model and brand requirements.

James advises on a broad range of commercial real estate transactions, including the sale and purchase of freehold and leasehold property, investment acquisitions and disposals, portfolio transactions and related due diligence. His work includes negotiating heads of terms, contracts, transfers, leases, licences and ancillary documents; advising on landlord and tenant matters such as lease grants, renewals, assignments, underlettings, alterations, break rights, rent review, service charge, repair and dilapidations; and supporting secured lending transactions by acting for lenders or borrowers on property finance, title review, certificates of title, security documentation, conditions precedent and completion mechanics.

James also coordinates transaction management, risk allocation and practical solutions to help clients complete deals efficiently and commercially.

Examples of James’ work include:

• Acting for a tenant company taking a lease of light industrial premises, negotiating key protections around service charge, repairing obligations and environmental risk.
• Representing Market Harborough Building Society on the sale of its former office premises, having previously advised on the acquisition of its new out-of-town headquarters and associated car parking.
• Advising Nottingham Building Society on portfolio management matters, including reviewing its terrier to ensure break dates and key lease events were accurately recorded and monitored.
• Acting for Nottingham Building Society on the disposal of its former head office premises.
• Representing Nottingham Building Society in lease negotiations for its new flagship operation on one of Nottingham’s major shopping streets.