Corporate

Client Guide to Injunctions

07/08/2008

This Guide explains Injunctions in general terms

New consumer rights

20/05/2008

The new regulations will be introduced on 26 May 2008 and aim to protect consumers by prohibiting traders from indulging in a number of aggressive and misleading sales practices.

Summary of Some Relevant Tax Changes for the new Tax Year 2008/2009

20/05/2008

Companies Act 2006

20/05/2008

This update reviews the key provisions of the Companies Act 2006 that came into force on 6 April 2008 and the current position on the provisions due to come into force in October 2008 and October 2009.

Corporate Update - Companies Act 2006

01/04/2008

This update reviews the key provisions of the Companies Act 2006 that will come into force on 6 April 2008 and the current position on the provisions due to come into force in October 2008 and October 2009.

OFT clamp down on estate agents' commission

07/03/2008

The Office of Fair Trading ("OFT") recently announced that it has issued High Court proceedings against estate agents, Foxtons, challenging its residential lettings terms. If successful, estate agents can expect a dramatic overhaul of the way in which they are able to charge commission on residential lettings.

Corporate Manslaughter

07/03/2008

The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 (2007 Act) comes into force on 6 April 2008. The 2007 Act introduces a new statutory criminal offence, replacing the existing common law offence of manslaughter by gross negligence, and is intended to make it easier for the authorities to successfully prosecute large organisations where a corporate management failing has led to death, by introducing a new test: that of a substantial senior management contribution to the company's breach of duty. Prosecutions will be heard in the Crown Court and decided by a jury. Corporate Manslaughter prosecutions will now be high on the agenda of the prosecuting authorities whenever there is a highly publicised incident involving the death of workers or members of the public.

National Consumer Council calls for OFT investigation on software licenses

22/02/2008

The National Consumer Council has claimed that many of the standard terms used by software providers in their licenses are unfair and fail to comply with UK consumer protection law, and has called on the Office of Fair Trading to investigate.

Execution of Deeds and Company Secretaries

06/02/2008

On 6 April 2008, further elements of the Companies Act 2006 will come into force. Two of the changes relate to (1) the method by which a company may execute a deed and (2) the requirement for a company to have a company secretary. In accordance with the general tenure of the Companies Act 2006, these changes are being introduced to provide private companies with greater flexibility in how they choose to operate.

Companies Act 2006 - Delayed Implementation

06/02/2008

A further tranche of the Companies Act 2006 was due to come into force on 1 October 2008 This has been delayed by a year.

A selection of deals completed in 2007

01/02/2008

New Tax Relief for Entrepreneurs

25/01/2008

The Chancellor has just announced the proposed changes to the capital gains tax regime which were previously announced in the 2007 Pre-Budget Report. The Chancellor has introduced a new Entrepreneurs Relief.

Hackney Legislation - Out of Touch Once Again

07/12/2007

When is an application for a hackney licence not an application?

Duties and Responsibilities of Directors of Private Companies

09/11/2007

The Companies Act 2006 introduces a statutory statement of directors' duties that will replace many existing common law and equitable rules. This note considers the new structure of directors' duties, their scope, their implementation and their possible implications.

Business correspondence rules have changed - make sure you comply!

05/07/2007

Certain sections of the Companies Act 2006 have come in to force which make changes to the information that companies must publish in correspondence and official communications.

Codification of Directors' Duties; Promoting the Success of the Company

05/07/2007

The Companies Act 2006 has put directors' duties on a statutory footing. The new law will come in to force in October 2007 and in theory has changed very little. However, it has still met with controversy, particularly in relation to the duty to 'promote the success of the company'.

Companies Act 2006 - Implementation Timetable

05/07/2007

Many people are aware of the existence of the new Companies Act 2006 which became law last November, but it is less well known that most of the provisions are not yet in force and will only come into force in a piecemeal fashion between now and October 2008.

West Firms Premium Rate Warning

12/03/2007

Local businesses should be aware they could be falling foul of guidelines set by the premium rate services industry watchdog, warns solicitors Ashfords whose offices are in Bull Wharf, Bristol.

Commercial Update - February 2007

16/02/2007

Neither a borrower nor a lender be" and certainly don't turn a blind eye to it.

New Act will require charities to prove they are of public benefit

13/11/2006

Charities throughout the West Country will have to prove they are for the public benefit under a new Act passed last week. After nearly two years going through Parliament, the new Charities Act 2006 has finally gained Royal Assent and is now on the statute books.

Ashfords advises on AIM Flotation

17/09/2006

Ashfords advised GMO Limited on its placing and admission to the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange last week.

Devon Professionals Advise on Acquisition of South West Shopfitters

20/03/2006

A Plymouth-based bespoke design and manufacturing company has been sold by its husband and wife co-founders.

Avoiding Culture Shock From VAT!

08/03/2006

West Country cultural organisations, such as art galleries and theatres, are being advised to review urgently the way in which they operate after a recent High Court decision that clarifies when VAT is payable on admission prices.

Ashfords advises China Education Group Ltd on its admission to Ofex

04/01/2006

Simon Rous, Partner at Ashfords acted for China Education Group Ltd in its admission to Ofex and Offer of Subscription of 822,355 7% Convertible Loan Notes of £1.00 each.