BTMK News
BTMK hosts successful seminar for care home owners
BTMK has teamed up with banking giant Lloyds TSB to host a free seminar for business owners in the care home industry.
EU introduces data roaming limits
From 1st July 2010, individuals who use their smart phone – known as data roaming – or laptop to surf the internet while in another EU country will be protected from running up large bills.
Home owners given new protection
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has introduced new rules to ensure individuals who fall behind with their mortgage payments receive fair treatment from their lenders.
Shareholders to be involved in governance of major institutions
A stewardship code has been launched by the Financial Reporting Council, designed to increase the involvement of large-scale investors in the running of major companies.
Planning for the removal of the default retirement age
In the Budget, the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition announced plans to quickly phase out the current default retirement age (DRA) from April 2011.
BTMK raises £2,500 for hospices through fun run support
Essex-based firm of solicitors BTMK has given a welcome cash boost to two local hospices by continuing its support of the Southend Fun Run.
BTMK launches new road traffic offences website
Essex-based firm of solicitors BTMK is highlighting its specialist expertise in road traffic law with the launch of a new dedicated website.
Southend’s very own Fabio!
As the country prepares for the World Cup, Southend-based law firm, BTMK, have no need to travel to South Africa to get a taste of football fever, as they have their very own Fabio Capello!
Legal Eagles scorch to success
It must have been the visit by Fabio Capello to County Chambers yesterday morning that inspired the BTMK quiz team (Legal Eagles) to success at last night’s Prince’s Trust quiz at Chelmsford City's football ground.
Free expert advice for care home owners
Care home managers and business owners are to be given the chance to benefit from professional, expert advice on all aspects of running a care home, in a special seminar hosted by local legal and financial specialists – free of charge!
Home Information Packs suspended
The new Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government has announced the immediate suspension of Home Information Packs (HIPs), with primary legislation to follow in order to abolish them completely.
Red tape costs increase for British businesses
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has called on the government to use the Queen’s speech as a chance to repeal regulations which cost more than they achieve, after its Burdens Barometer showed that the costs for businesses of red tape and new directives rose by £11 billion in the last year.
Businesses pay more for illegal workers
The importance of carrying out pre-employment checks on the legal status of workers has been highlighted by the doubling of the cumulative fines paid by businesses employing illegal workers in 2009.
BTMK welcomes a new addition to the team
Essex-based firm of solicitors, BTMK, has expanded its team of family law experts with the addition of a new face.
Your travel rights following the Icelandic volcanic eruption
BTMK, is advising consumers on their rights surrounding ruined holidays and business trips, following the volcanic eruption in Iceland.
Run for Fun? 'Not half' says BTMK
BTMK, is once again supporting the Southend Fun Run in order to raise much-needed funds for two local hospices.
New Acts for 2010
Before Parliament was dissolved, the “wash-up” session which approves new Acts of Parliament at the last minute, led to a large number of brand new Acts.
A New Tax Year - Finance Act 2010
Are you taking full advantage of all personal tax reliefs? Have you taken lawful tax avoidance measures to reduce the amount of tax you and your company are paying? The new tax year is a good time to put your personal tax affairs in order.
Firms face tougher penalties under new Bribery Act
An international crackdown on bribery means UK firms may face tougher penalties for failing to prevent corruption in future – even if that corruption was carried out by a third party.
Consistency needed on ash cloud delays
An international crackdown on bribery means UK firms may face tougher penalties for failing to prevent corruption in future – even if that corruption was carried out by a third party.
Delay to increase in assured shorthold threshold
The proposed increase in the rent threshold for a tenancy to qualify as an Assured Shorthold Tenancy has been delayed until October, the Ministry of Justice has said.
'Fit notes' aim to cut absenteeism
The government’s new ‘fit notes’ scheme came into effect on 6 April, with the aim of saving businesses up to £240million over the next ten years.
Morrisons Sues Employees
Southend-based solicitors, BTMK, is warning businesses to ensure their employees are properly versed in all relevant legal policies, in light of a recent employer versus ex-employee case.
BTMK team collect fundraising prize
A team from the Southend office of BTMK solicitors were recognised for their fundraising efforts this month when they attended an awards ceremony organised by the British Heart Foundation.
Rights over Village Greens
Essex-based firm of solicitors, BTMK, has commented on an unusual recent case regarding common land.
Chris' 'Beefy' walk for charity
A partner at Essex-based solicitors, BTMK, did his bit for charity recently by taking part in the “Beefy 25 Forget-me-not Walk” at Hylands Park, organised by cricket legend Sir Ian Botham.
Subletting council tenants to face tougher penalties
A team from the Southend office of BTMK solicitors were recognised for their fundraising efforts this month when they attended an awards ceremony organised by the British Heart Foundation.
Gay men couples to legally become parents
Following the implementation of the final part of the 2008 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act, gay male couples can become the legal parents of surrogate children.
SRA to consult on major regulation changes
Council tenants who illegally sublet their homes could face tough new penalties if it is made a criminal offence.
BSkyB Wins Dispute Fraudulent Misrepresentation
Southend-based solicitors firm, BTMK has warned businesses to be careful of what their salesmen say, in light of a recent court case. The court looked at a perennial issue of salesmen conning customers regarding what was on offer, in order to induce them to sign the contract.
Opening up of legal market could increase links with IFAs
From 6th October 2011, solicitors will face competition from banks, supermarkets and insurance companies as the Legal Services Act's Alternative Business Structures (ABS) comes into force.
Law Commission calls for reforms on elderly care
The Law Commission has proposed a single statute on adult social care to replace the existing legal framework.
Proposed libel law changes
Following an 18-month review, the Commons Culture, Media and Sports Committee has recommended a number of changes to libel legislation, but stopped short of calling for a new privacy law.
CSC argues against referral fee ban
The chair of the Claims Standards Council (CSC), Darren Werth, has spoken out against proposals to ban referral fees.
