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There’s been a rise in the number of firms experiencing financial difficulties as the rate of business growth slows to its lowest level in four years. Research by the insolvency and restructuring trade body, R3, found that the number of companies reporting one or more signs of growth fell to 53% in September 2017, down
Entering a New Year is always a good time to take stock…of our careers, our work and, of course, our lives in general. At the centre of it all must be our families; everyone wants to protect their loved ones, both now and in the future. There are many ways to do this and the
Businesses are facing an increasing threat from staff stealing valuable data to help them set up a rival firm or to take to a new job with a competitor, according to recent research. A survey by the security software company Symantec found that 56% of employees don’t think it’s a crime to use competitive data
Parliament has begun work on the Draft Tenant Fees Bill that will make it illegal for agents to charge tenants letting fees. Ministers say the level of fees charged are often not clearly or consistently explained, leaving many tenants unaware of the true costs of renting a property. This latest action is designed to help
A fire officer who claimed his employer didn’t do enough to help him overcome his dyslexia and advance his career has lost his claim of disability discrimination. John Roads was a crew commander with Bucks Fire and Rescue Service. He wanted to become a fire safety watch commander, which involved passing exams, working at a
A firm or architects have won their dispute over the payment of a final invoice after a developer unexpectedly dispensed with their services. The issue arose after the developer had accepted the architects’ fee proposal in relation to a housing project. After a few months, the developer emailed the architects, indicating that it intended to
Persistence is an admirable quality but unfortunately it can sometimes work against directors who take personal risks when trying to save a failing business. Sometimes the heart can rule the head. Directors often have an emotional attachment to a firm they have set up themselves and feel a tremendous loyalty to their staff. This can
A flat can be considered a home in multiple occupation (HMO) even if it is only part of a larger building with floors used for other purposes. That was the decision of the High Court in a case involving a two-storey flat situated above a restaurant. The local authority said it needed to be licensed
The government has announced plans to tighten the regulations covering mergers between companies operating in sensitive areas that could affect national security. The changes are targeted at firms that design or manufacture military and dual use products, and parts of the advanced technology sector. Currently in these areas, the government can only intervene in mergers
The decision by Chancellor Philip Hammond to abolish stamp duty for most first-time home buyers in England and Wales has met with a mixed reaction from property experts and analysts. In the Budget, Mr Hammond announced that the first £300,000 of the price of a property will be exempt from tax for people entering the