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Environmental litigation: themes, risks and how to evolve in the era of global warming

Climate cases have direct and indirect impacts on decision making at board, policy, judicial and government level. The fallout from this litigation can result in shifts in approach and financial and reputational damage even when cases are unsuccessful. More cases are being filed against corporate actors, litigation about investment decisions are increasing and there has …
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Bates Wells successfully supports the Friends of the Victoria Hall community group against charity property disposal scheme

A team at Bates Wells led by Laura Soley and Jaqui Symcox recently supported the Friends of the Victoria Hall (FoVH), a community group representing local residents and organisations of Ealing, in the First-tier Tribunal. FoVH were appealing against a scheme allowing Ealing Council, as trustee of the Victoria Hall charity, to sell the historic …
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Net zero and the government U-turn – what will you do?

The government announcement on 20 September 2023 has derailed several climate change commitments including in relation to reducing carbon emissions from residential properties. The argument is that this relieves some financial burden for property owners. However, commentators suggest the U-turn on EPCs not only stores problems for the climate crisis but also creates a longer term …
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Increase in Home Office fees from 4 October

The government announced in July 2023 that they intended to significantly increase visa and nationality application fees this autumn.With effect from 4 October 2023, the fee increases are as follows: Please also note that priority, super priority fees and User Pays Visa Application Centre appointment fees are also expected to increase. Out-of-country non-settlement priority service will increase …
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Relationship breakdown and immigration status: advice for family lawyers

Family lawyers will often find themselves dealing with a marriage or relationship breakdown where the immigration status of one or both of the parties may be vulnerable. In such situations it will be vital to have a good grip on how the relationship breakdown may impact on the immigration status, as making the wrong move …
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People and culture group discussion: climate change & the workplace

We recently hosted a discussion with a range of HR professionals from fellow B Corps. The session focussed on the issue of climate change & the workplace and what employers can do to support their employees in this space. This note covers: We also hosted group discussions about: Download the below summary of the discussion to find …
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Election ’24: New transparency requirements (‘imprints’) ahead of elections

In this week's factsheet, we've joined forces with the Electoral Commission to set out the key requirements of the 'imprint' regime, an additional set of rules under election law that can apply when publishing advocacy and campaigning content.
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Trade unions – recognition, collaboration and meaningful action

Strike action has become a regular feature of the news over the last 12 months, with strikes across the transport network and NHS receiving a huge amount of coverage and impacting the delivery of key services. We’re also seeing a significant increase in union activity across our client base, including in the education and not …
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Fuelling positive change: NCVO launches new campaign encouraging charities to divest from fossil fuels

NCVO has launched a campaign encouraging charities to ‘consider moving investments away from businesses involved in the extraction, production, transportation, refining and marketing of fossil fuels. Examples of these are coal, tar sands, oil and gas.’ NCVO will be hosting a series of events over the Autumn to explore the ways in which charities can …
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Election ’24: The data protection considerations of political campaigning (part two)

Communicating with individuals and processing personal data are an essential part of campaigning and advocacy. Read our latest Election '24 factsheet on the data protection rules that you should bear in mind.
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Bates Wells advises Ripple Energy on £20m co-operative share raise

Bates Wells has advised on the £20m co-operative share offer to fund Ripple Energy’s third project. The transaction is likely to be the largest ever UK co-operative share offer achieved in a single raise and will enable construction of the c.40MW Derril Water solar park in Devon. When built, the solar park will have about …
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Tony’s Chocolonely’s Golden Share Model

A common question we hear from founders is: how can they ensure the longevity of their business’ mission? Dutch B Corp confectionary company Tony’s Chocolonely recently announced its use of a ‘golden share’ model to protect its mission. We consider the benefits of a golden share model for purpose-driven businesses.  It is possible for a …
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