Harold Benjamin

Building Nightmares - Disputes in Construction Projects The construction industry, more than most, requires a high level of co-ordination between a number of different trades, professions and suppliers in order to successfully deliver projects. However, collaboration disputes frequently arise which can transform even the simplest construction project into a costly nightmare. Jonathan Mahony Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution, explores some of these construction nightmares and considers how expert legal intervention can help in the latest edition of the HB Legal Corner Magazine: https://lnkd.in/ey83pW8M For previous editions and more legal insights, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/ecVMypaV #Construction #BuildingDisputes #DisputeResolution

The impact of case law on social, cultural and commercial norms - a litigator’s perspective. The uncodified nature of the English legal system has endowed it with a malleable quality, allowing it to respond to social, cultural and commercial changes. More significantly, this feature has enabled case law to establish principles of fairness, pre-empting and challenging existing norms, and offering alternative visions. Sarju Kotecha discusses the impact of case law on present-day social, cultural and commercial norms in the latest issue of the HB Legal Corner Magazine: https://lnkd.in/evpcKz-s For previous editions and other insights: https://lnkd.in/eqn-pxhz

We thought we’d share a few snapshots from Niten Chauhan and Vijay Parikh's recent trip to the annual LAWASIA (The Law Association for Asia and the Pacific) conference in Malaysia. At the firm, we not only focus on real estate but excel in other areas too from litigation to private client for both domestic and overseas clients. Whilst Niten is the head of our Restructuring and Insolvency practice, he also leads on the firm’s international offering by collaborating with a variety of law firms all over the world, helping their clients and our own to find effective solutions to legal problems when needed. In addition, and whilst already serving on the boards of a number of international networks, this year he was elected Chair of the Asia-Europe Committee of LAWASIA. In turn, Harold Benjamin now serves as a crucial law firm in the UK for international lawyers who recognise the expertise of our team in resolving disputes or other areas of the firm assisting with non-contentious matters, ranging from property acquisitions to dealing with assets in this jurisdiction. Ultimately, attending conferences like LAWASIA help the firm to develop close associations with lawyers beyond the UK for the benefit of our clients and contacts as well as being here when the need should arise from abroad. Niten and Vijay are therefore, vital points of contact for lawyers from across the world in an effort to build our global relationships which continue to strengthen the firm’s network and international reach for the benefit of our clients, whose interests are increasingly extending overseas. #lawfirm #lawasia #internationallaw

Proud to welcome back our 9th returner.

Leasehold Reform – where are we now? Shortly before the recent general election, the former government passed the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (“LAFRA”). The government needs to resolve some complicated issues regarding valuation criteria and pass some secondary legislation in to bring LAFRA into force and the best guess is that this is unlikely to happen before 2025-2026 at the earliest. Whilst a lease extension under LAFRA, as currently worded, should be on more advantageous terms for the flatowner than under the current law, LAFRA will not be of practical assistance to anyone needing to extend their lease within the next 12 months, possibly longer. In the meantime, the current law, governed by the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993, will continue to apply. Andy Finkel offers further insight here: https://lnkd.in/eCnh6ubW #leasereform #landlordsandtenants #realestate

No Rabbits Here: Budget 2024 With the dust settling on the recent Budget announcement, Yedidya Zaiden FCCA from Raffingers Accountants kindly offers his insight on the impact to small businesses, the property sector and private clients. "In my guest appearance in the Harold Benjamin podcast just after the elections, I discussed how business accepts that tax rises would be necessary, and that they would have to pay more tax. What business owners really want, is a clear roadmap from government as to how they intend to support and tax businesses so that they can plan ahead confidently. Unfortunately, the decision to delay the budget for the better part of four months, and the Prime Minister’s repeated warnings of difficult decisions to be made, allowed rumours to spread, and created a mood of uncertainty and apprehension. In my opinion, the Chancellor’s Statement went some way in reassuring business owners. Although the lead headline by the BBC was that businesses will be paying more than half of the £40bn of the taxes raised, some of the measures introduced were not as harsh as anticipated, and there were still a number of proverbial rabbits which the Chancellor pulled out of her hat." Continue reading here: https://lnkd.in/e7WJBNTE #budget2024 #smallbusiness #legalinsights

"...They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them." #RemembranceDay2024

A quick reminder that we will be at the The Finance Professional Show at Olympia Events today. John O'Donovan Partner and Head of Banking and Finance will be speaking on the Development Finance Panel at 1.30pm. If you're coming along and would like to speak to our team - John O'Donovan, Ray Oshry or Rima Sengupta - please get in touch at enquiries@haroldbenjamin.com #bankingandfinance #developmentfinance #realestatelaw

Zombie Companies The phenomenon of companies that are insolvent but continue to operate. ‘Zombie companies’ is a term increasingly used by financial professionals, business owners and lawyers, as they have emerged as a growing concern. These companies generate just enough revenue to cover their interest payments but lack the ability to pay down the principal of their debt or invest in growth. They are seen as symptomatic of deeper financial issues within the economy. Their existence not only reflects the struggles of individual businesses but also highlights broader economic challenges, such as prolonged low interest rates and the aftermath of the recent crises which have plagued the UK economy. Niten Chauhan explores more here: https://lnkd.in/ec-HDWyx For previous issues of the HB Legal Corner Magazine and other legal insights: https://lnkd.in/eqn-pxhz #legalinsights #insolvency #corporatelaw

We're delighted to announce that we will be attending the The Finance Professional Show at Olympia Events this Friday (8th November) and that John O'Donovan Partner and Head of Banking and Finance will be speaking on the Development Finance Panel at 1.30pm. If you're attending and would like to arrange a meeting with our team - John O'Donovan, Ray Oshry or Rima Sengupta - please get in touch at enquiries@haroldbenjamin.com #bankingandfinance #developmentfinance #realestatelaw