Author Archives: Alice Heathfield

Outlook for OFAC Sanctions on Foreign Companies

Posted on March 10, 2020 by Alice Heathfield

In recent years, the U.S. has been extremely active in imposing sanctions over a number of different countries including Russia, Iran, and North Korea and also targeting specific companies and individuals. The reasons for these sanctions have been diverse, ranging …

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Status of construction industry contractors questioned by Tribunal ruling

Posted on March 6, 2020 by Alice Heathfield

An Employment Tribunal has thrown into question the status of construction industry contractors in a ruling finding that two contractors were in fact employees and should be afforded the protections open to all employed staff. It is a decision that …

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Are your contracts of employment ready for changes taking effect on 6 April?

Posted on March 6, 2020 by Alice Heathfield

Following the publication of the government’s Good Work Plan in December 2018, legislation will be coming into force imminently that will affect the contractual terms and conditions businesses must provide to their staff. Employees are currently entitled to receive a …

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Flybe collapses two months after government announces rescue

Posted on March 5, 2020 by Alice Heathfield

With coronavirus proving to be the final straw, Flybe has gone into administration less than two months after the government announced a rescue deal, resulting in the loss of more than 2,000 jobs. Simon de Broise comments on the airline’s …

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Restaurant going bust? Here’s some food for thought…

Posted on February 24, 2020 by Alice Heathfield

Many readers will be aware of the recent, sudden closure during service of Mayfair restaurant “The Square”, which left staff out of work and out of pocket after January’s wages remained unpaid. Sadly this is by no means an isolated …

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Government’s proposed points-based immigration system – how will this impact SMEs?

Posted on February 20, 2020 by Alice Heathfield

The Government has announced post-Brexit plans to bring in a “points based” immigration system meaning low skilled workers will no longer qualify for visas. The plans are intended to urge employers to move away from relying on cheap labour from …

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Making Waves: IPEC finds fabric design a work of artistic craftmanship

Posted on February 11, 2020 by Alice Heathfield

In Response Clothing Limited -v- Edinburgh Woollen Mill Limited [2020] EWHC 148(IPEC) His Honour Judge Hacon has made a rare finding that a fabric design incorporating a wave pattern constituted a work of artistic craftsmanship and therefore qualified for copyright …

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Libor transition and loans – what borrowers in the real estate market need to know

Posted on January 29, 2020 by Alice Heathfield

The London Interbank Offer Rate (LIBOR) is the benchmark reference rate commonly used in commercial loans to calculate interest payments in variable (floating) rate loans.  LIBOR is now being phased out meaning significant changes for the loan and interest rate …

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Home ownership aspirations – is the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ in London starting to run dry?

Posted on January 28, 2020 by Alice Heathfield

Home ownership remains the ultimate goal for ‘Generation Rent’ yet aspirations to buy a home within the next five years are dimmed compared to just a year ago according to the second annual Collyer Bristow Home Ownership Attitudes and Aspirations …

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How to make use of Entrepreneurs Relief

Posted on January 17, 2020 by Alice Heathfield

In its General Election manifesto, the Conservative Party promised to “review and reform” Entrepreneurs Relief, noting that it has not “fully delivered on [its] objectives”. Now that the Conservatives have formed the new government – with a significant majority – …

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