MTSG Election Win !
Two of the firms trainee solicitors have been successful in the recent Manchester Trainee Solicitors Group (MTSG) committee elections.
Full Story
SFE Membership
Julie Burgess of Manchester based solicitors George Davies Solicitors LLP has been accepted as a member of the national association 'Solicitors for the Elderly' (SFE).
Full Story
Darling's Budget Breakdown
Click here for Alistair Darling's first budget.
Full Story
George Davies starts 2007 with a bang!
City centre firm, George Davies Solicitors LLP got 2007 off to a flying start with the arrival of a new family law team and a media department to compliment the existing services it offers to clients.
Full Story
MOVERS AND SHAKERS
It's been a busy time for our HR team recently as we see three new faces join the firm.
Full Story
Small Fish in the Big Pond
George Davies has been recognised this week as one of the top 100 professional firms to work for in the UK.
Full Story
GEORGE DAVIES DUO FLY THE FLAG AT GAMES
Two solicitors from the firm are flying the flag for George Davies at the Commonwealth Games in Australia. Matthew Barnes and Walter Nicholls from the firm's Sport Department flew to Melbourne to advise English competitors at the games.
Full Story
Celebrations start early at George Davies!
The firm has recently advised Phoenix Medical Supplies Limited on its recommended cash offer for Nucare plc. The deal which was announced on 11th October 2007 and was declared unconditional on 9th November 2007 valued Nucare plc at £49million.
Full Story
If you can’t stand the heat……...
The firm recently acted for one of its leisure clients on a joint venture with the BBC and Raymond Blanc for the latest hit reality show, The Restaurant. The show which reached its climax last night saw marine cook Jeremy and wife Jane snatch first place from twins Jess and Laura. The couple will now begin their new business partnership with Raymond Blanc.
Full Story
NEW FAMILY-FRIENDLY POLICIES
The government has announced its new family-friendly proposals. These changes will be made in the soon to be published Works and Families Bill.
Full Story
BOUNDARIES
The Land Registry transitional period relating to cautions against first registration affecting owners of both leasehold and freehold estates, introduced by the Land Registration Act 2002 ('the Act'), ends at midnight on the 12 th October 2005.
Full Story
COURT RULES UNAVAILABLE ASSETS CAN STILL BE DIVIDED IN DIVORCE CASES
A recent case involving a substantial inheritance has illustrated that the Court is more and more willing to make allowances for assets that are not immediately available or are difficult to value.
Full Story
PARENTING PLAN PROPOSAL WELCOMED
New plans have been drawn up by some of the country's leading family law judges to help parents in dispute about arrangements for their children.
Full Story
ROGUE BUILDERS MEET THEIR MATCH
George Davies Solicitors LLP has welcomed the introduction of a new Government scheme
to root out rogue builders from the industry, but warn that it won’t
altogether eradicate the ‘cowboys’ from the domestic building industry.
Full
Story
FROM TOOTHBRUSH TO TRUST FUND
Squabbling of household possessions can lead to divorcing couples running up
huge legal fees warns Martin Karran, family law specialist at George Davies
Solicitors.
Full
Story
PLANNING FOR OLD AGE
The Government has announced that for the first time in 100 years life expectancy
may be about to fall because of rising obesity and its related health problems,
but many of us are living longer and longer. This means people need to plan
for a retirement which could span many years.
Full
Story
CHILDCARE REFORMS FINALLY ARRIVE
After years of controversy, reforms to the Child Support
Agency (CSA) are finally in place. Martin Karran, who specialises
in family law, explains how the CSA are simplifying things and
cracking down harder on debtors.
Full Story
PENSION SPLITTING IGNORANCE AMONGST BUSINESS
OWNERS
MANY BUSINESS owners in the UK are unaware of
the true financial implications of getting divorced –
particularly with regards to their pensions.
Full Story
STAMP DUTY LAND TAX
The stamp duty land tax regime which came into force on 1 December 2003 has been subject to much criticism.
Full Story
STAMP DUTY LAND TAX LEVEL INCREASE
In his 2005 Budget, Chancellor Gordon Brown raised the level of purchase price payable to trigger payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) from £60,000 to £120,000.
Full Story
BROWN'S BUDGET BLOW BY BLOW
George Davies have outlined a tax card explaining the implications of the Budget on Income Tax, Pensions, NIC, ISAs, VAT and more.
Full Story
IMPACT OF THE PENSIONS ACT 2004
Several high profile company collapses in recent years have left pension schemes in deficit and policyholders with a fraction of the benefits they expected.
Full Story
INHERITANCE TAX: GOOD NEWS AND BAD
It has been reported that the Government is to examine the findings of a think tank report proposing a new 50% rate of inheritance tax (IHT) for wealthy individuals.
Full Story
EXPIRED DISCIPLINARY WARNINGS
IThe Employment Appeal Tribunal has ruled that ‘a tribunal is obliged, and not merely entitled to, ignore expired warnings’, in Airbus UK v Webb
Full Story
£477,600 COMPENSATION FOR WHISTLE
A prison officer has this month been awarded £477,600 in compensation after winning a claim for unfair dismissal.
Full Story
DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION IN DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS INVOLVING A DEAF EMPLOYEE
In OCS Group Ltd v Taylor (UKEAT/0803/04), the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has ruled that an employer's failure to make a reasonable adjustment (i.e. the provision of an interpreter) for an employee with a hearing impairment at a disciplinary hearing amounted to unlawful disability discrimination.
Full Story
New Legislation, New Problems for Employers in 2008
Employers have almost become punch drunk with changes introduced by legislation during the last 10 years. So the fact that the pace of such change is maintained in 2008 should be no surprise. What statute based problems await businesses this year?
Full Story
Annual Increase in Compensation Limits
The firms Head of Employment and Partner Alan Lewis has confirmed the annual increase in Compensation Limits.
Full Story
Energy Performance Certificates – Change in Timetable
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are being introduced in phases for different types of properties. The objective is to promote energy performance of buildings within the Community, taking into account outdoor climatic and local conditions, as well as indoor climate requirements and cost-effectiveness.
Full Story
Procurement - Transforming public services is new growth industry
A review of the emerging public service industry has just been commissioned by Business Secretary John Hutton to examine the increasing contribution being made to the UKs economy by firms and other organisations contracted to deliver services across the public sector.
Full Story
Act now on age laws
Small businesses have failed to take account of changes to age discrimination laws, according to a wide-ranging survey carried out by the employment relations organisation, ACAS.
Full Story
Construction - Validity of Adjudication Rules Questioned
The validity of the Construction Industry Council (CIC) Model Adjudication Procedure (MAP) and the adjudication rules in the GC/Works contracts have recently been called into question by the courts.
Full Story
Smoking ban for Wales from 2 April 2007
On 19 September 2006 , First Minister of the National Assembly for Wales , Rhodri Morgan announced that a ban on smoking in enclosed public places in Wales will come into force on 2 April 2007
Full Story
National minimum wage – increases from 1 October 2006
The principal rate of the national minimum wage (for workers aged 22 and over) will from 1 October 2006 increase from £5.05 to £5.35 per hour. The rate to be paid to workers aged between 18 and 21 will increase from £4.25 to £4.45 per hour and the rate to be paid to workers aged below 18 who have ceased to be of compulsory school age from £3.00 to £3.30 per hour.
Full Story
New regulations on Maternity leave and pay
The Maternity and Parental Leave etc. and the Paternity and Adoption Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2006 come into force on 1 October 2006
Full Story
Collective Redundancies (Amendment) Regulations 2006 to come into force on 1 October 2006
The Collective Redundancies (Amendment) Regulations 2006 apply from 1 October 2006.
Full Story
AGE DISCRIMINATION REGULATIONS
Alan Lewis and Deborah Coyne presented to 30 businesses recently about the forthcoming Age Discrimination Regulations and what those employers should be doing to finalise their preparations for the new law.
Full Story
Sex Discrimination: Manager was personally 100% liable for maximum injury to feeling award
In Miles v Gilbank the Court of Appeal upheld an injury to feelings award of £25,000, the maximum under current case law guidance, to an employee who had suffered a "vicious campaign" of discrimination throughout her pregnancy. What is particularly important to note is that the court also upheld the decision to make a senior manager personally liable for AL L of the award. This was despite the fact that some acts of discrimination had been carried out by other managers. The Court decided that because the senior manager had deliberately fostered a culture of discrimination against the employee, that manager should bear full responsibility.
Full Story
REVISING THE CONSTRUCTION (Design and Management) REGULATIONS
New issues relating to the framework of Health and Safety Regulations relevant to construction projects and in particular The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM Regulations) are set out below
Full Story
CAN YOUR STAFF COPE ?
How aware are you about your employees' workload? Not sure? Well, it is a good idea to find out, otherwise, you could be liable for damages if an employee suffers psychiatric illness as a result of an unreasonable excessive workload
(MELANIE GARROD v NORTH DEVON NHS PRIMARY CARE TRUST (2006)
Full Story
NEW FIRE REGULATIONS …. “HOT” ON YOUR HEELS!
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 will come into force on the 1st October 2006.
Full Story
BREAK CLAUSES: WHAT HAVE I LEFT BEHIND?
You might recall that in a recent edition of By George there was an article about break clauses and how it will often be a requirement to have complied with the terms of the lease before you can validly exercise the break clause. Another element, which most may think is self explanatory, is that you have also got to give vacant possession of the premises by the break date. This is not as simple as it sounds-tenant's need to be aware that it does not just mean that they have to have moved out it also means that they have to remove all of their items from the premises.
Full Story
THE CONSTRUCTION (DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT) REGULATIONS 1994
The Regulations were introduced to improve the management and co ordination of health, safety and welfare issues on construction projects. Additionally, they aimed to reduce accidents and cases of ill health in the construction industry. They were made under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and came into force on 31 March 1995. A breach of the Regulations can lead to criminal prosecution and the imposition of fines or imprisonment.
Full Story
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY - IMPROVING PAYMENT PRACTICES
Earlier this year new government proposals aiming to improve payments to firms in the construction industry were published by Minister of State for Industry and the Regions, Rt Hon Alun Michael MP and Edwina Hart, the Welsh Assembly Government Minister for Social Justice and Regeneration.
Full Story
CONSTRUCTION - COMMON COMMENCEMENT DATES 2006
We have received a number of queries regarding the current statement of forthcoming regulatory changes.
Full Story
ENERGY REVIEW CONSULTATION
The DTI Secretary of State and Minister for Energy have launched the consultation document Our energy challenge: securing clean, affordable energy for the long term.
Full Story
AGE DISCRIMINATION SEMINAR
On 20th September, George Davies Solicitors LLP held an Age Discrimination Seminar at Lancashire County Cricket Club.
Full Story
NEW FIRE REGULATIONS “HOT” ON YOUR HEELS!
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 will come into force on the 1st October 2006.
Full Story
MOVERS AND SHAKERS
It's been a busy time for our HR team recently as we see three new faces join the firm.
Full Story
IS YOUR BUSINESS PREPARED FOR .EU?
The upcoming launch of .eu domain names is a perfect opportunity for companies and trade mark holders to demonstrate a pan-European presence. But, as the domain names will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, it is vital that businesses prepare for the .eu launch as early as possible to avoid being beaten to it by a brand owner with the same mark in another member state.
Full Story
AGE DISCRIMINATION SEMINAR
The upcoming launch of .eu domain names is a perfect opportunity for companies and trade mark holders to demonstrate a pan-European presence. But, as the domain names will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, it is vital that businesses prepare for the .eu launch as early as possible to avoid being beaten to it by a brand owner with the same mark in another member state.
Full Story
DATA PROTECTION - NEW ENFORCEMENT STRATEGY
On 22nd November, George Davies Solicitors LLP held an Age Discrimination Seminar at Lancashire County Cricket Club.
Full Story
LAND REGISTRATION AND TRANSITIONAL PERIODS
The Land Registry transitional period relating to cautions against first registration affecting owners of both leasehold and freehold estates, introduced by the Land Registration Act 2002 ('the Act'), ends at midnight on the 12 th October 2005.
Full Story
TOPPING OUT
Louise Robinson, Solicitor in the Commercial Property Department at George Davies Solicitors LLP was invited to her first ever 'topping out ceremony' recently.
Full Story
QUALITY SCHEMES LAUNCH PROJECT
The New Quality Schemes for Domestic Repair, Maintenance and Improvement.
Full Story
JCT CONTRACTS
We understand that the publication of JCT contracts will be taken over by a new publisher in Summer 2005 and this will involve a major reprint of all the contracts.
Full Story
RED ALERT ON ‘GREEN’ BUILDING REGS
Construction law experts have issued a fresh warning for developers preparing for the impact of new ‘green’ Building Regulations to be introduced this year.
Full Story
A NEW VOLUNTARY CODE OF PRACTICE
A new voluntary Code of Practice for the management of construction site waste has been launched by The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) . The DTI hopes that the new Code will save the construction industry £100 million a year, and reduce the amount of waste material the sector produces.
Full Story
SAFE CONSTRUCTION AND CORPORATE KILLING
The new Corporate Killing Bill is getting closer to being a reality.
Full Story
AUDITORS ASK GOVERNMENT TO CAP THEIR LIABILITY
The Institute of Chartered Accountants has responded to the DTI’s enquiry on director and auditor liability by demanding a cap on auditor’s liability in the event of a claim.
Full Story
CHILDREN WARNED OF CONSTRUCTION SITE DANGER
The Government has launched a campaign to highlight the dangers of construction sites to children in preparation for the summer holidays.
Full Story
FSA DEADLINE FOR INSURANCE AGENTS LOOMS NEAR
Anyone involved in providing general insurance business will need to take action quickly to ensure that they keep within the law warns George Davies, solicitors.
Full Story
GOOGLE - WHACKED?
One of the most popular search engines on the internet has found itself the unwilling subject of litigation through the manipulation of search results by some of its advertisers.
Full Story
DTI MAKES CHANGES TO COMPETITION ACT
Important changes will be made to the Competition Act, and will affect agreements
between businesses at different levels of trade (such as wholesaler and retailer).
Full
Story
FREEZE ON COLD CALLING
From June this year UK businesses will have the same right as individuals to
block “cold calling” by marketing firms under a new measure announced
by the Communications Minister Stephen Timms.
Full
Story
NO MORE HOLIDAYS FROM HELL?
Fly-on-the-wall television programmes often highlight the plight of the stranded
holidaymaker and the failure of tour operators to live up to promises made
in glossy brochures.
Full
Story
OFT DEMANDS TRANSPARENCY OVER PAYMENTS CLEARING
The OFT has responded to the Banking Code Review by demanding that Banks pay
their customers interest whilst electronic payments and cheques clear.
Full
Story
RECRUITMENT AGENCIES NEED CLOSER CLIENT TIES
Closer ties between recruitment agencies and their clients need establishing
when the EU Temporary Workers Directive is introduced, warns an employment
law expert.
Full
Story
MARK GETS THE GREEN LIGHT
Manchester based lawyer Mark Hovell of George Davies Solicitors LLP has been reauthorised
to act as a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner for the next 3 years.
Full
Story
THE NEW STAMP DUTY REGIME: BE AFRAID, BE VERY AFRAID
The introduction of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) took place on 1st December 2003.
Full
Story
SUNDAY PAY PREMIUMS COULD BE UNLAWFUL
Employers paying wage premiums to staff working on a Sunday could be acting
in breach of new religious discrimination laws.
Full
Story
DOES YOUR WEBSITE COMPLY?
Companies are being urged to consider how accessible their websites are for
visually impaired users, following the implementation of the Copyright (Visually
Impaired Persons) Act 2002 (Commencement) Order 2003 on 31st October 2003.
Full
Story
BOSSES WARNED OVER ‘HOME WORKING’ POLICIES
A massive boom in the number of people working from home has prompted legal
experts to warn employers of their responsibilities following recent guidelines
issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Full
Story
GET READY FOR THE SPAM SCAM CRACKDOWN
From 31st October 2003, companies using any form of electronic
communication to send out promotional literature such as newsletters,
will have to obtain the consent of the person or company receiving
it. This ‘opt in’ consent will become a requirement
for all kinds of UK businesses.
Full Story
WORKPLACE DISPUTE RESOLUTION- ARE YOU
READY FOR THE CHANGES?
Do you know what the Employment Act 2002 (“the Act”)
will mean for your business? Do you know how it may affect the
way that you carry out dismissals, discipline your employees
or deal with employee grievances?
Full Story
Rightsteps from George Davies
To aid in negotiating the increasingly complex minefield of
employment regulation we have teamed up with LawNet and AIG
Europe (UK) Limited to provide a 3 step risk management programme
where the assistance comes from someone you know not an anonymous
helpline.
Full Story
Home
News 
