Business Law

A company has been awarded almost £4m after the Court of Appeal ruled that it did not lose its right to terminate a contract, even though it continued supplying services for several months after the event that triggered the termination right. Joseph Halvorsen, Solicitor Apprentice, reports on this recent case. The case concerned an electricity supply agreement and the principle of waiver by election – whether a party entitled to…

Landlords and letting agents will be required to provide tenants with new official information explaining upcoming changes to rental law, as the Renters’ Rights Act is due to come into force on 1 May 2026. Haley Howells, Apprentice Paralegal working in our dispute resolution team, provides an update. The government has published an information document setting out the changes, which must be given to tenants by 31 May 2026. The…

Farming has always involved risk – weather, markets, livestock, machinery. Yet one of the biggest risks we see regularly isn’t outside the farm gate at all. It’s the absence of a clear partnership agreement between the people actually running the business. Jonathan Carroll, Director & Head of Agriculture, explores why partnership agreements are essential for farming families. If one of the partners died tomorrow, would everyone know exactly what happens…

A female security officer who was repeatedly called “mummy” by male colleagues and subjected to sexist and racist behaviour at work has been awarded almost £69,000 in compensation by an employment tribunal. Jennifer Cafferky, Associate Solicitor in our employment team, reports on this recent case. The tribunal found that the woman, identified only as CL, was harassed on grounds of sex and age while working as a security officer for Mitie…

Prominent law firm Cartmell Shepherd is continuing to grow its team with the appointment of a new trainee solicitor – the 10th individual to receive their backing. Tom Miller has joined the agricultural property team based at Rosehill in Carlisle. He was born and bred in the city, attended Nelson Thomlinson School, and comes from a farming family so his first role in the company’s team is perfectly placed. “I’ve…

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is coming soon, with the first phase commencing from 1st May 2026, which includes the abolishment of section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions.  Landlords will still be able to serve, and rely on, a section 21 notice up to the end of April.  However, landlords should bear in mind that it is more important than ever to get things right to ensure any section 21 notice…

The High Court has intervened to break a boardroom stalemate between two equal blocs of directors and shareholders, ordering a company to circulate written resolutions that could lead to the appointment of an independent director. Mark Aspin Director and Head of Dispute Resolution reports on this recent case. The case arose from a long-running deadlock at ESMS Global Ltd, where Simon and Jennifer Webster on one side and Rajesh and Sarita Sood on…

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces the biggest changes to the private rented sector in decades. Coming into force on1st May 2026, the legislation will affect how tenancies operate, how rent is reviewed and how landlords meet new compliance standards. Understanding the key changes early will help landlords prepare, protect rental income and avoid penalties. What’s changing? From ending fixed term tenancies to new rules for tenants with children and…

The Insolvency Service is setting up a new team to tackle rogue directors who try to avoid paying their company debts. Carly Davies, our Debt Recovery Manager, reports. The Abusive Phoenixism Taskforce will have a staff of 50 people to investigate suspicious company insolvencies. It will have a budget of £25m. The service’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement Services, Dave Magrath, said:  “This is welcome funding which will help the Insolvency Service tackle rogue directors…

The Court of Appeal has ruled that a brief exchange of emails was enough to create a legally binding commercial contract, even though the parties expected to sign a longer written agreement later. The court said that where key terms are agreed and both sides behave as if a deal is done, the law will treat it as binding. Joseph Halvorsen, Solicitor Apprentice, reports on this recent case. The case…