Blog Posts: February 2011

Since it first came to power, the government has promised to reduce the excessive red tape that is strangling British business, and SMEs in particular. It introduced a ‘One In One Out’ system where new regulation would only be introduced where another piece of regulation could be removed. It also created its own red tape regulator, the Regulatory Policy Committee (RPC), whose job is to scrutinise proposed regulations to see whether their benefits exceed their costs and are fit for pu.... (read more...)

Back in August 2009 I blogged on the thorny issue of confiscation of false or forged identication documents. I said that although confiscation was widespread, the legality was far from clear. My view was that no one but the Police had the right to confiscate identity documents, but in practice it would not make a difference as no one was likely to complain if door staff or management of premises selling alcohol confiscated the ID and handed it to the Police. Yesterday the Home Office publi.... (read more...)

Leasing business premises can be a real minefield for the unwary business owner. In this series of posts I shall go through the various aspects of a commercial lease to explain some of the legal jargon and also provide some lease negotiation tips along the way. E is for Entry - rights of Almost all leases will contain a right for the landlord to enter the premises in certain circumstances.  You don't want the landlord just barging in when he feels like it, though, so it's important t.... (read more...)

The Bribery Act 2010 became a statute last April. It had cross party support, and was intended to fulfil our treaty obligations. It was due to come into force this April, but is now being delayed. So what is all the fuss about? And why should SMEs be concerned with it? The Act creates 2 general offences, one of offering, promising, or giving a bribe, and the second of requesting, agreeing to or receiving a bribe. These are offences committed by individuals. There is also an offence of bribin.... (read more...)

Karen Murphy, the landlady of a small pub in Portsmouth, yesterday scored a spectacular goal against the Premier League and Sky in the Euopean Court of Justice. This goes back a few years to when she was convicted and fined a substantial sum for using a Greek satellite receiver for showing Premier League football in her pub. Of course, using the Greek receiver  was considerably cheaper than a Sky contract in the UK.  Karen has taken it all the way to the European Court. Good on her!&n.... (read more...)

The Government has announced that from 1 April 2011 the empty property business rates threshold will revert to £2,600 from the current level of £18,000. This will be a matter of great concern for SME’s and commercial property owners who have any empty premises in their portfolio. The only crumb of comfort is the extension of Small Business Rate Relief until October 2012 for those that are eligible. See here for details.  This will result in businesses with e.... (read more...)