Over half of small business owners say that their accountants are the first point of call for business advice, according to a survey by accounting software giant, Sage. The survey showed that 52{0a6a65c996ed4169444354e707b897cdb00dbefc1d0429e8febb9bf11027ba53} of SMEs turn to their accountant for…read more
The Complaints linked to hard times says Financial Ombudsman Service
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has said that the high level of complaints about financial products is directly linked to tough economic conditions and may slow as the economy recovers. However Natalie Ceeney, Chief Executive of FOS also believes consumers…read more
Beware tree root risks warns Brunel
A homeowner will be liable for tree root damage to another property whether or not they were aware of the risk of damage according to a court ruling. The decision could have wide-ranging professional liability implications for property surveyors if…read more
Call for single regulator of the legal profession
A single independent regulator for the legal profession to replace the “confusing maze” of current regulation has been called for by the Legal Services Board Consumer Panel.The panel was responding to the Ministry of Justice’s (MoJ) consultation into the legal…read more
Letting agent hit with massive HMO fine
A letting agent in Haringey, London has been fined £50,000 for failing to have licences for its Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO). The agent was also fined for failing to maintain one of its properties. An HMO is a house…read more
Controversial advocacy standards scheme for criminal trials commences
A controversial new scheme, designed to assess the quality of advocates appearing in criminal courts in England and Wales is being rolled out in two of the six legal circuits, Midlands and Western. Lawyers wishing to perform advocacy in the…read more
Taxpayer avoids HMRC penalties after following accountant’s negligent advice
Taxpayers can avoid HMRC penalties if they relied on negligent advice from their accountants according to the Tax Tribunal. The defence cannot be used, however, where an accountant was simply used in an administrative capacity to file tax returns, or…read more
Coal miner negligence case could open the floodgates
A deluge of negligence claims against solicitors for coal miners’ compensation advice could hit the courts according to a specialist personal injury lawyer. This follows the first case to be decided in court which found in favour of a miner…read more
Availability of PII for valuers to be considered by independent commission
The availability and cost of professional indemnity insurance (PII) for property valuers will be considered as part of the remit of an independent commission set up by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The commission has been established following…read more
RIBA Plan of Work 2013
On 21 May 2013 the new RIBA Plan of Work replaced the previous 50 year old Plan of Work. This change followed a comprehensive review, and was based on the perception that the previous Plan of Work had been conceived…read more
