Cross-Option Agreements Explained: Protecting both the business and the family
For many business owners, one of the key challenges in business succession planning following the death or incapacity of a shareholder (Outgoing Shareholder) is balancing the competing priorities of the company and remaining shareholders (Remaining Shareholders) with those of the family of the Outgoing Shareholder.
Are Divorcing Couples Leaving their Finances Unresolved?
With the introduction of no-fault divorce, the process has become more streamlined and accessible. However, this may also be contributing to a misconception that the divorce process automatically resolves finances. It does not.
Shareholders’ Agreements: The first line of protection for business owners
For many owner-managed and family run businesses, the relationship between shareholders is fundamental to the success of the company. While much attention is often given to strategy and growth, it is equally important to consider what will happen when circumstances change.
Death and Incapacity: How Business Owners Can Plan for the Unexpected
Planning for growth and investment as part of the long-term strategy of a business is important. An equally important (but often overlooked) aspect of business ownership is preparing for circumstances where an owner can no longer take part in that business.
Cheltenham Animal Shelter is BPE’s Charity of the Year
Thanks to the nominations and votes of the BPE team, Cheltenham Animal Shelter was selected as Charity of the Year for the financial year 2026-2027. Philip Allen shares information regarding leaving gifts in wills.
Property risks for unmarried couples
More couples than ever are choosing to live together without getting married. While this reflects modern relationships, the law has not kept pace.
Acting as an Attorney: Authority, Responsibility and Risk
It is widely reported that making a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is part of sensible future planning. Far less attention, however, is given to what happens next: the responsibilities of the person appointed as attorney.
Withdrawing a Job Offer: A costly misstep for employers
It is not uncommon for employers to issue a covering letter setting out the headline terms of employment when approaching a candidate for a role. Comfort is often taken from describing the offer as “conditional”, subject to references and / or right to work checks. The assumption is that no binding contract exists until those conditional steps are satisfied and that the offer can therefore be withdrawn at that stage without risk.
Your questions from Wednesday Working Lunch answered
On Wednesday 25th of March, BPE hosted Wednesday Working Lunch. Here are the answers to the questions that were raised during the session.
Statutory demand prompts full payment of rent arrears and further recovery action
BPE’s Commercial Litigation team has successfully secured full payment of rent arrears for a commercial landlord client, following the service of a statutory demand over the festive period.
Why HR should know about Rockstar and Grand Theft Auto
When people hear the name Rockstar Games, they usually think of the blockbuster franchise Grand Theft Auto (GTA). However, the studio recently found itself in the spotlight for something different: an Employment Tribunal dispute involving 29 developers working on the next instalment of the game, Grand Theft Auto VI.
When should you apply for a Final Order (Decree Absolute) in divorce proceedings?
Divorce involves a number of formal legal stages, and understanding when to apply for a Final Order (previously known as a Decree Absolute) is an important part of the process.
