HLAS

A recent £60,000 fine issued to Merseyside-based law firm DPP Law Ltd (DPP) by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has highlighted the serious consequences businesses can face when cybersecurity measures fall short. The fine followed a major cyber attack in 2022 that resulted in highly sensitive and confidential client information being stolen and later published on the dark web. While DPP operates in particularly sensitive legal areas - such as crime, military, family fraud, sexual offences and actions against the police - the lessons from this incident apply broadly to any organisation that handles personal data. What went wrong? The [...]

At Autumn Budget 2024, we were promised a consultation on the tax treatment of predevelopment costs. However, following the Court of Appeal’s decision on a recent case, the government is postponing publication of the consultation while it considers the implications of the decision. The case, which is known as Orsted West of Duddon Sands (UK) Ltd and others v HMRC [2025] EWCA Civ 279, marked a victory for taxpayers and provides clarity on how capital allowances are treated on pre-construction development costs. Capital allowances are a form of tax relief that businesses can claim when they pay out on capital [...]

Farmers across the UK could soon benefit from a major new investment in agricultural technology, with the government announcing £45.6 million in funding to support innovations that boost food production, improve profitability, and protect the natural environment. Announced on 14 April, the funding will support a wide range of technologies. These include fruit-picking robots, livestock health monitoring systems, and irrigation systems that maximise water use. The goal is to move these solutions from research labs to real farms, making them accessible and practical for everyday farming operations. Support at every stage of development The funding is spread across three special [...]

Amidst all the news about increased tariffs in the US, the UK government has announced a cut to zero in import tariffs on a range of 89 foreign products. Plywood and plastics, as well as pasta, fruit juices, coconut oil, pine nuts, agave syrup and plant bulbs are all included. Construction, food and hospitality, and garden-related businesses could all benefit from reduced costs as a result. The changes relate to goods where the UK Global Tariff applies, i.e. where the goods entering the UK don’t qualify for preferential treatment under, for example, a free trade agreement. The government anticipates that [...]

In a small bit of good news, March’s inflation figures have been released showing a drop to 2.6% from 2.8% in February. The main reason? Lower petrol prices, which has offered some relief for households and businesses alike. However, April has brought fresh challenges. Wage costs and energy prices have already increased, and that’s expected to feed into higher costs in the coming months. The Bank of England’s last forecast showed that they expect inflation to rise again - potentially reaching 3.7% - and to stay above its 2% target until the end of 2027. The next big date for [...]

Homes England has a Home Building Fund available to help housebuilders based in England that are struggling to access finance from traditional lenders. Whether the homes are destined for sale or rent, the Fund can provide loans that are tailored to your business’ circumstances and can be used to pay for development costs. In order to qualify for help, you need to: Be a UK-registered corporate entity or limited liability partnership. Be planning to build 5 or more homes on a site in England. Have outline planning permission in place on land that you have a controlling interest in. To [...]

The Post Office has announced plans to transfer its last 108 company-run branches to franchise partners, completing its move to a fully franchised network. The change, due by autumn (subject to government funding), affects around 1,000 staff, who will be offered roles with new owners or voluntary redundancy. Post Office chairman Nigel Railton has said that the 108 branches will stay in place or relocate nearby. New franchisees may include Tesco, Ryman, and independent sub-postmasters, which may bring Post Office counters into new retail settings. Concerns and Reactions The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has criticised the plan as ‘privatisation by [...]

Running a business comes with financial risks, and sometimes, companies struggle to stay afloat. While facing insolvency is undoubtedly stressful, seeking professional help early can prevent serious legal consequences. A recent case involving a Cheshire builder highlights the risks of mishandling insolvency and why business owners should act responsibly when financial difficulties arise. A Cautionary Tale: Builder Faces Sentence for Misconduct Gary Roberts, a builder from Cheshire, was recently sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years, after fraudulent behaviour while his company, GR Developments 1 Ltd, was in financial trouble. In 2021, he took £17,000 from a [...]

The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 came into force on 6 April 2025. This law provides a new leave and pay entitlement for parents with a baby in neonatal care. Depending on how long their baby is in neonatal care, parents will now have the right to have up to 12 weeks leave and pay. This right is in addition to other time off and pay. Who is the leave and pay available to? The time off is available to the birth parent, father or partner, spouse, civil partner or adoptive parent. When can the leave be taken? [...]

During April, the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Working Minds campaign is inviting employers to follow five simple steps that can help to prevent and reduce workplace stress. The Working Minds campaign involves 5 Rs: Reach out and have conversations. Recognised the signs and causes of stress. Respond to any risks you have identified. Reflect on actions you’ve agreed and taken. Make it Employers are being encouraged to focus on one R for each week of the month. The Working Minds campaign is designed to help employers meet their legal duty to prevent work related stress and support good mental [...]