Business owners, particularly in small businesses, can often wear too many hats. Whether it be as a shareholder, director and/or employee, each of these hats carries very different rights and responsibilities:- Shareholders: investors in the business and their relationship to each other is governed by the Companies Act and any shareholder agreement (if one is
Perhaps it was a slow news day but watching the news over breakfast this morning I was interested in an article concerning local residents who turned out in their hundreds to help thousands of frogs and toads cross a busy road! So what does this have to do with planning decisions for commercial properties? From
Jeremy Hunt delivered his Spring Budget on 6 March, and it will probably be his last major fiscal announcement ahead of this year’s anticipated general election. With a focus on reducing tax for the working population and helping parents, there were several announcements in the Budget that affect businesses and employees which I consider and
The number of compulsory company liquidations soared by 66% in the year to January, according to the latest figures from the Insolvency Service. The number of all company insolvencies was 5% higher than the number in January 2023. Of the 1,769 registered company insolvencies in January 2024: Nicky Fisher, President of R3, the UK’s insolvency
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has issued guidance for employers confirming that the menopause can be classed as a disability. The new document, entitled Menopause in the workplace: Guidance for employers, sets out an employer’s legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010. EHRC says many women experience negative impacts of menopausal symptoms in
The Government is planning to reintroduce fees for employment tribunal claims seven years after they were judged to be unlawful by the Supreme Court. The Ministry of Justice is now seeking views on the proposals in a consultation document, Employment Tribunals and the Employment Appeal Tribunal The document says the Government has learned the lessons
The highly anticipated annual office Christmas party epitomises the perfect out of hours staff get together, but if you’re not careful one too many shots coupled with a clash of personalities could make for a recipe for disaster! Here are Machins’ top tips for a trouble-free night of drinks, dancing and merriment without the throes
The Government has announced changes to the Renters (Reform) Bill to protect vulnerable residents and improve the safety of homes for tenants. It has tabled amendments to make it illegal for landlords and agents to have blanket bans on renting to people who receive benefits or who have children – ensuring families aren’t discriminated against
There has been a surge in the number of renters seeking assistance with no-fault evictions, suggesting that landlords are rushing to move people out before new legislation comes into effect. According to Citizens Advice, nearly 2,000 individuals sought help with section 21 evictions in May, the highest number recorded in a single month and a
When starting or growing a business, it’s important to consider what legal structure will give you the best chance of success. There are several options to explore, including sole proprietorship, partnership, and limited company. Each structure has its own legal considerations, liability implications, and tax obligations that should be thoroughly understood before making a decision.