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What are company registers and why you need them

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Head of Corporate, Margaret Evans explains the functionality and importance of company registers 

Part Four - To Limit Liability or not?

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Margaret Evans, Head of Corporate discusses the administrative features of setting up a business in the final part of her blog series “To Limit Liability or Not”.

When is one not enough?

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Head of Corporate, Margaret Evans discusses being a Sole director of a limited company and what the Model Articles actually allow as found by a recent case,

Part three - To limit liability or not?

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Margaret Evans, Head of Corporate explains the features of starting a Private Limited Company.

Part two - To limit liability or not?

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Margaret Evans, Head of Corporate explains in brief the essential features of setting up a partnership. 

Part One - To limit liability or not?

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Margaret Evans, Head of Corporate Law explains the essential features of becoming a sole trader.

Business Sale Process

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Margaret Evans, Head of Corporate Law discusses completion and life after the sale of your business in the last part of The Selling Process Series.

The Selling Process Series - Finding your Buyer

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Margaret Evans, Head of Corporate Law discusses finding a buyer in the part 5 of The Selling Process Series.

The Selling Process - Valuing your Business for Sale

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Margaret Evans, Head of Corporate Law discusses how the valuation process works and how it is calculated.

The Selling Process - Preparing your Business for Sale Part 2

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Margaret Evans, Head of Corporate discusses preparing your business for sale including the Sales & Purchase agreement, looking at your assets, resolving any disputes and looking into data rooms.

The Selling Process Series - Preparing your Business Part 1

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Margaret Evans, Head of Corporate in the third part of her series called the selling process discusses how to prepare your business for sale.

Is a Company Director liable for it's debts?

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John King, Partner discusses whether a company director can be liable for its debts.

The Selling Process Series - To Sell or Not to Sell

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Our corporate team at FDR Law, often get asked for advice on selling a company – whether to sell the assets or shares, when to sell, what options are available and what the process is. 

This is the first part of a series of articles which will give you some advice on “Selling your company“ with a focus on the main aspects of the sale process including: sale options, preparing the business for sale, valuing the business, finding your buyer, exclusivity and beyond, completing and life beyond sale. 

Major Furlough Changes from 01 August 2020

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01 August 2020 will see the start of some of the most significant changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (“Scheme”). From 01 August 2020, the level of Government grant will reduce and the reduction will continue each month until the end...

To furlough, or not to furlough, that is the question

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What does furlough mean? This is where employees are sent home, normally because there is a lack of work, but they still technically remain employed. Why do I keep hearing about furlough? The Government has now introduced financial support known as the...

FDR Law advise on pub chain sale

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FDR Law advise pub chain on £17.9m sale   Warrington based pub group Bravo Inns has been acquired by the Hawthorn Leisure arm of property investment firm NewRiver REIT plc in a deal worth £17.9m, with FDR Law’s Corporate team...

FDR Law advise Network Space on a £93m portfolio sale

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FDR Law advise Network Space on a £93m portfolio sale   The Real Estate team at FDR Law have concluded the sale on behalf of Network Space of a 1 million sq ft portfolio of 25 industrial holdings to InfraRed Capital Partners, in a deal worth...

Legal 500 describe Real Estate team as "excellent"

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  The Real Estate team at FDR Law are justifiably proud to be the only Warrington based firm to achieve a ranking in the latest Legal 500 table released this week. The Legal 500 researchers describe the team as follows: ...

North West Property Hot Spots

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Almost weekly the North West business press are reporting on multi-million-pound real estate transactions and news of commercial property developments are being announced.   In the last few week’s one article described Manchester as an...

Development of a New Build Team

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The legal team supporting the development and sales of New Build Properties expands The new department encompasses the existing Plot Purchases legal team that has delivered residential conveyancing services to people buying new build properties across the...

FDR Law Legal Clinic - Settlement Agreements

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Legal advice from David Jones, Employment Solicitor based at FDR Law’s office in Warrington Q: Why do I need independent legal advice with a Settlement Agreement? A: A Settlement Agreement is a legal document used to terminate an employment...

FDR HR Clinic - World Cup

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HR advice from Kerry Mercer, HR Advisor at FDR HR in Warrington Q: How do I keep my staff focused on work during the Football World Cup? A: Football-friendly flexibility is the key to keeping your staff happy and motivated during the World Cup, which...

Are you an Employer of Choice?

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There’s a skill shortage in the market place, and businesses are struggling to recruit.  It’s not that the jobs aren’t there, it’s the skillset that isn’t, and yet it is if businesses think differently. A recent article...

FDR Law Legal Clinic - Zombie Companies

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Legal advice from John King, Commercial Partner at FDR Law Q: What is meant by the term Zombie Company? A: The phrase ‘Zombie Company’ has been used, usually by the media, to describe a business that requires financial support in order...

FDR HR Clinic - mental health illness in the workplace

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HR advice from Kim Hayton, HR Director at FDR Law Q: What is the impact of mental health illness in the workplace A: Depression, stress and anxiety are the largest causes for UK sickness absence with 15.8 million work days lost in 2016*, and the...

Are Employers 'living in the dark ages' when recruiting women?

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Most Employers would say that they are not, but recent statistics* from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) show that this could be the case. The survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of EHRC was to understand managers’ attitudes around...

Direct Race Discrimination in the Workplace

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Did you know that a comment uttered by one employee to another in the workplace could result in Employer liability? In December 2017 the case of Nazarczyk v TJ Morris was heard by the Employment Tribunal and supposedly John Cowley a worker of the...

Harassment in the workplace

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In February 2018 a retail assistant was awarded over £47,000 after their employer failed to properly investigate and deal with an issue of harassment appropriately. The transgender employee was employed for less than 6 months by the high street...

Ditch the CV

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By far the most time intensive element of a HR department is recruitment.  It is also the area which has the most impact on the business, especially when you consider that half of new recruits are likely to leave within 18 months. The reasons for a...

Tick Tock, the GDPR clock is running. Have you started yet?

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With the 25th May deadline looming closer, it may seem like an impossible mountain to climb to get GDPR compliant in time. Many business leaders will feel like they are the only company not to have started the process, and are a million miles away from...

FDR Law Legal Clinic - Employment Tribunals

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HR advice from Kim Hayton, HR Director at FDR Law Q: What next, now that the Employment Tribunal Fees have been dropped? A: In July 2017 the Supreme Court ruled that the Employment Tribunal fees introduced in 2013 were unlawful and as a...

FDR HR Employment Law Update - 31st January 2018

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Join us for an Employment Law Update on Wednesday 31st January 2018 at the FDR Law Bold Street offices in Warrington. HR Director Kim Hayton will be discussing recent Employment Law changes and what is expected in the next 6-12 months.  Key Case Law...

FDR HR Clinic - Harassment at Work

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Kerry Mercer, HR Advisor at FDR HR discuss Harassment in the Workplace and what Employers can do to prevent it happening   Q: How can I prevent Harassment in the Workplace? A: Harassment is not just confined to the Entertainment world, as we have...

FDR HR Clinic - Access to Work

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HR advice from Kerry Mercer, HR Advisor at FDR Law Q: What is Access to Work?  A: Access to Work is a Government scheme where employees and job applicants with a disability can apply for a grant to pay for practical support to help...

FDR Law Legal Clinic - Life Coaching

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Kim Hayton, HR Director at FDR Law discusses Life Coaching Q: I took a break over the summer and now realise I want a career change but don’t know how to go about it? A: Many of us use the time we spend on holiday reflecting on our lives and taking...

FDR Law Legal Clinic - Potential Identity Theft

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John King, Commercial Partner at FDR Law discusses how Company Directors can protect themselves from potential identity theft Protecting ourselves personally from potential identity theft is something we should all take seriously.  Recent reports...

FDR Law Legal Clinic - Children in the workplace

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Kim Hayton, HR Director at FDR Law discusses Children in the workplace Q: One of our employees has childcare issues and has asked if they can bring their child into work during the school holidays, what should we do? A: We all know that the school...

Employment Tribunal Charges unlawful

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Stephen Poyner, Partner and Head of Employment Law comments on the Supreme Court ruling that Employment Tribunal fees are unlawful "This Morning's decision by the Supreme Court came as a surprise to many HR lawyers and professionals. The Court...

Winning the Talent Battle - 12th July 2017

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In partnership with Grant Thornton, Santander and The Base in Warrington, FDR Law will be presenting at a breakfast event - Winning the Talent Battle on Wednesday 12th July 2017. Starting at 8.30am and concluding by 10.30am, the event will look at...

Persons of Significant Control Update

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Monday 26th June 2017 is the deadline to bring the Fourth Money Laundering Directive (MLD4) into UK law. What does this mean for companies and the requirement to disclose their beneficial owners?  Currently, any changes to Persons of Significant...

FDR HR Employment Law - Case Review Seminar - NEW DATE

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Join us for an Employment Law Review on Thursday 29th June 2017* The Base , Dallam Lane, Warrington WA2 7NG Arrival, registration and the opportunity to network (over refreshments and pastries) will be from 8.30am, with the event starting at...

FDR HR Employment Law - Case Review Seminar - 29th June 2017

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Join us for an Employment Law Review on Thursday 29th June 2017 The Base , Dallam Lane, Warrington WA2 7NG Arrival, registration and the opportunity to network (over refreshments and pastries) will be from 8.30am, with the event starting at...

The new 2017 Insolvency Rule sees big changes for creditors

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The new 2017 Insolvency Rule sees big changes for creditors After five years, just four in ten small businesses will still be trading. According to National Statistics, the total number of company insolvencies was higher in 2016 than in the previous year...

FDR Law Legal Clinic - Eligibility to Work

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Kim Hayton, HR Director discusses Eligibility to Work Q: What is meant by ‘Right to Work’?    A: Employers must carry out checks on all new employees before they start work, and they must have had visibility of original...

Whistleblowing: a whistle-stop tour

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Following this week’s announcement of Barclays, Chief Executive of Jess Staley’s attempt to track down the author of anonymous letters, whistleblowing charities and law firms have called for companies to offer more protection to workers who flag...

SIPP Lending Seminar

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Have you ever wondered about SIPP Lending and if it is the right thing for you to do? Do you have a pension that you would like to be able to make more use of? The Nat West are hosting a fully funded event on Thursday 25th May 2017 and...

Ready, Levy, Go

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Practical advice to employers ahead of the Apprenticeship Levy FDR Law is helping businesses across the North West prepare for the impending Apprenticeship Levy which is coming into force on 1 st April.  The new levy affects all companies with a...

What will Brexit mean for your commercial contracts?

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As Parliament has now confirmed the implementation of Article 50 and the notification that the UK will commence negotiations to leave the EU on 29 th March, FDR Law’s Commercial Partner John King, considers how commercial contracts could be affected...

FDR Law Legal Clinic - Can an Employer tell me what to wear

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Kim Hayton, HR Director at FDR Law looks at workplace clothing Q: Can an employer dictate what we wear at work? A: An organisation may have a dress code appropriate to the job roles it has, for example: Uniforms – communicate a corporate image...

HR Mangers Festive Survival Guide

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Up to 200 extra staff have been recruited at Warrington’s main shopping centre, Golden Square, to cope with the expected Christmas rush this year.  But just as retailers are getting to grips with their resourcing issues and the hiring of...

Flexible Working Unfair Dismissal Case

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Our specialist team at FDR HR will comment on recent Employment Law Cases and highlight how HR personnel and businesses can learn from the judgements. Holt vs Bannatyne Fitness Emma Holt a beauty therapist who worked at Bannatyne Fitness in Carlisle has...

An employers guide to avoiding Christmas party hangovers

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While the highlight of the year for many, Christmas parties can be a potential minefield for employers. As many as 90% of employers have had to deal with an employment problem stemming from a Christmas party, and 10% of employees know someone who has faced...

FDR HR Workshop - Calculating Holiday Pay

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The next FDR HR Workshop will take place on Friday 25th November 2016 and will focus on the complexities surrounding Holiday Pay, how to calculate and the impact this has on budget planning. Aimed at Payrol and HR Managers, this hands-on workshop will be...

FDR Law Legal Clinic - Difficult Employee

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Q: One of our employees seems to always be at the centre of issues with their colleagues.  What can we do? A: Providing that you act fairly and impartially then an Employer is entitled to treat such action as potential misconduct.  However, it is...

Employment Law Seminar - 12th October 2016

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Taking place on Wednesday 12th October, the event will cover the latest Employment Law updates and expected changes from October 2016.  Registration from 8.30am with an expected finish at 10,30am and the opportunity to network afterwards over a coffee....

FDR Law Legal Clinic - Right to Work

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Q: As an employer, how can we prepare for the increased Right to Work legislation? A: The new Immigration Bill 2015-2016 has imposed additional responsibilities on employers to ensure that all employees have a 'legal right to work' in the UK. The...

FDR Law Legal Clinic - What is a PSC Register?

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Q: What is the PSC Register and what do I need to do as the director of a private limited company? A: In simple terms, a Person of Significant Control (PSC) is a shareholder who owns over 25% of a UK company. However, there are four further specified...

Gender pay gap now is the time to address inequality

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With the government delaying new rules on pay transparency until 2018, female employees will have to wait another two years to find out if they are paid less than their male counterparts.  Although under the Equal Pay Act it is illegal to pay different...

FDR Law Legal Clinic - Setting up a Company

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Q: Do I need to use professional services to set up a company or can I do this myself? A: You are able to register a limited company yourself; however there are a number of considerations which require an understanding of the legal requirements: Business...

Not in my time! Workplace Privacy laws

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‘Not on my time’ – new ruling highlights employer rights during working hours The European Court of Human Rights’ recent ruling that employers have the right to look on staff's work emails and electronic messages, will mean that...

FDR Law Legal Clinic - Retailers guide to Consumer Law

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Q: As the owner of a small retail shop we are very busy with our January Sale, what do we need to consider for any returns of goods? A: Retail businesses need to adhere to the new guidelines within the UK Consumer Rights Act 2015 that came into effect on...

FDR Law warns North West Landlords to prepare for Right to Rent deadline

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Warrington’s FDR Law is calling for landlords to ensure that their tenants have the correct immigration status to be able to rent a property in the UK – or risk a fine of up to £3,000 per tenant. The Government has announced that from 1...

2016 Legislative Heads Up for SMEs

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FDR Law provides advice for SMEs on 2016’s main legislative changes FDR Law, the business specialist law firm is calling for business owner managers to make sure they are ready to cope with the slew of new legislation the New Year is set to...

FDR Law Legal Clinic - Why use a Notary?

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FDR Law Legal Clinic Legal advice from Stephen Poyner, Notary Public based at our offices in Warrington  Q: What is a Notary and why might I need one? A: A Notary or a Notary Public is a qualified lawyer who provides a legal service for businesses or...

Changes to Consumer Rights Act this Christmas

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FDR Law provides consumer advice ahead of this year’s Black Friday Warrington’s FDR Law is calling for consumers to make sure they protect themselves with their pre-Christmas purchases this year whether shoppers are taking to the high street or...

FDR Law Legal Clinic - Apprenticeships

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FDR Law Legal Clinic Legal advice from Parveen Bunglawala, Employment Associate Solicitor, based at FDR Law’s office in Warrington Q: I’m a small business owner and am considering taking on our first Apprentice, what do we need to consider from...

Legislation Deadline Looms for UK Landlords

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October 1st deadline for Section 21 changes to Assured Shorthold Tenancies UK landlords have just over a week to address important changes that will alter tenants' protection from eviction under Assured Shorthold Tenancies (AST). From 1 October 2015...

FDR Law Legal Clinic - Partnership Vs Private Limited Company

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Legal advice from Eleanor Woodall, trainee commercial solicitor at FDR Law Bold Street, Warrington. Partnership vs Limited Company Q: I am setting up a new business with a friend, should we register as a partnership or as a private limited company? A:...

Commercial Property Buyout

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FDR Law advises John Downes on the buyout of Langtree’s public sector division. The commercial team at Warrington based FDR Law has advised John Downes the former Chief Executive of The Langtree Group in the management buyout of the Group’s...

FDR Law appoints top commercial property lawyer

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Kirsty Tinsley-Fenney boosts Warrington firm's commercial property team Full service law firm, FDR Law has appointed a new Commercial Property Partner Kirsty Tinsley-Fenney, as it continues to invest in its Commercial services division. Kirsty joins...

New commercial property solicitor joins FDR Law

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A new commercial property solicitor has joined the commercial department of Warrington legal firm, FDR Law. Lynne Cook, who is based at the firm’s Bold Street office, will boost the specialist commercial team dealing with landlord and tenant issues,...

FDR Law Legal Clinic - Landlords Insurance

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Legal advice from David Jones, a specialist commercial paralegal at FDR Law in Palmyra Square, Warrington Insurance on leasehold house Q: I own a 999 lease on a residential house and my landlord has contacted me and said that I need to use their nominated...

FDR Law Legal Clinic - Debt Recovery

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Legal advice from David Jones, a specialist commercial paralegal at FDR Law in Palmyra Square, Warrington Debt recovery – when to get legal advice Q: I run a small business. One of my regular clients is very slow paying his bills and now owes me a...

Employment Law Changes - coming soon

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From early April 2015 there will changes in Employment Law - are you aware of them and how this could affect your business? An overview of the changes being made on the 5th and 6th April are: Statutory sick pay (SSP)...

FDR Law Legal Clinic - Shared Parental Leave

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Legal advice from Stephen Poyner, FDR Law partner, head of commercial litigation and employment department, based at Bold Street, Warrington.  New parents to get more flexible maternity and paternity leave Q:  My wife is expecting our first...

FDR Law Legal Clinic - Business Contracts

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Legal advice from Eleanor Woodall, a commercial paralegal, at FDR Law, Bold Street, Warrington.  Getting your business off to the right start Q: I am setting up a new business. How important is it to create formal terms and conditions? I’ve read...

Latest Ruling on Holiday Pay

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Parveen Bunglawala, Employment expert at FDR Law Warrington discusses the latest ruling on Holiday pay announced on 4th November 2014 "the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) delivered a landmark Judgment in the case of Bear Scotland v Fulton (with...

Made in Cheshire Insider Breakfast

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North West Business Insider continue their successful series of Manufacturing Breakfast Meetings around the region with Made in Cheshire on Friday 28th November 2014. The event will highlight the importance of manufacturing businesses across the North West...

FDR Law Legal Clinic - Pay Equality in the Workplace

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Legal advice from Parveen Bunglawala, a specialist employment solicitor at FDR Law Q: Women seem to be paid less than men doing similar jobs in our firm. Is there anything I can do about this?  A: Although there is an assumption that equal pay rates...

Decline in Employment Tribunal Claims

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Parveen Bunglawala, Associate solicitor and Employment Law expert comments on the recent news that there has been a decline in Employment Tribunal Claims “Statistics published by the Ministry of Justice reveal that employment tribunal claims have...

Small Business Act for Europe

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From the Lawyer 19th September –  “On 9th September, the European Commission published a public consultation on the Small Business Act for Europe, to gather feedback on how upcoming legislation to support small and medium-sized enterprises...

FDR Law Legal Clinic - Landlord Responsibilities

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Legal advice from David Jones, a commercial litigation and employment paralegal at FDR Law, Palmyra Square, Warrington Q: I want to evict my tenant due to rent arrears. Unfortunately I failed to secure his deposit in an official Tenancy Deposit Scheme....

Mandatory Equal Pay Audits

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Employment Law associate solicitor Parveen Bunglawala comments on proposed changes coming soon with the Equality Act "according to the government’s draft proposals in the Equality Act 2010 (Equal Pay Audits) Regulations 2014, from the...

Flexible Working Rights extended to all employees

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From the 30th June 2014 there is an extension of rights for employees in the realm of Employment Law.  The right to request flexible working  (which was previously reserved for carers and those with children under the age of 17)  has now been...

FDR Law Legal Clinic - Flexible Working

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Legal advice from Parveen Bunglawala, a specialist employment solicitor at FDR Law, Warrington Score a hit with your staff during the World Cup 2014 Q: How do I keep my staff focused on work during the Football World Cup? A:  Football-friendly...

FDR in the Far East

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FDR Law may be based in Warrington, North West England though the legal work carried out isn’t just regional and UK national; we act for many international clients and last month Commercial Partner Charles Agar travelled out to the Far East on a 7 day...

Statutory Sick Pay

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As of the 6th April 2014, employers are no longer able to reclaim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from the government.  Employers have previously been able to reclaim any SSP that exceeded 13% of their monthly national insurance contributions.  The...

FDR Law Legal Clinic - Redundancy

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Legal advice from Parveen Bunglawala, a specialist employment solicitor, at FDR Law, Palmyra Square, Warrington. Redundancy Threats? Q: Redundancies are likely to be made at our company this year. What rights do employees have if management decides to cut...

Solicitor wins promotion

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Warrington solicitor Jane Courtney, a commercial property specialist at law firm FDR Law, has just been promoted to Associate Solicitor – the first rung on the ladder to partner. After gaining a law degree at the University of Hull and professional...

FDR Law put icing on the cake for BAKO acquisition

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Warrington law firm FDR Law has spread icing on the cake for BAKO North Western’s acquisition of another bakery supplier. Commercial partners John King and Margaret Evans masterminded the complex legal deal between the Preston-based bakery...