Business Law

An architect and his firm face a negligence claim after a cinema was damaged by fire after he left a door open during an inspection. David Tew, Associate Solicitor reports on this recent case. The cinema belonged to Rushbond Plc. The architect worked for JS Design Partnership LLP. Together with an engineer and a quantity surveyor, he had carried out an inspection on behalf of a potential purchaser. He gained access…

It’s the start of a new year and with the new year comes opportunity as well as challenges. Two years on from the onset of the pandemic, we still find ourselves dealing with some restrictions. Arguably we are getting used to the different measures that have been and continue to be introduced and not having all our usual ‘freedoms’. But as business owners and managers it can be overwhelming to keep…

A sales executive who suffered from a delusional disorder has lost his claim of disability discrimination. The Court of Appeal upheld the Employment Tribunal’s decision that his condition did not amount to a disability under the Equality Act. Jennifer Cafferky Solicitor in our employment team reports on this recent case. The case involved Mr Sullivan, who had worked for Bury Street Capital Ltd since 2009. Following a relationship breakdown in 2013,…

An employee at a biscuit factory who threatened a colleague while in a diabetic rage has won his claim of unfair dismissal. Jennifer Cafferky Solicitor in our employment team reports on this recent case Mr Dytkowski began working for Brand FB’s biscuit factory in 2009. He was diagnosed with insulin-dependent diabetes in March 2018, which he described as a “difficult diagnosis to accept and manage”. Occupational Health staff helped Dytkowski adapt…

As we near the end of 2021, a time when many of us will reflect on another challenging year, we would like to share a message of hope and positivity for 2022. The UK economy is in good shape. Despite the doom and gloom in the news, there are many positive signs, including: We have the world’s 5th largest economy. We are the world’s 8th largest manufacturer; and We are…

A phone supplier has been told it cannot enforce a cancellation clause in a contract with a customer because the terms are “too onerous”. Sam Lyon Head of Corporate & Commercial reports on this recent case. The case involved Blu-Sky Solutions Ltd and Be Caring Ltd. Be Caring, a social care provider, had a contract for a mobile network service (MNS) to provide mobile telephone handsets for its staff. It was…

Implementing hybrid working models permanently will help businesses attract the most talented employees, a leading employment solicitor has claimed. Joanne Stronach, Head of Employment Law and HR at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, is recommending businesses retain flexible working patterns where possible in order to keep and recruit the best staff out there, following the success and popularity of working from home during the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. As the Government’s…

The High Court has ruled that a telephone conversation between the managing directors of two companies amounted to a binding agreement and had to honoured. Sam Lyon Head of Corporate & Commercial reports on this recent case. The case involved Mansion Place Ltd v Fox Industrial Services Ltd. Mansion had engaged Fox to refurbish and extend student accommodation. There were delays in the performance of the works. Fox said they were…

A mother who was dismissed during her maternity leave while the ownership of her company changed hands has won her discrimination claim. Jennifer Cafferky Solicitor in our employment team reports on this recent case Mrs Rodin worked for HR company DMS1 and went on maternity leave in June 2017. During her absence, the company underwent a change in ownership, with Dhillons Management Services taking over, although this company was also…

The High Court has rejected a claim that a firm of accountants failed in their duty of care and should be held liable for a client’s failed investment. David Tew, Associate Solicitor reports on this recent case. The client, Mr Knights, sought damages from Townsend Harrison Ltd for losses he suffered after the firm introduced him to three tax schemes and an investment opportunity. Townsend was not authorised by the Financial…