Retail Line – December 2020

Welcome to the December 2020 edition of Retail Line

In our pre-Christmas edition we usually try to cheer on the sector at its most important time of trading. We had hoped to look forward to fewer challenges and more opportunities in 2021, but just as we were to publish this edition of Retail Line the strictest measures were imposed in many parts of the country. It’s impossible to predict the long term impact, but the inevitable loss of trade at this time is likely to be distressing across the whole of the sector and supply chain. Clarke Willmott’s retail and leisure teams are here to support businesses facing these extraordinary market conditions.

In this edition of Retail Line we consider some of the changes that businesses can expect as the Brexit transition period comes to an end. Many issues that arose during the coronavirus pandemic continue to be a problem; our commercial expert advises suppliers who have provided goods and services to struggling retail and leisure businesses; and our property experts comment on the extended protection for business tenants.

Many retail and leisure businesses were forced to diversify their operations in 2020. We talk to one of our clients about the challenges they faced and how they have adapted their business to meet the needs of their customers.

It seems we must expect a few more bumps in the road but we hope Christmas brings a successful end to the year and a return to prosperity in 2021.

In this edition

Brexit and your intellectual property rights

On 31 December 2020 the Brexit transition period will come to an end which will mean that EU Trade Marks (“EUTMs”) and Registered Community Designs (“RCDs”) will no longer extend to, and be enforceable in, the UK. But what does this mean for rights holders? Read more

Pubs Code update: Beer giant, Heineken, fined £2m by the Pubs Code Adjudicator

Star Pubs and Bars, the leased pub business of Heineken UK, has been fined £2m for serious and repeated breaches of the Pubs Code etc. Regulations 2016 (the Code), following an investigation by Fiona Dickie, the Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA). Read more

Post-Brexit food labelling deadline looming

Food producers, manufacturers and retailers are being warned to prepare for new requirements for food labelling coming into force on 1 January 2021. The changes are necessary to reflect the fact that the UK is no longer a member of the EU. Read more

Supply chain: extended protection measures for small retailer suppliers

A number of temporary changes, designed to protect struggling businesses from insolvency during the coronavirus pandemic, were introduced by Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act (CIGA) as well as various permanent changes. Read more

Leisure focus: Sutton Harbour Marina

When we published our summer edition of Retail Line the country was beginning to re-open for business after the first lockdown. Read more

Property update

Restrictions on landlords extended as the Government moves to provide further protection to struggling business tenants. Read more