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Women at board level positions hit new record high, but real change is needed to achieve true equality
13 Nov 2018
This year's Hampton-Alexander Review report has been published today (13 November 2018). It is the third annual report and shows that further progress has been made towards achieving the targets set out in the original 2016 report, which were:
WBD advises owners of Healey Hall estate on partnership with Cripps Healey Limited
13 Nov 2018
A team from Womble Bond Dickinson's (WBD) Newcastle and Leeds offices has advised the Warde-Aldam family, owners of the Healey Hall estate, on the terms of a new partnership with Cripps Healey Limited (Cripps), which operates the Healey Barn wedding venue. The partnership will result in the provision of accommodation for guests of the Healey Barn venue in Healey Hall and adjacent cottages.
Beauty contests and human rights?
12 Nov 2018
The new Electronic Communications Code which came into force on 28 December 2017 has created uncertainty in the market. Whilst the publication of a recent book on the subject by various barristers of Falcon Chambers provides some welcome guidance for operators and landowners alike, what is really wanted, however, are a series of decisions from the Upper Tribunal (which now decides telecoms disputes) as to how the contentious parts of the Code are to be interpreted.
The extra cost of Christmas: will retailers need to pay additional pension contributions?
12 Nov 2018
The significant challenges faced by high streets across the UK are well documented. The Chancellor's commitment of £675m of co-funding to create a “Future High Streets Fund” in the recent Budget plus cutting business rates for smaller shops (part of £1.5bn to support local high streets) has been broadly welcomed. However, retailers remain under significant cost pressures.
Brexit and… database rights
12 Nov 2018
Following publication of the 'agreed' text of the draft Withdrawal Agreement (the "Draft Text") between the United Kingdom ("UK") and the remainder of the European Union ("EU") on 19 March 2018, our intellectual property ("IP") team has produced a suite of briefings on key aspects of the likely implications of Brexit for IP rights and systems across the EU, to inform our clients what changes they will need to consider making to their existing IP strategies and protocols to continue dealing in post-Brexit UK and Europe. The topic of this note is how Brexit will impact database rights.
Locking the door on the "smash and grab" adjudication?
09 Nov 2018
The Court of Appeal may have issued the death blow to the informally termed "smash and grab" adjudication in its recent judgment. However, Employers may still be parting with their cash before a true value is determined.
Plymouth business leaders brought together to celebrate transatlantic commemoration
09 Nov 2018
WBD hosted its Business Leaders' Dinner last night (7 November) at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth organised in collaboration with Mayflower 400, an initiative to commemorate the 400th anniversary in 2020 of the Mayflower’s historic sailing from Plymouth to America.
WBD advises Arch Insurance Europe on £31m purchase of Ardonagh commercial lines business
09 Nov 2018
Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has advised Arch Insurance Europe (“Arch”) on its £31m purchase of the UK Commercial Lines business owned by The Ardonagh Group and part of its Geo Underwriting (“Geo”) operating segment.
Come fly with me – part-time cabin crew member may be entitled to parity of pay with full-time comparator
08 Nov 2018
In British Airways plc v Pinaud [2018] EWCA Civ 2427, the Court of Appeal had to decide whether a part-time worker was treated less favourably when she worked 53.5% of full-time hours but received 50% of full-time pay.
