Open from 9am - 5pm, Mon to Fri | info@bowcockpursaill.co.uk
According to the government the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 ‘provides essential protection for our lowest paid workers’. ACAS state that the National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the minimum pay per hour most workers are entitled to by law. This framework is reviewed annually by the Low Pay Commission, with new rates set to take effect from 1 April 2019, so it’s important that business owners take those necessary steps now to comply with this updated legislation, says Bowcock & Pursaill Employment Specialist Clare Thomas. New National Minimum Wage Rates From 1 April £8.21 per hour for ages 25 and over £7.70 per hour...
Farmers will be allowed to increase the size of buildings and convert more buildings to housing, following changes to permitted development rights (PDRs). Our farm property and agricultural specialist Ian Naylor explains more… Permitted development rights enable certain building works and changes of use to be carried out without needing to obtain planning permission from the local planning authority. Following a consultation last year, the Government announced changes to the Class Q permitted development legislation which allows for the conversion of agricultural buildings to dwellings without planning permission. Until now the legislation has allowed for the conversion of up to 450sqm...
Bowcock & Pursaill have been involved in bringing the former Spode pottery site at the heart of Stoke-on-Trent back to life. The development of the factory off Elenora Street marks a new chapter in its history after pottery production ended there in 2008 and is now regarded as a brilliant example of heritage buildings being used for new purposes. Working alongside entrepreneur Jeff Nash, Bowcock & Pursaill property specialist Joy Hancock has been involved in the legal paperwork required to help Jeff create a popular café, 26-bedroom hotel (the Potbank) complete with bridal suite, and an events space on site which...
This is the third year in a row the staff at Bowcock & Pursaill have taken part in Christmas Jumper Day to raise cash for charity, and this year they excelled themselves with their natty festive knits. While the national Christmas Jumper Day raises money for Save The Children, this year staff decided to support a charity closer to home – and their hearts – so every penny raised will support the Douglas Macmillan Hospice based in Blurton. This amazing charity provides support and care to over 3,000 patients with life-limiting illnesses each year in North Staffordshire, while also offering...
Is a settlement agreement the same as a compromise agreement? Are settlement agreements legally binding? And are they only used in redundancy situations? Our Employment solicitor Clare Thomas explains all in this guide to settlement agreements. What is a settlement agreement? Previously known as a compromise agreement, a settlement agreement is recognised by statute as a legally binding contract between an employer and employee, which waives an employee’s right to bring most claims in the employment tribunal and other courts against the employer. In return, the employee usually receives a financial settlement. When are settlement agreements used? A settlement agreement can...
Several charities are set to benefit from a generous trust fund which is being administered by Staffordshire solicitors Bowcock & Pursaill. A client of the legal firm set up the trust several years ago which has a total value of £225,000 and is now being used to support several local charities including the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity who are receiving £30,000. Ian Naylor, a partner at Bowcock & Pursaill Solicitors, who is administering the Trust funds, went to meet the Air Ambulance team at Burton upon Trent and see first-hand how donations support their service. He said: “We felt it was...
For those residential landlords of long leases out there, the Court of Appeal decision in the case of Dr Julia Duval v 11-13 Randolph Crescent Limited is considered to be quite a problematic one, at least in practical terms. Our associate solicitor Joy Hancock, a specialist in landlord and tenant matters, takes a look at this case in more detail… The Facts: The case involves a property, formerly two houses in Randolph Crescent, Maida Vale, which were converted into and let to nine residential tenants by way of a 125 year lease. From the details reported in the Court of...
A husband and wife who were central to Leek’s place in history as the centre of the British silk industry have been honoured with their own plaques. Blue plaques to Sir Thomas and Lady Elizabeth Wardle were unveiled on Tuesday (November 13th) at their former family home in Leek, 54 St Edward Street, now the base of our Leek office! The plaques are the work of Leek and District Civic Society and may be the first in the country where a husband and wife have each been given their own plaque and honoured at the same time. Leek & District...
On May 17 the Supreme Court heard its first ever case on divorce itself rather than issues relating to finances or children. Tini Owens, aged 68, wanted the court to grant her a divorce from her husband of 40 years, who refused the split. The Supreme Court unanimously rejected the appeal, meaning she must remain married until 2020. Our family and matrimonial solicitor Lisa Cogger examines the case and what it means for the divorce process. Tini and Hugh Owens were married in 1978 and have two adult children, and Mrs Owens had been contemplating a divorce since 2012 but...
Founded in 1927, Bowcock & Pursaill has been our clients’ number one choice for solicitors in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and Cheshire for almost 100 years. We also act on behalf of clients throughout the country.
The firm prides itself on its customer service, offering detailed and bespoke advice to clients thanks to our small and highly specialised team of partners, solicitors and legal executives based in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
Are you interested in joining Bowcock & Pursaill? We have a friendly and supportive atmosphere, where everyone knows everyone else and there’s a good team spirit.
Please fill in the form below and we will call you to discuss your needs.
