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Solicitors ā€“ Telford - Shropshire - UK - Legal News

News and information regarding legal issues in Telford Shropshire United Kingdom.
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Last Entry: November 16, 2009 at 20:51:00

Hot topics on the agenda

Posted on November 16, 2009
We've pledged to help Shropshire businesses battle their way through the current economic crisis with a new season of our popular HR and Employment Law in Practice (HELP) forums.Hosted by our Alpha HR Team, the next event in the programme will be held at our offices at The Foundry, in Euston Way, Telford, on November 24, and will specifically target the challenges companies are now facing...

Legal team on call - 24 hours a day

Posted on November 09, 2009
We're launching a 24-hour hotline to help companies fight back against the Recession. The service is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, and companies from all over the country have already signed up.John Mehtam, who leads our Alpha team, said: ?Desperate times can leave businesses feeling as though they?ve got nowhere to turn, and with the credit crunch tightening its grip, we felt we had to act now...

Michelle makes the grade

Posted on October 21, 2009
A Telford woman who joined Martin-Kaye Solicitors as a legal assistant is celebrating after achieving a professional qualification.Michelle Poulton has worked for our firm for ten years, and has studied to become a Licensed Conveyancer alongside her day-to-day duties...

New face joins Alpha team

Posted on October 21, 2009
Our business protection scheme for Shropshire employers has proved so successful that we've taken on extra staff. The Alpha project, which is based at our offices in Euston Way, is the first of its kind in the UK, and has beaten all targets in its first two years...

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Swine flu threat looms

Posted on October 13, 2009
Shropshire companies are more likely than ever to see swine flu in their workplace this winter ? and bosses are being urged to make sure they don?t pay the price. New figures show that with swine flu at its current level, experts say it?s probable that employers will encounter at least one case on their premises...

Allow extra time over busy months

Posted on September 23, 2009
Shropshire businesses are being warned to allow extra time to file documents with Companies House in the coming weeks.Amanda Wickstead, from our Corporate Department, said the long-awaited final details of the Companies Act were due to come into force at the start of October...

Taking the plunge for charity

Posted on September 23, 2009
Two intrepid employees from Martin-Kaye Solicitors took the plunge to raise vital funds for charity.Lisa Batchelor and Stephanie Powers took part in an abseil down the House of Fraser building in Telford, in aid of the PDSA. And their efforts have proved a great success, raising over £300 to help raise funds for pets in need of vets...

Hot topics bring out businesses

Posted on September 03, 2009
Local businesses have been keen to take advantage of the first in our new series of advice seminars.We have launched a new season of our popular HR and Employment Law in Practice (HELP) forums, and the first event was a great success. Hosted by our Alpha HR Team, the forum took place at The Prostar Stadium, in Shrewsbury, and tackled the hottest topics in Employment Law...

Staff must look the part

Posted on August 26, 2009
Shropshire company bosses should think carefully before imposing strict dress codes on their staff.Lynsey Woolley, from our Employment Team, said: ?Understandably companies want their employees to dress appropriately in the workplace, but the rules need to be fair...

Cycling success for Louise

Posted on August 14, 2009
A solicitor from our Commercial Property team has beaten all expectations by clocking up 345 miles in a national cycling time trial.Louise Clowes has a passion for extreme sports, and was persuaded to take part in the 24-hour trial by clubmates at Lyme RC...

Don't abuse expenses to boost your salary

Posted on July 03, 2009
Shropshire bosses should review their expenses policies in order to stop staff getting away with false claims.John Mehtam, our Employment Law Specialist, said the MPs expenses scandal had uncovered a raft of issues that could not be ignored.?We?ve all seen the continuing press coverage and the uproar over the MPs? claims, and it?s an important lesson for companies to learn...

Think carefully before you sign

Posted on July 03, 2009
Shropshire couples should think very carefully before they sign a prenuptial agreement as it will now have a huge impact on the rest of their lives. Graham Davies, our Senior Partner, said previously prenuptial agreements had been taken into consideration by the courts, but could not be enforced...

Beware employee fraudsters

Posted on June 03, 2009
Shropshire bosses must look for tell-tale signs that their employees may be struggling to cope with the realities of the credit crunch.John Mehtam, our Employment Law Specialist,said: ?Tough economic times lead people to resort to all kinds of desperate measures...

In the danger zone

Posted on May 29, 2009
Company directors across Shropshire could find themselves top targets when it comes to identity theft.Our Senior Partner, Graham Davies, said national research had shown that company directors aged 30 to 50 were particularly vulnerable.?The research showed that any senior staff living in rented accommodation were most at risk, as they tend to share post boxes and move house more often...

Louise joins the Martin-Kaye team

Posted on May 12, 2009
A solicitor with a passion for extreme sports is the latest addition to our Commercial Property team. Louise Clowes, of Maer Heath in Staffordshire, has previously worked for companies in Manchester and Nantwich. Her past experience has included working on minerals and environment cases, commercial sales and purchases, landlord and tenant work, easements and licences...

Maternity leave is no protection

Posted on April 27, 2009
Shropshire employees on maternity leave are not immune from redundancy cuts - that's the message from John Mehtam, our Employment Law Specialist."Many employers believe staff on maternity leave cannot be considered when it comes to job losses, but in fact, although women on maternity leave have the right to be offered suitable alternative work ahead of other staff selected for redundancy, they are not exempt from the process...

In the driving seat for safety checks

Posted on April 21, 2009
Shropshire companies are responsible for the safety of all staff who drive on business ? whether they?re using a company vehicle or not.Graham Davies, our Senior Partner, said employers must take steps to ensure their staff were not at risk.?Under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act, companies are now legally responsible for the health and safety of staff when they are behind the wheel on business, regardless of who owns the car...

Alpha celebrates anniversary success

Posted on April 21, 2009
Our business protection scheme, which is the first of its kind in the UK, has beaten all targets in its first two years. The Alpha project has just reached its second anniversary, with interest still increasing on a daily basis.It's a comprehensive 24-hour business support package with particular emphasis on employment and Human Resources support ? the scheme also provides insurance protection against claims...

Set realistic divorce goals

Posted on April 02, 2009
Divorcing couples need to be ?more realistic? when it comes to negotiating their finances - that's the message from Nadia Davis, who leads our Family Team.?There is no doubt that the current economic climate means people are looking for value-for-money divorce proceedings, avoiding potentially costly court hearings whenever possible...

Employers flock to hear advice

Posted on April 01, 2009
Over 100 business people from across Shropshire heard about radical new changes to grievance and disciplinary rules from a leading UK expert. We organised the seminar at our offices at The Foundry, in Euston Way, Telford, with a guest presentation from Howard Paskin ? a senior adviser at ACAS...

Selling up to fund care costs

Posted on April 01, 2009
Elderly Shropshire homeowners who face the prospect of selling up to pay for their care must consider all the options.Andrew Green, our Managing Partner, said more and more families were finding they had no alternative but to sell the family home to cover costs...

Cycling for charity cash

Posted on March 24, 2009
Staff from Martin-Kaye Solicitors have proved they?re on the right track when it comes to raising charity cash. The team joined other local organisations to take part in the British Heart Foundation Indoor Cycle event - organised by Telford & Wrekin Council, the aim was to encourage as many local people and organisations to join in with a virtual indoor ride using an exercise bike to cover 850 miles ? the distance from John O?Groats to Land?s End...

Beat the bad debts

Posted on March 23, 2009
Shropshire companies are being warned to protect themselves from bad debtors by tightening up their terms and conditions.Our Senior Partner, Graham Davies, said: ?With the number of businesses facing insolvency in these difficult financial times, it?s clear that companies should do all they can to protect themselves against customers going bust...

Divorced couples head back to court

Posted on March 13, 2009
Divorced Shropshire couples say the credit crunch is forcing them back to court to challenge financial payouts. Nadia Davis, who leads our Family Team, said there had been a real increase in the number of couples rushing back to court.?It seems that in light of the difficult financial times, many people are finding that they just cannot keep up with the maintenance arrangements which were made when the economy was so much stronger...

Don't rush to cash that cheque

Posted on February 25, 2009
Shropshire businesses who fear their customers may not be able to pay their bills in full must proceed with caution. Chris Detheridge, who leads our Commercial Litigation Team, said the credit crunch was causing real problems for many companies in terms of cash flow...

Great opportunity for first-time buyers

Posted on February 24, 2009
First-time buyers in Shropshire should grab the current window of opportunity to track down the home of their dreams.That?s the message from Paul Matthews, of PMK Mortgages, in Shrewsbury, who said the timing could not be better for people trying to take their first step on the housing ladder...

Good news from Northern Rock

Posted on February 23, 2009
Shropshire specialist, Paul Matthews, of PMK Mortgages in Shrewsbury, has welcomed the news that the troubled Northern Rock bank is to start offering mortgages again.He said the decision should now help to kick-start the struggling housing market, and that home buyers could start to breathe a cautious sigh of relief...

Free seminar on radical rules

Posted on February 18, 2009
Shropshire employers have been warned they must not be complacent when it comes to grievance and disciplinary rules.John Mehtam, our Employment Law Specialist, said radical changes were on the horizon which will transform the process. And so we're running a free advice seminar on Tuesday March 31 to help businesses learn more about just how much they will be affected...

Credit crunch takes its toll

Posted on February 09, 2009
Business people struggling to cope with the tightening credit crunch are turning to the divorce courts for help, according to a Telford solicitor.Nadia Davis, who leads our Family Team, said since the start of the year, there had been a huge increase in the number of wealthy people seeking a divorce...

Law firm has a worldwide audience

Posted on February 09, 2009
Disgruntled relatives from as far afield as Australia and Canada who feel they?ve missed out on an inheritance are turning to Martin-Kaye Solicitors for help.We launched a new website ? www.contest-a-will.co.uk ? just six months ago, and have been inundated with enquiries ever since...

Forums will go on

Posted on February 09, 2009
Shropshire businesses have welcomed our decision to extend our programme of popular advice forums.We initially ran interactive HR and Employment Law in Practice (HELP) forums in Telford, and businesses in Shrewsbury were so impressed that they asked for their own programme of events, which ran until the beginning of this year...

Be wary with your cash

Posted on January 30, 2009
Customers who want to avoid being left in the lurch when a store goes bust should make sure they buy wisely.Chris Detheridge, who is based at our offices in Euston Way, Telford, said: ?As the recession deepens, experts are predicting that up to 200 shops a day may close this year...

Growing interest in equity release

Posted on January 30, 2009
More and more Shropshire residents are turning to the equity tied up in their homes to beat the credit crunch. And for many people, taking a lump sum from the investment they?ve made over several decades, may well be the only option they have.Simon Wagner, who is based at our head office in Telford, said: ?The profile and popularity of Equity Release is growing rapidly, and now this method has been given an extra boost on a national scale with debates even taking place in the House of Lords...

De-mystifying home reversion plans

Posted on January 29, 2009
At a time when the concept of equity release is slowly beginning to win over the sceptics, home reversion plans continue to be viewed with suspicion by many commentators. Why is this the case? Well, it may be because home ownership is such an emotive subject in the UK, especially among the older generation who view owning their house as the culmination of many years hard work...

An unhappy Christmas?

Posted on December 17, 2008
div style="text-align: justify;"span style="font-size:85%;"span style="font-family: arial;"Shropshire couples who find the festive season taking a toll on their relationship should not make any hasty decisions. Nadia Davis, who leads our Family Team, said legal practices regularly saw an increase in divorce cases following the stresses and strains of the Christmas break...

Ski safely on your festive break

Posted on December 17, 2008
div style="text-align: justify;"span style="font-family: arial;font-size:85%;" Holidaymakers heading for the snow over the festive season should make sure they follow safety rules carefully./spanbr /br /span style="font-family: arial;font-size:85%;" Alison Carter, who leads our Personal Injury Team, said it was vital skiers took proper responsibility for their own safety...

Support for carers in the workplace

Posted on December 17, 2008
div style="text-align: justify;"span style="font-size:85%;"span style="font-family: arial;"Shropshire people struggling to combine work with caring for disabled or elderly relatives can now expect more support from their employers./span/spanspan style="font-size:85%;"span style="font-family: arial;" Around 2...

Homeowners must beware

Posted on December 10, 2008
Shropshire homeowners must not ignore the effect the credit crunch is having on their mortgages - that's the message from Paul Matthews, of PMK Mortgages, in Shrewsbury, who warns that such a difficult economic period could have major consequences.?Thanks to the challenges these tough financial times have created, most of us are now worse off financially than we were 12 months ago...

Tina plays a double role

Posted on December 02, 2008
We have welcomed a new employment solicitor who brings a whole host of skills to our team. Tina Chander has joined our Employment Law department at our offices in Euston Way, Telford ? but she?s also a qualified barrister. ?I am still qualified as a barrister, but I decided to study further and become dual-qualified as a solicitor as well...

Quiz honours memories of Rob

Posted on November 27, 2008
We've raised almost £600 with a charity quiz in memory of one of our partners who died suddenly earlier this year.Held at our premises in Euston Way, the quiz was held in memory of Rob Hughes, and attracted 21 teams made up of family, friends and representatives from other local businesses...

Stephanie joins the team

Posted on November 21, 2008
We were so impressed with a trainee solicitor during a work placement that we've offered her a full time job. Stephanie Powers, of Wombourne, initially joined Martin-Kaye Solicitors as a paralegal in the domestic property department.And then, after completing her law degree at Wolverhampton University, we offered her a training contract which has led to her new position...

Protect your profits warning

Posted on October 31, 2008
Act quickly to protect your company profits if one of your customers runs into financial trouble - that's the warning from Stuart Haynes of our Commercial Team.Growing numbers of firms are slipping into liquidation or administration as the credit crunch continues to bite, and Stuart said it was important to check out the nature of the customer?s financial troubles to maximise your chances of recovering the debt...

Tackle the bully in your workplace

Posted on October 31, 2008
Shropshire companies should take a hard line against bullying directors and senior managers ? even though it has become tougher for workers to bring them to justice.John Mehtam, our Employment Law Specialist, said the Court of Appeal had made it more difficult for staff to win a bullying claim with their latest ruling...

Check your paperwork

Posted on October 31, 2008
Company bosses considering selling their business must get their paperwork in order to ensure the sale goes smoothly.Stuart Haynes, from our Commercial Team, said ongoing disciplinary procedures, and vague contract information, often slowed down the deal...

In honour of Rob Hughes

Posted on October 21, 2008
Tributes have been paid to one of our most well-known solicitors, Rob Hughes, who died suddenly at the age of 57.He became a Partner at Martin-Kaye in 1987 where he developed a distinguished career, specialising in commercial property. His particular expertise was in dealing with the legal aspects of speculative property development...

Call Telford firm for back-up

Posted on October 20, 2008
Staff across England and Wales who fear they may be at risk from unfair decisions in the workplace now have a dedicated support team.We have launched a new hotline specifically for worried workers who feel they have nowhere else to turn.The Employment SOS line (0845 293 2729) and website www...

Equity release may be the answer

Posted on October 20, 2008
We've launched a new service designed to help older people ease financial pressures by releasing equity in their homes.Equishield has been created to guide people through the often complicated process, and it's important to take professional financial advice before taking the plunge...

Comforting words on offer

Posted on September 12, 2008
Company bosses who are asked to give a guarantee that a supplier is above board could consider offering a few words of ?comfort? instead.Stuart Haynes, who leads our Commercial Team, said some companies may feel uncomfortable giving guarantees about a supplier to a third party...

Friendly advice at a cost

Posted on September 12, 2008
Friendly advice could cost you dearly if another company follows your suggestions.Stuart Haynes, who leads our Commercial Team, said company bosses were often approached for advice by business colleagues.?But such an informal arrangement could have serious consequences and you could even find that you are now considered to be a ?shadow? director...

Firms must face the music

Posted on September 12, 2008
Companies who allow staff to listen to music in the workplace should make sure they are not breaking the rules.Our Senior Partner, Graham Davies, said the Performing Rights Society had stepped up its campaign to demand more fees from businesses who played music at work...

UK first for Telford law firm

Posted on September 12, 2008
We're launching a unique telephone helpline that offers a listening ear for troubled company bosses.The Helpline is specifically for people in business, in a bid to help them make the right decisions in the current turbulent economic climate. And the service is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, thanks to its innovative structure and approach...

Don't despair with annual meetings

Posted on September 12, 2008
Companies dreading the prospect of yet another annual general meeting may have the chance to ditch them altogether.Graham Davies, our Senior Partner, said thanks to the Companies Act 2006, the meetings could be a thing of the past for some firms.?The previous opt-out system, where a company needed to pass a resolution to do away with the need for an AGM, has been replaced by an opt-in system...

Our team beats the clock

Posted on August 18, 2008
Our Commercial Team has been praised for its role in a major deal that was completed in just two weeks.We handled all the legal aspects of the reorganisation and demerger of land and property sales company, Davis Meade, and the sale of its estate agency arm...

Promotion for Chris

Posted on August 18, 2008
Chris Detheridge has been named as a new associate as part of our firm's ongoing programme of development.He leads the Commercial Litigation Team at our offices in Euston Way, and is extremely proud of his new role.?I?m very honoured to have been given this opportunity to play a more in-depth part in the structure and forward-planning of the practice...

Banking on business success

Posted on August 01, 2008
Businesses from all over Shropshire are benefiting from specialist advice, thanks to a local bank.The Commercial Banking team at The Royal Bank of Scotland, in Shrewsbury, is supporting a series of seminars which aim to help companies tackle Human Resources and employment law issues...

Partnerships at Martin-Kaye

Posted on August 01, 2008
We've awarded partnerships to two of our solicitors - John Mehtam, our Employment Law specialist, and Sarah Heath, who leads our Commercial Property team.Managing Partner, Andrew Green, said: ?Both John and Sarah have been instrumental in developing their departments and in forming key plans for a successful future...

New role for Mohammed

Posted on June 30, 2008
We have a new face in our commercial team - Mohammed Ahsan who has spent the last three years working in our Personal Injury Department.Now, he?s been promoted to a new role to handle a wide variety of dispute resolution issues.Mohammed completed his law degree at Wolverhampton University, and joined Martin-Kaye Solicitors in 2002, initially as a legal assistant...

Protect your secrets carefully

Posted on June 30, 2008
Can company bosses prevent a member of staff from taking ?confidential? information with them when they resign? Not necessarily, says John Mehtam, our Employment Law Specialist.?Information which you may regard as being classified, is often in the public domain, and if that turns out to be the case, there may be nothing you can do to stop former members of staff taking the information with them...

Take care with charity events

Posted on June 30, 2008
Shropshire companies planning out-of-office fundraising events are being urged to make sure they don?t fall foul of the law.?Even though it?s a non-business activity carried out in non-business time, both employment and health and safety legislation will apply,? said Graham Davies, our Senior Partner...

Chris takes first award

Posted on June 30, 2008
We've launched our very own award to recognise staff commitment and dedication.The Employee of the Quarter Award has been introduced as a ?thank you? to employees who go the extra mile. And the first winner is Chris Mills, our Assistant Systems Manager who joined the company in 2005...

Have you been left out?

Posted on June 30, 2008
Arguments over the will after the death of a loved one are on the increase, and we are tackling the issue by launching a new website designed to help people who feel they have missed out.We've launched www.contest-a-will.com and have already been inundated with enquiries from all over the UK...

Parking ticket paper chase

Posted on June 30, 2008
Parking fines issued by private landowners in Shropshire may not be worth the paper they are written on, a county solicitor has warned.Graham Davies, our Senior Partner, said strict new regulations made it almost impossible to force drivers to pay.?It is a myth to claim that if you park on private land, there?s nothing the owner can do about it...

Don't sign your life away

Posted on June 30, 2008
Debt collection agencies have fresh powers to take action against directors for their company?s unpaid bills. That's the warning from Chris Detheridge, from our Commercial Team, who said it was no longer safe to assume that a director was immune from being personally liable...

Don't assume you're off the hook

Posted on June 23, 2008
Directors could find themselves personally liable if there?s an issue over their company?s rented premises.Sarah Heath, our Commercial Property Specialist, said directors must be aware that just because they rented their business premises, they were not safe from any problems that may arise...

Who's looking after you?

Posted on June 10, 2008
Company directors are well aware of their responsibilities when it comes to health and safety issues in the workplace - but may be ignoring the risks they face themselves.Our Employment Law Specialist, John Mehtam, said: ?Directors of small and medium-sized companies all over the UK are subjecting themselves to health risks from the stressful situations they face every day...

Are you breaking the law?

Posted on June 10, 2008
Your company could be breaking the law when it comes to selling over the Internet.Graham Davies, from our Commercial Team, said research had shown that up to two thirds of companies selling online could be breaching the rules. The websites were checked in relation to the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000 and the Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002...

Staff lay-offs on the increase

Posted on April 22, 2008
Staff lay-offs may seem like a relic of the 1970s and 80s, but in today?s tough business world, they could be set for a comeback. It's already clear that 2008 is proving to be an extremely difficult year for local companies, and our Employment Law Specialist, John Mehtam, said businesses should beware...

Take asbestos seriously

Posted on April 22, 2008
Shropshire companies are being warned to take the threat of asbestos seriously on their premises, after the number of prosecutions under the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations more than tripled last year.Chris Detheridge, from our Commercial Team, said: "The regulations apply to just about every business, not just factories that manufacture asbestos, and the Health and Safety Executive is now taking a tough approach to any breach in the rules...

Second job risk for staff

Posted on April 22, 2008
Staff who take on a second job to earn extra cash could be putting your business at risk.John Mehtam, our Employment Law Specialist, said employers must be vigilant in order to maintain safety standards in the workplace.?The tell-tale signs are that perhaps the employee is looking tired and failing to perform as well as usual during the working day...

Treat health and safety with care

Posted on April 22, 2008
Company directors must make sure they understand health and safety rules, or face tough consequences.Stuart Haynes, from our Commercial Team, said every director should have a ?working knowledge? of their company?s health and safety provision.?You should know where the risk assessments are kept, and you should have read and understood the ones that are most relevant to your line of business...

And there's more...

Posted on April 11, 2008
They're back! By popular demand! We're launching a second series of our ground-breaking advice forums in Shrewsbury.We initially ran interactive HR and Employment Law in Practice (HELP) forums in Telford, and businesses in Shrewsbury were so impressed that they asked for their own programme of events...

Go the extra mile

Posted on March 26, 2008
Shropshire employers must take more notice of staff mileage claims to avoid tax difficulties.Our Employment Law Specialist, John Mehtam, said with such a busy working environment, employers may be tempted to sign the claims without checking them too thoroughly...

Beware of the blog

Posted on March 26, 2008
Bosses must beware of the risks of using internet blogs to promote their company - that's the message from our Employment Law Specialist, John Mehtam.Corporate blogs can be invaluable in helping to increase publicity, but there are risks and pitfalls with this type of approach, and it's important that employers understand what they're letting themselves in for...

Switch it off for energy savings

Posted on March 18, 2008
Shropshire companies could cut their energy costs by up to 90 per cent if they simply switch off their office equipment.Our Senior Partner Graham Davies said companies must consider their energy policies if they were to make a real difference to their energy bills...

Offer employees a fresh start

Posted on March 18, 2008
Shropshire employers facing a round of tough redundancies should consider offering staff alternative jobs instead.John Mehtam, our Employment Law Specialist, said an alternative position may be the answer companies were looking for."In today?s increasingly competitive marketplace, some employers may well find they face tough decisions, with the harsh reality being that they have no option but to make some of their workers redundant...

There's more to it than you think...

Posted on March 18, 2008
Converting an existing business to a limited company may not be as simple as it sounds - that's the message from Stuart Haynes in our Commercial Team."There?s more to it than just adding the word ?limited? to your letterheads. Under The Companies Act 1985, every company must display its name outside any premises it trades from...

Top quality ratings for Martin-Kaye

Posted on February 29, 2008
We're officially celebrating after being successfully re-accredited for two of the toughest quality standards in the business world.Our firm faced an in-depth three-day review at our offices where more than 30 partners and staff were interviewed, and now we've been officially recognised as an Investor in People for another three years, and been re-accredited with the Law Society?s Lexcel Practice Management standard...

In good hands?

Posted on February 29, 2008
If you're an employer leaving your staff in charge while you're away from the office, you must protect yourself.Stuart Haynes, from our Commercial Team, said: ?Directors have responsibilities not only to the company, their employees and shareholders, but in law too...

Time for a change?

Posted on January 31, 2008
Couples who live together but are not married should beware because the law does not recognise a ?common law? marriage, according to Nadia Davis, who leads our Family Team.But Nadia said attitudes towards marriage across the UK were constantly changing, and with legislation under review, maybe it was time for the law to change...

Protect your business

Posted on January 16, 2008
Shropshire employers who take on illegal workers could face a prison sentence or massive fines. The message is delivered in a new campaign launched by the Government this week to promote new rules which will take effect in February.John Mehtam, our Employment Law Specialist, said it was vital that companies took notice of the legislation...

Sign of the times

Posted on January 16, 2008
Shropshire bosses must ensure they display their company names clearly or face court action. Chris Detheridge, from our Commercial Team, said the Companies (Trading Disclosures) Regulations 2008 brought important changes to the rules.??They affect companies registered in any part of the UK, and it?s vital that Shropshire businesses know where they stand...

Modern technology brings concerns

Posted on January 16, 2008
Modern technology in the workplace is a vital tool, but should never be used to take shortcuts - that's the message from our Employment Law Specialist, John Mehtam."In today?s competitive marketplace, no business would be able to survive without the very latest technology...

Tribunal claims increase

Posted on December 17, 2007
Shropshire employers are being warned to make sure they?re fully prepared for potential employment tribunals after a huge increase this year.John Mehtam, our Employment Law Specialist, said national statistics had shown a massive rise in claims for equal pay and sex discrimination...

Young people at risk

Posted on December 17, 2007
It?s not just elderly people in Shropshire who need to worry about age discrimination ? younger workers can be at risk too.That?s the message from John Mehtam, from our Employment Law team.?For possibly the first time in the UK, an employment tribunal has ruled that a 20-year-old woman was unfairly dismissed and discriminated against on the grounds of her age...

Joining forces for charity

Posted on November 28, 2007
We joined forces with two other Shropshire companies to raise more than £4,000 for a local charity.With the Royal Bank of Scotland and Whittingham Riddell Accountants, both from Shrewsbury, Martin-Kaye Solicitors hosted a charity ball in aid of the County Air Ambulance at The Albright Hussey, in Shrewsbury...

Alpha launch success

Posted on November 27, 2007
More than 40 companies attended the launch of our new business protection scheme in Telford which is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK. Senior Partner, Graham Davies, said: "The response has been excellent, and Alpha was extremely well received at our official launch...

Law firm spreads the word

Posted on November 27, 2007
We're hosting a second series of advice forums in Shrewsbury following an unprecedented response from local businesses.The move comes after we initially ran interactive HR and Employment Law in Practice (HELP) forums in Telford, and businesses in Shrewsbury were so impressed that they asked for their own programme of events...

Healthy Hearts at Martin-Kaye

Posted on November 06, 2007
Martin-Kaye Solicitors is the first company in the region to take part in a health screening campaign for its staff.We have signed up to the Healthy Hearts Campaign, in a bid to help employees find out more about the state of their health. The mobile screening unit will visit our offices, and every employee who attends the session will receive a 30-minute consultation to assess their condition, with the results explained in private afterwards...

Alpha set for launch

Posted on November 05, 2007
We're about to launch a new business protection scheme which is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK.The Alpha project will be officially unveiled at our offices in Euston Way, Telford, on Thursday, November 22, at 5.30pm.It?s unusual for solicitors to organise a launch event for a new product, but this is such a ground-breaking scheme that we decided to take an unconventional approach...

Facing up to Facebook

Posted on October 29, 2007
Do your staff know just how far they can go when it comes to accessing social networking websites during office hours?Our Employment Law Specialist, John Mehtam, said the number of people signed up to sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Bebo was increasing by the day...

Thinking of others

Posted on October 19, 2007
Shropshire residents should consider leaving a donation to charity in their will to help avoid Inheritance Tax - that's the advice from Fiona MacNamara, from our wills and probate team.?Gifts left to registered charities are exempt from Inheritance Tax, which makes them particularly good news for people whose estate is valued over the current £300,000 threshold...

Protect your contacts

Posted on October 19, 2007
If you keep your contacts lists on a company computer, beware as they will belong to your employer.John Mehtam, our Employment Law Specialist, said the rules would apply even if some of the contacts were personal, or pre-dated you joining the company...

Check the small print

Posted on September 28, 2007
Shropshire companies in rented properties should check their lease carefully to avoid service charge arguments.That's the message from Sarah Heath, our Commercial Property Specialist, who said tenants should seek professional advice before they entered into any rental agreement...

Perils of promoting your company

Posted on September 28, 2007
Shropshire company directors may face a prison sentence if they don?t take care with direct marketing campaigns.Our Senior Partner Graham Davies said changes to the Data Protection Act now meant directors would be personally liable if their company did not stick to the rules...

Risks of tough talking

Posted on September 25, 2007
Shropshire employers should not to take the tough approach when it comes to firing their staff.John Mehtam is our Employment Law Specialist and he said millionaire businessman Sir Alan Sugar?s direct style was not always the best example to follow.?Sir Alan?s ?You?re Fired? catchphrase is believed to have led to a huge increase in the number of employment tribunals across the country as employers have followed his lead...

Beware - they may be watching

Posted on September 25, 2007
Job applicants should beware as their prospective employer could know more about them than they think.John Mehtam, from our Employment Law Team, said despite the risks of breaching data protection rules, many employers admitted to searching the internet to find out more about candidates before an interview...

Bosses must check warnings

Posted on August 27, 2007
Company bosses across Shropshire are being warned to double-check written warnings given to staff before they fire anyone.John Mehtam, Employment Law Specialist at Martin-Kaye Solicitors, in Telford, said relying on warnings which may be out-of-date could lead to real problems...

Moves to improve rental standards

Posted on August 22, 2007
A Shropshire solicitor has welcomed plans calling for tougher regulation of the rented property sector.Nita Patel, of Martin-Kaye Solicitors, in Euston Way, Telford, said the Law Commission was investigating after they found a large amount of privately rented property was in a poor condition and was poorly managed...

Lawyers advice to directors

Posted on August 20, 2007
Company directors whose role involves giving professional advice should not assume their company will carry the can if they make a mistakeStuart Haynes, of Martin-Kaye Solicitors, in Euston Way, Telford, said: ?Many directors believe they are protected from legal action directed at them as individuals, and indeed, this can be one of the main benefits of forming a company rather than acting independently...

Helping staff to keep their cool

Posted on August 20, 2007
Shropshire employers must ensure they protect their staff from overheating in the workplace, a local solicitor has warned.John Mehtam is the Employment Law Specialist at Martin-Kaye Solicitors, in Telford, and he said companies must help their workforce to keep their cool...

Warning over web addresses

Posted on August 13, 2007
Shropshire companies planning a new website must protect themselves and their web address or they could face serious business problems.Stuart Haynes, of the Commercial Team at Martin-Kaye Solicitors, in Telford, said many firms with existing websites may well find they don?t actually own their own domain name...

Ex-wife warning for rich divorcees

Posted on July 24, 2007
Wealthy Shropshire men are being warned their finances may not be safe from their ex-wives, even decades after they get divorced.The warning follows a court case where a millionaire has been ordered to pay his ex-wife over £200,000 ? over 30 years after their divorce, and despite the fact she had left him and their three children for someone else...

Sending a message to bosses

Posted on July 19, 2007
Shropshire companies should not ignore the skills and resources which employees with disabilities may have to offer.That?s the message from John Mehtam, Employment Law Specialist at Martin-Kaye Solicitors, in Telford, who said businesses should consider employing staff from all sections of the community...

Message is loud and clear

Posted on June 28, 2007
Shropshire employers are being warned they must control noise levels in the workplace to protect their employees? hearing.John Mehtam, Employment Law Specialist at Martin-Kaye Solicitors, in Euston Way, Telford, said a national survey of bosses in the music and entertainment industry had shown worrying results...

Bankruptcy concern for divorcees

Posted on June 21, 2007
Shropshire couples should beware their divorce payouts could be at risk if their former partner is declared bankrupt.The warning comes from Nadia Davis, who leads the Family Team at Martin-Kaye Solicitors, in Euston Way, Telford.?Even when the financial deal has been agreed as part of the divorce proceedings, trustees appointed to handle the bankruptcy have the power to try to get their hands on the divorce settlement to pay off creditors...

Warning on health and safety

Posted on June 21, 2007
Company directors across Shropshire must face up to their health and safety responsibilities, or risk financial penalties or even a prison sentence.Stuart Haynes, from Martin-Kaye Solicitors, in Euston Way, Telford, said: ?Health and safety law places duties on organisations and employers, and directors can be personally liable when these duties are ignored...

Trainee set for 13,000ft jump to aid fundraising

Posted on June 19, 2007
A Shropshire trainee solicitor is taking the plunge - a skydive from 13,000ft to be precise - to raise cash for the Shropshire Star?s appeal to fund a medic for the County Air Ambulance.Stephanie Powers, who works at Martin Kaye, Euston Way, Telford, said: ?I had a skydive bought for me for Christmas by my partner James Poole because it was something I?ve wanted to do for a while...