Rics launches lease to help small firms get established

Date: 13/12/2011

There may be a rise in demand for local rate numbers among small businesses if a new initiative proves to be a success.

In the new year, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) and the British Retail Consortium will launch a freely available lease designed to support new start-up companies.

British Retail Consortium director of business Tom Ironside said: "Clearly, taking on property is one area which can be quite daunting for new, small businesses.

"This model lease should take a lot of worry out of the process."

The lease will be a stand-alone short-term contract with no rent review or break clause, which it was claimed will speed up the contract negotiation process.

Mr Ironside noted the initiative should help to ensure small businesses are able to establish themselves across the UK.

Elsewhere, a recent survey from Rics found yields on rental properties are rising as demand grows and rents climb.