Insights into website cookie banners
Gillian Harding writes... Cookie banners, the bane of every Internet user’s life, right? Intended to give protection to individual users, instead they’ve become an ever-present justification for using site visitors’ personal information and targeted ads.
To what extent is a supplier responsible for the acts of its subcontractors?
Gillian Harding, Woodfines writes...A question which I have had crop up more than once recently is the extent a supplier is responsible for the acts of its subcontractors.
Why a ‘quickie’ divorce can cause more hassle than it’s worth
Going through a divorce can be a sensitive and stressful experience. At a time when you are keen to move on with the next chapter of your life, the promise of being able to get the divorce through quickly can seem appealing.
Update on the CMA investigation into Emma Sleep
In our recent article on the use of “dark patterns” when selling online to consumers, we promised to keep you informed on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation into Emma Sleep’s and Wowcher’s online practices. The CMA has now completed its investigation into Emma Sleep.
The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill
The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill began making its way through Parliament in May.
Exploring the realms of AI and Chat GPT
Woodfines Senior Associate Gillian Harding spent a varied and enlightening afternoon in conversation with Chat GPT. The following article summarises her findings.
Non-Compete Clauses: Do proposals for reform herald the end?
Background and the restraint of trade principle
First-time buyer’s 10 step guide to purchasing a residential property
Whether you are a first-time buyer or have bought a property in the past, our step-by-step guide is here to assist you along the way to your property purchase. The entire process can be a little daunting but this article attempts to provide clarity.
MEES Regulations - What has changed?
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) were introduced under the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015. Essentially, the MEES stipulate that a property must attain a minimum energy efficiency level (an EPC rating) of E in order to be lawfully leased to residential or commercial tenants. Properties with an EPC of F or G are considered ‘substandard…
Are you aware of the changes in Building Regulations in relation to the energy efficiency of buildings?
In an attempt to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, there are a range of changes to Building Regulations (“Building Regs”).
IMPORTANT UPDATE to the Trust Registration Service (TRS) – action needed by Trustees to avoid a penalty
Introduced as part of the UK’s implementation of the Fifth Money Laundering Directive (5MLD), HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has extended the requirement for trust registration to non-taxable UK trusts and some non-UK trusts. The objective is to give greater transparency to the ownership of trust assets and will affect you if you’re a trustee, or you administer or benefit from a trust.
Sexual harassment in the (virtual) workplace
Discrimination, bullying and harassment unfortunately still persist in workplace environments across the UK, despite legislation such as the Equality Act 2010 outlawing such behaviour against groups with a ‘protected characteristic’ under the Act, such as age, race, sexual orientation or gender.
Can employers make contact tracing apps obligatory?
Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, the government’s top scientific advisers have touted contact tracing as one of the best methods of controlling the spread of infection.
Winding-up petition extended to give businesses 'much-needed breathing space'
Amid a much-feared second wave of coronavirus cases across the UK, the government has amended the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act to extend the suspension of statutory demands and winding up petitions until 31 December 2020. Originally due to expire on 30 September, this measure means that companies will benefit from additional protection against creditors for the remainder of the year.
Woodfines are winners!
Woodfines has won the SME News Enterprise Award for Best Full Service Law Firm of the Year 2020.
Restrictions on movement during Covid-19
We are all still adapting to the significant restrictions on our movement which were brought in by The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 (the Regulations) in response to the Covid-19 outbreak and pandemic.
COVID-19 updates from Woodfines LLP
Woodfines LLP now has a page dedicated to all things COVID-19, providing regular updates and articles on how to get you and your business through these uncertain times.
Woodfines rises above national average for gender in the legal profession
The number of women entering the legal profession has been steadily increasing over the past 50 years. According to the SRA, on average, women make up 48% of all lawyers in law firms – a rise from around 10% back in the 1970s.
GDPR develops a backbone – what can we learn from the recent British Airways and Marriott International GDPR fines?
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the United Kingdom’s data privacy regulator, recently published a statement confirming their intention to fine Marriott International approximately £93 million for a data breach that infringed the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
Maria Koureas-Jones talks to Cambridge Radio 105
Maria Koureas-Jones, Head of Dispute Resolution in Woodfines' Cambridge office, visited Cambridge Radio 105 last week to discuss why more local businesses are reporting financial stress and what they can do to avoid it.
Cambridge team expansion and firm promotion
Woodfines is pleased to announce two new additions to the Cambridge office.
Woodfines announces new Head of Dispute Resolution in Cambridge
Maria Koureas-Jones joins Woodfines' Cambridge team, having been previously based at its Bedford office.
Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims: what it means
On 21 March 2017, the Ministry of Justice released the long awaited final version of the new Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims (the Protocol) which will take effect from 1 October 2017. Who will it impact and how will it affect businesses seeking payment of unpaid invoices?
Finalists announced for Cambridge Independent‘s Entrepreneurial Science and Technology Awards
Woodfines Solicitors proudly sponsors the Cambridge Independent‘s Entrepreneurial Science and Technology Awards. Nick Sayer, Senior Associate at the Cambridge office, is a member of the judging panel.