See how your empty commercial properties can become assets – not liabilities
25 March 2025
17:30 – 19:00*
*With open networking afterwards
Lawrence Stephens HQ 50 Farringdon Road, London, EC1M 3HE
Recent events have dramatically impacted the financial and social repercussions of what you – as a landlord, ESG officer or developer – choose to do with your empty commercial spaces.
Since the law change in 2024, the government has indicated its appetite for further change. Also, a flurry of court cases have unearthed the widespread unethical practices – from snail farms to ‘imposter’ places of worship – that avoid business rates, by exploiting the loopholes in the current system.
That’s why we’re hosting this event. To bring you up to speed with this changing landscape: what’s happening and what’s possible. Ethically and legally. And – by gathering all relevant parties in one room – we can explore together the latest issues, challenges and opportunities.
There are different reasons for attending these events. For some – outlined below – it’s a way to discover new options for their empty spaces. For others, it’s a rare opportunity to hear a wide mix of perspectives, and to experience a vibrant collaborative space, as we explore how best to create win-win solutions together.
Commercial Landlords & Property Managers
Why pay punitive ’empty rates’ when you don’t need to? Can you afford to be in the dark about how the law has changed and may change further? Ready for a full picture of your current and future options?
If you’d like to see how to save up to 100% of your ‘empty rates’ bill and how your property can remain an asset, not a liability… and also achieve your ESG/CSR goals far more easily… we invite you to learn more about a little-known option that can be an exact fit for you. Book here.
Council Landlords
Are you making decisions that actually fly in the face of what will serve your council? To minimise your empty rates burden, are you unknowingly resorting to unethical solutions?
We invite you to explore a ‘win-win’ scenario that enables you to thrive as a landlord… and that also supports your and other councils & the wider community? Book here.
Architects & Developers
Would you like to take advantage of a little-known tax break that could save you a small fortune? And avoid the potential collapse of your next project?
We invite you to see how you can avoid a crippling CIL liability, and opt for a solution that will serve both you and the wider community. Book here.
Who else is welcome?
For those who advise commercial landlords – including lawyers, accountants and insurers – you are also very welcome to attend. And please know that this is an inclusive event; we are keen to make this wisdom and knowledge widely available. So, if you are interested in attending, do please book here
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As a commercial landlord, there were a number of benefits by attending. I got to see a far better way to manage costly empty rates bills, insurance hikes, squatters, security and more, but perhaps the greatest value was in meeting with, and hearing from, so many others about what is now possible, and embracing a solution that’s since proved highly beneficial to us as an organisation.
Spokesperson, Pearl and Coutts
Through new collaborations, and a clearer understanding of the evolving landscape, there are significant opportunities for landlords and property consultants, councils and charities.
We know that such collaboration works. For over a decade we have been enabling different stakeholders to work together to create win-win solutions – that have meant positively impacted bottom lines, and transformed lives. And ASTOP has demonstrated before – at similar events in 2024 and earlier – how such a coming-together can kickstart valuable new partnerships.
For our panel discussion, we are bringing together respected individuals from different corners of the property sector… who can shed new light on the latest issues and opportunities that face us, in the wake of recent legal changes. There will then follow a unique networking session. Typically these are vibrant sessions, given the rich mix of property professionals, charities and councillors in the room.
With over 30 years’ experience, Stephen has a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of commercial real estate, and is currently ‘Top Recommended’ in the Spear’s 500 rankings. His clients are a sophisticated mix of property companies, individual investors, property traders and trading businesses. His transactions can range from the purchase or sale of a commercial investment, to commercial lettings and complex acquisitions. Messias’s clients come to him for his ‘shrewd commercial advice and ability to turn around transactions at pace’. Evidence of this ability comes in the form of the exchange of one £5 million Hampstead property that took place in less than 12 hours.
Nick has over 20 years of experience helping clients to achieve their operational targets, as well as managing the life cycle of their real estate portfolios. Acting primarily for corporate occupiers, private investors, property companies and private equity houses, Nick has worked on deal portfolios that have earned him industry-wide recognition. Typical assets acquired are diverse but include out-of-town retail parks, office business parks and warehousing sites. Nick regularly advises organisations on the relocation of their office space and works with those taking their first steps on the real estate ladder… through to global corporates acquiring their UK headquarters or expanding their UK presence.
Tom Perry, an expert in commercial property law, helps businesses uncover tax-saving opportunities. With a Law degree from Swansea University, he has successfully guided clients through disputes with the Valuation Office Agency and local authorities.
As Director at Holloway Bond, Tom provides ethical, impartial advice on changing regulations and scrutiny. While not directly involved in empty rates reduction services, his unique perspective has saved clients significant costs across England and Wales.
Bassam has been an Ealing Councillor since 2005, representing his hometown of Northolt and a cabinet member since 2010.
During that time, Bassam has been an advocate for social justice: championing accessibility and lifting thousands out of low pay onto the London Living Wage. On the environment, Bassam led Ealing to become one of the best recycling boroughs in London.
Prior to becoming a London Assembly Member, Bassam ran Refugee Action Kingston. Supporting over 2,000 people a year, this charity welcomes people seeking sanctuary in SW London, empowering them to thrive and pursue their full potential.
An experienced Centre Manager with an extensive history of working in the real estate industry, Sanjay has honed various skills - from negotiation & customer service to business development.
With Sanjay’s support, the Spires Centre in Barnet has showcased what’s possible in a commercial space, when occupied by a tailored mix of charities. In his words: “It’s no exaggeration to say these units have gone from being a liability to a real asset in a far smaller time frame than I thought possible.”
Savills’ work at the Spires Centre was recognised at the 2025 West London Business Awards by being shortlisted for the ‘Community Initiative of the Year’.
Shaylesh Patel, founder and CEO of ASTOP Limited, has over two decades of experience supporting commercial landlords, developers, and ESG/CSR budget holders.
Since launching ASTOP in 2013, Shaylesh has built one of the UK’s largest networks of ethical players in the property and charity sectors.
Through this network, he and his team have successfully repurposed over 500 vacant sites, driving business rates relief while benefiting local communities through charitable activities.
It’s good to think about it in advance. And please click below if you’d like to submit your question(s) ahead of the day.
On the day we will share some of the many success stories where the positive repercussions have been both significant and widespread.
In the room we anticipate a diverse gathering that includes: commercial landlords, retailers, developers, councillors and charities, as well as rich mix of property professionals, influencers and advisers.
Similar past ASTOP events have borne fruit for attendees in all kinds of unexpected ways – be that serious tax breaks, saved projects, rejuvenated social ventures, or new collaborations and initiatives.
If you want to see how to play your part in bringing about exceptional win-win solutions in the property sector, we encourage you to register. We expect this event to fill up. So if you need any extra information before booking, do get in touch.
