Optimus Build Ltd v Southall & Anor, reported last month, was an all-too-familiar case of a falling out between home-owner and their building contractor and the termination of their building contract.

Case Update: Seabrook Road Ltd v Security Trustee Services Ltd [2001] EWHC 436 (Ch)

This ruling is definitive, as HMRC has no further route for appeal. It will be received with relief by charities, homes and other operators that use buildings for a relevant residential or charitable purpose.

A recent decision by the First-tier Tribunal has decided that contributions to, and subsequent loans from, a remuneration trust scheme were not ‘earnings’ or disguised remuneration.

A leading immigration lawyer in the Midlands says further Government support may be needed to help businesses move staff more quickly away from conflict in Ukraine.

In a recent dispute between European Professional Club Rugby, the governing body and organiser of two European premier club rugby union competitions, and sports media broadcaster, RDA Television LLP, the High Court allowed for the lawful termination of a contract due to COVID-19 on the grounds of force majeure.

On 8 April 2022 Chief ICC Judge Briggs handed down his judgment in the Glam and Tan Limited – in Liquidation v Mrs Danielle Litras case in which the liquidator brought proceedings against the sole de jure director, L, in a claim for misfeasance under section 212 IA ’86.

Rules in relation to the registration of trusts via the Trust Registration Service (TRS) with HMRC have now changed.

The duties of company directors are set out in the Companies Act 2006 and include the duties to promote the company’s success and to act with reasonable care, skill, and diligence. In carrying out these duties, directors must have regard - amongst other things - to the impact of the company's operations on the community and the environment, and the likely consequences of any decision in the long term. These, and other recent developments in the expectations of how directors should perform their duties, mean that promoting a company’s success includes paying due regard to the impact on the environment. However, do directors have a duty to be “green”?

The massive increase in late payments and bad debt in the current economic climate are putting significant pressure on businesses of all sizes. There are steps that businesses can take to mitigate these difficulties, including engaging the support of experts to help achieve the best possible outcomes.