Vincents launches new commercial property department

Vincents Solicitors has launched a commercial property department at its Lytham office, taking on additional space at its Jubilee House premises to accommodate the new team.

The firm has appointed Sophie Mercer and Yasmine Dragan to head up the operation, working alongside department head Craig Aikman.

Solicitor Sophie Mercer joins the firm from PHH in Cleveleys, prior to which she trained and qualified at Napthens in Blackpool. Legal assistant Yasmine Dragan, currently in Year 2 of a degree apprenticeship, comes direct from Napthens where she has worked for 14 years.

Sophie is a specialist in landlord and tenant matters, and leases and refinancing arrangements, and has been brought in to assist with the vast growth in commercial work the firm has seen over the last two years.

Sophie said: "The strength of the market might seem quite surprising given the current situation, but there is always opportunity for businesses looking to buy property or arrange new leases during economic uncertainty.

"Some landlords, particularly where their tenants’ businesses have failed, are offering good incentives to get their retail and industrial units re-let. New start-ups – of which there have been many during the pandemic – and existing companies are still in the market for new premises, whether upsizing or downsizing, and these incentives are proving very popular.

"I’m also seeing a lot of refinance deals from businesses choosing to restructure to alleviate their current financial pressures, or to release equity to allow for further investment. There is also a good deal of portfolio investment and Blackpool is proving to be a key area for both local and out-of-town buyers due to the attractive yields it provides for investors."

Vincents is based at Preston’s Winckley Square, with six offices throughout the county. Its Jubilee House team provides corporate and property services to homebuyers and the business community.

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