RSS Feed
Mills & Reeve - RSS feed
The latest articles and events from Mills & Reeve LLP.

Feed Contents:

Freedom of speech and workplace censorship

Gary Lineker’s dispute with the BBC over comments on his personal twitter account raises broader legal questions about freedom of speech in an employment context

Charles Pigott

Fri, 9 Jun 2023 14:08:49 GMT+00:00

Patient capital investment: 'In conversation with' sessions

We bring you a series of interactive and insightful Q&A’s with leading names in the world of real estate and patient capital investment.

Carina Cobbold

Thu, 8 Jun 2023 16:27:16 GMT+00:00

Company director compelled to draw down pension

The applicant was the assignee of claims by a company and its liquidators against the respondent, a former director, for breaches of fiduciary duty, and had obtained a judgment against the respondent.

Preena Lal

Thu, 8 Jun 2023 15:56:12 GMT+00:00

Administration discharge in context of a CVA

This case concerned a niche, but nonetheless interesting legal point around conditional orders for administration discharge. Mills & Reeve acted for the administrators and this author conducted the advocacy at the hearing.

Morgan Bowen

Thu, 8 Jun 2023 15:41:07 GMT+00:00

Freezing orders – cross undertakings and duty of disclosure

"Black Capital", a partnership between Mr Ubhi and Mr Patel, was placed into provisional liquidation. Stephen Hunt was appointed as provisional liquidator.

Catherine Noble

Thu, 8 Jun 2023 14:43:12 GMT+00:00

Court upholds sale of Bulb to Octopus Energy

Bulb was and remains the first energy supplier to enter a special administration regime. As part of the special administration process, the administrators needed to try and rescue Bulb as a going concern or failing that, transfer the business to another company.

Tim Evans

Thu, 8 Jun 2023 14:28:38 GMT+00:00

Time limits in complaints to the Financial Ombudsman

This appeal related to declarations sought as a result of PPI mis-selling complaints referred to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) on behalf of a large number of bankrupts.

Lino Di Lorenzo

Thu, 8 Jun 2023 13:59:15 GMT+00:00

What constitutes a fixed charge?

Administrators applied to court for directions as to the nature of security over high value satellite technology that it sold, as part of a “credit bid” process to secured lenders. The secured lenders provided the sale consideration through the provision of debt instruments designed to return to preferential creditors and unsecured creditors, what they would have received, if the assets were covered by floating, rather than fixed, charge security.

Neil Smyth

Thu, 8 Jun 2023 13:14:27 GMT+00:00

New partner promotions for 2023

Mills & Reeve welcomes ten new experts into its prestigious partnership from June 2023.

Claire Clarke

Wed, 7 Jun 2023 13:18:46 GMT+00:00

Working together at scale: FAQs on provider collaboratives

Provider collaboratives represent an opportunity to transform health and care delivery while driving improvements in patient outcomes and lived experience. All of which support the ambitions set out in the policy paper: Integrating care: next steps to building strong and effective integrated care systems across England.

Charlotte Lewis

Tue, 6 Jun 2023 12:44:18 GMT+00:00

A Brief Account – a synopsis of our annual round up

In our recent webinar, David Gooding, Lisa Taylor and Liam Burnett discussed a range of issues facing accountants and their insurers including claims against auditors and insolvency practitioners as well as coverage and regulatory themes. If you missed it, we set out a quick read of the main highlights below.

David Gooding

Tue, 6 Jun 2023 08:51:10 GMT+00:00

In-house in Focus: ESG

Join us for the next webinar in our In-house in Focus series, thinking about current ESG issues.

Mon, 5 Jun 2023 13:42:28 GMT+00:00

People Matter: Immigration Update

People Matter is the new name for all the extra support that our employment, pensions and immigration team provide to you. This includes sector focused events.

Mon, 5 Jun 2023 10:42:44 GMT+00:00

People Matter: Education employment update

Join us for the next webinar in our series which focuses on important employment issues affecting higher education institutions.

Fri, 2 Jun 2023 09:01:46 GMT+00:00

A round up of our recent patient capital investment panel event

A summary of our event delving into this increasingly popular form of long-term real estate investment.

Carina Davis

Thu, 1 Jun 2023 14:41:36 GMT+00:00

Family Matters: Businesses and disclosure on divorce. An international perspective

Join us for the next in the webinar series of Family Matters: Businesses and disclosure on divorce: an international perspective.

Thu, 1 Jun 2023 08:03:41 GMT+00:00

The European Commission diverges from the CMA’s decision in the Microsoft/Activision Merger

On 15 May 2023 the European Commission approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard (‘Activision’).

Kate Newman

Wed, 31 May 2023 10:30:53 GMT+00:00

Enhancing consumer rights – the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill

This briefing is part of a series that is taking a closer look at the government’s draft Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill ("the Bill") which was introduced into Parliament on 25 April 2023. This is an important and far-reaching Bill which will see wide ranging reforms to competition and consumer protection laws.

Sara Warner

Tue, 30 May 2023 13:05:27 GMT+00:00

Holding an American Depositary Share is not the same as holding a Share

Dr Jonathan Milner has flagged his intention to call a general meeting of Abcam PLC, an English company listed on the Nasdaq stock market, where he will seek to replace the current Chairman. However, his open letter suggests potential hurdles which investors in English companies listed on US and other foreign stock exchanges may face when trying to exercise shareholder rights.

Emma Plaxton

Fri, 26 May 2023 13:30:52 GMT+00:00

Cover Talk: Webinars for the insurance sector

Cover Talk is a series of bitesized webinars aimed specifically at insurers, insurance brokers and those working in the insurance sector.

Andrew Tobin

Fri, 26 May 2023 11:53:18 GMT+00:00

People Matter: redundancy - five things to get right

This first in our People Matter webinar series looks at pooling, selection criteria, consultation notice of dismissal and appeals.

James Kidd

Fri, 26 May 2023 10:06:06 GMT+00:00

People Matter: Charities - How to avoid employment tribunal claims

People Matter is the new name for all the extra support that our employment, pensions and immigration team provide to you. This includes sector focused events.

Thu, 25 May 2023 14:45:11 GMT+00:00

Breaking Ground: the duties of a Quantity Surveyor – what are they and where can things go wrong?

The June edition of our Breaking Ground webinar series for construction and engineering risk specialists.

Wed, 24 May 2023 15:59:00 GMT+00:00

Preparing your business for sale

There are many reasons why people put their businesses up for sale. It may be to reap the rewards of long years of hard work and sacrifice, or to make the most of a super opportunity. Alternatively, it may be the case that they just wish to move the business on as succession planning.

Peter McLintock

Wed, 24 May 2023 09:36:34 GMT+00:00

The art of dealing with your business “what ifs”

Unfortunately for business owners, we do not have the benefit of a crystal ball and lots of unexpected things become part of your daily dealings with your business. However, some “what ifs” are more predictable than others and it is always a good idea to prepare for these.

Peter McLintock

Wed, 24 May 2023 09:26:07 GMT+00:00

Raising finance for your business: preparation is key

All businesses, in order to prosper, will require some level of investment. There are lots of different ways a business can raise money for its future growth but usually it takes the form of debt (from banks and other lending institutions) to equity finance, where no bank debt is available, or it is insufficient. Equity finance is often provided by venture capitalists, private equity providers or business angels (usually high-net worth individuals who have an interest in supporting early stage or growth businesses).

Peter McLintock

Wed, 24 May 2023 09:15:54 GMT+00:00

The tax regime of employee ownership trusts – Government announces consultation

The Government has announced an intention to publish a consultation concerning the use and effectiveness of the employee ownership trust (EOT) tax regime. This announcement was made in a policy paper published on 27 April 2023.

John Kahn

Wed, 24 May 2023 07:14:33 GMT+00:00

Litigation round-up May 2023

We bring to you a round-up of some recent litigation cases that may be of interest.

Miranda Whiteley

Tue, 23 May 2023 14:52:32 GMT+00:00

Novus actus – intervening acts as an element of causation

In the tort of negligence and medical malpractice in particular, it is often easier to establish a breach of duty than it is to establish a causal link between that breach and the injury or loss claimed. That difficulty is compounded where the medical malpractice comes after an event, such as a road accident or injury at work, that has injured a claimant and put them in hospital for treatment that is meant to resolve, cure or mitigate their injury, but makes the situation worse.

Stephen King

Tue, 23 May 2023 11:04:54 GMT+00:00

Boycott-ed? What Witcomb means for date of knowledge and limitation defences

Since 2011, Boycott v Perrins Guy Williams has been a key case concerning date of knowledge when considering limitation and various section 14 defences. Witcomb v J. Keith Park Sols may have made it even harder for defendants to strike out claims at an early stage. Are the courts becoming more reluctant to stop the claimants having their day in court?

Maeve Canavan

Tue, 23 May 2023 10:46:25 GMT+00:00

Privilege – some good news for non-parties

The recent decision of Al Sadeq v Dechert LLP provides helpful clarification and commentary on several key principles of legal professional privilege. Most significantly, the High Court determined that a non-party to litigation might be entitled to claim litigation privilege where they have a sufficient interest in the litigation.

Victoria Watts

Tue, 23 May 2023 10:32:32 GMT+00:00

New commercial disputes hire to strengthen our expertise in the Midlands and beyond

Simon Garbett joins Mills & Reeve’s Birmingham office with a breadth of existing knowledge and experience in the marketplace.

Jayne Hussey

Tue, 23 May 2023 10:16:35 GMT+00:00

Procurement: Five in Twenty Five - 5 cases in 25

Our popular 5 in 25 series of webinars take place every couple of months and have covered the whole arc of a procurement process, from pre-procurement, through choice of procedure and advertisement, to selection, evaluation, award, challenges and operating the contract.

Mon, 22 May 2023 12:22:45 GMT+00:00

TECH Talk: cyber response – preparation and insights

This TECHtalk session will provide you with helpful information on key steps to mitigate against the risks and liability of cyber in your department.

Mon, 22 May 2023 11:15:15 GMT+00:00

Cover Talk: The FCA’s New Consumer Duty

Our June Cover Talk session is a must for anyone who works within insurance or wider retail markets and is not yet familiar with this important new duty.

Fri, 19 May 2023 15:55:14 GMT+00:00

Inspiring women in Tech Manchester

Join us for coffee, conversation and networking where we'll discuss all things tech, succession and progression.

Fri, 19 May 2023 14:11:02 GMT+00:00

Publication of the Renters (Reform) Bill

The ‘landmark’ Renters (Reform) Bill has now been introduced to Parliament, following the proposals set out by the government in its June 2022 white paper. The published Bill may well change, but it is interesting to see what has made it in so far.

Samuel Maw

Thu, 18 May 2023 13:04:08 GMT+00:00

Solar and Farming – a natural balance

In an environment where the cost of electricity is rising, alternatives are being sought. Solar is the fastest growing energy source worldwide, with a global average annual growth rate of 25% over the last five years. With farmland being an ideal location for the installation of solar, solar farms are becoming increasingly prevalent.

Beth Farrer

Tue, 16 May 2023 13:06:16 GMT+00:00

“Use it or lose it” revisited – section 283A of the Insolvency Act 1986

Ms Khilji was made bankrupt in July 2018. She occupied a property that was registered in the sole name of her husband, who had died in 2014. The deceased’s estate, including the property, was being administered under intestacy laws.

Catherine Noble

Mon, 15 May 2023 16:54:10 GMT+00:00

Restructuring plans considered again

An energy supply broking company applied for a restructuring plan. The classes included a secured creditor whose debt was proposed to be reduced by a partial debt for equity swap.

Morgan Bowen

Mon, 15 May 2023 16:43:14 GMT+00:00

Creditor meetings convened for SME restructuring plan

Nasmyth Group Limited was a SME supplier to the aerospace industry and part of a larger corporate group. Nasmyth proposed a restructuring plan to alleviate the financial challenges they had incurred due to the Covid pandemic.

Tim Evans

Mon, 15 May 2023 15:25:49 GMT+00:00

AGPS Bondco restructure plan sanctioned

In a 164-page judgment, Mr Justice Leech has sanctioned a restructure plan proposed by AGPS Bondco Plc following three days of argument.

Lino Di Lorenzo

Mon, 15 May 2023 15:06:09 GMT+00:00

Foreign insolvency proceedings and first past the post

The court granted a final third party debt order (TPDO) to a creditor in respect of monies belonging to a Lithuanian company the subject of Lithuanian insolvency proceedings where those foreign insolvency proceedings had not yet been recognised in England and Wales.

Preena Lal

Mon, 15 May 2023 14:50:07 GMT+00:00

Court approve credit bid sale

The court has approved the sale of various assets of a FCA regulated broker by its special administrators to one of the broker’s largest unsecured creditors, in return for the creditor waiving various substantial claims against the broker.

Neil Smyth

Mon, 15 May 2023 14:40:43 GMT+00:00

Employee data protection matters

Claire Williams discusses the importance of data governance and legal compliance in the healthcare industry, particularly in relation to employee data.

Claire Williams

Fri, 12 May 2023 11:26:35 GMT+00:00

Negotiating lease heads of terms in primary care settings

For those renting in the primary care setting, having a robust lease is important but having a sector specific lease could be crucial for two reasons. Firstly, it ensures there is certainty over the terms agreed and secondly, it ensures the terms take account of the unique circumstances and rules for primary care contractors (whether under their core contracts, the Premises Costs Directions or otherwise).

Jennifer Lewis

Fri, 12 May 2023 08:47:10 GMT+00:00

The Current Regulatory Landscape for Accountants

Our recent webinar, hosted by Andrea Stanford, Principal Associate at Mills & Reeve, and Tim Grey, regulatory barrister at 23 Essex Street Chambers , looks at the regulatory landscape facing accountants (namely the ICAEW and the ACCA), and considers key points which are arising from regulatory investigations.

Claire Loveday

Thu, 11 May 2023 13:37:51 GMT+00:00

The UK Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill – a major shake up of the UK’s competition regime

The last significant reform to UK competition law was in 2013 with the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act which established the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Fast forward ten years to the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill (the Bill).

Kate Newman

Thu, 11 May 2023 13:18:40 GMT+00:00

Talking HEds: Sexual Misconduct - OfS proposals

in the next Talking HEds vlog, Sian Jackson and Kate Allan discuss sexual misconduct and the recent OfS proposals.

Sian Jackson

Wed, 10 May 2023 13:18:59 GMT+00:00