Commercial Property
T C Smith has a long history of providing a quality service in the area of commercial property transactions and has a very experienced team in this field of work
We have a strong local presence with an extensive knowledge of property transactions in North Northumberland – and can offer a practical and cost-effective service in the following areas:
- Purchase and sale of freehold and leasehold properties
- Acquisition of development sites and subsequent sales off (both commercial and domestic)
- Preparation of leases and advice on leasehold transactions
- Provision of advice concerning security over property on behalf of lenders and borrowers
- Creation of deeds of pre-emption, options and conditional contracts
- Stamp Duty Land Tax advice
- Acquisition and sale of agricultural land and buildings (see Agriculture)
- Advice and action concerning breach of lease covenants
- Purchase and sale of licensed property (see Alcohol Licensing) and associated transactions
Commercial Property Team
Mark Butson
Partner
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Mark Butson
Mark joined the firm in 1983 as a trainee and qualified as a solicitor in 1985. He has been a partner/member since 1990 and is now our senior partner.
He has expertise in the preparation of wills and has considerable experience in the administration of estates - both where there is a Will and where there is none (an ‘Intestacy’) and in dealing with issues of interpretation where these arise. He can also advise on drafting deeds of family arrangement and related inheritance tax issues.
He regularly advises upon the creation and tailoring of Lasting Powers of Attorney and the operation of these in practice.
Mark advises in all aspects of conveyancing (both commercial and residential), including commercial landlord & tenant transactions. He has experience of dealing with boundary and rights disputes concerning property and ownership claims – including those by adverse possession.
He also advises small businesses in the practical resolution of employment issues.
Direct Line: 01289 301284
Email: mtb@tcsmith.co.uk
Frances Cowan
Partner
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Frances Cowan
Frances joined the firm in 2000, completed her training with T C Smith and qualified as a solicitor in 2002. She became a partner in August 2014.
Her interests are in all aspects of commercial conveyancing, including residential developments. She also has considerable experience in assisting with residential conveyancing.
Her family are actively involved with farming, and she has a keen interest in agricultural matters – heading up the firm’s agricultural section. In 2014 Frances qualified as a Fellow of the Agricultural Law Association, and this has enhanced her expertise in all areas of rural practice – including agricultural holdings, farm sales and purchases, estate planning & taxation
Frances also advises as to the preparation of Lasting Powers of Attorney and Wills – and the administration of estates.
Direct Line: 01289 301294
Email: fc@tcsmith.co.uk
Carly Calder
Solicitor
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Carly Calder
Carly joined the Firm in 2017 and qualified as a Solicitor in March 2025 through the Apprentice Solicitor programme.
Carly has experience in all aspects of Residential Conveyancing including selling, buying, re-mortgaging and transfers of equity and is an ideal point of contact for sound advice and assistance.
Direct Line: 01289 301289
Email: cec@tcsmith.co.uk