As reality starts to sink in, we start to look at what happens now for the construction, engineering and manufacturing sector. At the moment, uncertainty reigns, both economically and politically. [Read More...]

With June 23rd fast approaching, are we about to turn back the clock and return to a time of fairly unregulated procurement policies if Britain chose to exit the EU? Or, as appears to be the case in most regulations in the case of a Brexit, is nothing much likely to change procurement wise if Britain wants to continue having free access to the EU market? [Read More...]

Fisher Scoggins Waters are on the lookout for established, dynamic individuals who want to make the next move in his or her legal career. We can offer incredible advantages to the right person, so if you are looking for a new opportunity then read on to find out more about our successful organisation. [Read More...]

On 13 April 2015 the reforms amended by the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (CJCA 2015) came into force. These reforms make sweeping changes to the process of judicial review, with the aim of reducing the amount of unnecessary and weak claims, as well as apportion costs more fairly so they do not fall solely on the taxpayer. The reforms are not without controversy. Late last year Labour's Shadow Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Sadiq Khan described them as 'an unconstitutional attack on the rights of the British people'. [Read More...]

The consultation process concerning new sentencing guidelines for corporate manslaughter came to an end on the 18th February 2015. The guidelines aim to ensure the fines levelled by the court for corporate manslaughter convictions are severe enough to create a deterrent impact. The guidelines will also provide greater consistency in the sentencing of unusual cases of corporate manslaughter. [Read More...]

From 13th April 2015 defendants to a criminal charge who are found or plead guilty will pay up to £1,200.00 towards court costs under the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 (Criminal Courts Charge) Regulations 2015. These charges are being introduced as a new way for the government to fund the criminal justice system, and it is estimated that by 2020 the government’s coffers could be replenished to the tune of £135 million. [Read More...]

You wait ages for a change in sentencing then two come along at once. Following on from the removal of the upper limit on magistrates' powers to fine comes the imposition of mandatory court charges to be paid on top of the fine, prosecution costs and victim tax. They come into effect on 13 April this year and seems apply to all offences sentenced on or after that date regardless of the date of commission [Read More...]

On 12 March 2015 Section 85 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LASPO) 2012 came into force. The aim of this section is to give more power to magistrates’ courts by removing the upper limit on the size of fine they can impose, in order to free up Crown Courts to sentence the more serious offences. Its effects are likely to be significant in cases where companies of substance are prosecuted and convicted. [Read More...]