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How The Autumn Budget Could Impact Divorce
The recent budget announcement has raised many questions about its effects on divorce proceedings. While budget changes do not affect the divorce process itself, consequential matters like financial settlements, property sales, and private...
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7 Key Considerations Before Signing a Commercial Lease
Signing a new commercial lease agreement for your business is an exciting prospect, but you should take time and care to ensure the lease provisions are suitable for your business and are commercially workable. Even the most straightforward...
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How the New Obligation to Prevent Sexual Harassment Can Safeguard the Hospitality Industry
The hospitality sector frequently faces high-profile scandals involving sexual harassment, largely due to the nature of the industry, where employees interact directly with customers in high-pressure environments. From bars and restaurants to...
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Purchasing a Commercial Property as a UK Manufacturer
Purchasing a property for your manufacturing business provides stability and investments for the future and removes the hassle of gaining a landlord's consent for any alterations you may want to make to the premises. You may be confident that this...
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The Effect of Marriage, Divorce and Separation on your Will
It is important to make a Will if you wish to leave your estate according to your wishes (whether to your spouse, children, charity or otherwise). In England and Wales, the absence of a valid Will means that the law will determine who will benefit...
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How to Deal With Terminal Dilapidations
When a lease approaches expiry, a landlord will consider the property's condition and whether the tenant is in breach of any of the lease's clauses relating to the property's repair and maintenance. When dealing with a terminal dilapidations claim...
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Are Employee Ownership Trusts a More Attractive Succession Model Following the 2024 Autumn Budget?
On Wednesday, 30th October, the Labour government announced several changes to the legislation governing Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) in the Budget. Our EOT Lawyers examine the changes outlined in the Autumn Budget and consider how changes to...
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How Does the Labour Government Intend to Fill the £40 Billion Black Hole?
Initially predicted to be £22 billion, Chancellor Rachel Reeves had to deliver a Budget to raise funds but previously announced that there would be no increases to VAT, Income Tax and National Insurance. Who are those with the broadest shoulders...
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Autumn Budget 2024: Insolvency and Restructuring
The UK’s first female Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has announced the first Labour budget in 14 years. In this blog, our Insolvency and Restructuring Solicitors highlight the main changes which are likely to have an impact on the Insolvency...
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Opportunities and Challenges of Using AI In Medical Research
The Government has recently announced its plans to invest £6.4 million in an Artificial Intelligence (AI) digital pathology data platform , with the particular aim of (1) storing digital pathology data from the NHS and (2) training AI models on...
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The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 (“the Act”)
Claimants who wish to bring a claim under the Inheritance Act must do so within six months of the date of the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration. If the Grant has been extracted, the six-month date by which to bring a claim can be...
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What to Expect at Manchester Family Court
Attending family court can be daunting, especially if you are unfamiliar with the process. Whether you are going through a divorce or trying to sort out the arrangements for your children , understanding the process and knowing how to deal with the...
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Recovering Assets After Company Dissolution: How Vesting Orders Can Help Beyond the 6-Year Time Limit
When a company is dissolved, its assets are often considered permanently lost, especially if more than six years have passed since its removal from the Companies Register. However, alternative legal options for recovering these assets exist, such...
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What Happens to a House When an Unmarried Couple Splits and Only One Partner Owns It?
There is a myth that when you live with your partner for a long period of time, you are in a “ common law marriage ”. However, the reality is that there is no such concept in England and Wales. Whether you have lived with your partner for one year...
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Everything You Need To Know About Buying A Second Home
Do you aspire to purchase a second home? According to the English Housing Survey , 2.1 million households reported having at least one additional property, and the trend is not slowing. At Myerson, we recognise the difference between purchasing a...
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Husband of Heiress who Drowned in Denmark Cottage Pool Blocked from Inheriting £4 Million Fortune
In a recent case, a High Court judge has ruled that Donald McPherson unlawfully killed Paula Leeson by drowning her in the pool of their holiday cottage in an attempt to gain access to her £4.4 million estate. Our Contentious Probate Solicitors...
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What Insolvency Options are Available For Distressed Retail Businesses?
The retail sector has been facing difficult market conditions recently. Statistics show that the number of retail insolvencies has increased 19% in the past year, from 1,843 in 2022/23 to 2,195 in 2023/24 (year-end 31 January). There are several...
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How To Prepare for Refinancing Your Commercial Property
Someone might want to refinance their property for several reasons, such as a refinance with the same lender or a different one. The existing loan might end, a cashflow injection may be required, or more favourable terms might have been found with...
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What Happens to Sub-Tenants if the Headlease is Forfeited, Surrendered or Disclaimed?
There are different consequences to the sub-tenants interest if a headlease is forfeited or surrendered. Our Property Litigation Solicitors explore the impact on a sub-tenant in both scenarios.
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IP Advance: New Financial Support Scheme for SMEs Launched by the IPO
It’s no trade secret that intellectual property ( IP ) has the potential to drive growth and value for your business by delivering competitive advantages and creating new revenue streams. Therefore, it should be music to the ears of small and...
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World Menopause Day: Employee Rights, Menopause Policies, and Workplace Support
World Menopause Day, observed on 18 October 2024, is dedicated to raising awareness about menopause and the importance of health and well-being support for employees experiencing menopausal symptoms. As menopause and perimenopause can significantly...
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An Introduction To Director Disqualification Proceedings
The Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 (CDDA 1986) sets out the circumstances in which an individual or corporate entity may be disqualified from acting as a director of a company or from being concerned with or taking part in its...
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How to Remove an Executor From A Will
What can be done if the Executor of a loved one's estate is not handling the estate assets properly? Our Contentious Probate Solicitors explain the legal process for removing an Executor who fails to properly administer a deceased person's estate...
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Can I Gift My Property To My Children?
Before you gift your home to a loved one, it is wise to discuss the complexities and risks with a solicitor. At Myerson, our Private Client and Residential Property Teams are experienced in providing bespoke advice in this area and have outlined...
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Alienating Behaviours and Parental Alienation: Steps to Take
Unfortunately, when assisting in child contact arrangements on a relationship breakdown, it is not uncommon to hear statements such as My partner is telling lies about me to manipulate the childre n or The children do not want to see me because of...
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Key Considerations For SLAs In Manufacturing Arrangements
Good fences make good neighbours, and good Service Level Agreements (SLAs) can do the same for businesses entering into manufacturing arrangements by providing the parties with a clear boundary for what constitutes an acceptable standard of...
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Can a Landlord Take Back Possession of my Retail Premises to Redevelop the Site?
The answer to this question will depend on whether your lease is protected by the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 ("the 1954 Act"). If the lease has the 'protection' of Part II of the 1954 Act, the business tenancy will not end unless terminated...
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Thinking About Moving On? Key Considerations When Planning For The Succession Of Your Business
Most business owners dedicate a significant amount of time to carefully planning and implementing their business setup. They also invest considerable time and resources into growing the business, ensuring its smooth management and longevity...
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Employment Status in the Life Sciences Sector: A New Dawn
In recent years, working models have become increasingly varied, with organisations routinely departing from traditional employee/employer arrangements. This is particularly the case for the life sciences industry, which, given the work's...
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Fans Look Back In Anger As The CMA Confirms It Will Investigate The Dynamic Pricing Of Oasis Ticket Sales
Dynamic pricing, also known as real-time pricing, is the practice of adjusting the price of a product quickly and flexibly in response to market demand. For example, it may increase the price of a product after it has been placed in an online...
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What Is A Private Nuisance?
In a landmark ruling on 1 February 2023, the UK Supreme Court clarified that how modern buildings are used can amount to private nuisance, impacting property owners, occupiers, and developers. Our Property Litigation Solicitors explain what a...
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The Short-Lived Triumph Of Lady Ingram: Ingram Schemes Today
Over the years, loopholes in legislation have been found that have allowed taxpayers to make tax savings. Unsurprisingly, HMRC has become aware of such loopholes and has taken steps to close them. One such loophole is commonly referred to as an...
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Can You Make Lasting Powers of Attorney After Being Diagnosed with Dementia?
In aid of Alzheimer’s day, our Wills, Trusts and Probate Solicitors consider the impact of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis on a person’s ability to make Lasting Powers of Attorney. It is a common misconception that once a person has been diagnosed with a...
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Could your Default Interest Clause be Unenforceable?
A default interest clause in loan agreements imposes a higher interest rate when a borrower defaults, compensating lenders for increased risks and costs. However, if this clause is seen as punitive rather than compensatory, it may be considered a...
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What Impact Will the First Base Rate Cut Have on the Housing Market in Autumn 2024?
At Myerson, we are optimistic about the housing market as we transition into Autumn 2024. Historically, September and October have been prime months for buyers looking to make their next move as they hope to settle into their new homes before...
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What Are the Most Common Mistakes When Divorcing?
We appreciate that separation and divorce can be a highly traumatic, emotional, and stressful time. It can feel very confusing, and it is important to try to take control of the situation and seek legal advice at the earliest opportunity. Our...
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The End of Fire and Rehire and Its Effect on the Manufacturing Industry
The King’s Speech, delivered on 17 July 2024, set out several proposals from the new Labour government. Among such proposals was the Employment Rights Bill , which included a commitment to ‘ending the scourges of ‘Fire and Rehire’ and ‘Fire and...
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How to Help Your Children Through Divorce
Separation and divorce can be a challenging and upsetting time for all involved. Even though the relationship between the adults has ended, their role as parents does not stop. It is important to make sure the children get the support they need...
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Could An Employee’s Far-Right Belief be Protected Under Discrimination Law?
After weeks of social unrest, far-right ideology has taken the government and media’s attention. Individuals may have had direct involvement by taking part in far-right riots and inciting violence online, but also may have indirectly been involved...
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Hospitality & Leisure: Employment Law Update
The hospitality sector faces numerous challenges as a result of upcoming employment law changes. Below, we explore the potential ban on ‘exploitative’ zero-hour contracts, as well as the introduction of a new law on tipping.
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Will the Autumn Budget Call Time on Deeds of Variation?
With a recent change of government comes plenty of speculation on what we can expect to see in Labour’s Autumn Budget. Our recent blog from our Wills, Trusts and Probate experts has reviewed some of the proposed changes to estate planning and how...
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Who Is The Legal Parent of a Surrogate Child?
Surrogacy is a process by which a child is carried through pregnancy by a woman with the intention that, at birth, the child and parental responsibility for the child will be transferred to another person/couple, known as the intended parent(s...
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What Every Parent Should Know About Appointing a Legal Guardian for their Child in Their Will
One of the most important considerations for parents regarding estate planning is appointing a legal guardian for minor children. Whilst the thought of not being there for your child may be unsettling, planning to secure their future can give you...
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10 Key Points To Consider When Engaging A Consultant
Engaging with a consultant can allow businesses to access a particular skill set or expertise within a specific sector or industry that it does not possess within their existing workforce without incurring the time and costs associated with...
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Nature of Easements
Easements are a key consideration for landowners and developers, as a failure to consider their implications properly may have the result of severely inhibiting a development scheme. This blog identifies common easements, examines how they are...
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A Field of Their Own: Agricultural Prenups
A prenuptial agreement is an agreement that a couple signs before their wedding that sets out how their assets will be dealt with in a divorce. These agreements can also cover the planned use of matrimonial finances during the marriage. A...
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What is the Difference Between Bankruptcy and Insolvency?
People often use the terms insolvency and bankruptcy interchangeably. In England and Wales, insolvency and bankruptcy have distinct meanings, although they can often relate to similar circumstances. Our Insolvency and Restructuring lawyers...
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Am I Legally Entitled to an Inheritance?
The inheritance laws of England and Wales are complicated, with many rights based on laws established years ago. Understanding what rights you have can be hard to navigate, especially at a difficult and emotional time. Our Contentious Probate...
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Wealth and Estate Planning Considerations under a Labour Government
In the run-up to the election, Labour said there would be no tax rises on 'working people' and pledged in their manifesto not to increase Income Tax, National Insurance, or VAT. With the recent £22bn 'black hole' announced in public finances, the...
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Hannah Neeleman and the Resurrection of the Trad Wife
There is an increasing trend on social media of the 'Trad Wife' —a growing group of women turning back to traditional values, routines, and expectations and becoming stay-at-home wives and mothers. This trend has skyrocketed to virality over the...
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How Will the New Labour Government Encourage Housebuilding and Ensure Affordability for First-Time Buyers?
Housing affordability is a critical issue in the UK, and many people find the dream of homeownership difficult to achieve. Following Labour's recent landslide election victory, Angela Raynor was appointed as the new Secretary of State for Levelling...
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The Court of Appeal overrules the High Court decision on undue influence in Rea v Rea
Where someone has made a Will, it can be challenged if it was produced as a result of "undue influence" by one of the beneficiaries. Our Contentious Probate lawyers explore a recent decision in a case called Rea v Rea which demonstrates how these...
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How Will I Survive Financially After Divorce?
Going through a divorce is inevitably a stressful and uncertain time. You will likely be concerned about how you will begin living independently, including having independent finances and moving forward on a single income. There are options...
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Retail Rollercoaster: How to Maximise Employment Flexibility as A Retail Employer
In recent weeks, the retail sector has experienced a rollercoaster of trends, which highlights the importance of flexibility from an employment perspective. Our Employment Lawyers and Retail Team consider how the retail sector has been impacted and...
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Do I Need To Make A Foreign Will For My Holiday Home Abroad?
If you are domiciled (see below for further details) in England, you can make a Will that deals with your worldwide assets. However, suppose you own a property abroad, such as a holiday home. In that case, there are potential benefits to making a...
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Government Plans for Science, Innovation and Technology
While the first King's Speech of the new Labour Government may not have announced the 'AI Bill', which had been the subject of some advance media speculation, it nevertheless contained much interest in technology, science, data, the online space...
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Manufacturing and Succession – Growth Shares
Many UK manufacturing businesses are family-owned enterprises, often having been owned and operated by the same family for multiple generations. When it comes to passing the business to the next generation or transferring it to a management team...
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Key Employment Law Takeaways from the King’s Speech
On 17 July 2024, the King’s Speech was delivered. This set out the new Labour government’s priorities for the months ahead, solidifying some groundbreaking proposals for employment law reforms. Our Employment Lawyers provide an update on what we...
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How Can I Provide For My Autistic Child After I Have Died?
If you are a parent/grandparent of someone with autism, it can be worrying to think about how you will be able to provide for them after you have gone. You want to ensure that someone you trust will take care of their needs in the future. By making...
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The Hard Life of Trademarks: easyGroup Forces Band to Rename in UK Trademark Dispute
A British indie band formerly known as EasyLife has recently changed its name to Hard Life following a legal clash that started last year with easyGroup, the owner of the airline easyJet. Our Dispute Resolution Solicitors explore the important...
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How Non-Matrimonial Wealth Is Treated By The Courts
You must disclose all your financial assets, income, and liabilities when divorcing. Many people ask whether they need to disclose any assets acquired before the marriage or whether they can keep these separate; our Family lawyers explain how the...
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Cross-Border Estates: What To Do When An Individual Dies Whilst Living Abroad
When an individual dies, dealing with their estate can be difficult and overwhelming. Added complexities arise when the individual dies outside of England and Wales because different jurisdictions have different rules for dealing with estates. If...
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Life Sciences and Commercial Real Estate: A Growing Synergy
The life sciences sector has emerged as a significant driver of innovation and economic growth in recent years. With advancements in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and healthcare services, the life sciences industry is improving...
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Guide To Buying A Company Through Share Purchase
Thinking about buying a business? Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a first-time buyer, our Corporate Lawyers provide an overview of the key legal aspects of purchasing a company (through a share purchase) in this guide. This brief is...
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How To Ensure Your Online Platform is P2B Compliant
E-commerce marketplaces, online platforms, and other online intermediaries have become increasingly popular options for many businesses looking to market their goods and services not just throughout the UK but on a global scale. The popularity of...
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The Future Of Employment Law Under Our New Labour Government
The Labour Party's election manifesto proclaimed that employment law in Britain is no longer fit for the modern economy. In May 2024, Labour detailed its plans to "make work pay" by delivering a "new deal" for working people within the first 100...
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What Factors Do I Need To Consider When Instructing a Residential Property Solicitor?
Your choice of legal representation is fundamental when buying or selling a property. Laura Higgins, a Residential Property Solicitor at Myerson Solicitors, outlines key factors to consider.
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Residential Landlord Possession – What To Do If Your Tenant Refuses To Move Out
In most cases, a tenant will leave after the landlord has served a Section 8 Notice or a Section 21 Notice requiring the tenant to vacate the property. However, when the tenant fails to vacate, the landlord may be forced to proceed with Court...
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National Minimum Wage and Travel Time in the Agriculture Sector
Following changes to pay rates in April 2024, our Agriculture Lawyers examine the National Minimum Wage Regulations 2015 (NMWR) and travel time in an agricultural context. This follows a recent Employment Appeal Tribunal decision that determined...
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What To Consider When Looking For A Commercial Property To Rent
Choosing the right property for your business is an important decision, and there are many factors to consider. Apart from the obvious considerations, such as whether the property is in the right location and whether the rent is affordable for your...
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Loosening the Belt: What is Grey Belt Land and Green Belt Land?
The Labour Party unveiled plans to construct new homes on ‘grey belt land’ during their 2024 General Election campaign. Our Commercial Property Solicitors explore what Labours proposed plans mean for future development as well as the purpose...
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Can My Landlord Take Back Possession Of The Premises I am Operating A Business From?
The location of your premises is often crucial to your business's success, particularly in the hospitality and leisure sector. Relocating can be expensive and disruptive for you and your customers. This raises the question: Can a landlord take back...
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What Can I Do If My Ex Stops Me Seeing My Child?
If you have separated or are in the process of separating, we understand that one of the hardest things is not seeing your child every day. Knowing your rights regarding contact and what to do if either or both of you cannot reach an agreement...
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How To Plan for Success When Selling A Technology Business
The sale of any business (or company) will often be complex and time-consuming. The more preparation you can do (as a seller), the more time you can save and the less stressful the process can become. For technology businesses in particular, it is...
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Buying a Property: Key Considerations for Homebuyers
Purchasing a property can feel like an overwhelming experience and many people do not know where to begin. Common questions include: What information will I need to start the transaction? How do I evidence my source of funds? How long will the...
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Carrying Out Legal Due Diligence in the Life Sciences Sector
Due diligence is essential to any business (or company) purchase, particularly in the life sciences sector. It allows the buyer to obtain information relating to the business to manage the risk caused by the buyer-beware principle. The due...
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Taking Cross-Border Security Over UK-Based Assets
Lending across borders can involve several risks and jurisdiction-specific requirements. Cross-border bank security taken by a bank or institutional lender is usually a charge over the assets of a corporate entity located in the UK. It can also be...
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Ambiguous Drafting of Gifts to Charity in Wills
A recent case heard by the High Court has highlighted the importance of considered preparation, clear drafting, and regular reviews in preparing Wills. Our Wills, Trust, and Probate Solicitors examine the case of Marjorie Thompson , who died in...
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The Rise of Insolvency Within the Retail Sector - Key Warning Signs and Potential Solutions
The retail sector has recently been at the forefront of insolvency news, with high-profile insolvencies such as Ted Baker and The Body Shop. These have highlighted the difficult market conditions currently faced by retailers, with statistics...
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Redundancies in the Technology Sector
In recent years, it has been a rollercoaster ride for employers and employees alike in the tech sector. Our Technology Lawyers look into the processes and effects of redundancies in the technology sector.
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Cloudy Skies: An In-Depth Look at the Landmark Trade Mark Dispute Between Sky v SkyKick
After 7 years of litigation, in June 2023, Sky v SkyKick reached the Supreme Court, raising fundamental questions about the scope of trademark protection and the concept of "bad faith" trademark registration. While we continue to wait for a...
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Break Clauses – Avoid the Pitfalls!
Break clauses are contractual provisions in a lease that allow either the landlord or tenant to bring the contractual term of the lease to an end early. On the face of it, a break notice appears to be a straightforward document, and it often looks...
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Farming Wills and Nil Rate Band Discretionary Trusts
Before 2007, it was common for spouses to include Nil Rate Band Discretionary Trusts (NRBDTs) in their Wills. Our Agricultural Solicitors investigate why this was, what has changed, and why. If you own farming assets and have one in a will, you...
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Presenting a Creditor's Bankruptcy Petition
If you are a creditor who is owed money by an individual, presenting a bankruptcy petition is one option available to you to try and recover the debt owing. Filing a bankruptcy petition is only appropriate where several conditions have been met...
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Hospitality and Leisure: Top Tips for Protecting and Exploiting Your IPR
With intellectual property rights ( IPR ) having the potential to drive growth and value for your business by delivering competitive advantages and creating new revenue streams, understanding what IPR your business owns and developing a strong IPR...
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10 Steps to Take When Leaving a Relationship
Our Family Solicitors appreciate that separation can be a highly traumatic, emotional, and stressful time. It is important to take control of the situation and seek legal advice at the earliest opportunity. In this blog, we set out the main...
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New TA6: What Does This Mean for Sellers?
In March 2024, the Law Society published the TA6 (Fifth Edition) Property Information Form. It is mandatory for all Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) firms to use it from Tuesday, 25 June 2024. The new TA6 was published alongside the updated TA6...
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Expansion of Family-Friendly Rights: A Closer Look
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of family-friendly practices in the workplace to better support working parents and caregivers. As a result, several legislative changes were introduced in April this year to...
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Assisted Dying: Proposals, their Pitfalls, and Legal Alternatives
Assisted dying is a complex and divisive subject due to the ethical, religious, moral, and legal dimensions of end-of-life decisions. In recent times, the topic has surged to the forefront of public discourse following the launch of Dame Esther...
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Software Development Agreements: 5 Key Areas to Consider
A software development agreement is essentially a services agreement whereby one party (the developer) agrees to develop a software application for another party (the customer). Such agreements serve as a roadmap for both parties to clearly...
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Coronation Street's Inheritance Secret
Coronation Street fans will no doubt be aware of the ongoing storyline regarding a recently discovered Will of Archie Shuttleworth (played by the late Roy Hudd). In 2018, Archie's son, George Shuttleworth (played by Tony Maudsley), had been left...
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Choosing Commercial Premises: A Guide for UK Manufacturers
Selecting suitable commercial premises can be a crucial factor in meeting your manufacturing goals and contributing to the success of your business. Therefore, it is important that you make the correct decision and ensure that you have given proper...
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Why Estate Planning Is Just as Important as Wedding Planning
Contemplating marriage can be a joyous time. Amidst the excitement of scouting out venues and cake tasting, it can be all too easy for the happy couple to neglect less-romantic considerations such as Wills and estate planning. Marriage holds...
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Don’t Worry, Be App-Y – The Government Plans for Regulation of Digital Mental Health Technologies
The risks to mental health posed by our use of smartphones, social media, and similar tech-related aspects of modern life are well-reported. At the same time, many organisations are already providing or developing tools which use technology to...
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Family Business Buy-Outs in the Agricultural and Rural Business Sector
A solution to succession planning in a family-owned business in the agricultural and rural business sector could be a sale of the business by the senior generation to the next generation of family members . This is commonly referred to as a family...
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Should I Buy the Freehold to My House?
The Leasehold Reform Act 1967 (the 1967 act) gives leasehold tenants of houses the right to buy the freehold. The right to buy the freehold (and any intermediate leasehold interest, for example, the head lease) without the landlord's agreement is...
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Understanding Landlord's Consent to Assign a Lease: A Guide for Tenants
Assignment of a commercial lease is an attractive option for tenants of commercial properties who wish to divest themselves of their lease. Commercial property tenants often find themselves trapped in a lease with time left to run, where the...
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Franchise Agreements in Retail
Franchise agreements are used extensively within the retail sector . It is important to understand how these agreements work and what they will mean for the parties entering into them . A franchise agreement is a legally binding contract that...
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Cut Out Of A Will In Favour Of The Family Dog?
It is well known that Britain is a nation of animal lovers, with 53% of UK adults owning a pet in 2023. As pets become cherished family members, increasing numbers of testators are considering their welfare when preparing Wills. Our contentious...
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A Guide to Prenuptial Agreements
A prenup is a legal agreement made between two individuals before they marry or enter into a civil partnership. The agreement itself can set out a variety of provisions as to how the couple intend to divide their assets in the event of any...
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Can I Be Made Redundant When I’m on Maternity Leave?
It is estimated that over 590,000 individuals employed are pregnant. In a recent survey conducted by the campaign group ‘Pregnant then Screwed’, 7% of their survey pool confirmed they had lost their job through redundancy, sacking or feeling forced...
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What Paperwork Do I Need to Sell My Property?
On average, the sale process can take 8-12 weeks. However, the transaction can be prolonged if your paperwork is disorganised. To avoid frustrating delays, you should ensure that your affairs are in order before you put your residential property on...
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Some Key Clauses in Manufacturing Contracts
The contracts entered into by businesses operating in the manufacturing sector take a wide variety of forms. For the manufacturer in the role of supplier, they range from relatively simple agreements for the supply of goods (entered into with a...
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EV Charging Leases
At the end of last year, the UAE hosted COP28, which saw significant commitments aimed at combating climate change, including a commitment to accelerate the roll-out of electric charging infrastructure. The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate...
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How to Navigate a Demerger?
A demerger is a separation of different business activities carried on by a company or group into separate companies or groups, which are then (usually) owned by the same shareholders . Companies and groups demerge for various reasons, including...
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What is Domestic Abuse, And Does it Include Financial Abuse?
Domestic abuse is defined as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour. It can take many different forms, such as coercive control, psychological or emotional abuse, physical abuse...
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Umbro Counter-Attack: Court of Appeal Reverses High Court Decision in Umbro Trade Mark Infringement Case
The legal saga surrounding Umbro's iconic "double diamond" logo took a decisive turn recently. The Court of Appeal overturned the High Court's ruling and found that the Umbro brand was in favour, holding that Dream Pairs' logo infringed upon the...
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Making a Sharia-Compliant Islamic Will
Ramadan can be a special time for Muslims to reflect on their affairs. When it comes to Wills , a Sharia-Compliant Islamic Will is appropriate for Muslims who wish to leave their estate in accordance with the Quran (and the Hadith, the Sunnah and...
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Insolvency and Restrictions on the Reuse of a Company Name
When a company goes into insolvent liquidation , it is sometimes the case that the directors of that company want to set up a new company. Often, directors want the new company to have the same name as the old company so that they can benefit from...
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Succession Planning for Family-Owned Businesses in the Agricultural and Rural Business Sector
In the context of a family business , succession will involve a transfer from the older generation to the younger generation. As is the case with the wider economy, many businesses within the agricultural and rural business sectors are...
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Exclusivity Agreements In Property Transactions
Exclusivity agreements or lock-out agreements are most commonly used in commercial sale and purchase transactions. They aim to ensure that the seller negotiates solely with the buyer regarding the prospective transaction for an agreed-upon period...
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Should I Extend My Lease?
Homeowners may be aware that the Government is making it easier and, in some cases, cheaper to extend a lease. However, we are unclear about when the reforms will take effect. Under the current rules, you can either proceed under the informal...
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Am I Entitled to See Any Documents Relating to a Relative’s Will?
Under English law, a person is allowed to choose who benefits from their estate and how. However, there are certain safeguards – if a person who lacks mental capacity or is subject to undue influence attempts to make a Will , then it can be...
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National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage 2024 Increases and Their Impact on the Hospitality and Leisure Sector
As of 1 April 2024, the rates of NMW and NLW have increased in accordance with the Low Pay Commission’s recommendations. Notably, the NLW will apply to a lower age group of those aged 21 and over. The right to receive NMW and NLW applies to most...
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The Danger Of Overlooking Pensions And The Motherhood Penalty
When couples are separating, often their immediate concern will be about where they are going to live rather than thinking about their income in retirement. It is very easy to overlook pensions, as retirement can seem a long way off, and you may be...
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Pharmacy First
4 in 5 people in England can reach a community pharmacy within a 20-minute walk, and over 95% in England have signed up for the new Pharmacy First scheme. The Pharmacy First scheme was launched on 31 January 2024 by the Government and NHS England...
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Lasting Powers Of Attorney – Change is Coming
Powers of Attorney have been around in some format since the 1970s, evolving from the Powers of Attorney Act 1971, to the Enduring Power of Attorney Act 1985, to the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and latterly the Powers of Attorney Act 2023 which...
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Employment Discrimination: A Conflict in Cases
In early 2024, the Employment Tribunal made two notable judgments in the cases of Miller v University of Bristol and Omooba v Michael Garrett Associates Ltd (t/a Global Artists) and Leicester Theatre Trust Ltd , both of which centred on topical...
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Introducer Agreements: An Overview of the Key Points to Consider
Introducer agreements are a common type of arrangement used by businesses across a variety of sectors and can play a pivotal part in not only the growth of a business but also in establishing its position in its marketplace. Whether you are a...
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Manufacturing Acquisitions – Share Purchase Or Asset Purchase?
When acquiring a manufacturing business, it is important to understand the options available to structure the deal. An acquisition will be structured in two ways: a share purchase or an asset purchase. Both will allow you to acquire the target...
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Are Loan Interest Clauses Fair or Punitive Penalties?
Interest clauses in loans serve the fundamental purpose of offering a return to a lender on the capital they make available to a borrower. They also serve a secondary purpose of compensating for the opportunity cost associated with delayed payments...
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Biodiversity Net Gain Is Now in Force. What Does It Mean for You?
In the ongoing battle to harmonise development with conservation, the UK has taken a monumental step forward with the enforcement of Mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). As this transformative policy comes into force, accompanied by further...
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Do I Have To Share My Inheritance In A Divorce?
It is well-known that sorting out the finances on divorce can be a complicated and lengthy process. It involves unravelling financial situations created and intertwined over the course of a marriage, which can span decades in some cases. Often, it...
Read Blog![Unfair Prejudice Case Spotlight: Re Cardiff City Football Club (Holdings) Ltd [2022] EWHC 2023 (Ch)](/assets/Uploads/Unfair-Prejudice-Case-Spotlight-Re-Cardiff-City-Football-Club-Holdings-Ltd-2022-EWHC-2023-Ch-v2__FillWzgwMCw0NTBd.jpg)
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Unfair Prejudice Case Spotlight: Re Cardiff City Football Club (Holdings) Ltd [2022] EWHC 2023 (Ch)
As a minority shareholder, where the actions by the board of directors are unfairly prejudicial towards you, you may be entitled to bring an action under s994 of the Companies Act 2006 ( the Act ) . In recent cases, the courts have adopted a...
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Budget 2024 – No Inheritance Tax Changes but Other Property-Related Tax Amendments
The Chancellor has announced his most recent budget. Our clients have been most concerned about potential changes to the UK Inheritance Tax (IHT). There was no mention of any changes to IHT; however, some tax amendments would affect our clients...
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A Guide To Navigating Restrictive Covenants
Restrictive covenants, as applied to freehold land, are agreements created by a deed that one party will limit the use of its land for the benefit of another party's land, such as by capping the number of buildings which can be built on a site...
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Navigating New Regulations to Combat Economic Crime
In a significant step forward in the UK’s fight against economic crime, the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA 2023) has introduced milestone changes to the business world. Our blog on Company House Changes provides an...
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Product Liability – Considerations For Businesses Operating In The Life Sciences Sector
Businesses operating in the life sciences sector , whether they are manufacturing medical products for onward supply or selling medical products to consumers, must ensure that such products are safe and comply with the relevant regulations. In the...
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Hope Remains for the Greater Manchester Hospitality Sector
Despite the cost of living crisis undoubtedly having an effect on both individuals and businesses, hope remains for the hospitality sector in Greater Manchester at the beginning of 2024. A host of new venues have opened both locally in Altrincham...
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Stranger Danger: Co-Parenting & Associated Risks
Co-parenting websites provide a way for individuals to find a platonic partner to have a biological child. These websites are becoming increasingly popular; however, individuals seeking to embark on parenthood using this medium should be alert to...
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Unwrapping Changes: Important New Holiday Pay Rules Come into Force for Employers
On 1 January 2024, the Government brought into force a raft of major amendments to existing holiday pay regulations. In this article, we set out the key changes employers and HR practitioners need to know. The changes to the Working Time...
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What Could Restrict You From Altering Your Future Home?
Unfortunately, many restrictions could limit or even prohibit, alterations to your future home. Before you rush to sign on the dotted line, you should conduct your own due diligence checks with your local authority and ensure that your dream...
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Navigating Intellectual Property Litigation: A Guide for UK Manufacturers
Safeguarding intellectual property assets ( IP ) is crucial for manufacturers. This short blog from our Manufacturing Solicitors focuses on different categories of IP, including trademarks, copyright, and trade secrets protection, how and when...
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Top Tips When Renewing Your Commercial Lease
When a commercial lease term is close to expiring, the parties can enter into negotiations over the terms of a new lease agreement, which is known as a lease renewal. When renewing a lease, you must first check if the lease is inside or outside of...
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Share Buybacks – Common Pitfalls
A share buyback is the process a company follows to purchase its own shares back from one or more of the company’s current shareholders. A share buyback process can be utilised by a corporation for a number of purposes, including to: Exit a...
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What Is The Buildings Societies Act (Amendment) Bill 2023-24?
There is much talk in the press of the cost of living and interest rates, particularly the rising mortgage rates and the rate at which the Bank of England’s belated rate rises are to feed through into the real economy and impact many people’s...
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Pension vs. The Family Home – Is It Ever a Fair Deal?
When parties go through separation, the number one priority is often housing. The stress of ensuring immediate housing needs are met can often result in parties overlooking the importance of pension assets. When considering finances on separation...
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New Changes to the Probate Application Process – What Does This Mean for Personal Representatives?
HMRC have announced changes to the probate application process, which has taken effect as of 17th January 2024. Our Wills, Trusts, and Probate team explore what the issues were with the previous probate application process and what the new process...
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Service Charge Disputes: Your Questions Answered
A service charge is a sum that is paid in relation to maintenance, services and repairs. They are typically found in a lease, where it is agreed that a tenant will pay a landlord (or management company) a service charge to cover the service costs...
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Navigating Nitrate Neutrality: A Crucial Factor in Planning and Development
Nitrates are produced by various methods, including agricultural discharges, wastewater treatment discharges, and development and construction on land, which disturbs the soil. When nitrates are released and discharged into neighbouring water, a...
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Should I Sublet my Commercial Property Instead of Assigning the Lease?
A sublease is when a tenant of an existing lease (the “superior lease”) grants another lease below their own. The term of the sublease cannot be longer than the term of the superior lease. A sublease is the same as an underlease. To sublet, you...
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The Perfect Storm - Ongoing Struggles for Hospitality and Leisure Businesses
New data from commercial real estate analysts Altus Group has revealed that pubs across England and Wales are closing at a rate of two per day. With a reported 383 pubs having been either demolished or redeveloped during the first half of 2023, pub...
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To Mediate or Litigate? - Choosing the Right Route for Will Disputes
Losing a loved one and dealing with grief is never easy. It can be made considerably worse if a family dispute arises as to how a deceased’s estate should be distributed. Disputes can result in expensive and time-consuming court proceedings, which...
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Can I Preserve My Family’s Wealth With a Prenuptial Agreement?
If you are contemplating marriage or a civil partnership, entering into a prenuptial agreement is an effective mechanism to ensure your family wealth is ringfenced and preserved. A prenuptial agreement is a transparent contractual agreement which...
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New Year, New Legislation – What's Changing for Employers in 2024?
2024 is set to be a busy year for HR and employers , with a raft of changes to existing employment laws coming into effect and a number of new employee rights being introduced. There is also the potential of a general election to consider, which...
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International Data Transfers Final Reminder For Moving Away From The Old EU Standard Contractual Clauses
By way of a reminder, 22 September 2022 marked the date from which UK businesses could no longer use the old EU standard contractual clauses ( SCCs ) for any new agreements entered into where personal data is transferred outside of the UK to...
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What Do I Need to Consider When I Am Buying My First Home?
At present, this is a crucial question that is at the forefront of many first-time buyers' minds. According to Today's Conveyancer , new registrations for home services, including conveyancing, surveying and removals, were 73% higher in the first...
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AI and Manufacturing: Key Considerations for Employers
Artificial Intelligence (“ AI ”) is increasingly being implemented across all sectors, with manufacturing and engineering being no exception. According to a survey conducted by Deloitte in 2020, 93% of companies believe that AI will be a pivotal...
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Financial Provisions for Unmarried Couples: Claims under Schedule 1 Children Act 1989
Schedule 1 to the Children Act can be used to provide financial support for a child where the parents of a child have not been married or civil partners. In these circumstances, the Court does not have the wide powers it has on divorce or the...
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The UK’s New International Recognition Procedure For Medicines Comes Into Effect
Life Science is a global business, and patients across the world benefit from the ability of their national regulatory bodies to recognise the procedures for authorisation of new medicines implemented in other countries. In this article, we briefly...
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Borrowing and the Real Estate Refinancing Gap
The 'refinancing gap' refers to the difference between the amount needed to be borrowed to refinance existing debt and the amount that lenders are willing to lend. This issue has become much more prevalent in the last couple of years due to the...
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The Power of Green Leases in Real Estate
In the global pursuit of sustainability, businesses increasingly recognise their crucial role in reducing their environmental footprint. One innovative approach gaining traction in the commercial real estate sector is the adoption of "green...
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UK Government Consults on Potential Changes to the National Security and Investment Act 2021 (NSIA)
On 13 November 2023, the UK Government issued a call for evidence to gather feedback from stakeholders on potential changes to the NSIA with the view of making it " as pro-business and pro-investment as possible " whilst retaining and refining...
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What Am I Entitled to if I Divorce My Spouse?
Financial obligations exist between married couples, which do not end automatically once the divorce process is complete. Accordingly, it is important to consider resolving finances on divorce . If the parties can reach an agreement between...
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Is Online Gaming Paving the Way for Children to Gamble
Gaming is a lucrative technology industry in the UK. In 2022, the sector grew to a value of £62 million and is expected to have grown again in 2023. Children and young adults comprise a substantial section; earlier this year, Ofcom reported that...
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Hospitality and Leisure Q&A: Altrincham Football Club
Altrincham Football Club holds a special place in the hearts of local Altrincham residents and football enthusiasts alike. Over the years, Altrincham FC has evolved, embracing a distinct playing style under the stewardship of manager Phil...
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Battle of the Brands: Delta Air Lines and Marriott Hotel Chain
Amid an ongoing intellectual property dispute between Delta Air Lines and Marriott International, the US airline company has commenced a new claim against Marriott asserting passing off with respect to Marriot’s use of the word ‘Delta’ in...
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New Year, New Will!
You may wish to make it one of your New Years resolutions to make a Will or review your current Will, particularly if your circumstances have changed. For example, if you have recently married and made a Will before the marriage, your Will may no...
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Commercial Agency Update: Implications of the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023
In May 2023, the UK Government changed its plan to revoke all EU-derived laws, which would have included the Commercial Agents (Council Directive) Regulations 1993 (the Regulations ). The Retained EU Law Bill prescribed a targeted list of 600...
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Looking Ahead: 2024 Real Estate Considerations
As we welcome the new year, we are set for a busy twelve months ahead in the real estate industry. The following article from our Property Litigation experts addresses several considerations and predictions for the property sector in 2024.
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How Can My Spouse Be Provided for Without Causing Damage to the Farming Enterprise?
The division of a farm on divorce can be a highly complex and sensitive matter. The court is often faced with a dilemma in weighing up the need to provide for the non-farming spouse fairly on divorce whilst preventing irreversible damage to the...
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Navigating the Commercial Lease Exit: A Tenant's Guide
Some commercial tenants find that they no longer require a lease of the property they are renting due to expense or business needs. In many leases, there are express provisions governing a tenant’s potential right to exit a lease or transfer their...
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Hospitality and Leisure – A Battle of the Forms
The backbone of most hospitality and leisure businesses is the legion of suppliers and contractors working away in the background to keep things running smoothly. With the volume of contractual agreements in place with different contractors and...
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How To Start Divorce Proceedings
Making the decision to get a divorce can be a particularly emotional and stressful time in someone’s life. However, the process of getting a divorce does not need to be complicated, especially with the use of the services of a specialist family...
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Aretha Franklin's Will – Were Her Wishes r-e-s-p-e-c-t-ed?
The death of Aretha Franklin in 2018 left a void in the music world, but it also sparked a legal saga that highlighted the complexities of inheritance law and the importance of having a properly executed Will. After her passing, two handwritten...
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Gambling Adverts in Football: Play Your Cards Right
It was revealed last month that three posts on Twitter by Betfred, which featured global boxing phenomenon Anthony Joshua, had been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority ( ASA ) following an investigation by the regulator. This decision was...
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Septic Tanks - All You Need to Know
Put simply, a septic tank is a chamber that is buried underground and stores your wastewater. They are commonly found in rural areas where properties are not connected to the main sewage grid. There are specific regulations in place to ensure that...
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DIY Divorce: The Cost & Process of Divorcing Without a Solicitor
Changes to the procedure for applying for a divorce in England and Wales mean that all divorces are now applied for online, and as a result, more people are starting to apply for their divorces, often to try and circumvent the legal fees of...
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