Blog Posts: June 2009

Any developer considering adopting the Code can now read through a number of case studies published by the Department of Communities and Local Government.  These illustrate some of the problems encountered by developers building Code Homes for the first time so may be a useful resource. You can find the case studies here. Successful property development is all about avoiding the traps. Steven PettyCommercial Property Lawyer .... (read more...)

It's a question that seems to be concerning many business commentators and it's one we often debate with our own clients. In the legal profession we see many small, high street legal firms struggling as parts of the business are wiped out with the collapse of the housing market and the frailties of their financial systems are exposed. Conversely entrepreneurs and innovators seem to be welcoming the downturn as an opportunity to launch challenger brands, innovative products and solutions. But wil.... (read more...)

Responsibility for fire, health and safety issues rests with the operator of the business. Since 1 October 2006 it has been necessary for all businesses to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The Order applies to all non-domestic premises in England and Wales. If you are responsible for business premises, an employer or self-employed with business premises, or responsible for any part of a dwelling used for business purposes, or indeed a contractor with some control over .... (read more...)

The recently issued Home Office consultation “Safe Sensible Social” suggests that new regulations will come into force in the near future requiring licensed premises to display UK unit contents of alcoholic products. This will be in addition to the voluntary code between the government and the industry, surely a clear case of over regulation and a recipe for confusion? The information will have to be “within sight” of the point of sale. I therefore expect that there wil.... (read more...)

Another sign that the recession might have bottomed out is a recent survey by the Forum of Private Business. Their survey reports that confidence in the SME sector has shown a slight improvement: 26% of respondents said the viability of their business had improved in over the past month, double those who thought it had got worse. Dissatisfaction with banks was still reported as a problem, with 18% saying that the support offered by their bank had deteriorated in the last month compared with 12% .... (read more...)