The importance of recording Settlement Terms
May 2026
Settlement agreements are a common feature of dispute resolution in the UK whether in employment matters commercial disputes or litigation generally. While reaching a settlement can feel like the end of a difficult process, what is often just as important as the agreement itself is how the terms are recorded.
Received a Letter Before Action or Court Claim Form? Here’s what you should do next
May 2026
Receiving a Letter Before Action or a County Court Claim Form can be concerning, particularly if you were not expecting legal action. However, both are part of the formal dispute process in England and Wales, and understanding them is key to protecting your legal position.
When to settle and when to fight a commercial dispute
Mar 2026
If your business is involved in a legal dispute, one of the first questions is whether to try to settle or fight it in court. Of course, there’s no simple answer, because while the law is important, it’s only part of the picture as things like cost, time, and risk often matter just as much.
Companies House is introducing GOV.UK One Login – this is what businesses need to do now
Oct 2025
Some important changes have been announced by Companies House to the way users access WebFiling services. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming changes and what you need to do now to prepare.
What is WebFiling used for?
The current Companies House WebFiling is used by companies to file accounts or confirmation statements. It can also be used to make changes to your company details, or close the business completely.
If you use WebFiling, then you will need to be aware of some changes that will begin to take effect this month as this will affect all users who currently file company documents online.
Top tips for handling franchise disputes before they escalate
Aug 2025
Operating a franchise business can be a win-win when both franchisor and franchisee thrive. In the longer term though, things can arise which can cause disagreements.
Here are a few top tips to prevent issues from getting too out of hand – and could even prevent expensive court action.
Key takeaways from the Spring Statement 2025
Mar 2025
Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered the latest Spring Statement yesterday, outlining plans for the economy with a focus on welfare reforms, defence spending, and public sector cuts.
Here’s a breakdown of the key announcements:
What might be in store for next week’s Budget speech?
Oct 2024
There has been much speculation surrounding new Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ first Labour Budget in office and she has made no secret about the “difficult decisions” that will need to be made. So, what might next week’s Budget speech look like and what are the likely targets?
Changes to UK Company Law: The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023
May 2024
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (the Act) received royal assent on 26 October 2023, ushering in significant changes to UK company law and administration. Discover how these new measures will affect you and your company as we delve into the details of the changes.
HMRC fees are increasing – here’s what you need to know
Mar 2024
From 1 May 2024 HMRC will be increasing company information and registration fees. This follows the recently implemented Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA), which aims to improve the quality of data on HMRC’s registers.
Highlights from the Budget speech
Mar 2024
The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has given his latest Budget and outline of spending. It is expected to be the last Budget speech before the next general election this year.
Corporate & Commercial Employment Residential Property & Conveyancing
Autumn Statement: Key points at a glance
Nov 2023
The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has delivered his highly anticipated Autumn Statement speech, setting out spending plans for the year ahead. As the cost of living crisis continues to take hold, many households were wondering how their budgets would be affected by the Chancellor’s measures.
General tips for Employers - The Redundancy process
Jun 2023
As a result of the challenging economic climate, many employers are embarking on restructuring and redundancy exercises. Does this apply to you? Perhaps you are closing your business, closing a workplace or there is a reduction in the need for particular employees.
Liabilities of a Director
Jun 2023
There are many different situations in which a director can be personally liable under English law. This can be personal liability due to actions relating to health and safety, consumer protection, environmental, employment and bribery/anti-corruption. Personal liability can also arise in insolvency situations when the directors knowingly or negligently allow the company to carry on trading. This is known as fraudulent or wrongful trading.
Let's talk about Menopause in the work place - Interview with GWR (Great Western railway)
May 2023
In June 2022, the Employment Team at Downs Solicitors LLP, held a webinar discussing menopause in the workplace and emphasised that it was something that needed further recognition amongst employees and employers. If issues or concerns are not addressed in the right way, some instances could lead to an Employment Tribunal case.
Spring budget summary - at a glance
Mar 2023
Yesterday (15th March 2023), Chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveiled his first Budget in the wake of rising energy bills and a cost of living crisis.
The energy bills that are driving businesses towards insolvency
Feb 2023
The rising cost of living is never far from the headlines, but if your livelihood is at stake then you’re probably more worried than most.
Do I have to pay my Bounce Back Loan if my business goes bust?
Feb 2023
I own a hospitality business and during the Covid 19 pandemic, we lost several large clients which left us struggling to stay afloat. I applied for a Bounce Back Loan, which offered no repayment and no interest for 12 months, with a low APR following that term.
Firing and Re-Hiring – Consultation Document
Feb 2023
The government has published for consultation a draft Code of Practice, prepared by ACAS, relating to the circumstances in which an employer contemplates dismissing employees and offering to re-engage them (or new replacement employees) on different contractual terms.
Autumn Statement: At a Glance
Nov 2022
Jeremy Hunt, has delivered his first Autumn Statement speech as Chancellor of the Exchequer. It was a highly-anticipated speech that was forecast to announce a range of tax increases that would tighten the belt of the country’s finances.
Ways for private limited company owners to exit their business
Oct 2022
Exiting your business is a huge decision and the way in which you do so is equally important. Deciding which method of exit will depend on a number of factors and qualified advice should always be sought in advance.
Today’s mini-budget summary
Sep 2022
The Chancellor’s mini-budget statement has been highly anticipated as people await to see how Kwasi Kwarteng’s first-ever budget speech will help ease the burden of the cost of living crisis.
Corporate & Commercial Employment Residential Property & Conveyancing
The Register of Overseas Entities
Jul 2022
The Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act (‘the Act’) became law on 15 March 2022. Its primary purpose is to crack down on tax fraud and money laundering that involves UK property by making it harder for criminals to hide behind shell companies and to make it easier to seize properties that have been purchased illegally.
The Queen’s Speech – at a glance
May 2022
Today was the day of the Queen's Speech - an event that forms part of the State Opening of Parliament ceremony and sets out new laws. Usually, the speech is delivered by the Queen herself, but for the first time since 1963, she did not attend due to health reasons. Instead, the speech was delivered by Prince Charles, who highlighted some of the 38 laws ministers intend to pass in the coming year.
Spring Statement is the chance for Sunak to step up
Mar 2022
The country really is in quite a predicament. The cost of living is skyrocketing, taxes have been raised to their highest point in 70 years, thousands of pounds are being added to heating bills and more people than ever are facing the choice between eating and heating.
What does “Living With Covid” mean for employers?
Feb 2022
The Government has now released plans as to how society needs to move forward from the Covid-19 pandemic, including the relaxation of isolation rules and charging for covid testing. But what will it mean for employers?
Company Directors: The Problems caused by Informality and Lack of Records
Feb 2022
A recent case in the Employment Appeal Tribunal illustrates the type of dispute that is so often seen within small companies, frequently but not always family-owned ones. Such disputes occur where there is a complete lack of documentation recording the nature of the relationship between the directors and the company.
Vaccination status controversy reaches new levels after JLP says it will pay staff regardless
Jan 2022
As Plan B restrictions lift in the UK once again, there’s been a few headlines surfacing about how employers are treating unvaccinated staff - and it’s a bit of a legal minefield.
Holiday Entitlement and Holiday Pay – Key points for Employers
Jan 2022
Holiday entitlement and pay is a notoriously difficult area for HR practitioners. Typical challenges include calculating holiday entitlement for casual or zero hours workers, accounting for bank holidays for part-time staff and trying to keep up with the constantly evolving case law regarding what aspects of employee remuneration are deemed “normal pay” and therefore must be included in holiday pay. We summarise the main questions and answers below. However, legal advice should always be taken on a specific scenario. The below should only be treated as guidance.
IKEA cuts sick pay for unvaccinated staff who are self-isolating due to Covid exposure
Jan 2022
A significant social media backlash followed the announcement by IKEA that only staff fully vaccinated against Covid-19, or those who have mitigating circumstances, will receive enhanced company sick pay in the future when self-isolating due to Covid-19 exposure
Are you breaching Data Protection Laws and GDPR with your video doorbell?
Jan 2022
We can see the increase in popular home CCTV devices through the likes of “Ring Doorbell” and “Google Nest” as homeowners wish to protect their properties. However, individuals with such devices must be cautious as the recent case of Fairhurst v Woodard [2021] 10 WLUK
151 passed judgement that the Defendant, Mr Woodard had breached both the UK Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA) and General Data Protection Regulation 2016 (GDPR) through the use of his home video surveillance.
Can staff who are afraid of catching Covid-19 refuse to return to work in the office?
Jan 2022
Is fear of Covid -19 a protected belief under the Equality Act 2010?
The Manchester Employment Tribunal has recently held that employees cannot use a fear of catching Covid-19 as a reason not to return to working from the office on grounds that it is a philosophical belief protected by the Equality Act.
Sunak support provides welcome boost to hospitality
Dec 2021
The Chancellor has revealed a package of support worth £1bn to help fund businesses hit by the latest rise in Covid-19 cases.
Sick Absence and Fit Notes: Temporary New Rules
Dec 2021
Some temporary regulations affecting sick absence were published on 16 December 2021 and came into force on 17 December 2021.
What will be this year’s “rabbit out of the hat”?
Oct 2021
Never has there been more speculation around a budget statement as we emerge from Covid-19 and continue to pay for the damage it has caused to the economy. Could it be this is the end of the rabbit-out-the-hat moment, as the Chancellor Rishi Sunak looks to balance the books? Here are a few predictions from us as to what the budget may contain this Wednesday.
Life after Lockdown - Returning to the office
Jul 2021
At the press conference on the 5th July, the Prime Minister announced the relaxation of the regulations on the 19th July subject to a review of the latest data on the 12th July. If the regulations are relaxed, then employees will be able to return to the office on the 19th July.
Coronavirus Update - All change for the Furlough scheme (July 2021)
Jun 2021
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme commenced in March 2020 and was implemented to help businesses during the pandemic. The Scheme allowed employers to place employees on furlough and only pay them 80% of their wages up to a maximum of £2500.
With the latest Government advice - Do I still need work from home?
Jun 2021
The Government’s roadmap identified that until England reached Step 4 of the Roadmap, employees should work from home where they can. As we are aware Step 4 has been delayed from 21stJune to 19thJuly 2021 and therefore, employers should continue with home working wherever possible until the 19thJuly.
The Spring Budget 2021: A Summary
Mar 2021
As the UK eagerly tuned in to the most anticipated Budget for a generation, many were left wondering what the Chancellor’s traditional “rabbit out of a hat” might contain - especially as several big measures had been announced beforehand.
Commerical Property Corporate & Commercial EmployLaw Employment Residential Property & Conveyancing
Coronavirus and Sick Pay
Feb 2021
As new variants of the coronavirus are emerging and the pandemic continues, employees will continue to take sick leave due to testing positive for the coronavirus and/or being required to self-isolate.
Caring for your employee’s mental health
Jan 2021
The WHO defines good mental health as: “a state of wellbeing in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stress of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
Millions of UK workers to receive increase in pay from April 2021
Jan 2021
In April of each year, the Government increases statutory payments that are payable to workers and employees.
The digital assets that are worth a will
Jan 2021
Last year, we wrote a blog about how digital assets are commonly overlooked when writing a will. But, thanks to a recent survey by the Law Society, now might be the best time to give it some thought.
Working from home - where do you stand?
Jan 2021
Under new government guidance, you should work from home if you can effectively do so. However, some employers may ask their employees to return to work whilst restrictions are in place - particularly if it is not reasonable to carry out that work at home. For those who are concerned about health problems, or juggling childcare, where do you stand in the eyes of the law?
What the new lockdown means for businesses, employees and workers
Jan 2021
The third lockdown in England legally came into force on 6 January 2021. How long it will last is uncertain. At least until mid-February and possibly until late March. Vaccination provides a route out of the pandemic, but businesses need to survive this final and possibly longest of the lockdowns.
We are open
Jan 2021
During these uncertain times, it is good to know you can count on us.
Even after the recent Government announcement of another national lockdown we remain open for business and are here to help you.
Commerical Property Corporate & Commercial Corporate Recovery & Restructuring Dispute Resolution EmployLaw Employment Family International Services International Services for Business Notarial Services Planning Private Client Residential Property & Conveyancing
Family Investment Companies
Oct 2020
What is a family investment company (FIC)?
FICs are companies limited by shares (an “Ltd” or “Limited”) often setup by parents or grandparents (“Founders”) to benefit both themselves and their family as shareholders. Their popularity has increased in recent years, being seen as a corporate alternative to the more common discretionary trust.
Coronavirus Update - Jobs Support Scheme announced
Sep 2020
With new government guidance on Covid coming into force today and the current furlough scheme coming to an end next month, as expected, the Chancellor has today announced a new scheme to help businesses.
Electronic Signatures – Remote working and execution of documents
Mar 2020
In the UK electronic signatures have been legal since the introduction of the Electronic Communications Act 2000.
Now that we are all trying to accommodate working from home and interacting with each other remotely we should consider the electronic signature to help us continue with ‘business as usual’.
Commercially it is becoming more and more common especially as flexible working is on the rise.
Election round up – the results
Dec 2019
We've woken up to the news this morning that, following a public vote in a general election, the Conservative party will be forming a government after winning the biggest majority vote in over 30 years.
Could the UK avoid recession?
Oct 2019
Talks surrounding the possibility of a shrinking economy are increasing by the day, however, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the UK might just avoid a recession.
Digital assets – what do you think you own?
Jul 2019
Whilst writing wills or nominating an individual for a Lasting Power of Attorney, protecting physical assets, such as property or cash, might be the first things to spring to mind. But, in an increasingly digital age, what about any online assets to an estate?
BA Faces "Largest" GDPR Breach Fine
Jul 2019
British Airways (BA) looks set to face the largest GDPR penalty by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) of £183m for last year’s data breach that put 500,000 customers’ details at risk.
3 Situations that require a Non-Disclosure Agreement
Jun 2019
In all the excitement of a new partnership or business venture, sometimes we forget the serious side too. Fact is, without a non-disclosure agreement, or NDA as it is more commonly known, you risk exposing some of the valuable, and saleable, secrets of your success
Can you inherit Air Miles?
Jun 2019
As a professional who works in wills and probate, I find that people deal with death in very different ways. Grief can strike a number of reactions and the thought of death itself has a lot to answer for in terms of effective planning – but perhaps that’s why a particularly story caught my eye over the weekend.
Love in Later Life – and what it means for inheritance
Jun 2019
We are waiting longer than ever to get married. According to recent statistics from Royal London, marriage rates at younger ages continues to decline, there are an increasing number of men are getting married over age 60, as well as women aged over 50. Whilst we are waiting longer to find the love of our lives, what can the implications be of finding love later in life?
5 Top Tips to turning your start-up into a thriving business
Jun 2019
When you start a business, there is a phase at the very beginning when you are trying to do several things at once. All of a sudden, you are a business consultant, an accountant, a marketer and a writer - as well as being the expert in your chosen field. It can be easy to lose sight of a few things along the way, but here are five top tips to help you stay on track and help turn your start-up into a thriving business.
What is "Blockchain Technology" and what impact might it have on the legal industry?
May 2019
BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY
One of the biggest IT changes on the horizon for us as professionals is the impact blockchain technology will have on the way we work. This note attempts to shed a little light on what it is and how it may be applied.
Why have Terms and Conditions
May 2019
Terms and Conditions (T&Cs) are key for any trading business, setting out the terms on which contracts are formed, operated and terminated. They can be in various forms and contain all manner of arrangements which are bespoke to the relevant industry, transaction and customer including matters such as price and payment, method of placing orders, responsibilities of both parties, delivery arrangements, returns, and warranties and liabilities. They also detail what happens when things go wrong, for example the customer fails to pay an invoice or the goods supplied are defective.
GDPR One Year On
Apr 2019
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is nearly one year old, having come into effect on May 25th 2018. Many businesses in the UK and abroad have made amendments to elements of their practices to ensure GDPR compliance. As with any substantial change, there has been a steep learning curve and inevitable growing pains. With the one year mark fast approaching it seems an appropriate time to look at the impact and success, if any, of GDPR.
Spring Statement 2019 – At a Glance
Mar 2019
The Chancellor has just delivered his Spring Statement for 2019 and despite lasting just under half an hour there were certainly a few surprises in store.
Brexit uncertainty having a knock-on effect to wider economy
Feb 2019
According to recent reports, falls in factory outputs and car production, and uncertainty surrounding Brexit, have taken its toll on the UK economy, which is now seeing the slowest economic growth in 6 years.
Brexit: How are businesses faring
Feb 2019
Whilst the jury is still out about how Britain-of-the-future will look after March 2019, but still, the headlines continue to tell us of companies that have been blighted by Brexit.
Google's lesson is one we could all learn
Jan 2019
The story about Google and its hefty fine for breach of GDPR is perhaps a reminder to all of us about the seriousness of data protection.
How the Morrisons Data Breach case should put employers on their guard
Nov 2018
GDPR seems to be the word of the year, but as many businesses still try to get to grips with it, the Court of Appeal have issued details surrounding a case of data protection. Is an employer responsible if an employee deliberately breaches a data protection law?
GDPR four months on: What's changed?
Sep 2018
The new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force on 25 May this year. It, together with the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018), replaced existing laws in the UK relating to data protection and became an obligatory requirement across the whole of the European Union. Even though this had been bubbling away in the news for several months, there were concerns that businesses remained relatively in the dark about what they had to do. In the end, the majority of cases saw a last-minute scramble to implement the new regulation – and it appears to be still on-going.
