News

3 July 2025

Podcasting is booming across topics from true crime to politics. But as podcast audiences—and revenue potential—grow, so do the legal risks. One of the most common traps? Copyright infringement. This guide explores how podcasters can safely navigate the complex world of copyright law and protect themselves from unintended legal exposure when using music, audio clips, […]

2 July 2025

Why executive accountability matters Investors are no longer passive when company performance falters. A recent example is Boaz Weinstein’s Saba Capital pushing for board changes at seven UK investment trusts due to chronic underperformance (Financial Times). While board overhauls are drastic, they’re becoming more common due to weak executive accountability. A tribunal recently awarded £1.2 […]

25 June 2025

A recent Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) case of Hendy Group Ltd v Daniel Kennedy [2024] EAT 106 (Hendy) is a good example of how employers should not conduct a redundancy process. This article will briefly summarise the facts of the case and highlight the key points for employers to consider. Facts In Hendy, the claimant […]

25 June 2025

Carer’s Week 2025 (9 – 5 June 2025) is a national campaign that shines a spotlight on the incredible work of unpaid carers – those who look after a family member or friend who is unwell, disabled, or elderly. For employers, Carer’s Week is an important opportunity to recognise and support those who may act […]

23 June 2025

Introduction Franchising is a strategic alternative to agency and distribution models, offering businesses a scalable and cost-effective way to grow their brand without taking on the full burden of new operations. By leveraging third-party investment and effort, franchising enables rapid expansion while still retaining central control over brand identity, systems, and quality. For businesses looking […]

23 June 2025

In a landmark legal development, entertainment giants Disney and Universal have filed a high-profile lawsuit against an online image-generation platform, alleging the unauthorised use of iconic, copyrighted characters such as Spider-Man, Elsa, and Shrek. This may represent a pivotal step toward establishing clearer legal boundaries around AI-generated content offering both reassurance to copyright holders and […]

23 June 2025

In Part 1 of this series, we explored how agency relationships can arise – sometimes even without intention – and the legal implications that follow. In this part, we shift focus to where agency can be a powerful tool for businesses when properly structured and managed. Why Use Agency Agreements? Agency agreements are more prevalent […]

10 June 2025

In the aftermath of a divorce, it’s understandable that people are eager to tie up loose ends and move on with their lives as fast as possible. Perhaps one of the biggest milestones is the Final Order (previously known as the Decree Absolute), which officially ends the marriage. However, when a Pension Sharing Order is […]

10 June 2025

It will not have escaped your attention that trade deals have featured heavily in the news in recent months, with May’s announcement of a trade deal having been reached in principle between the UK and the USA gaining significant coverage. Trade agreements are the backbone of international commerce, shaping the way businesses operate across borders […]

10 June 2025

Last month brought positive news from the White House and No. 10, with the announcement of a potential trade deal between the UK and the USA. Its aim is to ensure access to and reciprocal benefits in relation to each respective market. However, it is important to note that it is only the bare bones […]

3 June 2025

The misuse of social media by staff can present significant legal and reputational challenges to employers. However, UK employers can manage these risks effectively while respecting employee rights by implementing clear policies, training staff, and acting reasonably. This article sets out appropriate guidelines to assist employers to manage the personal use of social media by […]

3 June 2025

Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 took place on 12th May 2025 – 18th May 2025. Introduction Mental Health Awareness Week, held annually across the UK, is a timely reminder to assess how well an organisation continues to support employee mental wellbeing. As the importance of mental health continues to be at the forefront of workplace […]

28 May 2025

In an era dominated by rapid technological evolution, companies must navigate a complex landscape of innovation, opportunity, and risk. One of the ways to ensure business resilience during this transformation is through the implementation of carefully structured legal contracts. These contracts should not only support current operations but also accommodate future developments, helping businesses stay […]

27 May 2025

Cardiff, 27 May 2025 – Berry Smith Lawyers is proud to announce its 2025 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnership with Bigmoose, a Cardiff-based mental health charity making a significant difference in the lives of individuals across the community and beyond. As part of this year’s CSR programme, Berry Smith will be working closely with Bigmoose […]

21 May 2025

Agency is a foundational concept in commercial law, that enables businesses to deploy third parties to act on their behalf. However, it also can creep up as a potential burden, given agency can be implied without the express consent of both parties. Have I unknowingly created a relationship of agency? Definition: An agency relationship arises […]

19 May 2025

Whether you’re a manufacturer looking to expand your market reach or a distributor wanting to sell a product range, having a clear and well-drafted distribution agreement is essential. This article outlines the basics of distribution agreements to help you understand your rights, obligations, and key considerations. What Is a Distribution Agreement? A distribution agreement is […]

19 May 2025

Part 2: The Risks and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence in Corporate Governance and Corporate Law While artificial intelligence (AI) offers tremendous promise in enhancing corporate governance and legal functions, its adoption also presents complex legal, ethical, and operational risks. From algorithmic bias and opacity to regulatory uncertainty and liability concerns, directors and legal teams must […]

19 May 2025

Part 1: The Positive Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Corporate Governance and Corporate Law Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly moved from the periphery to the core of strategic conversations in boardrooms across the globe. While AI integration is still in its early stages, the pace of technological advancement is such that corporate actors are increasingly […]

14 May 2025

In a significant cybersecurity incident, Marks & Spencer (M&S) has confirmed that a cyberattack compromised some customer personal data, leading to widespread disruptions in its online operations. The breach, attributed to the hacking group Scattered Spider, has raised serious concerns about data protection and the retailer’s compliance with UK data privacy laws. What Happened? On […]

7 May 2025

On 6 April 2025, significant changes to UK consumer protection law took effect under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (the “Act”). These changes strengthen the enforcement powers of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and introduce new rules targeting unfair commercial practices. Previously, consumer protections were difficult to enforce in practice. That […]

1 May 2025

Berry Smith LLP is proud to announce that it has once again been shortlisted for Property Law Firm of the Year at the 2025 Insider Wales Property Awards. This nomination recognises the strength and expertise of Berry Smith’s Commercial Property team, which has advised a wide range of successful Welsh businesses and public sector bodies […]

29 April 2025

When drafting commercial contracts, we must anticipate and address potential risks. However, not every eventuality is foreseeable. This is where limitation of liability clauses step in, providing a framework to manage and allocate risk between parties. In simple terms, liability means the responsibilities each party has under the contract, and who is held accountable if […]

28 April 2025

On 6 April 2025, new statutory entitlements to neonatal care leave (“NCL”) and neonatal care pay (“NCP”) came into force and apply to children born on or after that date. Whilst the details of these entitlements are beyond the scope of this article (please consult the following if you are interested: https://www.berrysmith.com/news/neonatal-leave-and-pay/), it is worth […]

28 April 2025

On 10th October 2024, the Labour Party introduced its Employment Rights Bill (the Bill) before Parliament following its pledge made during the 2024 general election to introduce the bill within 100 days of taking office. One of the Bill’s most consequential measures for both employers and employees is its proposal to increase the existing time […]

14 April 2025

In recent months, Tesla has found itself in the headlines for reasons extending far beyond its electric vehicles or innovation roadmap. A combination of political controversy surrounding Elon Musk, slumping sales, and market scepticism has triggered a sharp decline in Tesla’s share price—down nearly 41% year-to-date as of mid-March 2025, with European sales particularly hit […]

14 April 2025

As we move further into 2025, the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) landscape across the UK and Ireland is showing strong signs of resurgence. After several challenging years marked by inflation, rising interest rates, and market uncertainty, momentum is returning—and with it, a wave of innovation in how deals are structured, financed, and executed. Whether you’re […]

14 April 2025

Why It Matters for Business, Lawyers, and Investors Alike For years, corporate compliance has suffered from a bit of an image problem. Among many decision-makers, it’s still seen as a necessary—but ultimately burdensome—cost, a tick-box exercise that dampens productivity and eats into profits. But with the climate crisis, widening social inequality, and corporate scandals from […]

14 April 2025

Berry Smith is pleased to announce its role in advising Angie Beasley on the sale of Ceaton Holdings Limited to Senseco Security Limited, a leading provider of fire and security solutions. Ceaton Holdings, based in Cardiff, is a respected security services company offering design, installation, service, and maintenance of fire detection, security, automated entry/exit, and […]

14 April 2025

The tariff measures introduced on 2nd April by US President Trump on imports into the United States may have significant implications for the contractual relationships underpinning international commercial transactions and supply chains. For UK businesses engaged in international trade—whether as exporters, importers, suppliers, or customers—it is imperative to understand how these developments may affect both […]

14 April 2025

The UK Government has issued updated guidance on the Modern Slavery Act 2015, marking the first substantial clarification since its introduction. While the law itself remains unchanged, the new guidelines provide clearer direction on which organisations are affected and the steps needed to ensure compliance. For businesses—particularly those with large, international supply chains—this signals a […]

14 April 2025

In a recent decision, the Court has issued a clear warning to parties relying on vague or poorly worded contract terms. In MY Contracts Ltd v 74 Hamilton Terrace Freehold Ltd, the Technology and Construction Court (TCC) clarified how weekends and public holidays are treated when calculating contractual deadlines. Background In 2023, the parties entered […]

26 March 2025

Introduction Earlier this month, the High Court ruled against the popular bookmaker Paddy Power, ordering the betting giant to pay £1 million to a Gloucestershire woman after a five-year legal battle. This case has significant implications for consumer rights and the enforceability of terms and conditions in the online gaming industry. Background Corrine Durber played […]

26 March 2025

The recent Artificial Intelligence Action Summit, which brought together leaders from various sectors to discuss the future of artificial intelligence (‘AI’), underscored the significant transformation AI is driving in businesses and their workplace practices. Whilst AI offers numerous benefits such as efficiency and productivity, it also presents businesses with potential risks and challenges that need […]

26 March 2025

This article addresses some of the key changes to statutory rates that are set to take effect from 6th April 2025. New rates for certain awards in the Employment Tribunal New rates for family leave payments Statutory sick pay Please contact us if you would like more information about the topics raised in this article […]

26 March 2025

Last time we looked at those considerations for brands and businesses, but now we stand on the opposite side and consider those key provisions that influencers need to take on board before deciding to partner with a brand or business. By considering these factors, influencers can form successful and authentic partnerships. For legal guidance, contact […]

24 March 2025

In the era of digital marketing, influencer partnerships have become an essential strategy for many businesses looking to enhance brand visibility and drive consumer engagement. However, working with influencers requires careful consideration to ensure that the collaboration is successful and legally compliant. Below are some key factors that brands should take into account when considering […]

24 March 2025

Welcome to part 2 of our series on influencer marketing. Whether you are a high-profile influencer, a household name, or a micro-influencer with a smaller following, you are all bound by the same legal requirements. Social media endorsements are a form of advertising and, as such, are governed by various laws, particularly those relating to […]

24 March 2025

To boost sales and improve visibility, more and more businesses are turning to influencers for marketing support. Some reports suggest that 1 in 8 businesses already use influencers, and this number is expected to rise significantly in the coming years. The global influencer marketing industry has more than doubled in size since 2019. In 2022, […]

20 March 2025

In today’s fast-paced commercial landscape, as technology continues to evolve rapidly, protecting trade secrets has become increasingly vital. A recent high-profile case involving the theft of Google’s AI trade secrets highlights the importance of having strong intellectual property strategies, especially for companies in the tech sector. Theft of Google’s Trade Secrets The case in question […]

20 March 2025

We are proud to announce that Berry Smith has been appointed as one of only five law firms selected to support the Welsh Government in its ongoing legal affairs and initiatives. Berry Smith has been appointed to provide legal services across the following areas: Civil Litigation, Employment Law, Major IT & Commercial Contracts, Planning & […]

14 March 2025

Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) are often the first step in business collaborations, acting as a protective shield over sensitive information. While they are typically seen as a precaution, their legal power is rarely tested—until now. Salica Investments, formerly Hambro Perks, learned this the hard way when the court ordered them to pay £2.1 million to Henderson […]

14 March 2025

Read the full BBC article here. The UK Labour government has announced plans to ban new leaseholds and introduce measures to protect homeowners from unfair management practices. These proposed changes aim to ensure greater transparency and fairness for leaseholders, particularly regarding service charges and property management. As part of the discussion, Simon Care, Partner at Berry Smith Lawyers, shared his […]

12 March 2025

On 25 February, more than a thousand musicians—including Cat Stevens, Damon Albarn, Annie Lennox, and Kate Bush—released a silent album in protest against the UK government’s planned changes to copyright law, which could allow tech firms to train artificial intelligence models using their work. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made his stance on AI clear. […]

11 March 2025

Cardiff, Wales – Berry Smith Lawyers is pleased to announce the successful completion of a commercial property restructuring and grant of finance for Wales’s largest craft brewer, Tiny Rebel, advising on the commercial property restructuring of the Tiny Rebel Brewery and the company’s headquarters based at Wern Industrial Estate in Newport. The matter was handled […]

6 March 2025

Your Words Matter in Contract Drafting On 4 February 2025, the Court of Appeal delivered its judgment in EE Ltd v Virgin Mobile Telecoms Ltd [2025] EWCA Civ 70, a contractual dispute between EE Ltd and Virgin Mobile Telecoms Ltd. Background The dispute centred on EE’s provision of 2G to 4G (but not 5G) mobile […]

6 March 2025

In RTM v Bonne Terre Ltd and Another [2025] EWHC 111 (KB), the High Court examined the validity of consent in data protection law, particularly regarding the use of personal data for targeted marketing. Background The claimant, RTM, a reformed gambling addict, brought a claim against Bonne Terre Ltd, which operates as Sky Betting & […]

6 March 2025

The 2024 Autumn Budget proposed changes to Inheritance Tax reliefs, which ministers have continued to support despite opposition. As a result, the planned changes to Business Property Relief (BPR) outlined in the 2024 Autumn Budget are set to remain. What Are the Changes? The Autumn Budget announced reforms to Business Property Relief. From 6 April […]

4 March 2025

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has launched a major investigation into TikTok’s handling of children’s data. The investigation follows concerns over how TikTok uses the personal data of 13–17-year-olds to make recommendations to them. This inquiry raises important questions about data privacy and the obligations businesses must meet under UK data protection laws. What Does […]

25 February 2025

In a recent case, London United Busways Ltd v De Marchi and another, the Employment Appeal Tribunal clarified that if an employee objects to a TUPE transfer due to a substantial change to their working conditions to their material detriment, they can be treated as dismissed, allowing them to bring a claim to an Employment […]

25 February 2025

Acas has published new advice on neurodiversity at work, providing tips for employers on how to raise awareness and be inclusive and sensitive when managing neurodiversity at work. Is neurodivergence a disability? Neurodiversity describes the natural differences in how a person’s brain behaves and processes information. Being neurodivergent will often amount to a disability under […]

24 February 2025

We are now starting to see the impact of recent changes to the Civil Procedure Rules and the consequences of the Court of Appeal decision in Churchill in 2023 in the Court’s approach to mediation. In the recent case of DKH Retail Ltd and others v City Football Group Ltd [2024] EWHC 3231 (Ch), the […]

24 February 2025

Despite opposition from farmers and others in the agricultural sector, a recent meeting between agricultural leaders and the Treasury regarding changes to Agricultural Property Relief has not led to any reversals. Ministers continue to stand by the proposed changes, meaning they are likely to remain in place.  What are the changes?  In the 2024 Autumn […]

20 February 2025

The Berry Smith Corporate Team has been ranked as the 4th most active legal advisor in Wales for 2024, moving up from 5th place in 2023. The prestigious ranking, compiled by Experian UK M&A, recognises Berry Smith’s significant achievements over the past year. The firm has built a strong reputation for providing expert legal services […]

19 February 2025

Berry Smith LLP is pleased to announce the successful completion of the acquisition by Cardo Group of Rodgers & Johnston Ltd, its second acquisition in Scotland in less than a month. Rodgers & Johnston Ltd, based in Holytown, has been a leading, local player in the property maintenance field for over 30 years. The company […]

18 February 2025

In a ruling delivered in late 2024 in R (on the application of Cobalt Data Centre 2 LLP and another) v HMRC [2024] UKSC 40, the Supreme Court upheld HMRC’s decision to deny allowances under the Capital Allowances Act 2001 (“CAA 2001”) related to an enterprise zone scheme, ultimately dismissing the appellants’ appeal. This case […]

14 February 2025

Boy George, star of the famous 1980s English band Culture Club, has been in the news this week due to the potential loss of exclusive trade mark rights to his name, following the band’s reported £12 million debt. The trade marks in question are ‘BOY GEORGE’, owned by Cometmarket Limited, of which Boy George is […]

12 February 2025

Subscription services are now a regular part of daily life, from streaming platforms like Netflix to meal kits such as HelloFresh and fitness apps like Strava Premium. While these services offer convenience, many consumers find themselves locked into unwanted subscriptions due to complex cancellation processes and automatic renewals. In the UK, there are 155 million […]

10 February 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming a party of daily life, prompting businesses to capitalise on its potential benefits. Although AI remains largely unregulated, the UK government and other authorities worldwide are considering various regulatory approaches. As a result, businesses must stay informed about emerging developments to effectively prepare and mitigate potential risks. This article […]

6 February 2025

Throughout the news, reports suggest that U.S. President Donald Trump is implementing significant changes to U.S. tax policy and tariffs, which could have far-reaching effects on businesses and international trade. While some proposals are already in place, others are under discussion, particularly regarding the EU and UK. This article explores how proposed tariffs could impact […]

3 February 2025

The ongoing legal dispute between Getty Images and Stability AI has taken a critical step forward, with developments on 14 January 2025 setting the stage for what could become a landmark case. This case raises fundamental questions about the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and intellectual property (IP): Can AI developers legally use copyrighted materials […]

3 February 2025

For businesses, the start of a new year provides an excellent opportunity to reflect and prepare for the months ahead. While many focus on marketing and growth strategies for 2025, it’s equally important not to overlook the legal aspects of running a business. Ensuring your contracts are current and tailored to your future plans can […]

31 January 2025

The family team at Berry Smith is supporting Family Mediation Week 2025, which takes place between Monday, 27th and Friday, 31st January, with the aim of raising awareness of the benefits of mediation within the family justice system. On the final day of Family Mediation Week 2025, we share some top tips on how to […]

30 January 2025

The family team at Berry Smith is supporting Family Mediation Week 2025, which takes place between Monday, 27th and Friday, 31st January, with the aim of raising awareness of the benefits of mediation within the family justice system. On Day 4 of Family Mediation Week 2025, we look at how mediation can help with complex […]

30 January 2025

Sports Direct tycoon Mike Ashley has won a recent High Court case against HMRC regarding its handling of a subject access request (SAR) previously submitted by Ashley. The dispute arose from Ashley’s sale of properties, during which HMRC challenged the valuation and issued a tax demand of £13.6 million in 2016. Despite later withdrawing the […]

29 January 2025

Recent changes to the higher rate of Land Transaction Tax (LTT) in Wales may impact those purchasing additional properties. Below, we outline what LTT is, how it works, and the changes you need to know. What is Land Transaction Tax (LTT)? LTT is a tax payable to the Welsh Revenue Authority when an individual or […]

29 January 2025

In the recent Autumn 2024 Budget, the Chancellor announced a wide range of changes to how inheritance tax will be calculated in the future, including changes to the inheritance tax treatment of pensions. If you have a private pension, it is vital that you consider these recent announcements. 1) What is the current position regarding […]

29 January 2025

The Government has published the updated rates for the National Living Wage (NLW), National Minimum Wage (NMW) and statutory payments that will apply from April 2025. Proposed increases to statutory payments: · Statutory maternity pay, maternity allowance, paternity pay, adoption pay, shared parental pay and parental bereavement pay will increase from £184.30 to £187.70 per […]

29 January 2025

The Government has laid before Parliament the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 (‘the Act’) introducing a new day-one right to neonatal leave for working families with babies in neonatal care. Subject to Parliamentary approval, neonatal care leave will apply in respect of children who are born on or after 6 April 2025. Currently, […]

29 January 2025

The family team at Berry Smith is supporting Family Mediation Week 2025, which takes place between Monday, 27th and Friday, 31st January, with the aim of raising awareness of the benefits of mediation within the family justice system. On Day 3 of Family Mediation Week 2025, we take a look at how children’s voices can […]

28 January 2025

The family team at Berry Smith is supporting Family Mediation Week 2025, which takes place between Monday, 27th and Friday, 31st January, with the aim of raising awareness of the benefits of mediation within the family justice system. On Day 2 of Family Mediation Week 2025, we take a closer look at the role of […]

27 January 2025

The family team at Berry Smith is supporting Family Mediation Week 2025, which takes place between Monday, 27th and Friday, 31st January, with the aim of raising awareness of the benefits of mediation within the family justice system. In our experience at Berry Smith, many families who come to us for advice or mediation services […]

22 January 2025

In a highly anticipated legal battle, popular cider producer Thatchers successfully appealed against supermarket giant Aldi in a long-running trademark dispute. In this article, we will break down the key aspects of the case, its implications for trademark law, and what it means for companies seeking to protect their brands in the marketplace. Background At […]

22 January 2025

Berry Smith is delighted to have acted as lead adviser to Cardo Group Limited in its successful acquisition of Heatcare Oil & Gas Holdings Limited. This strategic purchase marks a significant milestone in Cardo’s ongoing expansion and its commitment to delivering energy-efficient solutions for social housing and public buildings. The deal follows a series of […]

20 January 2025

Further to our previous article “Is it time to revise your terms and conditions” If you’ve determined that it’s time to revise your T&Cs, use the following checklist to ensure that you’ve covered all the essential aspects: 1. Clarity and Accessibility 2. Legal Compliance 3. Business Model Updates 4. Limitation of Liability 5. Force Majeure […]

17 January 2025

For any business, well-drafted terms and conditions (T&Cs) are the foundation of clear and legally sound relationships with customers, suppliers, and other third parties. These agreements outline the rules governing transactions and interactions, safeguarding your business against potential disputes and liabilities. However, market changes, legal updates, or shifts in your operations may mean it’s time […]

16 January 2025

It’s estimated that less than a quarter of us will stick to any New Year’s resolutions we make. So, instead of coming up with more excuses to skip your 6 am spin class, grab some leftover Christmas chocolates and a cuppa, and set yourself some New Business Resolutions you can actually stick to! The New […]

10 January 2025

Emma Jayne Scullion, an Associate in our Property Litigation team, recently helped a client successfully defend against their neighbour’s claim that past trespassing incidents had permanently reduced the value of her property. The Case: A Dispute Over Trespass The case went to trial in late November 2024. Both sides agreed that some minor trespasses had […]

9 December 2024

Failure to pay may seem like grounds for termination, but this isn’t always the case. Acting prematurely could backfire, potentially putting you in breach of the contract. Do You Have a Contractual Right to Terminate? In cases of late payment, parties typically have two legal routes to consider: However, neither guarantees an automatic right to […]

6 December 2024

The Supreme Court’s Landmark Decision on Force Majeure and “Reasonable Endeavors” In the recent case of MUR Shipping v RTI, the Supreme Court ruled that the “reasonable endeavours” proviso in a force majeure clause does not oblige parties to accept non-contractual performance, even if it would resolve the issue created by the force majeure event. What […]

6 December 2024

Intellectual Property (IP) can arise in various shapes and sizes. Understanding the various forms of IP is useful for considering who and how your IP is owned and can be used. In business, it is common for multiple parties to desire the rights in certain IP. The following is an overview of the rules of […]

3 December 2024

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare? A Lasting Power of Attorney is a document in which you (the donor) give someone else (the attorney(s)) the power to make decisions on your behalf. A Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare grants your attorney the authority to make decisions regarding […]

28 November 2024

Recently, you may have seen several allegations against high-profile figures making headlines, highlighting the importance of conducting successful investigations. These can involve grievance investigations, disciplinary investigations and other forms of investigation in the workplace.  Dealing with the intricacies of workplace investigations can be fraught with difficulties. For many employers, the decision to appoint an external […]

28 November 2024

On 3rd December 2024, Sarah Alford (Partner) and Caitlin Rees (Associate) in our Employment & HR department at Berry Smith, will be speaking about the upcoming employment law reforms, including the proposed changes to family leave rights, at the Women at Work Wales Conference, hosted by Policy Insight Wales.   We therefore thought that now was […]

20 November 2024

CST Wealth Management Limited is a renowned chartered financial planning firm based in Bridgend, managing an impressive portfolio of individual and business clients with approximately £170 million in assets under advice. Brooks Macdonald is one of the UK’s leading wealth management firms, focused on providing expert investment management and financial planning. Berry Smith worked closely […]

18 November 2024

Sky v SkyKick In a key case for trade mark law, the Supreme Court recently handed down its long-awaited judgment in Sky v SkyKick. The legal issue at hand was whether Sky’s trade marks had been validly registered, given the broad scope of their coverage. Originally, Sky sued SkyKick, a cloud management company based in […]

7 November 2024

A £279m partnership in the UK Government’s life sciences sector The UK government recently announced a £279 million investment in its life sciences sector through a partnership with Lilly, a multinational pharmaceutical company. This significant investment is aimed at accelerating healthcare innovation and advancing new care delivery models, particularly focused on improving health for people […]

5 November 2024

After weeks of rumour and speculation, Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered Labour’s first Budget in 14 years and, in doing so, introduced significant changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax in England. What is Stamp Duty Land Tax? Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a tax you must pay when you purchase an interest in land or […]

31 October 2024

The rumours prior to the unveiling of the Autumn Budget were that Agricultural Property Relief was to be scrapped. While this was not the case there have been considerable changes. If you own agricultural property, it is imperative that you consider the recent announcements.  What is Agricultural Property Relief? Agricultural Property Relief is an Inheritance […]

31 October 2024

The Chancellor’s announcements in the October budget have reduced the effective of Business Property Relief. If you are a sole trader, in partnership, and/or own a company, it is important that you consider the changes being introduced in April 2026. What is Business Property Relief? Business Property Relief is an Inheritance Tax relief which can […]

29 October 2024

On 10th October 2024, the government introduced a new Employment Rights Bill (‘the Bill’) to enact many of Labour’s manifesto commitments to improve the employment rights of workers and employees. This article sets out some of the Bill’s key provisions. The Government is currently consulting on the above proposals and most will likely come into […]

29 October 2024

Mental Health Awareness day took place earlier this month on 10th October. Mental Health UK report that one in ten people (10%) tackle the challenges of living with an anxiety disorder at any one time and people aged between 35-59 are more likely to be affected by an anxiety disorder. Women are twice as likely […]

24 October 2024

The Data Protection Audit Framework The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) have recently launched a new audit framework designed to help businesses assess their own compliance with key requirements under data protection legislation. The framework has been launched to encourage businesses to identify and implement any necessary steps to improve their data protection practices. The framework […]

23 October 2024

With the passing of the Renters’ Reform Bill imminent – expected in November 2024 – it is crucial for private landlords in England to consider how the changes will impact them. Often referred to as the ‘English equivalent’ of the Renting Homes Wales Act 2016, the Bill has already been widely criticised as unfairly stacking […]

18 October 2024

Berry Smith again features strongly in the latest independent guides to the legal profession in England and Wales. Each of our teams (Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Commercial, Commercial Property, Employment & HR, Family and Private Client) are ranked, with individual lawyers also recognised. The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners have recently published their annual rankings. […]

16 October 2024

On September 11, the High Court ruled against easyJet on one of its trade mark disputes in favour of Easyfundraising. The large airline company is a part of the easyGroup which has been trying to restrict the use of ‘easy’ by smaller companies in their brands. Easyfundraising, a service that helps users raise funds through […]

2 October 2024

Considering how the Supreme Court’s TUI -v- Griffiths decision could assist litigants seeking permission for expert evidence late in the day. The recent UK Supreme Court judgment in the case of TUI -v- Griffiths has attracted significant attention and discussion amongst litigation practitioners due to its implications for how the Court will treat expert evidence. […]

1 October 2024

Mental Health Awareness day took place earlier this month on 10th October. Mental Health UK report that one in ten people (10%) tackle the challenges of living with an anxiety disorder at any one time and people aged between 35-59 are more likely to be affected by an anxiety disorder. Women are twice as likely […]

1 October 2024

The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 comes into force on 26 October 2024. It amends the Equality Act to create (a) a new duty on employers to take ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent sexual harassment of their staff, and (b) a power for the Employment Tribunal to uplift sexual harassment compensation by […]

26 September 2024

Terms and conditions (T&Cs) are an essential agreement which form the legal basis upon which businesses trade with each other and their customers. Although it is not a legal requirement for every business to have T&Cs, having a set to rely on in the event of a dispute will place your business in a stronger […]

25 September 2024

Welsh Government have published an updated statement on the progress of the much-anticipated Building Safety (Wales) Bill. The Building Safety Act 2022 was introduced following the tragic events of Grenfell Tower to substantially improve the safety standards of residential buildings, along with granting residents and homeowners greater rights, powers, and protections. Welsh Government plan to […]