About Listen Without Prejudice | A Podcast from Bishop & Sewell
Listen Without Prejudice brings you behind the scenes at Bishop & Sewell, one of London’s most forward-thinking law firms, and offers an insider’s perspective on the legal issues of the day.
Meet solicitors from across the firm as they take us through issues they’re dealing with in practice, current trends and legal updates, and provide insights on a range of subjects - from real estate and business law to family and private client matters.
Each episode offers valuable takeaways, featuring expert insights, real-world relevance, and valuable tips to apply to your private and business life.
For a smart, insider’s perspective, subscribe to Listen Without Prejudice, brought to you by Bishop & Sewell.
Learn more at bishopandsewell.co.uk
Bridging Loans, Personal Guarantees & The Real Risks of Commercial Lending
In this episode of Listen Without Prejudice, Charlie Davidson, Senior Associate in the Property team, is joined by Andrew Kavanagh, Partner in the Corporate team, to explore the realities of commercial lending, from bridging finance to personal guarantees, debentures and enforcement risk.
While many borrowers are familiar with high street mortgages and regulated lending products, this conversation focuses on what happens when businesses step off the beaten track and enter the world of bespoke commercial finance.
The episode also reflects on lessons learned during the pandemic, when asset valuations shifted dramatically and security positions that once looked robust were suddenly exposed.
For borrowers, the message is clear: it’s not just about the interest rate. The real risk often lies in the events of default, monitoring obligations, and technical covenants buried in the loan documentation.
For lenders, Andrew emphasises the importance of relationship-building. While documentation can cover every conceivable default scenario, long-term value often comes from supporting viable businesses rather than enforcing aggressively at the first sign of difficulty.
Whether you are considering a bridging loan, negotiating security terms, or advising on commercial lending, this episode provides a candid look at what really matters when money changes hands.
Chapter Markers
(00:00) – Introduction: Property meets corporate lending
(02:00) – High street lending vs bespoke commercial finance
(05:30) – Personal guarantees explained
(09:00) – Joint and several liability risks
(15:00) – Consumer vs commercial lending protections
(18:00) – Events of default and monitoring obligations
(20:00) – Enforcement strategy and lender options
(24:00) – Key advice for borrowers and lenders
Useful Links
Connect with Andrew Kavanagh on LinkedIn (https://uk.linkedin.com/in/andrew-kavanagh-82104b24)
Reach out to Charlie Davidson on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/houndofholborn/)
Visit the Bishop & Sewell Website (https://www.bishopandsewell.co.uk/)
20 May 2026
Structuring M&A Payments: 5 Ways to Buy or Sell a Business
In this episode of Listen Without Prejudice, Andrew Kavanagh, Partner in the corporate team at Bishop & Sewell, is joined by Charles Wilson, Solicitor in the team, to explore one of the most important and often misunderstood aspects of mergers and acquisitions: how the purchase price is structured.
When buying or selling a business, it’s easy to focus on valuation. But as Andrew and Charles explain, how the consideration is paid can be just as significant as the headline price. Not every buyer has a “war chest” of cash available, and not every seller walks away with a briefcase of money on completion.
Andrew and Charles discuss the advantages and risks of each structure, including the importance of trust, due diligence, cultural fit, and understanding that earn-outs often require the seller to remain involved in the business post-completion.
They also highlight a key commercial reality: once you accept consideration shares, you are no longer just a seller; you become a shareholder in the buyer’s business, with all the associated risks and rewards.
Whether you are preparing to sell your business, considering an acquisition, or simply exploring your options, this episode provides a practical overview of how deals are structured in the real world and why the payment mechanics matter.
Chapter Markers
(02:00) – Bullet payments explained
(03:30) – Deferred consideration and staged payments
(05:00) – Earn-outs and performance-linked payments
(08:00) – Consideration shares and becoming a shareholder
(09:00) – Due diligence when receiving shares
(10:00) – Loan notes and alternative non-cash structures
Useful Links
Connect with Charles Wilson on LinkedIn (https://uk.linkedin.com/in/charles-wilson-27694a293)
Reach out to Andrew Kavanagh on LinkedIn (https://uk.linkedin.com/in/andrew-kavanagh-82104b24)
Visit the Bishop & Sewell Website (https://www.bishopandsewell.co.uk/)
6 May 2026
No Response, No Problem? Leasehold Notices, Deadlines & Legal Risks Explained
In this episode of Listen Without Prejudice, Mark Chick, Partner in Bishop & Sewell’s Landlord & Tenant team, is joined by Chris Macartney to explore a critical question for leaseholders: what happens if your landlord simply doesn’t respond to your notice?
Focusing on Section 13 (freehold purchase) and Section 42 (lease extension) notices, Mark and Chris break down the legal implications of landlord silence and why it’s not always as straightforward as it might seem.
While a landlord’s failure to respond within the required timeframe can put leaseholders in a strong position, potentially allowing them to proceed at their proposed price, there are strict procedural rules and deadlines that must be followed. The discussion highlights the importance of the six-month deadline to either complete the transaction or apply to court for a vesting order and how quickly that window can close in practice.
The episode also explores the risks of getting the process wrong, including invalid notices, incorrect service of documents, and landlords scrutinising claims to find technical defects. Mark and Chris share practical guidance on serving notices correctly, evidencing delivery, and avoiding common pitfalls that could jeopardise a claim worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Whether you’re a leaseholder considering enfranchisement or a property professional advising clients, this episode offers essential insight into protecting your position when the other side goes quiet.
Chapter Markers
(00:00) – Why landlord silence can be a strategic move
(01:10) – What happens if a landlord doesn’t respond to your notice
(02:40) – The six-month deadline: complete or apply to court
(04:10) – Why your offer must be reasonable and made in good faith
(06:00) – Common mistakes that can invalidate a claim
(07:20) – Why expert legal advice is essential
Useful Links
Connect with Mark Chick on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-chick-1131201/)
Reach out to Chris Macartney on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-macartney-3a4a6b13/)
Visit the Bishop & Sewell Website (https://www.bishopandsewell.co.uk/)
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Podcast Authority Score: 43 / 100
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Engagement
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