Articles
Business law
Procedure when completing a bid / tender or informal pitch
[ 6. March 2010]
A recent high-profile case of EDS v BSkyB has demonstrated the importance of following proper procedures when completing a bid, tender or informal pitch.
Pre-Budget Report: implications for small businesses
[ 5. January 2010]
The Chancellor made a number of announcements in the Pre-Budget Report that will affect small businesses. We have produced the checklist below that highlights some of the more important issues for small businesses.
Considering taking on a franchise? Pay attention to the franchise agreement
[ 4. December 2009]
If you take on a franchise, you will invest a great deal of time and money into the franchised business and the franchisor will be making a substantial commitment to you.
Companies Act - Final Changes from 1 October
[30. November 2009]
On 1 October 2009, the final instalment of the Companies Act 2006 came into force. The latest changes:
Commercial property
Commercial EPCs - One Year On
[ 4. December 2009]
The introduction of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for almost all commercial buildings in October 2008 aimed to improve the energy performance of buildings and, eventually, for EPCs to have a significant impact on the value placed on eco-friendly buildings.
Dilapidations: concerned about the condition of your properties
[ 4. December 2009]
With all businesses looking to cut costs at the moment, some tenants have been failing to keep their properties in a good state of repair.
Empty Business Premises - What are your options?
[ 4. December 2009]
Since the abolishment of empty property business rates relief last year, most landlords benefit from only three months grace for non-industrial premises and six months for industrial premises before having to pay the full amount of business rates.
Lease Termination
[ 4. December 2009]
Whether you decide to remain in your existing premises or move, those tenants who prepare their strategy well in advance of the end of their Lease will reap rewards particularly in the tenant's market which currently prevails.
Dispute Resolution
Shareholder disputes and resolution
[ 4. December 2009]
Shareholder relationships have been likened to a commercial marriage with similar personal and financial stress resulting from a relationship breakdown.
Employment law
Checklist: additional paternity leave
[ 6. March 2010]
What is the right?
An eligible employee whose child is due on or after 3 April 2011 will have the right to apply for up to six months' additional paternity leave (APL) before their child's first birthday.
An eligible employee whose child is due on or after 3 April 2011 will have the right to apply for up to six months' additional paternity leave (APL) before their child's first birthday.
Checklist: the right to request time off for training
[ 6. March 2010]
What is the right?
From 6 April 2010 a new right for employees to request time off work for study or training will come into force. It will initially apply to businesses with 250 or more employees and will be extended to all employers, regardless of size, from April 2011.
Employment costs under review
[ 4. December 2009]
With businesses looking for opportunities to reduce costs, what should employers consider when the economy suffers a downturn?
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (SVGA)
[27. November 2009]
A new centralised vetting and barring system introduced by the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) came into force on 12 October 2009, as a response to the Bichard Inquiry following the Soham murders in 2002.
Licensing
Mandatory code of conduct for alcohol retailers
[ 6. March 2010]
The Government has recently announced a new code of conduct for alcohol retailers. This checklist will help you keep track of the implementation dates for the five new mandatory licensing conditions.
Relationships
Cohabitating couples - what happens when it all falls apart?
[ 4. December 2009]
Contrary to popular belief, legally there is no such thing as a 'common law marriage'.
Pre-nuptial agreements - playing a role in protecting wealth
[27. November 2009]
Have you ever thought about what would happen to your wealth if you were to marry, and then get divorced?
Perhaps you have already built up a successful business or received inheritance that you want to protect from division in the event of a divorce.
Residential property
Buying a repossession property - key considerations
[ 4. December 2009]
With repossession properties being sold on average at a third less than their market value, and in some instances even less, you are right to think that they offer excellent opportunities to investors, developers, first time buyers and a wide range of purchasers.
Channel 4 advice - shop around for your HIP
[ 4. December 2009]
Anyone wishing to put their house on the market should shop around for their Home Information Pack.
Wills, trusts and estate planning
Thinking of leaving a legacy?
[ 4. December 2009]
Naturally your first consideration in making a will is to take care of your family and friends.
The role of the executor
[27. November 2009]