DTM Legal

Companies House identity verification is now a key part of UK company compliance.

For businesses with multiple directors, PSCs, group structures or overseas individuals, managing the process can quickly become complex.

Click the link below for an explanation of how an Authorised Corporate Service Provider can help businesses coordinate identity checks, reduce administrative pressure and stay on top of Companies House requirements.

Read the full article here: https://www.dtmlegal.com/legalupdates/companies-house-id-verification-how-an-authorised-corporate-services-provider-can-help/

The Employment Tribunal backlog is continuing to grow, and businesses should take note.

According to the latest Tribunal Statistics Quarterly, claims are outpacing disposals, with open caseloads rising sharply. For employers, this is not just an administrative issue. Delays can create practical challenges, including:

▪️ Witnesses leaving the business
▪️ Memories fading over time
▪️ Key documents becoming harder to locate
▪️ Increased legal costs and management time
▪️ Prolonged uncertainty around potential liability

While final hearings may be listed far into the future, the early stages of a claim can be crucial. A well-prepared response, properly preserved documents, early witness accounts and a clear strategy can make a significant difference.

In his latest article, Tom Evans, Head of Employment at DTM Legal, explores what the latest figures mean for employers and why early preparation is essential.

Read the full article here: https://www.dtmlegal.com/legalupdates/employment-tribunal-backlog-continues-to-grow-as-claims-outpace-disposals/

Commercial disputes can escalate quickly, especially when they become public.

The recent Bricks & Minifigs controversy has captured attention online, but beyond the headlines, it offers an important reminder for businesses: resolving disputes early, constructively and commercially can often help protect relationships, reduce costs and avoid unnecessary reputational damage.

In our latest article, Richard Harris explores what businesses can take from the dispute, including:
• why disagreements can quickly become entrenched
• the role mediation can play in finding practical solutions
• how early legal advice can help avoid costly mistakes
• why communication, cooperation and compromise matter in commercial disputes

Mediation is not always the answer, but where appropriate, it can give parties greater control over the outcome and help them reach solutions that a court may not be able to order.

Read the full article here: https://www.dtmlegal.com/legalupdates/what-the-bricks-minifigs-scandal-teaches-us-about-the-importance-of-mediation/

In construction and engineering projects, change is often part of the process. Whether linked to a sale, funding arrangement, corporate restructure or wider project change, assignments can play an important role in transferring contractual rights clearly and effectively.

At DTM Legal, our Construction & Engineering team advises on assignment arrangements involving building contracts, professional appointments, collateral warranties and other project documentation.

We can support with:
▪ Preparing and reviewing assignment documentation
▪ Advising on contractual restrictions and consent requirements
▪ Drafting notices of assignment and related documents
▪ Considering whether assignment, novation or another structure is most appropriate
▪ Ensuring the proposed assignment fits with the wider contractual framework

Properly drafted assignments can help reduce uncertainty, support smoother transactions and provide clarity for funders, purchasers, tenants and other stakeholders.

To learn more about how our team can support your project, visit:
https://www.dtmlegal.com/legal-services/construction-and-engineering-legal-services/assignments/

The latest edition of The Link Newsletter is here.

Our quarterly newsletter brings together key updates from across DTM Legal, including legal insights, service updates, firm news and upcoming events.

Whether you’re a client, contact or part of our wider network, The Link is a simple way to stay connected with what we’re doing and the issues that may affect you or your organisation.

Read the latest edition and subscribe to future updates here:
https://mailchi.mp/dtmlegal.com/the-link-newsletter-summer-update-from-dtm-legal

When a company is facing financial distress, understanding the available insolvency options can make all the difference.

In his latest article, Richard Thomas, Head of Business Recovery & Insolvency at DTM Legal, explains the key differences between Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVAs), administration and liquidation - including when each route may be appropriate, what the process involves and how business owners can protect their position.

Acting early is vital. Seeking specialist advice at the first signs of difficulty can help directors assess their options, manage risk and potentially avoid more drastic outcomes.

Read Richard’s full article here: https://www.dtmlegal.com/legalupdates/understanding-insolvency-options-cvas-administration-and-liquidation/

James Holton, Senior Associate in DTM Legal’s Property Litigation team, and Philip Byrne, Barrister at St John’s Buildings, feature in the latest edition of the Law Society Gazette.

Their article examines the Court of Appeal decision in SGL 1 Ltd v FSV Freeholders Ltd, an important ruling for landlords, investors, developers and advisers dealing with residential leasehold property and rights of first refusal under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987.

The judgment provides welcome appellate guidance on what may constitute a “building” for the purposes of the Act, particularly where residential developments involve multiple blocks, shared services, common parts or integrated infrastructure.

For those acquiring, disposing of or restructuring residential estates, the decision is a timely reminder that careful legal analysis is essential. Getting it wrong can have serious consequences, including invalid notices, statutory rights for qualifying tenants and potential criminal liability.

Read the full edition of the Law Society Gazette here:
https://edition.pagesuite.com/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=9e809a4f-b7b7-4ecb-a722-b14cf6d14a0c

Find out more about James and his expertise here:
https://www.dtmlegal.com/people/james-holton/

Yesterday, our Liverpool office had the pleasure of celebrating Juliet Mistry’s qualification as a solicitor.

A huge congratulations to Juliet, who completed her final seat in Commercial Property and will be remaining with our Liverpool Commercial Property team as a qualified solicitor.

We’re delighted to see Juliet take this exciting next step in her career at DTM Legal and look forward to seeing her continue to grow within the team.

Learn more about Juliet’s work, training and time with DTM Legal so far: https://www.dtmlegal.com/people/juliet-mistry/

It was fantastic to see DTM Legal's Richard Harris speaking and joining today’s panel at the Business Growth Exchange event, hosted by Knowledge Quarter Liverpool (KQ Liverpool).

The event brought together new and growing businesses from across the Liverpool City Region. It was an opportunity to join founders in focused sessions aimed at sharing insights, making connections and providing support with the challenges they face.

As one of the KQ Click Expert Advisors, DTM Legal is proud to support start-ups and early-stage businesses with practical, commercially focused legal advice, helping them put the right foundations in place for sustainable growth.

Thank you to KQ Liverpool for organising such an insightful and collaborative event.

To find out more about how we support start-up and early-stage businesses, including details of our services and fees, visit: https://www.dtmlegal.com/sectors/startup-and-early-stage-businesses/

At DTM Legal, we are proud to celebrate the many ways our team members support their communities outside of work.

In our latest Volunteer Spotlight, we shine a light on Soraya Maroof, Paralegal in our Residential Conveyancing team, and her inspiring work with Cheshire Swing Cats, a not-for-profit swing dance group based in Chester.

As a director of Cheshire Swing Cats, Soraya teaches classes, helps organise events, manages finances, runs the website and supports a welcoming community for dancers of all abilities.

Her volunteering shows the power of bringing people together, helping others build confidence, learn new skills, stay active and experience the joy of dance.

Read more about Soraya’s story and her advice for anyone thinking about volunteering: https://www.dtmlegal.com/news/soraya-maroof-bringing-people-together-through-dance/