We helped one of only two scissor manufacturers still based in Sheffield secure its future in the city and its place in local history.

The sharp end of property ownership

Scissor specialist, Ernest Wright, approached our commercial property team for help to purchase the workshop at 58 Broad Lane in Sheffield city centre it was currently renting.

Director, Paul Jacobs, was recommended to us by a colleague in our probate department. He was referred to associate, Bryony Shaw, who picked up the case and worked closely with the client, securing a successful completion six months later.

The 1940’s factory building has been the home of Ernest Wright for many years and whilst the surrounding area is being swallowed up by residential development, the firm’s management wanted to safeguard its foothold in what is an historic area for the scissor trade and ensure its premises become a local industrial icon.

Slicing through the legal jargon

Fortunately, Ernest Wright’s landlord was open to the sale and all relevant documentation was forwarded to Bryony without delay. She reviewed the title, including occupational tenancies, applied for searches and raised enquiries with the seller’s solicitors.

Bryony then examined the sale contract itself and dealt with overage provisions, which are common in commercial property transactions and usually require additional funds to be handed over to the seller post-completion.

Although the building is 80 years old, nothing untoward arose during the due diligence process and after discussing her findings with the client, Bryony completed the transaction without issue.

Ernest Wright immediately renamed its headquarters ‘Kutrite Works’ after one of its most revered collections of scissors and a restoration programme was commenced, to provide staff with a happy, healthy environment in which to work. This will include significant upgrades to the building itself and the installation of vintage machinery, to create a place where visitors can watch its craftspeople in action.