Commercial Client Articles

Restrictive covenant against director 'too restrictive to enforce'

The High Court ruled restrictive covenants barring former director Vanessa Webb from competing with Literacy Capital’s subsidiaries for up to 10 years were unenforceable due to excessive scope and duration. The judgment underscores the need for...

Builders win dispute over cancelling contract due to late payments

Providence Building Services Ltd won its case to terminate a £7.2m construction contract without further warning after repeated late payments from housing provider Hexagon. The Court of Appeal ruled Providence could cancel under clause 8.9.4 of the JCT Design & Build Contract, a decision impacting future UK construction agreements.

Businesses face tighter controls on their Buy-Now, Pay-Later offers

The UK government is proposing tougher regulations on Buy-Now, Pay-Later (BNPL) products, aiming to bring them under Financial Conduct Authority oversight. The new rules will require BNPL companies to assess affordability, provide clearer terms, and give...

Boost for budding entrepreneurs as investment schemes extended

The UK government has extended the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Venture Capital Trust (VCT) scheme until 2035, boosting support for start-ups with tax relief for investors. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to consider legal, financial, and operational...

Suppliers must pay invoices within 55 days to secure government contracts

Businesses vying for government contracts over £5m must adhere to updated Prompt Payment Guidance. They must pay 95% of invoices within 60 days and maintain an average payment time of 55 days. Non-compliance risks eligibility. Suppliers failing...

Second staircase to be mandatory in new 18m high residential buildings

From 30 September 2026, all new residential buildings over 18 metres high must include a second staircase, the Government has confirmed. This fire safety measure complements recent reforms like the Building Safety Act. The decision follows expert advice and...

Landlords face routine inspections in move to improve social housing

The Government is introducing routine inspections for social housing landlords to improve living conditions. Non-compliance could lead to sanctions, including fines and new management. These measures, part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act, aim to...

£80m allocated to build thousands of homes on brownfield land

Government earmarks £80m to build homes on brownfield land, aiding urban renewal and creating 8,000 homes by 2028. Minister Lee Rowley sees it as key to housing strategy, leveling up, and job creation. The Government has allocated a further £80m...

High Court upholds decision not to impose deposit penalty on landlord

The High Court upheld a ruling that a landlord won't face penalties after a tenant's complaint over tenancy deposit information errors. The error involved misreferenced clauses in the agreement. The court ruled the mistake was obvious, and the tenant...

Court can impose fair and practical settlement on partners

The court can impose a fair settlement when a partner suffers due to a commercial failing, as seen in a recent case, where a partner, misled about a 2013 agreement reducing her share in a family business, was awarded compensation despite the original...

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