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Aria Technology – No specific form required for notification of assessment of VAT
In Aria Technology Ltd v HMRC [2020] EWCA Civ 182, the Court of Appeal confirmed that there is no particular form or formality required of an assessment under section 73(1), Value Added Tax Act 1994 (VATA) and an assessment can be contained in more than one document as long as the minimum requirements are set out in a clear and unambiguous way.
Read moreBeware a broad brush approach to costs assessment
Court of Appeal dismisses former client's objection to solicitors' invoices on assessment.
Read moreCyber_Bytes - Issue 8 2020
Welcome to the eighth 2020 edition of Cyber_Bytes, our bi-weekly roundup of key developments in cyber, tech and evolving risks.
Read moreInternational risk: the evolution of the remedy of avoidance
There used to be a side-splitting “joke” amongst the barrister authors of a particular insurance law textbook that its title ought to have been “How to Avoid”. This was because twenty-five years ago telephone calls between insurance carriers and their lawyers might often have started with: “We are going to get clobbered. How can we get out of this?”. Back then the insurance market was a very different place to what it is now. It was somewhat fragmented and there was a heady mix of under-capitalisation and LMX spiral business (a hazardous game of “pass the exploding parcel” played through mutual reinsurance). A big loss could spell doom – hence the “joke”.
Read moreCyber_Bytes - Issue 9
Welcome to Cyber_Bytes, our bi-weekly roundup of key developments in cyber, tech and evolving risks.
Read moreSnapshots Winter 2019
This is your roundup of all recent legal updates spanning advertising & marketing, commercial cases,technology / digital, data protection and intellectual property.
Read moreThe FCA's key concerns for the pensions market in 2020
In its Sector Views published on 18 February 2020, the FCA has announced its strategic priorities for the pensions sector for this coming year. Key issues include transfer advice, which continues to be a supervision priority, and poor value products that lead to lower living standards in retirement.
Read moreTransformation and risk – what the future holds for retail
Data, AI, and the impact of Covid-19. Kyle Monk – Head of Insight and Analytics at go-to trade association the British Retail Consortium (BRC) – left plenty of food for thought on the future for retailers, and those who advise them, at a talk delivered last week.
Read moreRestrictive covenants in shareholders' agreements and commercial contracts
The Court of Appeal has recently reaffirmed the approach to the enforceability of restrictive covenants in shareholders' agreements and other commercial contracts.
Read moreHappy Birthday to the SIPP
This week marks the 30th anniversary of the first self invested personal pension (SIPP).
Read moreBeware: English jurisdiction clauses do not mean choice of English law
Where parties have agreed in a contract that the English courts will have jurisdiction in the event of a dispute, it does not automatically follow that English law will be the governing law. A party recently found this out, to its cost, when a different governing law clause meant an expired limitation period. This case demonstrates that those entering into contractual agreements should carefully consider a choice of law clause that specifically designates the laws of a country that suits them. GDE LLC v Anglia Autoflow Limited.
Read moreBuilding on renewable energy #2 - Wind power
Wind power is, unsurprisingly, generated by wind (typically as little as a light breeze) passing over and turning the turbine's blades. The blades are connected via a shaft and gearbox to a generator, which converts the kinetic energy into electrical energy. A transformer then increases the voltage of the generated energy to enable transmission to the grid.
Read moreBuilding on renewable energy #2 - Wind power
Wind power is, unsurprisingly, generated by wind (typically as little as a light breeze) passing over and turning the turbine's blades. The blades are connected via a shaft and gearbox to a generator, which converts the kinetic energy into electrical energy. A transformer then increases the voltage of the generated energy to enable transmission to the grid.
Read moreTax update - March 2020
In this month’s update we report on (1) updated guidance provided in HMRC’s SDLT manual in relation to section 75A, Finance Act 2003; (2) a House of Commons briefing paper discussing insolvency and joint and several liability notices for directors; and (3) a Policy Paper concerning upcoming changes to the regulations for the Non-residents Landlord Scheme. We also comment on three recent cases relating to (1) capital gains losses incurred in respect of properties which were never completed; (2) a landfill “fluff” case; and (3) inheritance tax agricultural property and business property relief.
Read moreLinpac – Tribunal confirms that EU group relief claims did not replace earlier domestic claims to relief
In Linpac Group Holdings Ltd v HMRC [2020] UKFTT 60 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) allowed an appeal against an HMRC decision that the taxpayer's claim for group relief had been withdrawn by a subsequent claim.
Read moreAnd the winner is... that pre-loved dress
The recent awards season has seen a new dress-code emerging on the red carpet - wearing clothing either rented or previously worn, in an aim to project a message of sustainability. This reflects trends in the wider fashion world, where sustainability models like rental and resale are emerging fast as brands and consumers look to minimise their impact.
Read moreA CEO's outlook of the insurance market (with Sian Fisher)
Welcome to Insurance Covered! The podcast that looks at the inner workings of the insurance industry with the help of expert guests. This episode we look at the insurance market from the perspective of Sian Fisher, CEO of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).
Read moreSo Long Blues
Following our previous IP hub update, Glaxo has suffered fresh survey woes.
Read moreSports Ticker 7 – 'Premflix and Chill', McIlroy and Allianz
Welcome to the second edition of the RPC Sports Ticker - providing fortnightly bite-size updates from the sports industry.
Read moreProduct Law update - Feb 2020
Welcome to the latest edition of our product law update, this month we focus on product regulation post Brexit, the relationship between the limitation longstop and the Consumer Protection Act 1987 and product recalls of electrical goods across the UK.
Read moreTrainees Take on 2020
RPC's trainees had mixed fortunes in attempting to predict the major events of 2019. As can be seen from our 2019 predictions blog, Theresa May's departure was correctly predicted, but the trainees were well wide of the mark in forecasting Beto O'Rourke as the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination for the US Presidency: Beto suspended his campaign on November 1 2019, a full four months before primary season. No one foresaw the UK's first December general election since 1923 either, which is perhaps more forgivable.
Read moreAre you compliant with the new rules in Singapore? Asia? Beyond?
With the implementation of the GDPR in Europe (2018) and the rise of serious cyber-attacks in Asia, many APAC countries are making major changes to their data privacy laws. Navigating the various regulatory regimes can be complex particularly for companies doing business across the region and beyond.
Read moreVAT update - February 2020
In this month’s update we report on (1) publication by the EU of the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/21; (2) publication by HMRC of letters to businesses regarding preparations for customs and border arrangements after the Brexit transition period; and (3) the new Value Added Tax (Miscellaneous Amendments, Revocation and Transitional Provisions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (Appointed Day No. 1) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020. We also comment on three recent cases which consider (1) the application of the Halifax principle to what HMRC considered to be VAT avoidance arrangements involving supplies of winter sports training; (2) whether there is a private right of action to enforce the statutory duty to provide a VAT invoice; and (3) whether the general partner of a property fund was entitled to recover VAT incurred on set-up and operating costs.
Read moreDefined Benefit pension transfers and SIPP FOS complaints on the rise
Official FOS figures from the end of 2019 show Defined Benefit pension transfers and SIPP complaints are on the rise although the percentage of these complaints upheld has dropped. How will the FOS respond in an area where we have seen a heavy CMC presence?
Read moreMXC Dunlin – Interest due on repayments of tax paid in the 1980s
In MCX Dunlin (UK) Ltd v HMRC [2020] EWHC 11 (Ch), the High Court has held that interest was due on repayments of liabilities to petroleum revenue tax (PRT) dating from the 1980s, which had been met by crediting advance PRT (APRT).
Read moreArtificial Intelligence and law firms – considerations for lawyers and insurers arising from M&A transactions
Law firms continue to broaden their reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) across different practice areas. Many are partnering with third party tech companies to develop the application of AI in corporate due diligence and contract drafting, litigation document disclosure and as an aid to predicting litigation outcomes. However do insurers really understand what challenges AI technology presents to law firms and how it might be changing their risk profile?
Read moreDisciplinary investigations against architects #3 – The review stage
Further to our previous two articles which provided (1) an overview of the Architect Registration Board's disciplinary process and (2) a review of the complaints stage we explain the next stage of a disciplinary investigation against an Architect, the review stage.
Read moreDisciplinary investigations against architects #3 – The review stage
Further to our previous two articles which provided (1) an overview of the Architect Registration Board's disciplinary process and (2) a review of the complaints stage we explain the next stage of a disciplinary investigation against an Architect, the review stage.
Read moreBossing the rules - the SRAs enforcement strategy
The new SRA Standards and Regulations came into force on 25 November 2019. In this article in our 'Bossing the Rules' series, Sarah Lloyd and Graham Reid examine the SRA's enforcement strategy which sets out their approach to the new rules. Important reading for solicitors and those who insure the profession as guidance on the new rules is scarce.
Read moreCorporate failure to prevent tax evasion update – a policy is not enough
It is no secret that the government has a laser focus on making corporates pay for their roles in "facilitating" tax evasion. Recent figures show that HMRC are serious in their drive to hold companies responsible for tax evasion; even companies with seemingly watertight procedures are susceptible. Now is the time to ensure that your regimes are watertight.
Read moreLife Expectancy - What's the Big Deal?
The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) has updated its guidance for insurers participating in longevity risk transfers (PS1/20 and SS18/16), clarifying the risks that should be considered and its expectations of pre-notification for transactions that are large and/or complex.
Read moreCoronavirus and its damage to the health of businesses
Coronavirus (nCoV) has dominated the headlines since the first case was confirmed on 19 January 2020. The virus has spread to every region in mainland China. Cases have also been reported in Australia, France, the US, the UK and Japan, among other countries. As the death toll continues to rise and scientists work under pressure to create a vaccine, it is evident that the world is facing a health crisis. But what about the impact it is having on business?
Read moreHigh Court: Claimants' litigation funder ordered to provide security for costs
The High Court has handed down a significant judgment giving important guidance on the Court’s approach to issues of costs-sharing and security for costs against litigation funders in large multi-party claims. The judgment will be a key touchpoint in this developing area of law. RPC acts for Ingenious in the proceedings. The judgment citation is [2020] EWHC 235 (Ch).
Read moreNovel Coronavirus ("Covid-19") and its potential implications for Business Interruption Insurers
In the context of the novel coronavirus dominating international news headlines, RPC Partners Antony Sassi and Mark Errington, consider some key insurance issues with respect to the potential application of notifiable disease and supply chain extensions to standard business interruption insurance policies.
Read moreCE-Filing nightmare not so scary if you act quickly…
We all know that CE-filing at court can sometimes be difficult, particularly when you are trying file documents close to the deadline. Whilst this case involves the filing of a Notice of Appointment of Administrators, this case may give solicitors comfort if something similar happens in litigation and a genuine mistake has been made in the e-filing process which, on the face of it, would mean that the document was filed out of time.
Read moreCustoms and excise quarterly update February 2020
In this update we report on the government’s plans to (1) introduce 10 new freeports; (2) introduce import controls; and (3) its consultation into the UK’s tariff policy following the UK’s departure from the EU. We also comment on three recent cases relating to (1) time limits to issue a post-clearance demand under the Community Customs Code; (2) tariff classification of fluid and blanket warming cabinets used in hospitals; and (3) what constitutes “complicity” in the context of smuggling.
Read moreEquitable compensation for breach of fiduciary duty: a question of loss?
A director who extracted money from a company by way of sham invoices may have a defence to an equitable compensation claim for misappropriation of the company's funds, if the director could have lawfully transferred the funds to the same recipients for no value. The Court of Appeal explored this possibility in Auden McKenzie (Pharma Division) Ltd v Patel
Read moreICO revises guidance on timescales for responding to a data subject access request
The ICO’s guidance has been amended to state that the time limit for a response to a DSAR starts from the day the request is received (even if it is not a working day) until the corresponding calendar date in the next month, instead of the day after the request.
Read moreSnow Factor – Tribunal applies Halifax principle to redefine supplies of winter sports training
In Snow Factor Ltd and Snow Factor Training Ltd v HMRC [2019] UKFTT 0664 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) found that certain VAT arrangements were abusive within the scope of the Halifax principle, and redefined supplies of winter sports training by a non-profit making company as a supply by its profit making parent and therefore as falling outside the education exemption in Item 1, Group 6, Schedule 9, Value Added Tax Act 1994 (VATA).
Read moreThe Supreme Court of Singapore Collaborates with the Supreme Court of the Union of Myanmar on the Enforcement of Money Judgments
The Supreme Court of Singapore Collaborates with the Supreme Court of the Union of Myanmar on the Enforcement of Money Judgments – the signing of the Memorandum of Guidance as to Enforcement of Money Judgments (the “MOG”) marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations between the Singapore and Myanmar judiciaries.
Read moreA look at MGAs
Welcome to Insurance Covered! The podcast that looks at the inner workings of the insurance industry with the help of expert guests. This episode we look at MGAs with the help of Tim Jones, Director at MPR Underwriting.
Read moreSRA v Ryan Beckwith and the regulation of the private lives of solicitors
In October 2019, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) upheld professional misconduct allegations against Mr Ryan Beckwith, an ex-magic circle partner. The Tribunal’s reasons were published on 30 January 2020.
Read moreLegal advice privilege not lost by repeating the client's instructions
In Raiffeisen Bank International AG v Asia Coal Energy Ventures Ltd (1) Ashurst LLP (2) [2020] EWCA Civ 11, the Court of Appeal has confirmed that legal advice privilege over a client's instructions to their lawyers is not lost, merely because the client authorises their lawyers to repeat the substance of those instructions to another party.
Read moreSports Ticker 6 – Coronavirus, Nike Air Zoom Alphafly and the 'Mozart of Chess'
Welcome to the sixth edition of the RPC Sports Ticker - providing fortnightly bite-size updates from the sports industry.
Read moreLenders face more allegations about their actions on restructuring
Representatives of a lender on a board will not automatically impose directors' duties on the lender, but they may apply where a director's specific instructions have led directly to a breach of fiduciary duty. The High Court recently explored this issue in an appeal in the case of Standish v Royal Bank of Scotland plc.
Read moreRegulatory update - February 2020
Welcome to the February edition of our monthly Regulatory Update, which aims to pull together key developments from the past month across the various UK regulators – and help you to navigate the regulatory maze.
Read moreFRC - The Final Curtain Call
The FRC has released its draft budget plan and budget for 2020/21.
Read moreCharnley - Tribunal puts HMRC out to pasture in allowing business and agricultural relief
In W Charnley and M Hodgkinson as executors of the estate of Thomas Gill (deceased) v HMRC [2019] UKFTT 0650 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) confirmed that inheritance tax agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR) was available in relation to Mr Gill's estate.
Read moreNederlands Uitgeversverbond v Tom Kabinet Internet – a CJEU guide on how to play it by the book
Tom Kabinet (the Defendant) is a Dutch company which sells used e-books online (the Books). The Books are purchased by the Defendant, either from individuals or official distributors, and are then re-sold for a lower price to customers who are registered on the Defendant's website as members of a "reading club".
Read moreNederlands Uitgeversverbond v Tom Kabinet Internet – a CJEU guide on how to play it by the book
Tom Kabinet (the Defendant) is a Dutch company which sells used e-books online (the Books). The Books are purchased by the Defendant, either from individuals or official distributors, and are then re-sold for a lower price to customers who are registered on the Defendant's website as members of a "reading club".
Read more