Public Sector Services

18 November 2025

Berry Smith has successfully defended a claim for unfair prejudice brought against a director and shareholder in a care company, but during the course of that claim, the unsuccessful Applicant shareholder (who is a solicitor) applied for retrospective variations to the court timetable and relief from sanctions arising from her non-compliance with previous directions. The […]

18 November 2025

Personal data has become a most critical asset in any merger or acquisition. For businesses data drives customer engagement, operational performance, and revenue growth. Yet, under Data Protection laws, acquiring a company without thoroughly reviewing its privacy compliance can lead to significant exposure—regulatory investigations, reputational damage, and fines of up to £17.5 million or 4% […]

18 November 2025

With Beaujolais Nouveau celebrations in full swing this week, many Welsh businesses will be raising a glass with colleagues, clients, and referrers. It’s a great opportunity to strengthen relationships, but it’s also a moment when business talk can blur into something more serious. A familiar scene unfolds every year, over lunch and a few glasses […]

18 November 2025

A Significant Fee Increase Is Coming From 1 April 2026, the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) will introduce a wide-ranging fee increase across trademarks, designs and patents. Subject to parliamentary approval, the rise will average around 25%, marking the first trade mark fee increase in nearly three decades. For businesses, this means that delaying filings […]

18 November 2025

A significant chapter in the dispute between Adidas and fashion brand Thom Browne has now closed, with the Court of Appeal confirming that several of Adidas’s position trade marks for its famous three-stripe design are invalid. This is a notable decision for rights holders, marking the first time the Court of Appeal has considered the […]

13 November 2025

From 18 November 2025, a key change under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) will come into effect. All UK company directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) will need to verify their identity and hold a Unique Identifier (UID) – sometimes referred to as a personal verification code – which must […]

13 November 2025

Berry Smith is delighted to announce that the firm has been recognised in The Times Best Law Firms 2026, achieving a place as a new entry in the category for Company and Commercial Law – see it here: Berry Smith Lawyers The Times’ annual list highlights the leading law firms across England and Wales, based on recommendations […]

10 November 2025

This week marks the start of Resolution’s Good Divorce Week – an opportunity to shine a light on this positive, forward-thinking approach to family law. It’s about showing that there is a better way – one that prioritises compassion, communication, and constructive resolution over confrontation. The need for a better way The Family Courts are […]

6 November 2025

We’ve all done it – scrolled to the bottom of a page, ticked a box, and clicked “Accept” without reading a word of what we just agreed to; from free Wi-Fi logins to online subscriptions to supplier portals. In many cases, we’re accepting legally binding terms without fully understanding the consequences. For businesses, this can […]

4 November 2025

For many businesses, expanding into new markets or scaling product sales means choosing the right distribution model. A distribution agreement can be a powerful way to reach more customers efficiently. However, without careful drafting it can also expose a business to significant legal and commercial risk. It is important to strike the right balance between […]

27 October 2025

In September 2025, the Employment Tribunal delivered its decision in the case of Ogumodede v Churchill Contract Services (2225883/20), which serves as a timely reminder for employers to monitor their compliance with the Working Time Regulations 1998 (‘WTR’). This article briefly summarises the facts of the case and highlights the key points to note for […]

27 October 2025

Recognising Menopause as a Workplace Issue National Menopause Day, 18 October, is a timely reminder that menopause is not just a health issue, but a workplace issue too. While menopause is a natural part of life for most women and others who menstruate, its symptoms can cause significant physical, emotional and mental challenges. When these […]