Welcome to the May edition of our newsletter, where we bring you a curated selection of insightful articles from across our Business Group!
As the weather warms up and spring breathes new life into the year, it’s the perfect time to refresh your knowledge and prepare your business for what’s ahead. This month, we cover key legal updates and trends across Employment Law, Corporate (including VAT) Law, Business Immigration Law, and Commercial Law, alongside a guest appearance from our Commercial Litigation team.
In this edition, you’ll find timely insights and updates to help you navigate important legal changes and seize new opportunities, including:
- Exciting news from our Commercial team
- Key legislative changes including minimum wage increases, new leave entitlements, and tribunal limit revisions
- How upcoming immigration reforms could reshape recruitment and workforce strategy
- Practical advice on managing complex or excessive Data Subject Access Requests
- An update on the EU’s Tour Operators Margin Scheme and what it means for UK travel businesses
- Guidance on choosing the right level of due diligence when acquiring a business
- How new and potential trade deals could affect cross-border hiring and talent mobility
- Key VAT and legal considerations for businesses selling online to ensure compliance
- Why aligning articles of association and shareholders' agreement are critical to governance and dispute prevention
If you’d like to discuss any of the topics further, our Business Group is here to help.
Commercial team news: Welcome Chris Gelber
We are delighted to announce that we have expanded our Commercial team, having recently welcomed new Partner, Christopher Gelber. Chris, who works in transactional commercial law and compliance, has been with Wright Hassall on a locum basis since last July and has now joined the firm permanently as a Partner. With extensive expertise acting for clients spanning the UK across a wide range of business sectors and activities, Chris has experience advising financial services, investment banking, Formula 1 and other sports, FMCG retail, utilities, aviation, leisure and holidays, manufacturing and logistics.
Stay compliant: 2025 employment law changes you need to know
New employment laws have already come into effect in 2025, with changes to pay rates, other statutory payments, leave entitlements, and more. Our latest article by Gemma Clark, Associate and Jasmin Mann, Trainee Solicitor in our Employment Law team breaks down what employers need to know now and what’s likely coming next with the Employment Rights Bill 2025. Read the full update.
New immigration white paper: Key updates for employers
The UK Government’s new immigration white paper introduces stricter rules for migrant workers, including higher skill and salary thresholds and fewer eligible occupations. Matthew Davies, Partner and Head of Business Immigration, explains how these changes will impact businesses using sponsored workers.
Protect your business: Managing weaponised DSARs
Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs) are increasingly being used as tools in employment disputes, potentially overwhelming employers with excessive demands. Ann Critchell-Ward, Partner and Head of Commercial, outlines strategies to identify and manage these requests effectively.
TOMS VAT Scheme: Clarity amidst recent legal developments
The recent Upper Tribunal decision in CRC v Bolt Services UK Limited has introduced further complexity to the application of the Tour Operators Margin Scheme (TOMS). Kevin Hall, Partner and VAT Specialist, delves into the implications of this ruling and its contrast with the earlier Sonder case. This analysis is crucial for businesses navigating VAT compliance under TOMS.
Is this the right due diligence approach for your deal?
When buying a business, choosing the right level of due diligence can make or break the deal. In this quick guide, Gemma Trencher, Associate in our Corporate team, breaks down the three most common approaches and how to decide what’s best for your situation.
Trade deals with India and the EU: What does it mean?
Matthew Davies, Partner and Head of Business Immigration, and Vishal Makol, Associate, unpack the immigration impacts of recent UK trade agreements with India and the EU. Learn how these deals may reshape business mobility, youth migration schemes, and future workforce planning.
Are you unknowingly in e-commerce?
In case you missed this article in our Commercial Quarterly Newsletter: Kevin Hall, Partner and VAT Specialist and Flora Patalane, Commercial Solicitor, highlight how even traditional businesses can fall within the scope of e-commerce regulations - often without realising it. A must-read for staying compliant and steering clear of hidden VAT obligations.
Are your company agreements fit for purpose?
Parminder Takhar, Senior Associate in our Commercial Litigation team explores a recent case where misalignment between a company’s articles of association and shareholders' agreement led to significant legal issues. Learn why regular reviews of these documents are essential for protecting your business and avoiding disputes.
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The information provided in this article is provided for general information purposes only, and does not provide definitive advice. It does not amount to legal or other professional advice and so you should not rely on any information contained here as if it were such advice.
Wright Hassall does not accept any responsibility for any loss which may arise from reliance on any information published here. Definitive advice can only be given with full knowledge of all relevant facts. If you need such advice please contact a member of our professional staff.
The information published across our Knowledge Base is correct at the time of going to press.
