Today sees the Acas Early Conciliation period (the EC period) extended from 6 weeks to 12 weeks. During the EC period Acas has a duty to promote settlement once a claim has been notified to it. If no settlement is achieved within the EC period Acas...
mfg Blog
A director who deliberately deceives the board, even if they sincerely believe they are doing so in the company’s best interests, will be in breach of their fiduciary duties. The Court of Appeal has handed down a ruling involving a director who...
On 23 September 2025 the NHS introduced a new initiative for GPs in England called Jess’s Rule . Also known as the “three strikes and rethink” approach, GPs are being urged to take further action or review and rethink where a patient...
From April 2027, the inheritance tax treatment of UK registered occupational pensions will change – but not to the extent that government originally proposed. Last year, it consulted on several proposals to reform inheritance tax (IHT), including...
Sepsis can develop with little warning and the cause may never be known. Unfortunately, sepsis can also be caused by so-called ‘never events’ – serious negligent mistakes during surgery or other medical treatment. While the clue is in the...
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (the “Act”) recently came into force. The Act came about due to the tragic Manchester Arena bombings in 2017, and you may also see the Act referred to as “Martyn’s Law”,...
In August 2021, 13-year-old Martha Mills, tragically passed away after contracting sepsis at King's College Hospital, London. She had initially been admitted with a pancreatic injury after falling from her bike. Despite her parents voicing concerns about...
September is Sepsis Awareness Month . To help raise awareness of this life threatening condition and the importance of spotting it early, we have prepared a Q&A to help you understand what sepsis is, the warning signs to look out for and how sepsis is...
Sepsis is causing increasing concerns, reportedly causing more deaths than cancer across the world - and not enough people know about it. Sepsis is a serious medical emergency that can quickly become fatal if untreated. It can also develop with little...
In financial proceedings on divorce, it’s not uncommon for the parties to disagree as to whether a specific asset should be included in the matrimonial ‘pot’. The landmark Supreme Court ruling in Standish has provided much-needed clarity on...
It has been the practice for many commercial landlords, when arranging block insurance, to be paid commission by insurers, but without tenants necessarily knowing about it. Alternatively, the landlord might take a share of a broker’s commission. An...
The inclusion of leaver provisions in a company’s articles of association can lead to disagreement as to how they should apply, so it’s always welcome when the court sets out guidance on such matters. The Court of Appeal recently highlighted the...
As the UK government prepares for the highly anticipated 2025 Autumn Budget, speculation is mounting about potential reforms to the country’s Inheritance Tax (IHT) system. With Rachel Reeves being constrained by her manifesto pledges to keep income...
Commercial terms can be a minefield if not carefully negotiated and drafted to reflect the parties’ clear intentions. An ‘agreement to agree’ a price for a product has led to the Court of Appeal providing guidance that businesses will find...
From April 2026, farmers and agricultural business owners will only be entitled to a £1m inheritance tax allowance, with 20% charged on assets in excess. But some MPs have recently called for implementation of the new rules to be delayed for a year. ...
According to Cancer Research UK, cancer rates have increased across all age groups since the early 1990s. Notably, the biggest increases are seen in younger age groups: a 19% increase in those under 24 and a 22% increase in those aged 25-49. These...
When it comes to inheritance tax, the old adage holds true: timing is everything. But few realise just how much timing can matter, gifts made well before death or even, in some special cases, a “deathbed gift” could preserve tens of...
In most circumstances, winding up a solvent company is considered a drastic and exceptional measure — a true remedy of last resort. Yet, as the High Court reaffirmed in Dosanjh v Balendran [2025] EWHC 507 (Ch) , where relationships between...
An exit from your business isn’t always just about the purchase price – owners will need to think about legacy, tax, employees and control. Where a trade sale of selling your business to a third-party buyer has always been the tried and tested...
What amounts to ‘reasonable financial provision’ in claims against a deceased’s estate? In an interesting high value claim, the High Court has reiterated that the test for what is ‘reasonable’ is objective – leading to a...
Landowners: be aware of the risk of claims being made to register land as a town or village green. It may only be well-kept grassy areas which spring to mind when one thinks of a village green, but that is not the only type of land at risk. In one Supreme...
Now, we aren't talking Christian Louboutin shoes or Van Cleef jewellery, but rather divorce shopping! For a long time now it has been known that London is the divorce capital of the world, attracting many a wealthy millionaire to temporarily relocate...
Adverse possession claims are not uncommon by any means, but it is unusual for a claim to be made in respect of land forming part of a deceased’s estate. The expert property litigation team at mfg Solicitors represent clients involved in land...
Companies and directors need to be extra-vigilant for any potential fraud indicators in their organisation in view of new Serious Fraud Office guidance. Those who self-report wrong-doing will now be less likely to face prosecution for corporate offences, but...
Starting your own business is an exciting challenge, but before you take your first steps, choosing the right business structure is essential. Your decision at the outset can influence everything from how you’re taxed to how much personal financial...
Following the death of a family member, a missing will can lead to significant challenges for the personal representatives; and compound the distress of grieving relatives. The recent case of Packer v Packer [2025] EWHC 461 Ch illustrates the importance of...
Last November I covered recent developments in the drive towards modernising the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. For many years, there have been concerns that the existing right to security of tenure under the Act is no longer fit for purpose in the modern...
Where one of the parties of divorce will struggle to afford legal representation, they may be able to secure a Legal Services Payment Order (LSPO) against the wealthier party. The financial remedies team at mfg Solicitors are experienced in securing...
If you’re a builder working for individuals or households (as opposed to businesses), your work falls under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. This legislation outlines the rights, consumers have when purchasing goods and services from traders, including...
In the UK, the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB) provides a route of compensation for such road traffic accidents where the Defendant driver is uninsured or untraceable. Who can claim? The scheme covers accidents that occur where: The driver at fault is...
As diagnoses of ADHD, autism and other forms of neurodivergence surge - particularly among young adults - the challenge for employers is no longer awareness, but action. From legal obligations under the Equality Act to the cultural shift in how we understand...
Sustainability and environmental performance are becoming increasingly prominent within the commercial property sector. This is as a result of multiple factors including environmental and climate change concerns, regulatory pressures, and market...
When negotiating a settlement agreement we are sometimes asked if it possible to transfer the sum of the contractual payment in lieu of notice (PILON) to a pension fund? Often this type of request is generally made when there is an ex-gratia...
When Elton John accuses the government of “committing theft”, it’s clear the battle over artificial intelligence and copyright has hit a high note. He’s among a growing number of prominent artists calling for greater transparency over...
The Probate Registry have recently granted letters of administration in respect of the singer and One Direction band member Liam Payne’s Estate, who tragically died in October 2024. Liam did not leave a Will, which means his Estate passes in accordance...
A significant number of pet owners in the UK are leaving their beloved animals vulnerable after they pass away, with only a quarter (26%) of UK pet owners over the age of 30 having included provisions for their pets in their will. The research, conducted by...
The Renters’ Rights Bill is set to make various changes to the private renting sector. In line with the proposed changes, assured shorthold tenancy agreements, fixed term assured tenancy agreements, and the Section 21 procedure for evicting a tenant...
Landlords be warned: local Councils have the power to serve notices where property is found to contain serious hazards which put tenants at risk. Such notices are known as improvement notices. Councils have the authority to inspect rental...
Company directors are being urged to prepare for a major change, as Companies House introduces new identity checks for those setting up, running or owning UK businesses. The new identity verification requirements, introduced under the Economic Crime and...
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) could be changing. Currently, there is an ongoing Government consultation on improving energy efficiency within the private rental sector. Since 2008, it has been a requirement for landlords to provide...
As a creditor, recovering the full amount owed by a debtor is often a key priority. However, there are several legal principles you should consider before taking action. If a debtor has made a part payment, issues such as accord and satisfaction or...
Making a will is one of the most important things anyone can do. In England and Wales, the law surrounding making a valid will is contained in the Wills Act 1837 . Therefore, the law predates WhatsApp by around 170 years! This article will seek to...
In response to the growing threat of terrorism and following the tragic events at Manchester Arena, the Government has now passed the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (the “ Act ”), widely referred to as Martyn’s Law. This...
I acted for the successful Defendants Mr & Mrs Parry in the 2011 case Zarb v Parry. I believe that there are two reasons this case has remained significant. It certainly appears to have helped that it has a Google-friendly name. But more significantly,...
They say a change is as good as a rest, but for two employees, changes to where they worked ended in legal battles. One involved a security manager wanting to work in Cornwall, the other an estate agent who claimed demotion after being assigned a different...
Chancellor's Spring Statement signals opportunities for defence, construction, and tech sectors. Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered a confident Spring Statement, aiming to instil certainty at home amid growing global uncertainty, highlighting...
Buying a home is one of life’s biggest investments — but when sellers keep secrets, it can lead to costly consequences. A recent High Court ruling over a £32 million London mansion infested with moths is a sharp reminder of why honesty is...
Let’s face it, we all make mistakes. We’ve all forgotten to call someone back, or sent an email to the wrong person. But when a professional – like a surveyor, lawyer, or accountant – makes a mistake, the stakes are a lot higher and...
Death of a Family Member This can of course be a highly emotional event and there will be a lot of arrangements to make relating to the death. However, it is also a very important juncture to review your own estate planning and circumstances. The...
Issue: When you make a new Will, you may wish to leave a share of your Estate to charity either because you have a close connection to that chosen charity or for the inheritance tax benefits; leaving a gift of 10% or more of the net estate value over the...
Contracts are the life blood of businesses and one of the most critically important contracts for most businesses is the contract with their customers. Businesses that trade mainly with other businesses will usually look to ensure that these contracts are...
Subletting (also known as “underletting”) is something that most landlords and tenants of Commercial Property will come across at some point. Here Emma Chater, Partner in the Commercial Property team here at mfg, looks some of the key things to...
Promotion agreements offer a way for landowners to unlock the development potential of their land without immediately selling it. Under these agreements, landowners partner with a developer or promoter to secure planning permission for their land. In...
Family owned and run businesses are common. Often such businesses can go from strength to strength. After all, they can foster a strong sense of commitment and loyalty, a supportive work environment and offer a long-term perspective as individuals look...
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements in England and Wales, introduced as part of the Environment Act 2021, mandate developers to ensure that new developments result in a measurable increase in biodiversity. These regulations require developers to enhance...
Pedestrian accidents involve a collision between a person and a vehicle, for example where a pedestrian is hit by a car when crossing the road. Where a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle and suffers injury, they may be able to claim compensation. To bring a...
The government have been keen to emphasise their house building credentials and the recent update to National Planning Policy Framework seeks to underline this. The new plan introduces ambitious targets to build 370,000 homes annually, as part of a wider...
Local authorities have the power to hold rental auctions of empty high street premises if they have been persistently empty. Additional regulations relating to the auction process have recently been released and will come into force in England on 2...
A few months ago I wrote a blog about the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (the “Act”), which has recently celebrated its 70 th birthday. A link to that blog is here: Landlords: Protect Yourself Against Protected Leases- mfg Solicitors In...
Rent is often the key consideration for both landlords and tenants when leasing commercial property. Both parties will want to reach a figure which is fair, and often both parties will commission a valuation to determine the market value. ...
What is Sepsis? According to The UK Sepsis Trust, sepsis "is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body's response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs”. The most common sources of infection include pneumonia and...
A recent shocking headline which has hit the news, is the case of Virginia McCullough who murdered her parents and lived alongside the bodies for four years in their family home. In video footage Virginia can be seen rather nonchalantly telling the Police...
What is the difference between a Personal Injury (PI) and a Clinical Negligence claim? Personal Injury Personal injury claims arise where a person suffers an injury and/or loss because of the negligence of another party. Types of personal injury claims can...
A recent investigation that uncovered instances of modern slavery involving workers at McDonald’s outlets and at a supplier to major supermarkets has flagged the urgent need for employers to remain vigilant against such practices. Sixteen vulnerable...
In a recent case reported by the BBC, a GP named as Thomas Kwan disguised himself in an attempt to lethally inject his mother’s partner of 20 years over an inheritance dispute. It was reported that his mother known as Jenny Leung had made a Will...
"Please Sir, I want some more!" Rea v Rea On the 23 rd February 2024 the Court of Appeal overturned the decision in Rea v Rea, creating a landmark result for professionals in the Contentious Probate industry, in relation to Undue Influence...
Solar and battery projects provide landowners with exciting opportunities. However, it is important for landowners to carefully consider the impact on their land. Demise The rights granted to the developer under the option and lease could sterilise...
It has just been announced that the Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023 will now not come into force. It was anticipated that it would come into force in or around September 2024 but it now appears that the Labour Government have elected...
Many potential homeowners when embarking upon a property purchase can sometimes be unaware of hidden costs in order to comply with covenants contained in an original Transfer or Lease. Failure to comply with the covenants prevents a property achieving...
The National Security and Investment Act 2021 (NSI) was enacted to address concerns around transactions involving the change of ownership of sensitive industry sectors and businesses either trading in the UK or supplying goods and services to people...
The National Security and Investment Act 2021 (NSI) was enacted to address concerns around transactions involving the change of ownership of sensitive industry sectors and businesses either trading in the UK or supplying goods and services to people...
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (the “Act”) recently celebrated its 70 th birthday. Many commercial landlords will already be aware of the difficulties in taking back a property from a tenant with security of tenure, and a recent case suggests...
With the school holidays now underway, one of the most common concerns for separated parents is the issue of taking children on holiday. One common circumstance is a situation in which one parent wishes to take the children abroad, but the other parent does...
I have mistakenly sent money to an incorrect account – what can I do? In this digital world we find ourselves in, making payments to third parties often now happens at the click of a button – over 350 million faster payment bank transfers are...
What is a service charge? Service charges are payable by a tenant to the landlord for services that the landlord is obliged to provide under the terms of the lease. Often a landlord will employ a managing agent to carry out those services on their behalf. ...
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 applies to builders and their work, particularly if you are carrying out building work for consumers (individuals or households) rather than businesses. The Act sets out the rights and responsibilities for consumers when they buy...
Ahead of the general election, we have reviewed the Conservative and Labour manifestos and have highlighted below five potential policies to watch out for: 1. Development of new homes Due to the ongoing housing crisis, house building has played a...
With Taylor Swift’s arrival in the UK on her Eras Tour, it seems like a perfect opportunity to reflect on one of her biggest hits Anti-Hero. Whilst most people would listen and simply enjoy the tune, I couldn’t help but notice a contentious...
Cryptocurrency is now an accepted currency across the world and is increasing in popularity with investors and traders alike. With its high volatility and the associated risks of cryptocurrency, there is a chance for investors to make large sums of money as...
What is the difference between a shareholder and a director? A shareholder of a limited company is an individual or entity that owns shares in it. This allows the shareholder to receive a potential dividend in return for their investment but will have no...
On the 8th April 2024 a new Code of Practice was launched to encourage “clarity, communication and collaboration” in the Agricultural tenancy sector. The Code was produced by a working group of experts representing interested parties from across...