Knowledge

With the Autumn Budget approaching, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by potential changes impacting estate planning. Alexis Graham offers tips to be well-prepared by 30 October.

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 develops the law regulating subscription contracts. This article explores the new rules relating to subscription contracts set to take effect in 2026. 

Following on from our Employment Rights Bill webinar, we explore some of the key proposed changes.

With half of the workforce experiencing menopause, employers need to make sure that they are providing the appropriate support to employees. This article highlights the steps employers will need to take going forward to address the menopause policy gap as outlined by the new Employment Rights Bill. Published in Scottish Legal News. 

The Data Protection Authority in the Netherlands recently imposed a €290 million fine on Uber for breaching the EU GDPR requirement to have adequate transfer mechanisms in place to safeguard personal data. This review of Uber’s breach highlights where it went wrong and how organisations can ensure they have the relevant representatives in place to maintain compliance with EU GDPR.

New data suggests that 37 businesses with ties to the UK are currently under investigation for potential breaches of the UK’s sanctions against Russia. With steps being taken to crack down on sanctions circumvention, UK companies must take steps to ensure they comply with the UK sanctions regime. 

In the recent Providence Building Services Ltd v Hexagon Housing Association Ltd case, the Court of Appeal held that a contractor could terminate its employment under a JCT Design and Build Contract due to the employer making a second late payment, even though the first late payment did not give rise to a right to terminate.

World Hydrogen Day highlights the importance of hydrogen in the shift to a low-carbon economy. While Scotland has the potential for green hydrogen production, challenges include integrating it with renewable energy and streamlining the planning process for efficient delivery.First published in The Herald.

On 24 September 2024, the European Court of Justice handed down a decision declaring whether narrow price parity clauses are not “ancillary requirements”. What does this mean for online booking platforms?

Following the publication of the business plan for Companies House, we now have a clearer picture of the implementation timetable for some of the key measures contained in the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.

The High Court in England and Wales recently made a key decision on this front in the case of Dandara South East Ltd v Medway Preservation Ltd and another. 

Transactions involving large properties can trigger a requirement to improve the energy efficiency of the building. Learn when the requirement is triggered, who is affected, and what action is required.

The annual Homes for Scotland conference brought together the public and private sector, as well as the country’s senior politicians. With more than one third of local authorities having declared a housing emergency, and a national housing emergency declared by the Scottish Parliament, what can be done from a legal perspective to increase the number of houses being built?

A Family Investment Company (FIC) historically required reasonable wealth, however, sums being invested over time has decreased. Learn more about FICs and consider if they might be right for your family business.First published in The Business. 

The Scottish Law Commission is considering reforming an old piece of regulation called the Tenancy of Shops (Scotland) Act 1949. Partner and Head David Mitchell explores this possibility and the potential impacts. First published in The Business. 

The new Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 introduces a number of key changes to the law surrounding wildlife management and muirburn.  

Vicky Christie reviews the existing Code of Conduct in place relating to the exercise of sporting rights in Scotland.

In this article, Tim Davidson and Clare Foster discuss the upcoming reforms to share security in Scotland, and the opportunities this presents for onshore wind project financing.Shorted version published in The Herald. 

The Land Reform (Scotland) Bill 2024 aims to reform land ownership and management, including balancing the interests of landlords’ sporting rights and agricultural tenants’ farming activities. Hamish Lean considers the proposals and how they might be received.

The recent announcement of Oasis reuniting after 15 years apart generated significant excitement from fans worldwide. However, reports of surge pricing and cancelled accommodation left many fans looking back in anger. Andrew Buchan explains dynamic pricing from a legal perspective ahead of the 2025 reunion tour.

The Land Reform Scotland Bill 2024 places significant emphasis on land leasing, aiming to broaden the role of the Tenant Farming Commissioner and establish a model environmental lease to encourage sustainable land utilisation. Katie McNab and Madeleine Gill explore the key proposals.

On 30 August 2024, The Scottish Government amended existing short-term lets legislation in Scotland, meaning a licence is required for what is known as home sharing, home letting and secondary letting – a summary of which can be found here.

The government is postponing the coming into force of the Procurement Act 2023 to allow for a new NPPS to be prepared.

The use of AI is becoming more prevalent in the food and drink sector, presenting both innovative opportunities and questions around unintended consequences. To keep pace with these developments, businesses should consider whether they have the knowledge and resources to lawfully implement AI.