News

Client: Bay & Bellflower
Location: West Sussex
Industry: Retail and Hospitality
Services Provided: Commercial Law, Business Start-Up Support, Contract Negotiation

Background

In May 2024, founder of Bay & Bayflower, Cara Goddard was introduced to Berensens via a mutual contact, for legal advice on a new business venture.

Bay & Bellflower is not your average café. Located in the heart of West Sussex, this unique establishment combines the warmth of a neighbourhood café with the charm of a handcrafted flower shop. Offering delicious coffee, cakes, crumpets, and toasties alongside beautifully arranged flower bouquets, Bay & Bellflower also features a dedicated section for children to play, read, and engage in creative craft activities. This innovative concept allows parents to enjoy their time in the café while their children are entertained.

The founder of Bay & Bellflower, driven by a passion for creating a community space that merges retail with hospitality, embarked on the ambitious journey of opening a physical store. However, turning this dream into reality required navigating a complex web of legal, financial, and logistical challenges.

The Challenge

Launching a new business, especially one with such a unique concept, involves a significant amount of risk. The founder of Bay & Bellflower needed expert legal guidance to ensure that the process of securing a property, negotiating contracts, and setting up the business went smoothly. This included creating a solid business plan, securing business loans, negotiating lease agreements, and finally obtaining the keys to the new shop.

Given the complexity and the stakes involved, it was crucial to have a reliable solicitor to handle the legal aspects of the process.

How Berensens Solicitors Helped

Carinna Parsons from Berensens Solicitors played a pivotal role in the successful launch of Bay & Bellflower. Recognising the founder’s vision and the unique nature of the business, Carinna provided tailored legal advice and support throughout the entire process.

1. Contract Negotiation: One of the most challenging aspects of opening a new shop is negotiating the lease agreement. Carinna handled the negotiation process, ensuring that the terms were fair and that the founder’s interests were protected.
2. Property Acquisition: Finally, Carinna facilitated the legal process of acquiring the property, handling all the necessary paperwork and ensuring that the transaction was completed smoothly.

Throughout the three-month journey, Carinna’s support was invaluable. She not only provided expert legal advice but also offered encouragement and reassurance during what was a stressful and uncertain time.

Outcome

Thanks to the comprehensive legal support from Berensens Solicitors, Bay & Bellflower successfully opened its doors to the public. The founder is now proudly running a thriving business that brings joy to the community, offering a space where people can enjoy good food, beautiful flowers, and a welcoming atmosphere.

In a world increasingly dominated by digital experiences, Bay & Bellflower stands out as a testament to the enduring appeal of physical spaces. The founder’s bold decision to “do the thing” has paid off, and Berensens Solicitors is proud to have played a part in bringing this unique vision to life.

Client Testimonial

“I never had the need for a solicitor before and didn’t know where to start, but Berensens provided great help and support. I engaged Berensens to draft a commercial lease for a property. Carinna guided me through the process, especially when dealing with challenging commercial landlords, and their support was greatly valued. They were prompt in responding to emails and calls, handling matters efficiently. Understanding my deadline, they made every effort to meet it. I highly recommend Berensens to anyone in need of a solicitor.” – Cara Goddard, Founder of Bay & Bellflower

Are you thinking of your next business venture? Whether you’re local or further afield, get in touch to see how we can help!