Commercial Property Investment (A Guide!)
Investing in commercial property represents a strategic approach to investment portfolio diversification, effectively mitigating risk. The potential for financial returns from commercial real estate investments arises both through rental income, provided by leasing space to tenants, and through capital appreciation, as the market value of the property increases over time. Unlike other investment assets like […]
What is the Role of the Company Secretary?
All UK public companies require a company secretary by law, under the Companies Act. Private limited companies however are not required to appoint a company secretary, however the directors may still choose to do so, as there can be many practical benefits to the organisation of having a dedicated individual in this role. Many important […]
Guide to the GDPR for Businesses
The GDPR is an acronym for the General Data Protection Regulations. This a European-wide Regulation from the European Union and has a direct effect in every member state. In an age of ‘big data’ and high profile data breaches, the aim is to enhance protection and control of individuals’ over their personal data, while standardising […]
How Businesses can avoid GDPR Fines
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force on the 25th May 2018. It replaced the Data Protection Directive 95/46/EC with the purpose of strengthening and unifying data privacy laws across Europe. The EU directive has had far-reaching impact for all organisations that handle individual’s personal data, irrespective of where the organisation is based […]
Data Protection Law – Where are We Now?
Data protection law exists to protect the privacy and personal data rights of individuals. This area is primarily governed in the UK by the Data Protection Act 2018. The Act was passed to provide enhanced legal rights and responsibilities in respect of how data should be handled by organisations, businesses and the government than was […]
Guide to the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations
The PECR, or Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003, exist to protect the data privacy rights of individuals and businesses online in response to the proliferation in online business and marketing activity. Alongside the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), the PECR ensure organisations use data responsibly by requiring any organisation that uses electronic […]
Losing Your Job As A Skilled Worker Visa Holder
One of the conditions of the Skilled Worker visa is that the holder has a qualifying role and is sponsored by a Home Office approved employer. Should the visa holder lose their job, however, this will impact their permission to remain lawfully in the UK. Your former employer will be required to notify the Home Office […]
GDPR Checklist (and How to Comply!)
If you are responsible for collecting and handling personal data you will need to understand how the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) applies to you, and how to remain compliant with the new law. The following GDPR checklist provides essential guidance on how to comply. GDPR Checklist The GDPR is based on the […]
The Role of the Designated Premises Supervisor
What is a Designated Premises Supervisor? Under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003, with the exception of certain community premises, every premises licence that authorises the sale of alcohol must specify a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS). A Designated Premises Supervisor is usually the person who has been given day-to-day responsibility for the running […]
Licence Holders & the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
Under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 the police or local authority have the power to close premises quickly, including licensed premises, which are being used, or are likely to be used, to commit nuisance or disorder. Moreover, if there is a risk of recurrence, the court has the power to grant an […]
What is a Personal Alcohol Licence?
A personal alcohol licence is required by anyone authorising the sale of alcohol from licensed premises. The following guide looks at who can apply for a personal alcohol licence, how long it lasts, how much it costs and how, in some cases, your licence can be suspended, revoked or surrendered. What is a personal […]
What is the BIIAB Award for Personal Licence Holders?
BIIAB is the awarding body of the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), the professional body for the licensed retail industry. It specialises in work-based learning, providing a range of commercial vocational qualifications, including the BIIAB Level 2 award for Personal Licence Holders. What is the BIIAB Level 2 award for Personal Licence Holders? […]
Licence to Occupy or Lease?
A licence to occupy can provide a property owner with a quick, easy and flexible way of letting out commercial premises, or even a room in their own home, avoiding the formalities and legalities of a commercial lease or residential tenancy. However, it is important to know how licences work, legally speaking, and when these […]
What are the Data Protection Act 8 Principles?
The Data Protection Act (DPA) controls how businesses, the government and organisations use individuals’ personal information. Data controllers and data processor must ensure they adhere to the strict rules known as The Data Protection Act 8 Principles. What are the 8 DPA Principles? The DPA Principles require that the controllers and processors of individuals […]
Zero Hour Contract Notice Period
Notice periods can be difficult to navigate, particularly in relation to zero-hours contract workers. It is important for employers to remember that, in spite of the flexibility a zero-hours arrangement can bring to your organisation, the individuals who work for you in this way are nevertheless entitled to rights relating to pay, annual leave and […]
Overview of the Data Protection Act UK 2018
In May 2018, the Data Protection Act 2018 came into force alongside the new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). The aim of the Data Protection Act UK is to modernise UK data protection laws in conjunction with the GDPR and to ensure these laws will continue to be effective in the future. How are […]
What is a Commercial Lease Break Clause?
A commercial lease break clause enables either the landlord, tenant, or both to end the lease early either on specified dates or at any time during the term. There are many reasons why tenants may be unsure about committing to long term leases, particularly in a challenging economic climate. They could be a new business, […]
How to Apply for a Premises Licence
Under the Licensing Act 2003 (England and Wales) and the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, a premises licence must be obtained to carry out certain prescribed licensable activities, including the sale of alcohol and the provision of regulated entertainment and late night refreshments. How to apply for a premises licence An application for a […]
Guide to the Licensing Act 2003
The Licensing Act 2003 governs the sale and supply of alcohol and late night refreshments and the provision of regulated entertainment in England and Wales. Under the 2003 Act the responsibility for the administration and enforcement of licensing rests with local authorities, acting through licensing committees. The responsible licensing authority must at all times seek […]
Heads of Terms in Commercial Property Transactions
Heads of terms are used in commercial property transactions to set out the key terms expected to form part of the deal. Heads of terms help identify any issues which could prevent the success of the transaction as well as providing a guide for the lawyers when the formal, legally binding documents are prepared. While […]