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If a debtor owes you £750 or more, the use of Statutory Demands can be the most cost-effective way to proceed. »
Kelly Henderson, a debt recovery specialist at Close Thornton, outlines the main benefits of Statutory Demands as a cost-effective way of recovering outstanding debts.
Sick note to fit note - what does this mean for employers? »
On the 6th April 2010, the sick note was replaced by the fit note. Employees will need to provide a fit note to employers as evidence that they cannot work because of their health.
Bad debts and how to manage them »
For many companies in these straightened times, bad debts are a major headache. However, there are legal measures to help prevent bad debts in the first place and to manage the problem if the worst happens.
Operating within the law? Directors' health and safety duties in small firms should be taken very seriously. »
A recent inquiry into fatalities in the construction industry has increased pressure on directors of small businesses to show leadership on health and safety policy. Chris Wiper, Senior partner at Close Thornton, gives some basic guidance on how to make sure that you operate your business within the law.
The new Equality Act presents a new set of challenges for UK employers »
On 8th April the Equality Bill received Royal Assent and became the Equality Act 2010. It is not yet in force and may yet be amended as a result of the recent General Election. The Act brings disability, sex, race and other grounds of discrimination within one piece of legislation, and also makes changes to the law.
Do you own one or more properties? »
Keep the Land Registry informed of any change in your contact details to make sure you don't get caught out.
The Carbon Reduction Commitment and the business of becoming 'greener'. »
The Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC) is the UK's new carbon trading proposal in which 'carbon credits' will be traded. It is thought that about 20,000 UK businesses will be affected by the CRC.
Court of Appeal ruling gives extra weight to pre-nuptial agreements »
A landmark ruling by the Court of Appeal has given couples wishing to draw up a pre-nuptial agreement a welcome boost.
Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme - three years on »
Kelly Henderson, a solicitor at Close Thornton, advises landlords to make sure they protect all deposits received.
Close Thornton takes part in this year's Vantis Corporate Challenge »
Close Thornton are putting their entrepreneurial skills to the test as they take part in this year's Vantis Corporate Challenge.
Are you a first time buyer? »
You may think you are, but you could be in for a nasty surprise.
A new faster process for Road Traffic Accident claims »
Shaun Burke, Partner at Close Thornton, welcomes the new fast Road Traffic Accident (RTA) claims process, but suggests that claimants should be wary of rushing into early settlements.
Inheritance Tax implications for charitable wills »
Iain Robson, head of the Wills & Probate Department at Close Thornton, looks at the Inheritance Tax (IHT) implications for charitable wills and advises care when making charitable bequests
A good time to buy? »
But keep an eye on the increasing costs associated with property purchase.
'Every Family Matters' »
The publication of a new report provides the most comprehensive review of the family law in this country for decades.
How to avoid unfair selection and failure to consult claims for redundancy »
If an employer has to make an employee redundant, it is a dismissal. If you get the process right, redundancy is a fair reason to dismiss an employee and the employee will not have a successful claim for unfair dismissal.
On the rise »
the real cost of redundancy for employers has increased from October this year.
No Win No Fee Pitfalls. »
Shaun Burke looks at No Win No Fee Agreements and the importance of transparency when dealing with costs.
Close Thornton passes the Law Society's annual Lexcel assessment with flying colours »
The firm is proud to report that it passed the Lexcel assessment with no less than 16 areas of Good Practice being highlighted by the auditors. Lexcel is the Law Society's version of ISO 9000 Quality Assurance Mark.
A not so early retirement? »
If you are aged between 50 and 55, you should read this.
A Practical Approach to Boundary Disputes »
Boundary issues should be addressed early argues Kelly Henderson.
An update on the latest changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) »
When the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a Stamp Duty Land tax holiday on residential properties priced up to £175,000.00, he stated that it would end on 3rd September 2009. He has now decided that this will continue until 31st December 2009.
Residential Landlords beware! »
Failure to keep an eye on your tenants can cost you dearly.
SETTING UP A NEW BUSINESS? »
Close Thornton is now a Registered Service Provider for Business Link and will ensure that your business starts on a sound legal footing.
IN RECESSIONARY TIMES, THE THORNY ISSUE OF DILAPIDATIONS IN COMMERCIAL PREMISES BECOMES MORE IMPORTANT FOR COMMERCIAL LANDLORDS AND TENANTS ALIKE.
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Malcolm Woolfe, a solicitor at Close Thornton specialising in commercial property law, explains that clarity from the outset is key.
SELLING YOUR HOME? »
Here are some important changes to HIPs rules from 5 April 2009
ARE YOU CLAIMING INTEREST ON THE LATE PAYMENT OF COMMERCIAL DEBTS? »
In the current economic climate, rates are likely to fall later this year.
IF A DEBTOR OWES YOU £750 OR MORE, THE USE OF STATUTORY DEMANDS CAN BE THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE WAY TO PROCEED. »Kelly Henderson, a debt recovery specialist at Close Thornton, outlines the main benefits of Statutory Demands as a cost-effective way of recovering outstanding debts.
DEALING WITH REDUNDANCIES AND EMPLOYMENT DISPUTES IN DIFFICULT TIMES.
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Chris Wiper, Senior Partner at Close Thornton, looks at how businesses can deal with redundancy and employment disputes in the current economic climate.
EMPLOYEES HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES TOO...
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Last year ACAS finally published the final version of its new code for statutory dispute resolution procedures and it came into force on April 6th 2009.
MAKE YOUR WISHES CLEAR IN A WILL AND SPARE YOUR LOVED ONES ANXIETY
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From 1st Feb 2009, the 'statutory legacy' (the amount going to your legal spouse or legal civil partner) under intestacy has been increased...
THE NEW LASTING POWERS OF ATTOURNEY RULES »
Almost two years after the new Lasting Powers of Attourney rules were introduced, Iain Robson, partner at Close Thornton looks at how the law is working in practice.
THE RECENT CRUNCH IS HAVING AN EFFECT ON DIVORCE SETTLEMENTS. »
John Lewis, a solicitor specialising in Family Law at Close Thornton, looks at current trends.
LEGAL INSURANCE EXPENSES EXPLAINED »
Shaun Burke, Partner at Close Thornton, looks at the ins and outs of LEI.
TEMPORARY EXEMPTION FROM STAMP DUTY LAND TAX ON CERTAIN RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES »
In an effort to boost the residential property market the Government announced as of 3 September 2008 that there will be a temporary exemption from Stamp Duty Land Tax on acquisitions of residential property worth not more than £175,000.
"YOUR HOME IS AT RISK" »
This is a saying that we have all heard before or seen in the small print on adverts for loans but did you know that this year it is estimated that up to 45,000 homes in the UK will be repossessed.
NEW MINIMUM WAGE RULES »
The rules governing minimum wages changed with effect from 1st October 2008. Workers in the UK who are over 16 years of age are legally entitled to receive a minimum hourly rate regardless of the kind of work they do or the size or type of the company they work for.
LIFETIME MORTGAGES AND YOUR HOME »
Despite the economic downturn in the financial markets, lifetime mortgages remain a popular means for the over 60s and in some cases for those over 55, to unlock part of the value of their home.
ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES FOR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY »
With effect from 1st October 2008 almost all commercial property will require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) if it is to be leased, sold or built.
THE CONTROL OF ASBESTOS IN COMMERCIAL PROPERTY »
Although it has been several years since the requirement to control asbestos in non-domestic premises came into force, we continue to come across many instances where there is a breach of the statutory obligations.
Excellence in customer service - 9.8 out of 10 rate the firm good or excellent - 2007/8 »
In an age where customer service can mean a long wait at the end of the telephone with only an automated voice for company, it is refreshing to see that excellence in customer service, delivered in the old-fashioned way with personal attention, is highly valued by Close Thornton clients.
New laws for 2008 that every employer should be aware of
With several key legal developments expected this year, employers need to be mindful of how the forthcoming changes could affect them...
Lasting Powers of Attorney - new rules, new choices
The Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 introduced Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) on the 1st October 2007, replacing Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA) from that date; although EPA's already set up remain valid...
Inheritance Tax (IHT) and the Transferable Nil-Rate Band - a taxing subject
A transferable nil-rate band arises when one party to a marriage or civil partnership dies, and the amount of their estate chargeable to IHT does not use up all of their nil rate allowance...
350,000 drove without insurance last year!
Thousands of British motorists admit to driving without insurance potentially putting you at significant financial risk...
The Companies Act 2006 Update
On 6th April 2008 the latest phase of the 2006 Act came into force via the Companies Act 2006 (Commencement No 5, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2007...
Capital Gains Tax and the Budget 2008 - the key changes explained
The 2008 finance Act following on from the pre-budget report last autumn changes the Taxation of Capital Gains in a major manner...
Your Guide to Debt Collection
Every business is owed money at some point, but what do you do if the debtor decides not to pay up? Debt collection is the art of getting your invoices paid, and getting them paid on time...
The Housing Grants Construction and Regeneration Act 1996
A back to basics reminder of the main requirements of the Housing Grants Construction and Regeneration Act 1996...
Tenancy Deposit Scheme provides protection for residential tenants
Many residential tenants pay a deposit to their landlord or letting agent at the start of their tenancy. This is held in case of breach of the tenant's covenants...
Commercial Property Owners need to prepare for Energy Performance Certificates
From April 2008 all newly constructed commercial property will need to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This requirement applies to all new commercial property as well as existing buildings with a floor area over 500m2...
1st October 2007 - Minimum wage increase
The adult National Minimum Wage is increased from £5.35 to £5.52...
Flexible Working Rights Extended
As from 1st October 2007 the right is further extended so that private foster carers (and their spouses and partners) are added to the list of people who are entitled to request a contract variation to care for a child...
The importance of written statements of employment
The moment an applicant unconditionally accepts an offer of a job, a contract of employment comes into existence. The terms of the contract can be oral, written, implied or a mixture of all three...
The pitfalls of not taking out Employers' Liability Insurance - Shaun Burke, Partner at Close Thornton Solicitors, examines the key issues.
It may come as a surprise to learn that many small businesses do not take out Employers' Liability Insurance (EL Insurance). There is a misconception that a small business is exempt from the legal requirements to have EL Insurance...
How to avoid inheritance tax with Potentially Exempt Transfers - their advantages and potential pitfalls
Potentially Exempt Transfers (PETs) are a way to give away cash and assets free of Inheritance Tax. A PET is only free of Inheritance Tax if the donor lives for seven years after making the gift...
Holiday entitlement - the increases and how to calculate holiday entitlement for existing employees
Holiday entitlement increased on 1st October, and is set to carry on increasing gradually for the next few years until employees are entitled to 28 days off a year...
England goes smoke-free on 1st July
From 1 July 2007, the whole of the United Kingdom will have smoke-free legislation in place, making it the biggest jurisdiction in the world (by population) to have legally-enforced protection from secondhand smoke...
Tenancy Deposit Protection - the new rules
As from 6th April 2007 any deposit or bond taken under an Assured....
Ancillary Relief Proceedings in divorce: last resort or cost controlling measure?
Divorce is one of the most stressful times in any person's life. A divorce solicitor must be sensitive to this fact when dealing with any divorce case, and particularly in relation to the division of the matrimonial assets....
Personal Injury and Occupational Disease
A word of caution from Shaun Burke, Partner at Close Thornton, who has specialised in personal injury claims for over 17 years....
Companies' details on websites and in electronic communications
New law for companies and Limited Liability Partnerships....
Mortgages and Wills go hand in hand
Taking out a mortgage? Here are the reasons why you should also consider drawing up a Will....
Waste - Your Responsibility!
A guide to the prevention of unauthorised deposit, treatment and disposal of waste....
Darlington Property Market
Review of housing trends in DL1....
Inheritance Tax (IHT), your estate and the family home
Iain Robson, Partner at Close Thornton, explains how the value of your home can affect your IHT position....
Tenancy Deposit Protection
The new rules....
Inheritance Tax Planning – are you making the most of your ‘tax free’ sum?
Are you utilising the "tax free" sum you can give away? The current threshold for Inheritance tax (IHT) is £285,000 and many couples have made wills leaving all assets to the surviving spouse...
New Fire and Safety Rules – have you carried out a fire risk assessment?
New fire safety rules affecting all non-domestic premises in England and Wales will come into force on 31 October 2006...
Home Information Packs
The home buying process will undergo a major shake-up when Home Information Packs (HIPs) become mandatory on 1 June 2007...
Worth knowing… Increase in Tax Relief for Small Companies
Tax relief for small businesses has risen with the increase in the first-year capital allowance...
Removing age discrimination in Employment
From 1 October 2006 new rules will require that all employers remove bias on grounds of age in employment...
New National Minimum Wage rates
From 1 October 2006, a new National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates will come into force...
The Work and Families Bill – aiming to help working parents
The Work and Families Bill was published last year. It aims to help working parents balance the demands of their jobs with caring for their children by introducing a modern framework of rights and responsibilities...
Do the new asbestos laws affect you?
Asbestos represents the biggest occupational health risk ever faced by British workers. About 3,500 people die every year of diseases relating to asbestos particle inhalation. New laws have just come in...
Will your business fall into safe hands when you die?
Whether you are running a business with partners, fellow shareholders or have an interest in a larger business it is now time to consider making a Will if ….
Business losing confidence in tribunal system, says CBI
A new report from the CBI has revealed the level of concern among employers over the complexity of tribunal procedure, following amendments to the tribunal rules brought into effect this time last year.
Civil Partnership Act 2004 – a new legal status
Civil Partnership is a new legal relationship, which can be formed by two people of the same sex …
Are you ready for the Licensing Act 2003?
The new Licensing laws came into effect on 24th November…
Tax Treatment of Pre-Owned Assets
This measure is aimed at people who have entered into contrived arrangements to dispose of valuable assets to avoid Inheritance Tax while retaining the ability to use those assets…
The Data Protection Act 1998 – Demystifying Data
To help employers comply with the Data Protection Act 1998, a new code of practice has been published to encourage best practice. ..
New TUPE – new penalties
The DTI has announced new draft Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations …
How the DTI proposals to end age discrimination could affect your business
The Department of Trade and Industry has recently published a consultation document on proposals to introduce age discrimination legislation by October 2006 …
News archive
Many of our previous articles and news releases.
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