Avoiding a cracker of a hangover from the company Christmas party

As the clock ticks down to Christmas party time, companies need to avoid the event becoming the wrong sort of cracker.  Any company-organised office party, whether in or out of working hours and on or off site, is an extension of the workplace which can test a business across the board on its policies and attitudes. “It’s a real stress-test for the culture of the business and its employment policies,” explained Huseyin “Each year we see another significant case reaching the courts arising from an incident at a work party. …

Indoor Radon levels dangerously increasing

Following the recent sequence of protests at Heathrow Airport and Central London, we have witnessed the rise of the Extinction Rebellion movement. Social media and news coverage has very much brought the debate on the unprecedented global climate emergency and the government’s inaction to implement changes to the forefront. However and ironically so, maybe we should be looking closer to home or should I say within our homes. Recent research into the amount of indoor radon concentrations in our homes suggests that the planet’s need to create more energy efficient…

Official launch of new Osbon Pharmacy

On 31 January 2019 Osbon Limited (a company owned by Daniel Osei-Bonsu and his wife, Benedicta Osei-Bonsu) purchased the entire issued share capital of AMF Medica Limited which owned a pharmacy at 52/54 Dorothy Sawyers Drive, Witham, Essex. The sellers were Meena Patel and her husband, Neelesh Patel. AMF Medica Limited, through Neelesh Patel, also had entered into an agreement for lease with Bellway Homes for purpose built premises near the existing pharmacy to relocate the pharmacy (and convenience store) to the new premises once the new premises were built.…

Interview with Gunduz Misiri our Associate Solicitor

Interview with Gunduz Misiri our Associate Solicitor Q: How long have you worked at Bowling & Co?A: Over 6 years and have enjoyed each and every year of working here. Q: What aspects of law first attracted you to the profession?A: The status of being a solicitor has always appealed to me. I have always been interested in property and business and becoming a Commercial Property solicitor was the perfect way to combine work with what I enjoy. Q: Who (or what) inspired you?A: My parents were always very supportive…

Interview with David Downham our Practice Director

Interview with David Downham our Practice Director Q: How long have you worked at Bowling & Co?A: 18 years, having joined on 1st June 2001.. Q: What attracted you to the profession?A: Having previously worked in the Civil Service and Accountancy worlds, I wanted a change of direction, and whilst studying to be a Chartered Secretary, I decided that the legal profession seemed a natural fit with my chartered studies, so I moved into this area. Q: Who (or what) inspired you?A: My late father, Ernie Downham; in his early…

Trick or Treat! – The legal lowdown on our most horrible holiday

Whether you regard it as an unwelcome American import, or the chance to be downright naughty for an evening and dress up as a little devil, Trick or Treat is part of the UK’s culture. Every October 31st you’ll see hordes of ghoulies and ghosties and long-legged beasties (and at least one Captain Jack Sparrow, for some reason) of various ages, wandering the neighbourhood and demanding munchies with menaces. It’s adorable to open your door to a ghost, two fairies, and a skeleton all carrying pumpkins, but could offering these…

The life stages that go into legacy making

Record property values and family structures make inheritance planning a growing issue yet research1 shows that more than half of adult in the UK do not have a Will in place, with the figure rising to almost 60% among parents. The researchers also found that of those who had made a will, many who had experienced a significant life event, such as marriage or having a baby, had not done anything to update it. But having a will setting out what you wish to happen for your children is the…

National minimum wage and gratuity payments

Restaurateurs and other hospitality sector businesses should not bank on Brexit delaying the Government’s plans for legislation designed to deal with tipping protocols.  In December last year the Government said it would introduce legislation as soon as possible to stop employers making deductions from tips and gratuities, including any so-called ‘administration’ charges which are often levied where tips are given through card payments.  It remains unclear whether sharing of tips will be restricted to those who tend to be the lowest paid – waiting and kitchen workers – or whether…

Landlord and Tenant – The new Tenant Fees Act

A new act came into force recently that has a profound effect on the rental market. It’s relevant not just for landlords and tenants, but for agencies that, to date, have made a very nice little living out of charging tenancy fees and administration costs for rentals. These fees have affected both tenants and landlords, who have had to fork out hundreds if not thousands of pounds in fees and agency costs. Now, under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, all tenant payments are banned by default unless the Act specifically makes allowances…