What do I need to know?
What is a Notary Public?
A Notary Public is a qualified lawyer and is appointed by the Court of Faculties of the Archbishop of Canterbury. There are about 800 Notaries working in the UK.
Should I sign documents prior to a meeting?
No. This can complicate matters further so do not sign documents until you’ve consulted Paul.
What is acceptable evidence of public records?
Only original certificates (as opposed to copies) are acceptable means of proof of public records such as birth, marriage and death.
Do I need to meet in-person?
Yes. An in-person meeting at the BPE office will be required.
Can you advise me beyond direct Notarial certification?
No. Our Notarial responsibility extends only to the Notarial formalities themselves. We will not give advice for the drafting or effect of any documents which we have not prepared.
Meet our Public Notary
Paul Engelbrecht
Latest news
BPE advises Integrity 365 on acquisition of Brooks Wealth Management LLP
BPE Solicitors LLP has advised Integrity 365 Limited on its acquisition of the business of Brooks Wealth Management LLP, a transaction that strengthens Integrity 365’s growing presence in the independent financial advisory market.
IP Risks, Strategy And Brand Clearance – Open AI Case Analysis
Intellectual property (IP) is often one of a business’s most valuable commercial assets. Whether launching a new product, rolling out a rebrand or acquiring another company, early and thorough IP due diligence is critical to protecting brand value and avoiding costly disputes. A failure to carry out appropriate trade mark searches, IP audits and clearance exercises can expose businesses to injunctions, forced rebrands, delayed product launches and significant reputational damage. This article considers the IP lessons arising from the widely reported OpenAI dispute and explains why a structured IP strategy should be embedded at the outset of any major commercial project.
The Employment Rights Bill has passed. What next?
With many of the changes due to be phased in during 2026 and 2027, the Act represents one of the most significant shifts in UK employment law in a generation. For HR teams and business leaders, it is less about one headline reform, and more about a clear change in direction that will need to be factored into workforce planning and decision making over the next few years.
Government revisits non-compete clauses: what employers need to know
The government has formally reopened the debate on non-compete clauses, publishing a working paper that invites views on whether (and how) these restrictions should be reformed in the UK.
From the pitch to the office: how football loyalties can be a hiring factor
Employment Judge Wright commented in the recent decision of Miss M Kalina v Digitas LBI Ltd, that employers may legally reject job applicants who support rival football teams if it risks workplace harmony. The decision has sparked debate about the boundaries of lawful hiring practices and the role of personal affiliations in professional settings.
BPE secure an emergency dismissal of an HMRC winding up petition
A winding up petition starts a formal court process to put a company into liquidation on the basis that it is unable to pay its debts as they fall due. Once issued, and particularly if advertised in The Gazette, a winding up petition can have immediate and severe commercial consequences. Banks may freeze accounts, suppliers may withdraw credit and a company’s reputation can suffer significant and lasting damage. Acting swiftly and decisively is therefore critical. This case study highlights how BPE successfully protected a well-known UK business from the consequences of an unjustified winding up petition brought by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Pre-action disclosure in audit negligence claims
Pre-action disclosure plays a crucial role in audit negligence and professional negligence claims within the Commercial Courts, enabling parties to obtain documents before litigation begins in earnest. This early disclosure helps clarify the strengths and weaknesses of claims, facilitating informed decision-making and potentially encouraging settlement.
Gifts and Bribery: Navigating the Festive Season with Integrity
As the festive season approaches, many of us embrace the tradition of gift-giving. Whether it be tokens of appreciation for clients, hospitality for partners or seasonal gestures among colleagues. While these exchanges can foster goodwill and strengthen professional relationships, they also carry significant legal risks.
