As a local business, our Southam office have once again entered the ‘Book In A Window’ competition & had great fun doing so!

Our chosen book this year is My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell

The bewitching account of a rare and magical childhood on the island of Corfu by treasured British conservationist Gerald Durrell.

Escaping the ills of the British climate, the Durrell family – acne-ridden Margo, gun-toting Leslie, bookworm Lawrence and budding naturalist Gerry, along with their long-suffering mother and Roger the dog – take off for the island of Corfu. But the Durrells find that, reluctantly, they must share their various villas with a menagerie of local fauna – among them scorpions, geckos, toads, bats and butterflies. Recounted with immense humour and charm My Family and Other Animals is a wonderful account of a rare, magical childhood.

“Ten-year-old Gerald doesn’t know why his older brothers and sisters complain so much. With snakes in the bath and scorpions on the lunch table, the family home on the Greek island of Corfu is a bit like a zoo so they should feel right at home… Gerald joyfully pursues his interest in natural history in the midst of an unconventional and chaotic family life.”

We hope you enjoy our window display depicting this story!

The book is available at reputable book shops & has also been adapted into a TV series & film.

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A former newsagent, the shop has been trading in the village of Bishops Itchington for over 20 years however when local residents Orlaith and Bee purchased the freehold and took the reins last October, they wanted to develop its offering. 

Following an extensive renovation, the shop which still operates as a newsagent delivering 400 papers a day, has increased its offering massively to include a deli, café and gift shop.  It also has an alcohol licence and local artists even have the opportunity to display and sell their work.

Whilst both Orlaith and Bee have always been actively involved in the community, running a shop is a far cry from their existing careers.  Orlaith has been a Social Worker for the last twenty-five years and Bee was a mother and baby foster carer with a history of working in sales and marketing.

So, getting the right advice for their new venture was absolutely vital.  Not only were they purchasing both a property and business, they also were entering into a partnership each of which were individual transactions which had to be managed in tandem to ensure the process was seamless.

Alex Khan explained: “In the purchase of any business there are a number of different elements to consider and processes to conduct.  These include due diligence of the current business, checking accounts and appropriate warranties and indemnities – a factor which is often overlooked.  The preparation of the sales and partnership agreements is also key to ensure they included the necessary elements to protect both properties.  Equally important was the property purchase to ensure the business could continue to trade as planned.”

Knowing that BTTJ had recently moved to Southam, just 10 minutes from Bishops Itchington, and had a strong commercial expertise, they turned to us to assist them in ensuring the transaction ran smoothly.

Orlaith commented: “We knew we required a commercial service but also wanted to use a local firm, so they were close at hand and provided the personal touch.  BTTJ fit the bill perfectly and the fact that they had the necessary commercial expertise and were on our doorstep made them an obvious choice.

“Both Senior Partner Samantha Wright, Partner Alex Khan and their respective teams supported us throughout the transaction, which had the added challenge of being conducted in lockdown.  Nevertheless, we completed on time, and they provided us with the necessary advice throughout to ensure the acquisition process was seamless.  We couldn’t have asked for a better partner.”

Orlaith and Bee are now looking to the future with plans in the pipeline to hold private events. Further job opportunities are also available for a variety of roles including one permanent, three-four casual staff and another delivery driver to support the business as it continues to grow.

Samantha Wright, Senior Partner of BTTJ & Commercial Solicitor stated: “It is so gratifying to see a business like The Village Store grow and prosper and we are delighted to have played a part in their success.”

Orlaith continued: “We are delighted with the way The Village Store has taken shape.  It is beginning to thrive and becoming a social hub within the community which was one of our primary objectives.  We are still brimming with ideas and are just so grateful to BTTJ for providing us with the advice and support which has made this all possible.”

Our expert Commercial Property & Corporate / Commercial team can assist with all aspects of Commercial work, contact us for more information

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