News and Articles

Personal debt levels in Northern Ireland highest in the UK!

26 March 2019 The Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) recent survey (Financial Lives 2017) found that personal debt levels in Northern Ireland are the highest in the UK, with adults owing £670 more than the national average. The... READ

Are your terms certain?

An essential element to any contract is certainty of terms. A recent case in the Court of Appeal, Robert Bou-Simon –v – BGC Brokers LP, highlighted the risks once again where terms to a... READ

Make customers aware of late payments policy

For many businesses pursuing and recovering business debt is a priority. The Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 should be of interest as it inserts an implied term for interest, together with... READ

Battle of forms: why you may need to transform your terms of business

Assuming your terms and conditions are up to date, if your company is trading on the presumption that your terms and conditions govern the contract, then it might be time to take a closer... READ

Trading Terms

Many businesses supplying goods and services do so on the basis of informal arrangements or inadequate terms of trade.  This can lead to considerable difficulties if things go wrong.  Businesses should therefore ensure that... READ

Is your occupancy secure?

Most occupiers of business premises will be aware that they have certain protections afforded to them under the provisions of the Business Tenancies (NI) Order 1996. Amongst other provisions, the Order allows a tenant... READ

He lives in a house, a very big house in the country!

Environmental groups are not happy with the recent High Court decision which declared as unlawful the rule against building in the countryside. Environmental groups are not happy with the recent High Court decision which... READ

Police given new powers to close Pubs

New Licensing laws give Police the power to shut pubs and clubs for 24 hours without a court order if they think public safety is at risk A New Licensing law aimed at reducing... READ

Break clauses in commercial leases: What tenants need to know….

Huw Worthington Commercial Partner Worthingtons Solicitors Belfast discusses recent Court of Appeal Decision and its effect on commercial lease disputes in Northern Ireland When a tenant has a right to determine a lease during... READ

Significant Tax Changes for Buy-to-let Landlords and Second Home Owners

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a tax which is payable on the acquisition of freehold or leasehold property. It is currently applicable to everyone in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (see the Land... READ