Corporate Commentary - February 2026 - BM Insights

Welcome to Blake Morgan’s Corporate Commentary, which brings together a selection of our most popular insights on current business issues.

This month we have also included a roundup of our recent significant deals that we have advised on.

Business insights

What to expect from the Access to Public Documents Pilot

The Access to Public Documents Pilot came into effect for a two-year period starting on 1 January 2026. The purpose of the Pilot will be to make certain documents deployed in civil proceedings accessible for anyone (party or non-party to proceedings) to download from the HMCTS CE-File website.

Is capitalising a director’s loan a good idea when a business is struggling?

Capitalising a director’s loan may strengthen the company’s balance sheet, but will it strengthen the relevant director’s chances of recovery in the event that the company becomes insolvent? We look at what it involves and the pros and cons of capitalising a director’s loan.

New public procurement thresholds from 1 January 2026

The public procurement thresholds that apply to the Procurement Act 2023 changed from 1 January 2026. We review why they have changed and what they are applicable to. We also highlight the key points to consider for contracting authorities.

Tips for protecting your family business or farm: get ready for April 2026

What is changing in 2026 for Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR)? What is changing in 2026 for Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR)? For anyone that has a qualifying business or farm approaching £2.5m in value, or has aspirations for this in the future, we are in a critical window for estate planning.

Funding boosts major addition to London’s flexible workspace sector

Blake Morgan has advised Trevally Capital on the funding of a significant new addition to London’s thriving flexible working space market. The deal involves the financing of a landmark workspace development, designed to meet the growing demand for adaptable office environments.

Blake Morgan advises on strategic investment to accelerate growth

The corporate team at Blake Morgan has advised on a strategic exit and new investment that will fuel the international growth strategy of specialist engineering firm Avantis Group. The law firm worked with longstanding client the Development Bank of Wales on the transaction.

If you would like more information on any of the topics covered in these articles, or need advice then please get in touch.

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