News Stories

LP's mediation-1st and employmentor teams are to run a three day Certificate in Internal Mediation course, accredited by OCN Eastern Region.  This commercially focused course has been designed for senior executives and HR professionals.

Sumo Salad, an Australian fresh and healthy salad bar chain, has recently launched its first franchise in the UK.  The outlet was opened in Norwich by Mike Dodd, who has been advised by Ed Savory, an Associate in Leathes Prior's Franchising team, and Mark Noakes, Managing Director of Morgan Woods.

The EAT (HHJ McMullen QC) has Quashie v Stringfellows Restaurants Limited reversed an employment tribunal's decision dismissing an Unfair Dismissal claim on the grounds that the lap dancer Claimant was not an employee.

Ed Savory, an Associate in the Franchising Team, attended the British Franchise Association (BFA) London & South East Affiliate (i.e. Professional Advisers) Forum on 19 April 2012.  The purpose of the Affiliate Forums is to share information between professionals advising within the Franchise Sector, discuss current market trends and debate certain “hot” topics.

The Partners of Leathes Prior are delighted to announce that Paula Lawn, currently Associate within the firm’s Employment team, has accepted their invitation to join the Partnership with effect from 1 May 2012.

Leathes Prior is pleased to announce the launch of its Internet Defamation and Online Reputation Management Service.

Our Immigration Team scored two notable victories this month for clients facing imminent removal from the UK.

LP's Employment team has recently published the latest edition of its employment matters newsletter.

LP Consultant Will Buckley last weekend chaired a panel at the Inner Temple’s Cumberland Lodge weekend. The topic was “Integrity in Sport” and on the panel were Max Mosley, Jonathan Taylor (Head of Sports Law at Bird & Bird) and Michele Verroken (Founding Director of Sporting Integrity consultancy and former UK Anti-Doping Chief). In the audience were a host of QCs, a smattering of judges, and Michael Beloff QC – the doyen of sports lawyers.

A recent High Court decision is a reminder of the difficulties that conditional break clauses pose and the importance of complying with all conditions attached to break clauses in existing leases.

Leathes Prior was happy to be involved in the sponsorship of yesterday's launch of the Tourism Business Survey at Norwich City Football Club.  The survey highlighted the concern of the local Tourism industry about the red tape involved in employing staff and running their businesses. 

Thank you to everyone that took part in LP’s Pub Challenge on Thursday 8 March 2012 & Congratulations to...

The National House-Building Council (NHBC) has announced that "Buildmark" – its new home warranty scheme – is expected to go online from April 2012.  80% of new homes built in the UK every year are covered by the Buildmark scheme and several of Leathes Prior’s developer/house builder clients favour it.

British Showjumping has published a useful list of all the rule amendments that have been made since the 2011 Rule Book was first printed and circulated to members.

There will be two free Franchise Master Classes for companies that are considering franchising and wish to find out more about what is involved.  These will be held on 7 & 13 March 2012 at Lloyds Bank in London with Business Options.

On 28 February 2012 the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) held that dismissals of 117 employees who had transferred to their new employer (pursuant to Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 “TUPE”) and who refused to adopt their new employer’s corporate structure and become franchisees, was lawful - Meter U Ltd v Ackroyd & others

A lady, described in Grimsby Magistrates' Court as "a professional or semi-professional horsewoman" and who pleaded guilty to six offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 was sentenced earlier this month, on 17 February 2012.

Yesterday the Court of Appeal dismissed Kara Goldsmith’s appeal against the finding of Judge Christopher Walton sitting in Newcastle County Court last year that she had voluntarily assumed the risk of the injuries that she suffered when being thrown from a horse she was trying with a view to buy.

Leathes Prior's specialist Franchising team has recently published its Legal Update Spring 2012 edition.

Given the complexity of the law governing horse passports and the potential for those in breach to be fined up to £5,000 on summary conviction, Leathes Prior’s Equine/Bloodstock team of specialist equine solicitors have produced a Factsheet setting out some of the key points that owners of horses in England should be aware of.

This week sees the publication of a new book on franchising, which features Leathes Prior Partner Jonathan Chadd as a contributor.

The Employment Appeal Tribunal has handed down a key decision, which will assist clients in the warehousing and transport sector.

Leathes Prior's Franchising team will be attending this year's Franchise Show at Excel (London) on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 February.

The Regulatory team at Leathes Prior scored another notable victory today at Norwich Magistrates Court, securing the acquittal of a local car dealership which had been prosecuted for selling an allegedly unroadworthy car through auction.

Ed Savory, an Associate in the firm's Franchising team, attended both the BFA Affiliate Forum and the BFA London and South East Regional Forum in London in January.

On 1 February 2012 the Land Registry introduced a new form specifically targeting non-resident property owners and which aims to offer further protection from fraudsters.

The Coalition Government has announced that it plans to use the ‘financial privilege’ rule to overturn the recent defeats to the Welfare Bill inflicted by the House of Lords.

Leathes Prior's Employment and Dispute Resolution teams have, in the last three months alone, secured three injunctions for clients, which have prevented former employees from setting up in competition and/or soliciting their client base.

All of the Leathes Prior Family team lawyers are members of Resolution, formerly the Solicitors Family Law Association (SFLA).  Resolution is a national organisation of family lawyers whose members agree to abide by a Code of Practice.

This month British Showjumping has announced amendments to its rules on micro-chipping and flu vaccinations. These will form part of the 2012 Rules and Year Book, effective from 1 April 2012. British Showjumping members should familiarise themselves with the new rules to ensure compliance.

Last week fashion and home wares retailer Next became the latest high street name to hit the headlines as the result of an online pricing error.  Next mistakenly listed a pair of sofas worth £1,198 on its website for just £98.  This pricing error remained live on Next’s website for nearly 6 hours before being removed. 

In December 2011, the Information Commissioner released an Information Rights Strategy, outlining key sectors which will be targeted for Data Protection compliance over the course of the next three years.

With cost-effective conduct of litigation and customer interests being key drivers for litigants, and legal expenses insurers alike, Leathes Prior has joined with Norwich based provider of online claims management, Validus IVC to create go2mediation, an online mediation platform that represents a solution for the internet age to the cost and uncertainty of litigation.

With the announcement that the Olympic torch will be arriving in Norwich in the early evening of Wednesday 4 July 2012, the Olympic Countdown is now on in our region. 

Mention the term “drop shipping” to any US e-tailer and you can be pretty sure that they will know exactly what you’re talking about.  Drop shipping, however, has yet to make a significant impact on the world of e-commerce in the UK.  We predict that this is set to change in 2012.

Click more info to read more.

For most chocolatiers and confectionary houses Christmas is a good time of the year.  One chocolatier having a particularly good Christmas this year is Cadbury’s.  Following a three year battle with rival Nestle, Cadbury's has recently secured a decision from the Intellectual Property Office allowing it to register the Cadbury’s purple as a UK trade mark.

LP Franchising team Associate Ed Savory attended the British Franchise Association (BFA) Round Table Discussions in Birmingham on Thursday 8 December 2011.

LP tourism and leisure Partner Peter Sheppard yesterday adjudicated at a world record mince pie eating contest at Wroxham Barns.

Kitty Rosser and Vicki Mitman of the Leathes Prior Franchising team recently attended the Countrywide Signs Franchise Owner Showcase 2011 held at the University of Warwick.

In the latest edition of The Franchise Magazine Mike Barlow and Ed Savory of Leathes Prior's Franchising Team publish an article on using the term "Franchise Owner" to describe a Franchisee in legal documentation. The article considers the extent of ownership rights which a franchisee enjoys and offers a reminder to franchisors to avoid over-selling their franchise offering.

The EDP last week exposed a shockingly high number of breaches of the Data Protection Act across this region’s hospitals, police forces and councils.  Since 2008 there have been a total of 150 reported breaches of the Data Protection Act. 

After many months of rumour, the Employment team at Leathes Prior has eagerly awaited the full details of the much talked about Government proposals for reforming employment law.  Business Secretary Vince Cable has today provided us with some flesh to put on the recent bones we have all received, in what is claimed by the Government to be the biggest shakeup of employment law for decades.

The recent publication of the British Equestrian Trade Association’s 2011 National Equestrian Survey reminds us that whether as a hobby or profession, buying a horse will inevitably be a significant investment, both financially and emotionally.  It is with this in mind that we have set out below some of the legal aspects of buying a horse that purchasers should be aware of.

Paula Lawn and Ed Savory, Associates at Leathes Prior, participated in a Young Enterprise Day at Taverham High School on Thursday 10 November 2011.  The day, which was organised by firm client Inspired Change, sought to give over 200 13 and 14 year old students a chance to immerse themselves in business for a day with the assistance of 20 business mentors.

Perhaps the highest hurdle for a recently dismissed employee to cross is the funding of their prospective litigation.  An individual may well have a very strong unfair dismissal case, but without the ability to cover legal fees, they are usually prevented from instructing a solicitor to act on their behalf.

LP attended a photo shoot at Wymondham Rugby FC (WRFC) on Tuesday 1 November to mark the presentation of a cheque for £9,000 to local charities the Big C and the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

Will Buckley's latest column on Norwich v Blackburn.

The Leathes Prior Employment team yesterday successfully represented national haulier Jack Richards & Son Ltd before Norwich Employment Tribunal.

Today sees the launch of Chambers and Partners’ Chambers UK 2012, one of the key independent guides to law firms and individual lawyers based on extensive qualitative research carried out with clients and lawyers.

A report from Wymondham Rugby FC’s latest match.  Leathes Prior is proud to be main sponsor of the Club

A report from Wymondham Rugby FC’s latest match.  Leathes Prior is proud to be main sponsor of the Club.

Leathes Prior's specialist Franchising team has recently published its Legal Update Autumn 2011 edition.

LP has recently welcomed four new members of staff, with the recruitment of two Trainee Solicitors, a Paralegal and a Marketing Assistant.

Following their emphatic win at home against Upminster last Saturday, Wymondham take a break from league action this weekend with a long trip to play Finchley in the first round of the RFU Senior Vase.

Ed Savory, an Associate in Leathes Prior's Franchising Team, attended the British Franchise Association (BFA) Affiliate Forum held in Leicester on Tuesday 4 October 2011.

LP's cycling club took to the roads again last Sunday the 2nd October and joined hundreds of others cycling from Cambridge to Norwich.

The European Court of Justice (“ECJ”) has ruled today – 4 October 2011 – that the current system of licences for the broadcasting of football matches, which grants broadcasters like BSkyB and ESPN territorial exclusivity on a national basis and prohibits viewers from watching the broadcasts with a decoder card in other EU countries, is contrary to EU law.

Chancellor George Osborne yesterday announced two important changes, intended to reduce the number of employment tribunal claims and boost the economy.

LP's Solicitor Dave Richards appears on Watchdog talking about the DVLA.

LP’s specialist Franchising team is looking forward to exhibiting at the National Franchise Exhibition over the next two days.

Ed Savory of Leathes Prior's Franchising team has published an article in the October/November edition of The Franchise Magazine providing hints and tips to both Franchisors and Franchisees/Franchise Owners on exit strategies.

Over one hundred and fifty men attended this year's Swardeston CC Stag Dinner to raise money for the club. The highlight of which was the guest after dinner speaker.

Today sees the release of the highly regarded Legal 500 UK 2011 edition, the independent guide to the legal profession.  In the last year Leathes Prior has continued to cement its place among the top tier of law firms in East Anglia, continuing to impress with its forward thinking, dynamic and top rate advice.

The Final of this year's Leathes Prior Charity Golf Challenge was held on Thursday 15 September. Finalists were Eric Warnes and Dawn Middleton of Apple Interiors and Stuart Mackie and Peter Sturman of HSBC.  

Leathes Prior is pleased to announce that two of its current trainees are remaining with the firm upon qualification as assistant solicitors in September.

The team at LP is looking forward to hosting Finals Day of the Leathes Prior Charity Golf Challenge, to be held on Thursday 15 September at Royal Norwich Golf Club.

As Main Sponsor of Wymondham Rugby FC (WRFC), Leathes Prior is looking forward to attending the Club’s Annual Charity Fun Day this Sunday 11 September.

Leathes Prior's Employment team has been successful in having Partner Dan Chapman's actions, in obtaining on behalf of their client a wasted costs order against the opposing firm of solicitors in Employment Tribunal proceedings, upheld by the Employment Appeal Tribunal.

Dan Chapman, Head of the Leathes Prior Employment team, has successfully represented Fowler Welch before the Bury St Edmunds Employment Tribunal in a two day hearing.

Will Buckley, Consultant at Leathes Prior and part of the Sports Law team has provided Norwich City Football Club with the first of his new column in the home game programme, ‘On The Ball City’.

LP’s Employment team is to offer Employment Law support to the Members of The Lotteries Council; the national support group for over 200 organisations – including charities, hospices and football clubs – that operate lotteries.

From 1 October 2011, agency workers’ basic employment and working conditions, after 12 weeks’ employment, must be the same as directly hired staff doing the same job.  Join LP Employment team Partner Dan Chapman at a free seminar on Tuesday 9 August to find out more.

LP’s Franchising team is to join a list of eminent speakers at The National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham on 30 September and 1 October 2011.

Ed Savory and Vicki Mitman in LP’s Franchising team attended the BFA's London/South East and Midlands Regional Forums this week.  The forums are attended by broad spectrum of people working in franchising including both franchisors and their advisers (franchise consultants, bankers, lawyers, recruitment consultants etc).

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Banham Graham Chartered Accountants on its proposed merger with Norwich based East Anglian accountancy practice Lovewell Blake LLP.

The deadline for applying for a training contract (for 2013) at Leathes Prior passed at midnight last night, with a record number of applications received.

Ed Savory and Vicki Mitman from LP’s Franchising team played golf against Craig Brown and Peter Sayles of Signs Express at Weston Park GC on Thursday 22 July 2011.

The mediation-1st team has today unveiled two informative new websites showcasing its specialist Civil & Commercial Mediation and Family Mediation services.

Leathes Prior is teaming up with Franchise Development Services (FDS) to show East Anglian businesses how they can successfully expand within the current economic climate by franchising.

While the 2012 London Olympics will undoubtedly provide great opportunities for many businesses, for some they will cause significant problems.  In this article, LP's Franchise team gives advice for franchisors and franchisees alike on forward planning for the Olympics.

Leathes Prior's Sports team has continued to develop its expertise in assisting football clubs to survive in the difficult economic climate by advising Welling United on its proposed conversion to a Community Interest Company.

Ed Savory, Associate in our Franchising team, attended the BFA London Affiliate Forum on Wednesday 7 July 2011.  The forum was attended by advisers to the franchise sector, including franchise consultants, bankers, lawyers and recruitment consultants.  The forum gathers regularly to, amongst other things, discuss the state of the franchising industry.

Jonathan Chadd, Ed Savory and Vicki Mitman, of the Leathes Prior Franchising team, recently attended the BFA Annual Conference at the Heritage Motor Centre, Warwick.  The Conference provided a great opportunity to meet and greet new players in the ever expanding industry and to renew acquaintances.

Leathes Prior's Regulatory and Defence team, led by Tim Cary, has successfully represented a local company who appeared before Norwich Magistrates Court on a number of overloading offences.

The Bribery Act 2010 came into force on Friday 1 July 2011 and has made significant changes in the UK to anticorruption law.  Click more info to download our Corporate team's guide to the new legislation.

Paula Lawn, Associate in our Employment Team and Aidan Tidnam, Facilities Manager have completed their challenge of cycling from London to Paris in 24 hours.  Together they raised over £2,500 for SCOPE. 

Leathes Prior's specialist Franchising team has recently published its Legal Update Summer 2011 edition.  Download your copy here.

Congratulations from all at Leathes Prior to Chapel Road School in Attleborough, which has recently received an “outstanding” from its Ofstead report.

We have been advising students and education providers worldwide on immigration and employment issues for a number of years and feel the time has come to share some of our expertise in a regular newsletter.

Leathes Prior are delighted to announce that they will be sponsoring Norwich City FC's left-back, Marc Tierney, during the 2011/2012 Premier League campaign.

Dan Chapman, Head of the Leathes Prior Sports Team,  has acted for Farnborough Football Club  (runners up in this year's Blue Square South Division) in their recent appointments of Garry Haylock and Gareth Hall.

The newly inaugurated LPVC (Leathes Prior Velo Club) enjoyed its first official outing at the Norwich 50/100 bike ride on Sunday 5 June 2011.

Leathes Prior's Regulatory and Defence team has successfully represented a client facing prosecution under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 at the Magistrates Court, which could have resulted in the destruction of a much loved family pet.

Leading Norwich law firm Leathes Prior today announced the further expansion of its specialist Franchising team, with the arrival of Ed Savory from London-based US law firm Morgan Lewis Bockius.

Leathes Prior sponsored and attended the Wymondham RFC 2011 Players Dinner on 20 April 2011.  The guest speaker was Sean Fitzpatrick, ex New Zealand All Blacks captain.

Our Regulatory & Defence team led by Tim Cary scored another victory at Banbury Magistrates Court yesterday when the Prosecution agreed to withdraw a prosecution brought against our client for failing to reply to a Notice of Intended Prosecution and speeding.