Comment & Opinion

“Sustainability and transparency continue to be key drivers – influencing businesses’ reporting, operations and strategic considerations. But as we move into the second half of 2025, we’re beginning to see a move towards simplification, rather than proliferation, of ESG regulation.”

“From the latest AI and humanoid developments, to reinvigoration of the UK’s water networks, and with significant public infrastructure spending commitments, the outlook for the sector is one of strength and innovation.”

“Geopolitical uncertainty and global trade disruption are impacting UK manufacturers and logistics operators. But tech and supply chain innovation, along with governmental focus on infrastructure and investment, are helping the sector to meet and overcome challenges.”

“This decision is a stark reminder: if you’re a building owner / landlord subject to a Remediation Order, the clock is ticking — and the Tribunal expects visible progress, not excuses”

“This judgment has wide-reaching implications for developers, landlords and building owners in two regards.  First, historic remedial costs can be significant, and the decision confirms that remediation contribution orders can be used not only to fund future works but also to impose retrospective financial accountability on those responsible for unsafe buildings.  Secondly, how wide will the Tribunal apply the just and equitable test; very widely”

“The Tribunal decision in Empire Square to make a remediation contribution order for litigation costs, to make an order where the developer had signed up to the Self Remediation Terms and to make a suspended remediation order increases the pressure further on developers to remediate buildings that suffer with fire safety defects. Those that don’t may face incurring further liabilities.”

“The Groceries Supply Code of Practice forms a handrail from which retailers and suppliers can forge respectful relationships, whilst being afforded adequate protections. Its application isn’t always smooth sailing though, with terms such as ‘reasonable notice’ making way for conflict in certain circumstances.”

“This week’s announcement of upcoming reforms by the UK Government will hopefully mark a turning point and bring about the change called for, with these changes presenting an opportunity for developers in the sector to now press on with schemes in the comfort that welcome change in the application process is on its way.”

“A key takeaway from this Upper Tribunal decision is that, if a tenant has paid service charges without challenge, then that, on its own, does not mean the tenant has admitted the reasonableness of the charges.”