NICHE BUSINESS
Legal Forum
COMMERCIAL DISPUTES: WHY SETTLE? BHUMIKA PARMAR Director of BP Legal Solicitors
FIRST HOME SCHEME The First Home Scheme was launched on June 4 in the East Midlands. It offers discounted homes for key workers and local residents. This incredible pilot helps first-time buyers, many of whom will be key workers like NHS staff onto the property ladder by offering homes at a discount of at least 30% compared to the market price. That same percentage will then be passed on with the sale of the property to future first-time buyers, meaning homes will always be sold below market value. This scheme helps benefit local communities, key workers, and families for generations to come. There has been a surge in the current market with first-time buyers. Delivery of the scheme is part of the government’s wider pledge to build one million new affordable and attractive homes and help put home ownership within reach for people across the country. The campaign highlights the support available to help make home ownership a realistic and affordable option for more people than ever. Most lenders have announced that they will be offering 95% mortgages for first homes. The Government wishes to encourage people who want to purchase their own home. Other government home ownership schemes available are the Help to Buy: Equity Loan, Shared Ownership, and Help to Build. We at BP legal also wish to help first-time buyers, by offering a 10% discount on legal fees. 26 | NICHE
How and why to settle disputes in business according to litigation and commercial law specialist Greg Hollingsworth, director of Hollingsworth Solicitors A settlement gives the business certainty and closure, and avoids the anxiety of having to wait for a judgment from a court and the uncertainty about that outcome. It also avoids the expense of continuing with litigation. Even if the business wins in court and is awarded costs, it will rarely get all of its costs back from the other side. Review your case Undertake an early analysis of the case - compare the analysis with possible settlement outcomes. If an offer is made, consider its value, bearing in mind how long it will take to get to trial and the potential cost of litigation. Settlement negotiations aren’t a sign of weakness, and can take place at any time during the case.
GREG HOLLINGSWORTH Director at Hollingsworths Solicitors How to discuss settlement Settlement discussions are conducted on a “without prejudice basis”. This means that anything said about the dispute during the settlement negotiations or in any written settlement offer cannot be used later at the trial. This protection only applies to statements made purely in an attempt to settle the case – something which businesses sometimes forget. Recording the Settlement Ensure that any settlement is recorded in a written settlement agreement – this is essential if a claim has been started. Having reached acceptable terms, businesses want to avoid another dispute arising on the settlement terms.
FIVE ESSENTIAL TRAVEL TIPS BHAVIN GANDHI Co-Director at Paradigm Wills and Legal Services When travelling in the past, you’ve likely forgotten an essential item or two? Your sun cream, plug adapter, sunglasses, and toothbrush are all replaceable. But what about your things back home? Going on holiday poses a risk to our lives, wellbeing, and finances. It sounds morbid but that’s why there’s travel insurance. You should have all of your affairs in order every year before you go on holiday, especially while the coronavirus is still about. You may visit a destination on the Government’s green list that ends up going into amber or red. And, travelling by airplane is a risk in itself. Consider these five points before you travel. 1. Do you have a will? If so, is it up to date? If you answered no to either
question, it’s important you action these in case you’re involved in any accident, or catch an illness or disease. 2. How often is your will reviewed? Is should be annually. Any changes in your circumstances or situation could mean that your will needs updating or amending. 3. Did you get round to making the Lasting Power of Attorneys that you said you’d do at a later stage? If anything happens to you while you’re away, your family and friends may not be able to access bank accounts etc. 4. Where are your documents stored? If at home, who knows where they are? Can you even remember where these vital documents are? We provide a secure storage service for your documents to keep them safe. 5. Have you informed someone where your documents are? If you’re travelling with that person, is there anyone else who can access them if they need to?
