Tughans Solicitors

Lego – Suitable for all ages?

Over the course of their 85 year history, Danish toymakers Lego have seen their humble building block set the foundations for an entertainment empire encompassing video games and the movie industry. Some eight months ago, they hired 61 year old Bail Padda as their first non-Danish chief executive. Now Lego have announced that they will... Read More

Business Relationships: Coming To Blows

As the high-profile business relationship between Carl Frampton and Barry McGuigan reportedly breaks down, we look at some of the issues those going into business together should consider from the outset. Whatever the reason for going into business together, joint business owners should be aware that they will not always agree with the decisions, strategy... Read More

Don’t just shake it off – handling sexual harassment claims in the workplace

This Friday the world’s media spotlight was firmly fixed on US District Judge William Martinez as he presided over an extremely public legal battle between popstar Taylor Swift and the Denver radio presenter Robert Mueller. The dispute between the parties centred on an alleged groping incident at a pre-concert event in Denver in 2013 which... Read More

Lost in the post

A recent determination by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is another lesson about how sensitive information should be treated. The ICO has fined The Greater Manchester Police (GMP) £150,000 for losing DVDs containing footage of interviews with victims of violent or sexual crimes in the post. The GMP had sent three unencrypted DVDs, showing victims... Read More

Companies House changes mean new reporting requirements for businesses

What are the changes to ‘The Persons with Significant Control’ regime and how will they affect my business? The Persons with Significant Control (“PSC”) regime was first introduced on 6th April 2016 under the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act it requires certain companies to file information about their ownership and management which is contained... Read More

BMAP Appeal court ruling: back to the drawing board

The Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (BMAP), whose many policies are to provide guidance in the formulation and determination of planning applications in respect of the greater Belfast Area was first published nearly 13 years ago. BMAP has been subjected to a further set back following a recent Court of Appeal decision. The nature and extent... Read More

EXP v Barker: The legal cost of a conflicted expert witness

A recent Court of Appeal decision in England and Wales acts as a reminder of the importance of ensuring that your instructed expert is independent and  that any conflicts of interests are addressed at the outset.   The Northern Ireland Court Practice Direction No 1 of 2015 outlines the duty of expert witnesses in the... Read More

How Do I Handle It?

For July 2017, we have asked the employment team to provide practical answers to unusual, sensitive or complex work related queries. We call this feature “how do I handle it?”   The articles are aimed at HR professionals and other managers who may need to deal from time to time with the less common place... Read More

How to successfully succession plan in a family business

What of your legacy? You, and perhaps your predecessors, have fought the odds to build a successful business. Have you considered whether it will be in the right hands to protect your legacy and/or to provide an income for your family in the future? Evidence shows that only 25% of family businesses survive to the... Read More

Queen’s Speech confirms whiplash reforms and court modernisation

On 21 June 2017, the Queen’s speech confirmed that legislation will be introduced to modernise the courts system in England and Wales, and to help reduce motor insurance premiums. The Queen announced the Government’s legislative programme for the next two years, and among the 27 bills, eight of which dealt with Brexit, a Civil Liability... Read More