Court settles couple’s dispute over value of company shares
September 8th 2020The High Court has settled a dispute between a couple who were separating and needed to value the shares in their company. By Mark Aspin Director & Head of Dispute Resolution The case involved Solent Garage Services Ltd and its two directors, Claire Lewis and Philip Clarke. The couple had established the garage while living together and bringing up their three children. They were equal shareholders. Their relationship broke down…
Government introduces 6-month notice period for tenant evictions
September 3rd 2020The government has announced that landlords will have to give six months’ notice if they wish to evict tenants who are struggling to pay their rent during the Covid-19 pandemic. Natalie Tatton Solicitor in our Dispute Resolution Team provides an update. It has also extended the ban on evictions until 21st September. The six-month notice rule will apply in all cases except those involving serious issues such as anti-social behaviour and…
Payment holidays ‘could sound the death knell for some firms’
August 27th 2020Businesses that have offered payment holidays to customers may be damaging their own chances of survival, according to the Chartered Institute of Credit Management (CICM). By Carly Davies Debt Recovery Manager. A survey by CICM of its members suggests that of the 83% of firms who had offered a payment holiday, two thirds (66%) said there would be a negative impact on revenues and profits. Of those, a quarter (25%)…
Furlough Explained: Answering SMEs Burning Questions
August 25th 2020Over recent months the government has announced a number of changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – more commonly referred to as ‘furlough’. From September the government contribution towards wages is reducing from 80% to 70% up to a maximum of £2,187.50 per month; in October this reduces further to a government contribution of 60% up to a maximum of £1,875. From November the government will not make any…
A chance to celebrate Cumbria’s amazing SME businesses at prestigious awards
August 21st 2020CUMBRIA has a brilliant business community full of inspiring business people achieving amazing results across a whole range of sectors. Whether it’s in advanced manufacturing or energy, hospitality and tourism, professional services and agriculture, right across the board in a broad range of industries including new and emerging technologies, we have businesses who are always looking to innovate. From young entrepreneurs to established business leaders there’s also a real willingness…
Tribunal ‘failed to consider employer’s needs’ in discrimination case
August 20th 2020The Employment Tribunal failed to properly consider the needs of the employer when dealing with a disability discrimination claim. By Claire Davies Director That was the decision of the Employment Appeal Tribunal in a case involving the Department of Work & Pensions and one of its employees, Susan Boyers. Ms Boyers suffered from migraines, stress and panic attacks. She went on sick leave in February 2017. In March 2017 she…
When “in jeopardy” ruling rescued hospitality business hit by COVID-19
August 13th 2020LAWYERS have won a landmark ruling in an insolvency case of a hospitality business hit by the COVID-19 pandemic which brings new legal meaning to “in jeopardy”. The case, won by the Dispute Resolution team at leading legal firm Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, involved a West Cumbrian business which took two leases – one for a hotel and another for a restaurant. To raise part of the capital the business accepted…
EU Import & Export Changes Grant Funded Training Workshops
August 7th 2020Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors are happy to be able to offer the EU Import & Export Changes training to our Business Clients through our membership with the UK200group. Brit Exit – Did you know …. Currently most imports from the EU cross the borders without need for official paperworkWhen we leave the EU (31/12/2020) the import and export of goods rules will changeAs of 31/12/2020 an import/export entry will have to…
Farmers can’t afford to bury their heads in the sand over making a Will
August 6th 2020FARMERS have so much to deal with that tackling paperwork is never likely to be top of their agenda. But the coronavirus outbreak has been a wake-up call that there’s some tasks they simply can’t afford to bury at the bottom of their “to do” pile. Many farmers have been prompted to take action and ask for expert legal advice to ensure they are protecting their interests and their families.…
Businessman ordered to repay more than £5m to former partner
August 4th 2020A businessman who misappropriated large sums of money from his company has been ordered to refund more than £5 million to his former partner. The case involved Ashank Patel and Mohammad Babar Iqbal, who had been partners in a property development business. After some of the projects suffered delays due to cashflow problems, Patel discovered that Iqbal had been misappropriating funds from the business, resulting in losses of around £5…