Trust update: no more "washing out" distributions and a new tax on gifts from abroad
The draft Finance Bill will curtail tax planning for offshore trusts. Distributions to non-UK residents will no longer reduce accumulated gains and residents could be taxed on receipt of onward gifts.
03 November 2017
You 'may' do as you please but you 'must' do as we say…
Two recent cases have provided a reminder of the importance of the choice of language used when drafting. In particular, between wording which is classed as 'mandatory' or 'directory'.
16 September 2014
Trade mark case: Birkenstock loses protection for its 'patterned sole' UK trade mark
This case reaffirms the difficulty in defending a sub-brand (or unconventional) trade mark and provides guidance to brand owners on how to evidence acquired distinctiveness.
24 April 2018
Deferred premium: availability and merits
Buying-in with a deferred premium is increasingly recognised as an attractive option for employers keen to de-risk with limited cash outlay upfront.
11 November 2013
Trade and customs impacts at ports post-Brexit
Changes to customs requirements and checks post-Brexit may impact ports and surrounding infrastructure. The Home Affairs Committee has advised government to put contingency plans in place.
24 November 2017
Tougher sentencing for food safety breaches: a focus on the financials
New guidelines have been published by the Sentencing Council designed to improve food safety by providing tougher sentencing powers.
05 November 2015
In Theory - GM Crops
With the increasingly negative perception of GM products, what impact would a Welsh Government ban on GM crops entering Wales from England have?
25 June 2015
Improving the quality of pension transfer advice
The FCA's Policy Statement 18/20 contains rules and guidance designed to improve the quality of advice given to consumers about converting or transferring their safeguarded benefits.
21 November 2018
Impact of new tax rules on BEPS?
New tax regulations dealing with the issue of BEPS (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) may have a disproportionate impact on the real estate development sector as they are implemented in the UK.
15 March 2016
ATED changes for 2016
The new ATED (Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings) bands will be introduced from 1 April 2016, bringing significantly more properties into the scope of ATED and ATED-related CGT.
18 February 2016
The impact of the Insurance Act 2015 on property lenders
The Insurance Act 2015 introduces significant changes to the Law governing the relationship between insurers and insured. This article summarises these changes and how they impact on property lenders.
04 August 2016
ATED Changes for 2015
At the Budget 2014 it was announced that new ATED charges would apply to properties worth between £1m-£2m from 1st April 2015 and properties worth between £500,000 and £1m from 1st April 2016.
07 January 2015