The assistance enabled Grace Enterprises to secure a commercial lease for a new cutting-edge bakery for Half the Story in Wilford.
Launched in 2023, Half the Story creates high-quality biscuits while providing meaningful employment for individuals facing significant barriers to work, including homelessness. Every 100 biscuits sold equates to one hour of real Living Wage work. Employees also benefit from mentoring and holistic, trauma-informed support, with 96% reporting a positive impact on their lives.
The lease work was led by Marneya Chauhan, Senior Associate Solicitor, based at Rothera Bray’s Leicester office.
Marneya commented:
“I’m pleased to have successfully completed this lease transaction on a pro bono basis for a fantastic charity. Acting on their behalf, I was able to draft and negotiate the lease documentation and progress the matter to completion in a timely and efficient manner. It has been a privilege to support the charity by helping secure suitable premises that will enable them to continue and expand their valuable work.”
Matt Parfitt, CEO of Grace Enterprises, commented:
“We’re incredibly grateful for the help and generosity of Rothera Bray in helping us to secure these premises. Marneya carried out our conveyancing work pro bono, working through all the complexities of securing a commercial lease for a social enterprise.
“This space will enable us to build capacity, to scale up our social enterprises and most importantly to create even more life-changing jobs for people with major barriers to work. The help of Marneya and Rothera Bray really will create life-changing opportunities in our community.”
In addition to the pro bono work, Rothera Bray recently donated £5,000 to Grace Enterprises to fund confidential meeting pods for Half the Story. This contribution forms part of the firm’s Deeds That Make a Difference initiative, launched in late 2024, which focuses on reducing homelessness and poverty, promoting sustainability, and encouraging social mobility.
If you need advice on a commercial property lease or other commercial property dealings, contact our Commercial Property team on 03456 465 465 or email enquiries@rotherabray.co.uk.
