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Welcome
The most common description of the recent Budget
was that it was "fiscally neutral". One commentator
opined that the Budget recognised that it was a "good thing"
to create wealth but not so good to "be wealthy".
"Austerity Plan", "zero budget deficit"
and "determination to act responsibly" were all phrases
that littered the editorials. The headline changes in personal
tax allowances were welcomed but hardly constituted a great
incentive to work, save and invest. The changes in the EIS rates,
on the other hand, seem to have activated the interest of Marriott
Harrison clients in looking at a wide range of investments.
The economic picture and outlook remain uncertain; nevertheless
Marriott Harrison's experience is that there are still clients
who want to launch businesses, invest in businesses and buy
and sell those businesses which are successful. There is plenty
to keep our lawyers busy navigating clients around the landscape
of a deal.
One of the other key drivers for business is the vast welter
of legislation that all governments pursue often, seemingly,
for its own sake. In this Update, we endeavour to touch upon
headline legal changes and developments that we believe will
most immediately affect our clients.
The Budget apart, legislation continues to be passed with monotonous
regularity and Courts are still making decisions that inevitably
have an effect on our clients. In this Spring Update, MH lawyers
consider some important recent developments. David Strong looks
at a recent decision of the High Court that considered the affect
of pre-emption provisions. Simon Charles comments on the Remuneration
Committee's Guide for smaller quoted companies issued by the
QCA. Bob Cordran considers the ever evolving law on the Transfer
of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations. The
new law regarding cookies is examined by Carys Damon, and Guy
Hitchin examines targeting by fraudsters of certain high end
residential properties.
The proliferation of new law and financial uncertainties have
yet to deter our clients from doing business and putting deals
together. Marriott Harrison lawyers continue to rise to the
challenges that are offered to them.
Tony Morris
Managing Partner
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