As a firm - we occasionally, provide legal opinions or "comfort letters" on the subject of whether (they're usually, online) "Gaming" ventures are subject to regulatory oversight (which often impacts upon payment services providers' willingness to work with a relevant venture). The problem is that within the online industry - the phrase "video gaming" appears [...]
The U.K. entrepreneurship landscape has changed hugely over the thirty-odd years of this writer's working life. Many (of my generation) had the advantages (Discuss?!) of a solid grounding in (an) established business(es) - with developed ways of working (and time-tested contractual documentation). We started 'working for ourselves' later in life - founding businesses that are [...]
Our Founding Principal (and Lead Business Law Solicitor), Mr Dan Johnson - Was recently interviewed by Mr Robert Flint of the “Adviserly” Network - In a Q&A session with regard to our practice. Please feel free to watch and listen to the results (of our 'non-media trained' founder!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrVUTQQ4AEs Should Mr. Johnson and/or Equitable Law [...]
We are often contacted by those who have an issue with a significant debt owed to them - more often than not - arising from a business relationship. It's one of those areas of legal practice - where there isn't generally much 'law' at stake, and we fell that contacts/clients are best served (in large) [...]
https://suite.endole.co.uk/insight/company/08443946-crossflow-payment-solutions-trading-limited = This is the wholly insolvent "Crossflow Payment Solutions" - Incredibly, they are authorised and regulated by the U.K.'s Financial Conduct Authority (#FCA) in relation to their business. One will quite quickly realise that #CrosslowP are insolvent upon a balance sheet basis, and the circa GBP £5,000,000 insolvent position they are in - is [...]
Whenever you see an accounting reference date shortened by a day (such as this example) - One should know that they are taking advantage of an ability (by shortening their accounting reference date – just before they are due to file accounts) - which results in the company involved having more time before they are [...]
This “legal business” does not look to us to be in robust health - Notwithstanding the graphical representation of the balance sheet history (which might 'fool' people to believe that it is an entity of substance):- https://suite.endole.co.uk/insight/company/08066586-lawbit-limited Just imagine running a business where one has managed to lose (i.e. "burn through") over Seven Million British [...]
The newly refurbished 'Equitable Law -- Private Office' - included a specification/requirement for a CHO (Chief Hound Officer) viewing window. How else are Miles and Wilma going to see squirrels outside, and aggressively bark furiously upon a multi-party trans-World conference call . . . Our best friend in the whole world, 'Miles' (the Short-Legged = [...]
. . and there it is - Our Founding Principal (and Lead Business Law Solicitor), Mr. Dan Johnson has 'achieved' Thirty (30) Years as an authorised and regulated English Solicitor (akin to an 'Attorney' in various other jurisdictions). You don't get that amount of time for (most) murder(s) in this country! Remember, any unqualified, uninsured, [...]
Our, Mr. Dan Johnson was just sitting by the River Thames with his lunchtime baguette - when he chose to post a news story by way of a bookmark / news clipping - designed to encourage him to investigate the relevant matter a little more. The post was largely a reflection of 'surprise' as to [...]
We are delighted to share with you the news that we have recently received from "Lawyer Monthly" - With regard to their 'Legal Awards 2022' (Recognising achievement and success in the legal industry). We are in receipt of a 2022 "Lawyer "Monthly 'Legal Award', for a category win in: Best Contract Lawyers– UK Lawyer Monthly [...]
in what should be a 'wake-up call' for our principal - Mr. Dan Johnson - The 'largely uninformed' post that he opted to make 'from his bath' as he 'came alive on a Monday morning' - has (seemingly) been 'picked up' by 'the Editor at LinkedIn News' as a comment worthy of a wider audience:- [...]
This firm's prospective client was talking to us about the production of a bespoke set of Articles of Association to deal with some very specific requirements they have. We made a very sensible fee proposal to them, but didn't hear back from them We've just seen them file new Articles at Companies House - Which [...]
LETTER TERMS OF BUSINESS “Time Willing” we will aim to expand / explain further – but in the interim, if we can help you with such issues, please don’t hesitate to contact the writer directly:- Mr. Dan.Johnson@EquitableLaw.com Founding Principal – and – Business Law Solicitor +44 (0) 20 8780 3319 : London D.D. Landline Tel. [...]
We find ourselves dealing with a significant influx of new financing transactions - Which need to be both robust and relatively straightforward. We are huge fans of using:- Secured Loan Notes = https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:917ccfc8-fb97-34d3-b9b1-e3af271dcd63 ; and Debenture = https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:5b349af1-8dda-36c6-8067-b4c97a8706f6 "Time Willing" we will aim to expand / explain further - but in the interim, if we [...]
Or 'Associated Colleagues' at 'Adviserly' have recently published an article on a subject we suggested for them:- https://adviserly.io/clientportal/articles/how-find-straight-speaking-lawyer 'More To Follow' (Hopefully in the near future)!
A new register to crack down on dirty money and corrupt elites active in the UK goes live "today" - but will it be effective? The Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022, ("ECTEA") which provides for the creation and maintenance of a register of overseas entities by Companies House, and which contains requirements for overseas entities [...]
A number of this firm's clients have asked us to explain the process of how their business might become a certified "B Corporation", a business model that focuses on improving responsible business practices. We are delighted to legally advise and assist in this area - But we (yet) need to be convinced that the approach [...]
There are a couple of current issues in the post-COVID world economy - that commercial organisations (and their legal advisors) are having to face (often for the first time) – with two particular problems that have not generally been an issue across the vast majority of most current economically https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/jul/08/boris-johnson-has-left-the-uk-economy-in-a-parlous-stateactive individuals working live. SUPPLY CHAIN [...]
We are delighted to recognise the successful opening of "Tomb Raider - The Live Experience" by Little Lion Entertainment (LLEL) (and its associated business partners) at its Camden Market location. More information is available from the press release:- https://www.tombraiderlive.co.uk/news/tomb-raider-the-live-experience-comes-to-london/ LLEL has been a "good friend" of this firm of Solicitors since 2015 - Just prior [...]
We are regularly asked to assist people with their business contract documentation - which habitually they are having considerable difficulties getting to a stage of agreement formation - thereby negatively impacting upon their business success. Our founding Principal and Business Law Solicitor, Mr. Dan Johnson has recorded a video for you of the issues arising:- [...]
How many emails of this type does a scammer have to send to get a response? We would be genuinely interested to receive replies! MORE TO FOLLOW
CONNECTED ENERGY, SECOND-LIFE BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SPECIALIST, SECURES AN ADDITIONAL £15 MILLION FROM INVESTORS. https://c-e-int.com/news/news-reports/connected-energy-second-life-battery-energy-storage-specialist-secures-an-additional-15-million-from-investors Turquoise International advised its longstanding client, Connected Energy, on a £15 million capital raising, bringing together a diverse group of investors including Caterpillar Venture Capital, Volvo Energy, Hinduja Group, Mercuria and OurCrowd, who joined existing shareholders Engie New Ventures, Macquarie [...]
Before anyone in British business should deal (frankly with anyone in trade, but) particularly with a trading entity that has limited liability - they should undertake a certain of due diligence upon those to whom they are (effectively) extending credit. At the very least in relation to an English company limited by shares - review [...]
The ever-excellent, Marina Hyde of the Guardian was commenting upon the "Wagatha Christie" trial, and provided some practical advice (about never, ever talking to journalists) that I would suggest is quite sound. She then added the following advice on legal disputes that might be well worth considering (?):- … “This advice was really inspired by [...]
In talking to a client this week (interested in franchising their business) – they were surprised to discover quite how "busy” this firm has been with franchising over the last eighteen months (or so). “No names”, but we have (in this field) predominantly been acting for a franchisor - providing franchises as a means for [...]
Equitable Law are delighted to have assisted our long-term contacts, Future Planet Capital with having closed the funding of two new "Portfolios" for The U.K. Innovation & Science Seed Fund. THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE acting through the DEFENCE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY, of Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire have contributed an initial GBP £6,500,000 [...]
However, they can be found via this web-link:- https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ Give them a try - They do sterling work! With Kind Regards And My Very Best Wishes Mr. Dan.Johnson@EquitableLaw.com Founding Principal - and - Business Law Solicitor +44 (0) 20 8780 3319 : London D.D. Landline Tel. www.EquitableLaw.com - Solicitors For Business
If you are going to enter into financial dealings/arrangements with a third party - always take experienced and expert legal advice upon the arrangements, since we fear (without careful thought and structuring) - it is all too easy to fall foul of the "general prohibition" under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (s.19), against [...]
As a firm, we occasionally find ourselves noting (with regret) - the (apparent) position that certain prospective clients feel that they do not have the financial resources to afford our legal advice and assistance input in relation to "problems" that they are seeking to deal with. It rather surprises us that people contact highly experienced [...]
We wanted to take a moment to warn all those looking to sell their businesses to take huge care - As "Exit - UK Business Brokers" neatly summarise at the web-page set out below:-http://ukbusinessbrokers.com/business-transfer-agents-reviews/ = "Client Feedback On Business Brokers & Business Transfer Agents They Used"As a firm that trades under the strapline - "Solicitors [...]
It's even worse than that! You may be exposing your business / company to liability to your investors - which in a worst-case scenario may make your business uninvestable for the future! Please feel free to speak to us to discuss - We'll seek to explain when we have more time. Regards, Dan.Johnson@EquitableLaw.com
As a prospective investor - you shouldn't "short-change" yourself!
We wanted to bring to your attention the work of One NDA - Available at:- https://onenda.org/the-onenda We consider it a very good way for parties to establish their confidentiality obligations to each other. https://vimeo.com/626436002
We are delighted to inform you that Equitable Law has been honoured in the results of the seventh annual Legal Awards, proudly hosted by Acquisition International ("AI Magazine"), which have now been finalised. On behalf of Acquisition International, we are delighted to inform you that Equitable Law has been successful in this years’ awards, and has [...]
Disputes between neighbours are not an area of legal work that this firm is habitually involved with (although any Solicitor will tell you that they will be regularly consulted upon the matter by "family and friends"!) It is one of those areas of legal practice where "the desire for prospective clients to avail themselves of [...]
As a firm - We are seeing a considerable increase in those targeted in some variety of potential ‘advance fee fraud’ – Most frequently a variant upon the ‘offered loan or investment’ scam:- https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/loan-scams The key-give away is that at some point in the process (and it may not be obvious from the start) - [...]
As a firm, we have noticed that all sorts of cyber-crime appears over recent periods to be on the rise. There seem to be a number of drivers for this - the most alarming of which is that we are informed that artificial intelligence is now being introduced into the field with the fraudsters using [...]
The public would be well advised to educate itself as to the fact that absolutely anyone can describe themselves (and legally trade in business) as a "lawyer". That generic phrase does not indicate the holding of any qualifications, competence or ability - and it certainly means that the relevant person involved is NOT authorised nor [...]
If you do want a guide to the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK #GDPR)?- then you are unlikely to do better than:- https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-data-protection/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr/ The United Kingdom's Government (H.M. Govt.) and its various quangos (such as the Information Commissioners Office - or #ICO) produces much good online advice. The secret (as ever) with the wonderful [...]
Equitable Law has recently been engaged in the purchase (for a Nevada based finance corporation - of a British crane hire business) - the owner of some of the largest mobile cranes in the world. Our client's original plan was to export the industrial equipment (indirectly purchased in the transaction) to China - but that [...]
As Equitable Law celebrates our tenth (10th) anniversary in business, we are delighted to announce the results of the ‘SME News’ Legal Awards 2021, and proudly record that Equitable Law (and our Principal, Mr. Dan Johnson) have been awarded: Business Law Solicitor of the Year (South East England) : Mr. Dan Johnson ; and Most [...]
That was the 'conversation opener' in my firm's contact form email communication received on a Saturday afternoon in late September 2020. The #Covid #pandemic was 'still with us' - So our principal, Mr. Dan Johnson was sitting at his lap-top at his kitchen table and like the sad sack he is he telephoned the 'writer' [...]
An extremely busy '2021 Budget Week' for Equitable Law has included the sale of 'Just After Midnight' to Apse Capital's - majority owned 'Ultima':- https://www.computerweekly.com/microscope/news/252497253/Ultima-adds-services-depth-with-Just-After-Midnight-buy Equitable Law has 'known' Just After Midnight (Mr. Sam Booth and the team) since very shortly following its incorporation in Q3 2016 = We legally advised and assisted with 'JAM's [...]
All you need to know! https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:e009c481-898f-4cea-a390-85ba07b7d12b
It's not at all uncommon in my practice to be contacted by a business or their owners who have clearly realised they have some sort of business-related problem which they need help with. It's often quite surprising to me to see how 'worked up' they can get about matters - although I remember circa six [...]
Equitable Law has recently updated our template document - an extract from which should be accessible at the web-link (set out below):- https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:01ad6b0a-f0d3-4de4-8c51-7578977f42ab If you would like assistance with any related aspects or issues - please don't hesitate to contact us. Dan.Johnson@EquitableLaw.com +44 (0) 3333 90 3525 = U.K. Voicemail Tel.
When you find yourself working at a weekend - undertaking legal work for 'family and friends' - Someone needs to receive some pecuniary benefit! Kind Regards To All, @DanRJohnson
We thought it might be quite useful for us to provide you with the 'Note' (at the weblink set out below) on the recent Supreme Court unanimous decision - confirming that 'Uber' drivers are 'workers - and thus (effectively) within the remit of U.K. employment law. It is striking how many 'new economy' business ventures [...]
On this occasions it was:- https://www.binance.com/en However, we see so many victims of internet based fraud - We have standard wording / text:- F.A.O. [] Dear [], I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news - but from a very brief review of your circumstances - I envisage that you have been subject [...]
"We spoke with you 'x' years ago - when we asked for help with preparing a shareholders agreement, and you advised us that we should ideally draft a completely 'water-tight' bespoke set of Articles of Association for our company (and merely have a simple 'wrap-around' shareholders agreement - dealing with such matters as are best [...]
Out Principal, Mr. Dan Johnson's Full Statement to Mail Online - With regard to their article:- Mr. Settle appears to have formed a limited company, with a registered office at his residential address in West Yorkshire, and further claims to have issued zero-hour employment contracts to family members - whom he is thereby constituting as [...]
A step by step guide to creating and reviewing an equity (share-based) investment contract for a business angel or small venture capital deal. https://entrepreneurhandbook.co.uk/guide-to-contract-negotiations-with-investors/
Equitable Law is pleased to announce the completion of the sale (by its shareholders) of GT Energy UK Limited (“GT Energy”) to IGas Energy PLC (“IGas”). Under the terms of the deal, IGas will make an initial payment valued at GBP £500,000, while the maximum consideration under deferred (and contingent) 'earn-out' consideration is up to [...]
https://www.ukbaa.org.uk/services-for-investors/resources/legal-process-documentation/ There are some quite useful outline investment documents available at the web-link above - From this industry group (involved in early-stage venture investment). As ever - Take care! > We can't guarantee that the documents are fully legally up-to-date and the devil is (always) in the detail > But well worth a preliminary review [...]
It never ever really goes away, but those who are subject to it are always really tempted! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advance-fee_scam#:~:text=An%20Advance%2DFee%20Scam%20is,to%20obtain%20the%20large%20sum. Always ask yourself: "If someone says they want to pay you 'One Hundred Thousand [Currency Units]' > Why do they need me to pay them 'Ten Thousand [Currency Units]'? Why don't / Can't they pay you the [...]
https://www.bimberdistillery.co.uk/home = Always potentially bad news for productivity when you business contacts include a craft distillery! Bimber Distillery's mission is to produce a world-class single malt whisky, handcrafted with passion in London. Bimber combines generations of rich distilling heritage, with the finest quality ingredients to create the ultimate craft whisky experience and help drive forward the [...]
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/danrjohnson_freeths-cuts-80-jobs-as-covid-tears-up-growth-activity-6691047083887099904-0xqh It's a long time ago, and those involved are long retired - So, I'm remembering dealing with this firm (Freeths) a generation plus (20+ years) ago. The Freeths Partner involved had travelled down to London - to sell an ex-Rolls Royce naval power generation business to the VC client I represented. Everything had been [...]
