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Welcome
Robert Harris's new novel, 'The Fear Index', concerns
a piece of financial software that has the capability to read
the markets and place the most accurate "bets" on
which stocks will rise and fall. With the advent of Facebook
and other social networks, the volume of easily accessible personal
information should make it possible for supercomputers to predict
behaviour patterns and it is these that cause the fluctuation
of stock. In the book, The Fear Index is the terror of knowing
the true volatility and unpredictability of the way in which
the financial markets operate and, ultimately, the incompetence
of those who are responsible for managing them.
As ever, Harris senses the pulse of contemporary events and
attitudes and postulates 'what ifs' with insight and intelligence.
Those of us working in City law firms may not have much influence
in the way that global financial events unfold. Nevertheless,
it falls to us to guide our clients through the ever more complex
legislative maze that our politicians create around commerce
and which, at times, seems to smother businesses' ability and
desire to create wealth.
We welcome Mark Lavers as a new partner to MH Property. With
another season upon us, we offer a review of recent legislation
and legal developments. Dee Sian considers the effect of fraudulent
misrepresentation on share purchase agreements. We also look
at some recent changes to the regulatory regime with contributions
on the Prospectus Rules and the Agency Workers' Regulations.
As money supply tightens and the liquidity of businesses is
threatened, landlords will be watching the punctuality of their
tenants; Guy Hitchin contributes some thoughts on dealing with
rent arrears.
In addition to our regular International round-up, Melissa Quazi
highlights some recent developments on the media front which
include the Court decision in the Star Wars copyright case,
the changes which being implemented in relation to domain names
and a comment on the 'surveillance society'. With Media, Technology
and the Creative industries remaining one of the more buoyant
areas of the economy, the benefits of Alternative Dispute Resolution
in these sectors is also very high on our agenda.
As ever I hope you enjoy this edition of MH Update; your feedback
is always appreciated.
Tony Morris
Managing Partner
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