Ashfords LLP

We would like to wish all our contacts and clients a merry Christmas and every success in the new year! 🎄 Our offices will be closed from 25 December and will reopen on Monday 30 December. We hope you have a joyful and relaxing festive period and look forward to working with you in the year ahead.

If you find yourself with some spare time over the festive break, why not tick one thing off the list and complete your training contract application with Ashfords! At Ashfords, we understand the importance of making the right choice when it comes to your training contract. Our trainee brochure offers an insight into what makes training at Ashfords unique and what you can gain from the experience. Learn about the support you will receive, the work you will be doing and the firm-wide initiatives you can get involved with, and be sure to make a note of the key dates for the application process. Click below to read and download the brochure. https://lnkd.in/gXptWcre #TrainingContract #Graduate #TraineeSolicitor #LegalCareers

On 28 November, the government issued important updates to its guidance page relating to biodiversity net gain credits, clarifying the role of local planning authorities when working with developers who want to purchase statutory BNG credits. Our article provides a summary of the key changes, which include the reinforced message that BNG credits are strictly a last resort, new rules around the timing of credit purchases, and stricter requirements for developers to discharge pre-commencement conditions before buying credits. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/en9wTdWk #BNG #BiodiversityNetGain #BNGCredits

A landmark Supreme Court ruling has determined that conditional fee agreement success fees cannot be recovered in claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. This decision changes how legal costs are treated in these claims and could make it more challenging for some individuals to bring inheritance disputes, especially those relying on this type of funding. In our article below, Kerry Morgan-Gould and Robert Horsey explore the background of the case which led to this ruling, and the impact it will have on people involved in inheritance claims. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gY7Q_NCm #InheritanceClaims #Inheritance #SuccessFees

From 31 March 2025, amendments to the Separation of Waste (England) Regulations 2024 will come into force, introducing changes that aim to simplify waste collection processes while maintaining the goal of improving recycling rates. Ben Morgan explores these updates in the article below, which include two key exemptions: the option to combine certain waste streams (e.g., plastic, glass, and metal) and a temporary exemption for micro firms with fewer than 10 employees. Find out more about the changes and what they could mean for waste collection authorities, businesses, and waste producers: https://lnkd.in/gd-mrRzf #WasteSeparation #WasteCollection #Recycling

Retail’s busiest season continues to be blighted with the ever-increasing problem of shoplifting. While practical measures like security guards and cameras provide some deterrence, they aren't always enough. Is there a legal avenue that empowers retailers which doesn't rely on the police having enough resources to arrest and prosecute? In this article, Liam Tolen and Rob Nicholson explore some innovative civil strategies for addressing shoplifting, including the use of trespass laws and injunctions against persistent offenders or “persons unknown”. These legal tools could provide retailers with greater control and new ways to protect their businesses. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/epBArYrM #Shoplifting #Retail #Trespass

A new episode of our Unlocking AI podcast is now available! Join Oliver Woodhouse and Tom Lattimore from our commercial team as they explore how AI is shaping the financial services and fintech sector. From fraud detection and insurance to payments and customer support, Oliver and Tom discuss the transformative potential of AI, as well as the risks and challenges it presents, offering practical tips for organisations navigating the implementation and use of these AI tools. The discussion also covers critical areas such as data protection, security risks, and the potential for bias, alongside insights into emerging UK regulatory developments. 🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/eSa2dGjD #AshfordsUnlockingAI #AI #FinTech #FinancialServices #FinTechAI

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero have launched a joint consultation on proposed reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPB) regime. The reforms have been proposed in order to help meet the government's net zero commitments, with buildings currently accounting for around 20% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Our article provides an overview of the proposed reforms and their potential impact on building owners, landlords, and the energy sector. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eqhHR88D #EPBRegime #EnergyEfficiency #NetZero

As the festive season approaches, separated parents often face the challenge of creating a Christmas plan that works for everyone. Balancing time with wider family, coordinating schedules, and ensuring the children enjoy quality time with both parents can feel overwhelming. In this article, Megan Prideaux, associate in our family team, shares practical tips to help separated families navigate this busy time of year. There are plenty of ways to approach the festive season, and Megan highlights the importance of finding what works best for your unique circumstances. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/e-2M2SkK #CoParenting #ChristmasPlanning #FamilyLaw

Last week Ashfords' XYBC Networking Group hosted their annual festive celebration, a festive ball at The Hall in Exeter. The group enjoyed a festive meal and silent disco whilst also raising money for the Trussell Trust through a raffle, raising over £300 for the charity. Thank you to everyone who joined us at the festive ball for a brilliant evening, and to everyone who has joined our networking group's events throughout another successful year. It's a pleasure to bring together the Exeter business community and we look forward to seeing you at our events next year! #XYBC #Exeter #ExeterBusiness #Networking