Contractor Recovers £3.2m Despite Defective Payment Notice
A High Court ruling has clarified when a contractor may still recover millions despite defective payment paperwork on a major construction project.
Commercial Litigation
Court of Appeal Overturns US$16m Mask Contract Award
Background to the Covid‑Era Supply Contract The Court of Appeal has overturned an award of more than US$16 million in a dispute arising from a Covid-era contract for the supply of millions of surgical face masks. The case concerned an April 2020 agreement under which Advanced Multi-Technology for Medical Industry, trading as Hitex, a Jordanian
UK Firms Face Fines for Late Invoice Payments
UK businesses that fail to pay invoices on time could soon face multi-million-pound fines, as part of new legislation aimed at tackling late invoice payments UK-wide. The government’s proposals are designed to protect small suppliers, improve cash flow, and reduce the economic damage caused by delayed payments. Stronger Enforcement Powers for the Small Business The
UK Business Insolvency Trends 2025: More Companies Struggling Amid Rising Costs
In April 2025, UK corporate insolvencies rose by 2.9% month-on-month, highlighting the growing pressure on businesses amid rising costs, policy shifts, and global trade tensions. This article explores the latest data, expert commentary, and the broader economic context affecting business resilience.
Disclosure Letter Misrepresentation Claim to Proceed to Trial
A High Court ruling confirms that statements in a draft disclosure letter during a corporate sale may support a fraudulent misrepresentation claim, allowing the case to proceed to trial.
Rent Deductions from Benefits: What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know
The automated system that allows landlords to deduct rent from tenants’ benefits is under review due to concerns that it may be leading some tenants into financial hardship. The process of rent deductions from benefits has been in place for some time, but it is now facing scrutiny, with potential changes on the horizon. Current
Directors Banned for Accepting Orders They Couldn’t Fulfill
George and Williamina Hay, directors of DWH Trading Ltd, were banned after continuing to accept orders they couldn’t fulfill, despite knowing the company was insolvent.
Fixed Recoverable Costs – so what’s been fixed?
The introduction of fixed recoverable costs (FRC) has been described as the biggest change to civil litigation for a decade. The FRC regime will attempt to fix the amount of legal costs that the successful party can claim from the unsuccessful party in litigation. The aim of the reform is to provide certainty to parties
Compulsory company liquidations soar by 66% in year to January
The number of compulsory company liquidations soared by 66% in the year to January, according to the latest figures from the Insolvency Service. The number of all company insolvencies was 5% higher than the number in January 2023. Of the 1,769 registered company insolvencies in January 2024: Nicky Fisher, President of R3, the UK’s insolvency
No-fault evictions to be banned in ‘New Deal’ for renters
No-fault evictions are to be banned as part of government plans to “end the injustice of unfit homes and help protect renters from the rising cost of living”. The Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper is designed to ensure millions of families benefit from living in decent, well looked-after homes as part of the biggest shake