Monthly Archives: June 2025

Level the Playing Field: Empowering SMEs Through Strategic Contract Review

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been quoted as saying: “In an era of radical uncertainty we can no longer take peace for granted, which is why my government is investing in our national security” and the UK has pledged to spending a whopping 5% of the UK’s GDP on “national security” by 2035. But what does this mean for UK business? In today’s fast-paced commercial environment, supply agreements and similar contracts are more than just paperwork, they’re the backbone of your business operations. Whether you’re a manufacturer, distributor, or service provider, having a robust and legally sound written contract is essential to mitigate risk, ensure continuity, and maintain strong commercial relationships. At Scott Bailey LLP, our experienced commercial solicitors work with small and medium-sized enterprises who serve as essential cogs in critical supply chains such as defence, particularly involving … Continue reading

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A week at Scott Bailey LLP: Exploring five areas of law in five days

At Scott Bailey LLP, we are proud to support the next generation of legal talent. Each year, we sponsor the Best Exam Performance in Land Law award at the University of Southampton – with the winner receiving a one-week placement with our team in Lymington. The most recent winner, Isha Malhotra, joined us in June to experience life at a busy high street law firm. Across five days, Isha spent time with several departments – including Family, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Commercial Property, Private Client, and Conveyancing – gaining first-hand insight into how legal theory translates into real-world practice. We were delighted to welcome Isha to the firm and are equally pleased to share her reflections from the week. From complex client matters to day-to-day office life, here is what she discovered during her time with us. “Stepping out of … Continue reading

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Boundary agreements: what they are, how they work, and why they matter

Disputes over land boundaries can quickly become costly, stressful, and disruptive – especially when they involve long-standing neighbours. One way to avoid or resolve uncertainty is to ensure you have boundary agreements in place. But what exactly is a boundary agreement, how do they work, and are they legally binding? Our expert Litigation and Dispute Resolution solicitor, Michal Kampa, has answered some of the most frequently asked questions in this guide.  What is a boundary agreement?  A boundary agreement is a formal or informal understanding between landowners regarding the position of a boundary that separates their respective properties. These agreements are especially useful when the legal documents or Land Registry plans are unclear, outdated, or subject to dispute.  Boundary agreements can be:  A boundary agreement does not usually transfer land ownership unless expressly intended. Instead, it defines where both parties … Continue reading

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How to protect your assets from divorce UK | 2025 update

Whether you’re preparing to get married or preparing for a divorce, it is wise to consider what will happen to your assets and how you can protect them. In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of assets and how you can protect them, both before you get married and during a divorce. Does your husband or wife automatically take half in a divorce? Every situation is different and so an equal division is not always what happens. There are statutory criteria that must be applied to determine what a fair division would be. Sometimes, one spouse needs more than half to ensure any children of the family can be housed appropriately. At other times, an equal division after a long marriage where both parties’ needs are broadly the same will be appropriate. Family law is not formulaic, as … Continue reading

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Stamp duty changes in 2025: insights for buyers and sellers

The UK property market in 2025 If you’re looking to buy or sell a home, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the UK housing market. With changes to stamp duty, mortgage rates, and regional price fluctuations, we’re encouraging all our clients to consider carefully how to navigate the property market in 2025. In this blog, we’ve highlighted the main changes affecting buyers and sellers in 2025. As always, our highly trusted team of conveyancing lawyers is on hand to help anyone who may be concerned about how the changes will affect their transaction. Stamp Duty threshold in 2025 One of the most significant developments for buyers this year is the change to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) in England and Northern Ireland. As of 1 April 2025, the stamp duty threshold was reduced to £125,000. Here are the … Continue reading

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How do you stop a winding up petition?

What is a winding up petition? A winding up petition is a formal legal action taken to close down (or “wind up”) a company that is unable to pay its debts. It is a critical tool for creditors who are seeking to recover debts of £750 or more from companies that haven’t paid despite multiple payment requests. Essentially, the winding up order asks the court to liquidate the company, and if the court agrees, it will appoint someone to liquidate the company’s assets and pay creditors. However, the court’s role is not merely administrative; it exercises significant discretion at multiple stages of the process, guided by established case law, statutory provisions, and the overarching principles of fairness and commercial reality. This article examines the court’s discretion in dismissing, staying, and rescinding winding up orders, with a focus on the statutory framework, practical considerations, and … Continue reading

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