For further information or media enquiries please contact us via email or call.

News Archive - 2008

01/12/2008

Meadows Fraser partner joins historic legal profession
A partner in Weybridge-based law firm Meadows Fraser LLP has become one of the latest members of an historic legal profession. read more

01/12/2008

Flexible Rents Can Help In Credit Crunch, Say Solicitors
More flexible rent payments could be a useful tool for commercial landlords and their tenants during the credit crunch, say Weybridge solicitors Meadows Fraser. read more

01/12/2008

Solicitors launch on-line guide to divorce and separation
Weybridge-based solicitors Meadows Fraser have launched a new guide covering key issues around relationship breakdowns. read more

01/12/2008

European ruling says company websites need phone numbers or web forms
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled that companies must provide a means of contact on their websites in addition to the required postal or e-mail addresses. A telephone number or contact form that is answered within 60 minutes were deemed acceptable. read more

01/12/2008

Church of England relaxes rules on marriage venues
A new law, known as the 'Church of England Marriage Measure', was launched on October 1st and allows engaged couples to marry in the church of their choice. The previously strict rules demanded that couples could only marry in churches they attended or that were located in the parish where they lived. The new law has fewer rules regarding which of the Church of England's 16,000 churches couples can choose from. read more

01/12/2008

More lasting powers of attorney being made
The first annual report of the Office of the Public Guardian shows more people are making powers of attorney - setting out what should happen to their financial and health matters should they lose mental capacity - than ever before. read more

01/12/2008

Always remember there may be legal consequences of cutting staff costs
One major consequence of the current downturn is that many organisations have had to look at cutting overheads. Once the easy savings have been made, reducing staff costs will rise to the top of the agenda. read more

01/12/2008

Beware of mandatory company trading disclosures £5000 fine
From 1 October 2008, new rules are in place to unify and replace the various regulations setting out the trading disclosures that incorporated companies must make to show their legal identity. This is now being monitored by Trading Standards and can result in a £5000 fine for non compliance. read more

01/11/2008

Legal Advice Essential On 'Pre-Nups', say solicitors
Pre-nuptial agreements could become increasingly common in future, and not just for celebrities and the super-rich, say Weybridge-based solicitors Meadows Fraser. read more

01/11/2008

Always remember there may be legal consequences of cutting staff costs
One major consequence of the current downturn is that many organisations have had to look at cutting overheads. Once the easy savings have been made, reducing staff costs will rise to the top of the agenda. read more

01/11/2008

Business Valuation on Divorce
On divorce, the valuation of a family business is often a highly emotional and contentious issue, so it was unsurprising when the divorce of a couple after 15 years of marriage led to an acrimonious dispute over the value of their successful restaurant business.read more

01/11/2008

Company websites under scrutiny
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled that companies must provide a means of contact on their websites in addition to the required postal or e-mail addresses. A telephone number or contact form that is answered within 60 minutes were deemed acceptable.read more

01/11/2008

Marriage venues
A new law, known as the ‘Church of England Marriage Measure’, was launched on October 1st and allows engaged couples to marry in the church of their choice. The previously strict rules demanded that couples could only marry in churches they attended or that were located in the parish where they lived. The new law has fewer rules regarding which of the Church of England's 16,000 churches couples can choose from. read more

01/11/2008

More lasting powers of attorney being made
The first annual report of the Office of the Public Guardian shows more people are making powers of attorney - setting out what should happen to their financial and health matters should they lose mental capacity - than ever before. read more

01/11/2008

Beware of mandatory company trading disclosures £5000 fine
From 1 October 2008, new rules are in place to unify and replace the various regulations setting out the trading disclosures that incorporated companies must make to show their legal identity. This is now being monitored by Trading Standards and can result in a £5000 fine for non compliance. read more

01/11/2008

Changes to Employers Liability Insurance
From October 1st 2008 employers are no longer required to keep copies of out-of-date employers' liability compulsory insurance (ELCI) certificates for the 40 year period that was previously stipulated. However, employers are strongly advised to keep details of their ELCI policies as an employees' claim may not occur for many years after the cause of the illness.read more

01/11/2008

Trade Marks
Changes have been introduced to trade marks and the trade mark application process. read more

01/11/2008

Statutory sick pay entitlements granted to fixed term employees
Under the Fixed Term Employees (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 statutory sick pay entitlements are to be extended to certain agency workers.read more

01/11/2008

Companies Act - Latest Changes
The latest round of changes resulting from the Companies Act came into effect on 1 October 2008. read more

01/10/2008

Solicitors Issue Reminder On New EPC Requirement
A reminder has gone out from Weybridge-based solicitors Meadows Fraser of an essential requirement in all commercial property transactions that has just come into force. ... read more

01/10/2008

Energy Performance Certificate Alert
A new requirement that forms an essential part of all commercial property transactions has taken effect from 1 October 2008. From that date, all commercial buildings that are built, sold or let must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The certificate shows the energy performance of a building using a rating from A to G – A being very efficient and G being very poor – in a similar way to the rating system for electrical appliances. ... read more

01/10/2008

Businesses Encouraged To Give To Grassroots Grants Scheme
The government have encouraged businesses to make a difference and get involved with community activities across the country. Any small community groups with annual income below £20,000 are eligible under the Grassroots Grants scheme to receive grants of between £250 and £5,000 ... read more

01/10/2008

New Filing Rules For Employee Details
From 6th April 2009, those employers with more than 50 employees must file certain employee information online. Those employers with less than 50 employees have a little longer – until April 2011, by which time they too should be filing online. ... read more

01/10/2008

New Green Element To Practical Driving Test
A new element to the practical driving test was introduced on 10th September 2008, to encourage more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly driving on the roads. New drivers will now receive advice on how to save fuel and cut emissions as part of their test. ... read more

01/10/2008

New Powers For Revenue
HMRC now have new powers under the Finance Act 2008, which has become law. HMRC now possess the right to enter business premises and inspect documents, without warning, if an authorised officer deems it appropriate and without the risk of appeals being made against them. ... read more

01/10/2008

Visa Exemptions For Skilled Migrant Workers
The government have recently released a list of job roles under which people from outside the EU are eligible to enter the country to fill skills shortages in England and Scotland. This relates to Tier 2 of the new Points Based System in place to regulate immigration of workers from outside the EU. ... read more

01/9/2008

Stamp Duty Threshold Raised In A Bid To Help Buyers
The government has announced a package of measures to help boost a struggling property market, including raising the stamp duty land tax threshold by £50,000. Brought in for a twelve month period from 3rd September 2008 to 3rd September 2009, a home must now sell for £175,000 before stamp duty is paid ... read more

01/9/2008

Meadows Fraser Gets Renewed Seal Of Approval
Weybridge based law firm Meadows Fraser has been given the Law Society seal of approval after receiving the Lexcel Practice Management Standard for the third year running ... read more

13/8/2008 Solicitors Extend To Continue Business Growth
Continuing with their steady expansion, Weybridge based solicitors Meadows Fraser LLP have extended their premises at 56 Church Street. The practice is based at historical premises ... read more
13/8/2008 New Law To Ensure Tips Not To Be Used As Part Of NMW
The government has announced plans of a new legislation that makes it illegal to include tips as part of the payment of National Minimum Wage (NMW) ... read more
13/8/2008 New Initiative To Clamp Down On Rogue Workers
The government have launched an initiative to identify and penalise employers who ignore employee rights and abuse vulnerable workers ... read more
13/8/2008 Compulsory Retirement May Be Banned
A test case being heard at the European Court of Justice may prohibit employers from requiring workers to retire at the age of 65, if the ruling finds forced retirement on the grounds of age discriminatory ... read more
13/8/2008 SMEs Encouraged To Mediate
Business owners in the SME sector are being urged to resolve workplace disputes through mediation where possible, rather than heading straight for an employment tribunal ... read more
13/8/2008 New Tier Of Points Based System
The Home Office has announced details of the student tier of the new Points Based System for migrants to the UK ... read more
23/7/2008 A Weee Warning For All Local Businesses
Despite the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations having been in effect for over 12 months, many small businesses are not properly adhering to them ... read more
23/7/2008 Employees’ Right To Request Training Time
Workers may be given the right to request time off for training, if a proposed regulation passes through parliament ... read more
23/7/2008 New Workplace Discrimination Laws
Employers may be required to publish their rates of pay in an attempt to expose inconsistencies in the pay received by men and women, if a proposed legislation is accepted ... read more
23/7/2008 Employers Banned From Encouraging Pensions Opt-Out
As part of the initiative to ensure today’s employees have enough provision for retirement, the government has announced a proposed change to its Pensions Bill ... read more
23/7/2008 Tips Not Included In National Minimum Wage
An employer has lost a tribunal appeal to allow tips to be included as part of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) ... read more
13/6/2008 Temporary Workers Get More Rights
The government has announced plans for legislation to bring the rights of temporary workers into line with their permanent counterparts ... read more
13/6/2008 Biggest Consumer Law Shake Up For 40 Years
A set of new legislations have recently been introduced to protect consumers against unfair trading ... read more
13/6/2008 Two Tiered Tribunal System Announced
The government have announced radical reforms of the tribunal system to be rolled out in November of this year ... read more
13/6/2008 House Prices Down, Repossessions Up
The first quarter 2008 statistics showed a 17 percent increase in the number of homes repossessed compared to this time last year ... read more
13/6/2008 Pensions Scheme Changes
A survey carried out by the British Chamber of Commerce has revealed that the majority of employers are unaware of major reforms of workplace pension schemes ... read more
13/5/2008
Delays On Hip Marketing Requirements
The government have announced a set of measures intended to enhance the benefits of Home Information Packs to the process of buying and selling property, including a delay on the requirement to have a HIP before a property can be marketed ... read more
13/5/2008 Draft Code Of Practice On Workplace Discipline And Grievances
Employers should be aware that the government have published a draft code of practice for consultation on the matters of discipline and grievances in the workplace ... read more
13/5/2008 Access To Public Contracts For SMEs
As part of the government’s incentive to try to boost business for SMEs, the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform has announced that its public sector website will be free of charge from now until 31st July 2008 ... read more
13/5/2008 Banks Lose Overdraft Charges Case
The UK’s banks lost the much anticipated and controversial test case last month, against the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) over the fairness of banks’ overdraft charges ... read more
13/5/2008 Changes To Tier Two Of New Migrant Worker System
The government are intending to tighten up the rules of the second tier of the Points Based System (PBS) for migrant workers, which is due to be implemented this year ... read more
15/4/2008 Sexual Harassment Law
From 6th April 2008, employers can now be held responsible if their staff suffer sexual harassment from customers or any other third party with whom they come into contact while at work, when the employer had a prior knowledge of this occurring ... read more
15/4/2008 Delayed Maternity Leave Legislation
The government have delayed the implementation of changes relating to entitlement during Additional Maternity Leave ... read more
15/4/2008 Energy Performance Certificates
6th April 2008 saw a new requirement for buildings introduced. Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are now required for all newly built homes and any commercial buildings built, sold or rented with a total floor area that exceeds 10,000m2 ... read more
15/4/2008 Corporate Manslaughter Act
Most businesses should be aware by now of the new offence created by the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007, which came into force on 6th April 2008 ... read more
15/4/2008 Residence And Domicile Rules
6th April 2008 saw the introduction of the controversial new residence and domicile legislation ... read more
15/4/2008 Don't Forget Energy Performance Certificates, Say Solicitors
A reminder on a new requirement for all commercial property transactions has gone out from Weybridge-based solicitors Meadows Fraser LLP ... read more
1/4/2008 The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007
The provisions of a new Act relating to the prosecution of companies following the death of an employee will come into force in April. The Act creates a new offence which is to be known as ‘Corporate Manslaughter’ in England Wales and Northern Irela ... read more
1/4/2008 Solicitors Boost Finance Capacity
Weybridge based firm of solicitors Meadows Fraser has given the range of services that they can offer their clients a boost, by collaborating with a legal expert in financial transactions. Nigel Weiss, who runs New Avenue Projects Limited, a legal a ... read more
14/3/2008 Aussie-Style Points System For Uk Migrant Workers
On 29th February the government introduced a radical shake up of the immigration system. The new system is based on the Australian points-for-skills procedure ... read more
14/3/2008 April Brings More Changes For Companies
More changes brought about as a result of The Companies Act 2006 are due on 6th April. The key provisions will relate to accounting and reporting, audit and company secretaries ... read more
14/3/2008 Government Delays Plans To Increase Rights Of Cohabiting Couples
The government has delayed plans to introduce new rights for co-habiting couples. A consultation paper was published in May 2006, and announcement of the resulting legislation was expected ... read more
14/3/2008 Changes For Owners Of Empty Properties
Changes are in store for property owners with the Rating (Empty Properties) Act 2007 coming into force on 1st April. The Government have introduced the Act as an incentive to bring empty properties back into use to encourage redevelopment of properti ... read more
14/3/2008 National Minimum Wage Set To Rise
The government has announced that the national minimum wage will rise again in October of this year, by 3.8% ... read more
29/2/2008 Non-Domicile Briefing Notes
At Meadows Fraser, we work to keep you up to date with ideas and information that will help you gain the best possible advantages in working with us. This latest briefing focuses on new tax rules around domicile and residence ... read more
5/2/2008 Solicitors Welcome New Norwegian Partner
A Norwegian legal practice is the latest member to sign up to an international association of law firms co-founded by Weybridge-based solicitors Meadows Fraser LLP ... read more
29/1/2008 A Cautious Welcome To CGT Changes
A major change to Chancellor Alistair Darling’s plans for a controversial shake-up of the capital gains tax regime was announced last week and brings a small respite for businesses ... read more
23/1/2008 Empty property changes looms for landlords
Commercial landlords are bracing themselves for a potential hike in costs from 1 April 2008 ... read more
23/1/2008 New move on energy performance
Following the drawn-out – and controversial – introduction of Home Improvement Packs and Energy Performance Certificates for people selling their homes in 2007, the focus will switch to commercial property in 2008 ... read more
23/1/2008 Keep on the right side of right to light
Property owners and developers need to exercise caution where new construction may affect their neighbours’ light, following a 2007 High Court ruling ... read more
23/1/2008 Landlords wait for consultation verdict
Landlords within the private rented sector will be awaiting with interest the results of a Law Commission consultation ... read more
23/1/2008 PGS bites the dust
A welcome piece of news for the property and construction sectors came in Chancellor Alistair Darling’s October 2007 pre-Budget report, when he announced that the government would not be pursuing its Planning Gain Supplement (PGS) proposals ... read more