New ICO Data Sharing Code: what are the key actions for organisations?

The Information Commissioner has published a new Data Sharing Code of Practice. What are the key practical implications for organisations sharing personal data? On 17 December 2020 the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) published its new Data Sharing Code of Practice following a consultation last year. The Code is a statutory code of practice made under …
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What does the Brexit deal mean for data protection in the UK?

With the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (the Trade Deal) now concluded between the EU and the UK, we may be edging closer to something resembling certainty for data protection in the UK. This short note highlights the key points. Data Flows Whilst there is no permanent solution to allow unrestricted data transfers between the EU …
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Supreme court rules small businesses can claim Covid losses on insurance

The one where the big insurance companies lose (again)… Has your business lost income during the COVID-19 pandemic? Perhaps the government’s restrictions meant you had to close your premises to customers? If so, you probably dug out your business insurance policies. You may even have tried to claim. And your insurer probably told you you …
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Investor visas: an attractive solution?

The decline in Tier 1 investor visas comes as bad news for UK businesses. Our leading High Net Worth Immigration team recently spoke to Wealth Adviser and Wealth Briefing about a potential rise in the number of investor visa applications following the end of the Brexit transition period. Restrictions as a result of the Covid-19 …
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Bates Wells in The Future of UK Journalism

Lawrence Simanowitz, partner, Bates Wells has been referenced numerous times by The House of Lords in a recent report. The House of Lords has published the report from its inquiry into The Future of UK Journalism. The report referred several times to the submission by Bates Wells partner Lawrence Simanowitz, who made the case for …
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The Charities Act 2022, explained: amending a corporate charity’s constitution

In this blog series, we untangle the Charities Act 2022 to pull out the key points your charity will need to know, action now and plan for. What do you need to know? The Charities Act 2022 will be implemented in stages between now and sometime in March 2024. Once the relevant provisions in the …
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Right to Rent scheme – what new changes do landlords need to be aware of?

Under the revised Draft Code of Practice on right to rent, the Right to Rent scheme now also applies to EEA and Swiss citizens, as of 1 July 2021. We summarise the key changes to the scheme and explain how to carry out a check below. EEA and Swiss citizens will now be required to …
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30 days left to apply for EU Settlement Scheme Status: what do you need to know?

The UK is getting closer to its post Brexit era, with the critical date of 30 June 2021 fast approaching. What does this mean for EEA and Swiss nationals and employers? European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals who were resident in the UK on or before 11pm on 31 December 2020 have until 30 …
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Real estate update: Heads of terms

A well drafted set of heads of terms will help the transaction run smoothly and avoid unnecessary commercial discussions and delays down the line. Heads of terms set out the key commercial terms that have been agreed between the parties. But what can you expect in heads of terms? To help your transaction run smoothly, …
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Our B Corp reaccreditation results are in…

We are delighted to share our B Corp reaccreditation results for 2020. Click the link below to view.
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Diversity in action: A guide for charities – diversity and your beneficiaries

When is it lawful to restrict who can benefit from your charity’s services? Read our analysis of a recent Supreme Court judgement that clarified when charities can restrict services to particular groups on page 12 of Diversity in action: A guide for charities. To read this article, click here Click here to read the full …
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Bates Wells advises SigmaRoc plc on £125 million credit facility

Bates Wells was delighted to advise SigmaRoc plc, a heavy construction materials group active in the UK, Channel Islands and the Benelux, on its entry into a new syndicated senior credit facility of up to £125 million led by Santander UK and including several major UK and European banks. The facility will provide the SigmaRoc …
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