Commercial Lawyers based in Chester

Farewell Blogger, Hello Straight Talk and Latest News

2011-01-28T09:07:00.005Z

To coincide with the launch of DTM Legal's new website, this is the last post on our Blogger site.

From today please access our new site for full details on the services DTM Legal provides. In addition to this we will also have two dedicated pages:

Latest News

For the most recent news and events from DTM Legal LLP please click here

Straight Talk

For stories that reveal more about the specialist commercial lawyers at DTM Legal and what they are interested in and what their views on current topics are please click here

The DTM new website is now live

2011-01-28T09:04:00.008Z

After a few months of development DTM Legal are proud to unveil their brand new website.

Please click here to visit our new site to find out more about us as a firm, the types of clients we act for the specialisms we have and the type of people we are.

IS IT HEADS OF TERMS OR OVEREENKOMST OP BELANGRIJSTE VOORWAARDEN?

2011-01-18T10:56:00.003Z

If you, like many, find that the finer details of a Heads of Terms agreement might as well be in double Dutch, why not come and be enlightened by the property professionals at DTM Legal in a forthcoming seminar? The event, which will be run in association with RICS Wales, will be taking place on 8th February 2011 at the Oriel House Hotel, Upper Denbigh Road, St Asaph, LL17 0LW from 2pm-5pm.

The workshop is open to all and will be chaired by Thomas Pearson, head of DTM’s property team. As well as Heads of Terms, the property team will be discussing ‘Termination of Leases’ and focusing on tactics in the current climate. Thomas Pearson will be joined in discussion by DTM’s property litigation specialist Raury Mason and also Matthew Robinson and Tonina Mycock from DTM Legal’s property team. Attendees will have an opportunity to discuss both topics and ask questions in an open forum.

After the discussions draw to a close at 4.30pm, there will be a chance for attendees to network during afternoon tea. The cost of the seminar (incl VAT) is £24 for RICS member, £28.80 for non members and £12 for students/trainees.

Any general enquiries regarding the event, please contact Emma Georgiades on 02920 224 414 or email egeorgiades@rics.org.

We look forward to seeing you there, or “Wij verheugen ons op daar het zien van u” as they say in Holland.

ICE & DIAMONDS SPARKLE AT CHESTER BUSINESS CLUB BALL

2010-12-07T20:22:00.001Z

There was plenty of ice and a few diamonds on show on Saturday evenings’ wonderful Chester Business Club (CBC) annual “Ice and Diamonds” charity ball. The glamorous evening, held at Chester Racecourse, attracted more than 280 people from Chester’s business community who gathered to network, party and raise money for worthy causes.

For the third consecutive year, DTM Legal was the main sponsors of the event which saw all the firm’s partners in attendance. The highly successful evening also raised thousands of pounds for local charity Parents Against Drug Abuse (PADA) and Skin For Life – two very worthy causes.

Julie Mogan, a partner at DTM Legal and vice chairman of the CBC, commented on the event:

“It was a terrific evening and a fantastic way to raise money for some worthy causes but importantly it was also a great illustration of the vibrancy of Chester’s business community.”

As people left in the evening the theme of “Ice & Diamonds” seemed most fitting given the freezing weather conditions and the flawless organisation of the event.

Employment Update

2010-11-24T09:22:00.005Z

Christmas gifts for clients

It is not unusual at this time of year to spread a bit of festive cheer by providing your clients with, or accepting from your clients, a token Christmas gift as a thank you for the continued support shown throughout the year. However, the acceptance or giving of third party gifts or corporate hospitality can raise issues regarding your/your client’s future impartiality and with the introduction of the Bribery Act (“Act”) in April next year, you should be careful not to give rise to the impression that you have been influenced by the gift/corporate hospitality received. It is good practice to remind staff in the run up to Christmas of your policy in respect of third party gifts/hospitality and, if appropriate, clearly explaining what is considered reasonable and/or excessive. The distinction between bribery and lavish corporate entertaining is blurred and the Act places the employer under an obligation to have in place adequate procedures designed to prevent its employees from undertaking any conduct which may fall foul of the Act for example.

Employers may wish to consider a Gifts and Hospitality Policy for introduction in the New Year.

Christmas Party and office gossip

A recent case illustrates the consequences of staff Christmas party when gossip is often extensive at the office the following day (Nixon v Ross Coates Solicitors and another). A constructive dismissal, sex and pregnancy discrimination and harassment claim was brought by a female employee after gossip about her pregnancy occurred at her place of work. The gossip was generated by events at the staff Christmas party when she was seen kissing another employee before going to a hotel room with him. Some time after she discovered that she was pregnant and informed her superior. Information about her pregnancy was somehow disclosed to her fellow employees who began speculating with about the child and suggesting it may have been as a result of the staff Christmas party. The EAT stated: "The gossip was about the paternity of her child. It stemmed from the night of the Christmas party... It is connected with pregnancy." Her unlawful treatment was found to amount to pregnancy-related and gender discrimination and harassment.

There’s no business like snow business!

The snow has once again managed to bring chaos to Britain resulting in many employees being unable to attend their workplace. The bad whether has emphasised the importance of having adequate robust plans in place and the need for flexibility from both the employee and the employer. We have provided the below guidance on how you can limit or minimise the effect that the snow is having on your business and its employees.

The legal position remains that if employees are unable to travel to their place of work due to adverse weather an employer can offer the employee the choice of unpaid leave or holiday if the employee has sufficient days holiday to take.

Employers could make it possible for employees to work from home ensuring that they have access to the necessary technology and resources to do this. However, if this is impracticable or impossible to facilitate home working, shift work, flexible time or allowing employees to make up lost hours through unpaid overtime at a later date could be considered. If you are likely to lose more money from having to close your business due to lack of staff than having to pay a little extra to those who are unable to use their normal form of transport, offering to pay the costs of alternative transport to and from work could be an alternative.

It is important to remember that any changes to an employee's terms and conditions of employment should first be agreed by the employee.

DTM LEGAL AND TURNER PEACHEY TEAM UP TO DELIVER SUCCESSFUL SEMINAR

2010-11-16T11:57:00.004Z

DTM Legal, one of the North West’s leading law firms, working in conjunction with Shropshire based chartered accountants, Turner Peachey, has successfully delivered a free business seminar to more than 50 of the region’s SMEs. Held at Shrewsbury Town Football Club, the seminar focused on employment Law and outlined some of the most common problems faced by businesses as well as how to avoid related tax traps.

The event began with an introduction from Ed Barnes, partner at DTM Legal, followed by his colleague Paul Edwards, an associate at the firm, who discussed difficult issues encountered in Employment Law. The feedback from the evening highlighted that guests found the presentation extremely informative and that they had gained a better understanding of this area of law and how keeping up with legislation can prove to be crucial to business.

The second part of the event was presented by David Walker, director of tax at Turner Peachey, who discussed tax planning for employers and then Brian Benson, Director of Shrewsbury based Crown Wealth Management. who went into detail about regulatory requirements surrounding employer compulsory pension contributions.

A lively question and answer session rounded up the event which was led by Ian Morris, partner at Turner Peachey. Following the seminar, guests had a chance to network whilst enjoying a buffet and drinks.

Ed Barnes commented; “There were some very relevant and informative presentations which we believe were of real benefit to those who attended. We are looking forward to putting on similar events in the future as a way of illustrating our commitment to the area and support to local businesses in Shropshire.”

How do you like your eggs in the morning?

2010-11-05T13:12:00.000Z

Well, if you’re like me, you’ll like them with an added twist. So why not come and join us at the next Place North West Cheshire West & Chester Development breakfast update? The breakfast event will be held at Bolesworth Estate in Tattenhall from 7.30am to 9am on 11 November.

The breakfast event is open to all and will consist of a couple of short presentations looking at the local rural economy and ways in which residents can overcome any potential challenges ahead or take advantage of the opportunities presented. There will also be the opportunity to listen to the latest development plans as well as meet the sponsors and speakers.

Speakers will include a senior representative from Cheshire West & Chester Council, as well as Rob Hindle, director of Rural Innovation, expert on rural matters and a consultant to Cheshire West & Chester Council, and Tom Lonsdale, of planning consultancy Placecraft and a CABE advisor.

DTM Legal is sponsoring the event and we will have experts from our property team on hand to answer any questions you may have. Amongst those attending from DTM Legal are Thomas Pearson and Peter Collins, who between then have nearly 60 years experience of working for a number of landed estates across Cheshire and North Wales. The pair lead a team that acts for land owners and tenant farmers providing legal advice relating to a range of subjects from land and farm sales to agricultural diversification and sporting rights. Peter is also an active member of the Agricultural Law Association.

Other sponsors who will have representatives on hand include; Pochin, Places Matter! and Marketing Projects. Following the event there will be the chance to tour Bolesworth Estate to see the premises at first hand.

This is the second in the series of four breakfasts being hosted by Place North West and Cheshire West & Chester Council and will be followed by events in Weaver Valley on 2 December and Ellesmere Port on 27 January. Watch this space for more updates.

More than 100 people attended the first in the series, held at HQ Chester earlier this month and a full write-up of the Chester development update will appear on Place North West shortly.

We hope to see you there for that added extra at breakfast. To register for the rural event, email dunstan@placenorthwest.co.uk.

MONEYPENNY ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF WREXHAM HEADQUARTERS

2010-10-26T12:31:00.001+01:00

Moneypenny, the UK’s leading provider of Telephone Answering and Outsourced Reception services, announces today that it has acquired additional land and permission for a new office development. The new land is adjacent to its existing headquarters and the development will comprise of approximately 8,000 sq ft of additional space at Unit H Yale Business Village, Wrexham Technology Park, Wrexham.

The new site will facilitate Moneypenny’s continued expansion and will provide the space required for the employment of an additional 100 new employees. The target date for completion of the construction is June 2011.

Ed Reeves, co-founder and CEO of Moneypenny, comments:

“This is a significant milestone for the company. We have been operating very successfully in Wrexham for more than ten years now and this expansion is an illustration of our commitment to Wrexham and the region. With this additional space we are able to recruit more high calibre employees locally, whilst continuing to grow our nationwide network of clients.”

The transaction was handled by DTM Legal, the Chester based specialists in commercial law.

Matthew Robinson, consultant at DTM Legal who led the transaction, comments:

“This is a significant deal in the current economic climate. We are delighted that our commercial property and investment team has been given the opportunity to extend the firm’s relationship with Moneypenny by facilitating its expansion in this way.”

DTM LEGAL PARTNERS TAKE COMMUNITY BUSINESS ROLES

2010-10-26T12:30:00.001+01:00

Two of DTM Legal’s partners have been appointed to help grow and support businesses in the local community. Richard Thomas has been appointed Vice Chair of West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce and Julie Mogan has been appointed as Vice Chair of the Chester Business Club.

The appointments come as the law firm celebrates its second anniversary and is an indication of DTM Legal’s commitment to supporting the region’s business community.

Richard Thomas, a North Walian by birth, will have responsibility for supporting member businesses across North Wales by promoting the services and benefits the Chamber provides to businesses as well as promoting economic growth and learning in the region.

John Newton Jones, Chairman of the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of commerce, comments: “It’s great to have Richard on board in this role as he brings a wealth of experience and the energy needed to help support our members and promote the Chamber’s work in the region.”

Julie Mogan’s work with the Chester Business Club will involve both representing business interests in Chester as well as helping raise the Club’s profile and supporting activities that promote business growth in the City. In addition, she will continue with the membership to promote the charitable work the Chester Business Club does in supporting local causes.

Those interested in finding out more about the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce by visiting http://www.west-cheshire-chamber.co.uk/ or the Chester Business Club can by emailing info@chesterbusinessclub.co.uk

DTM LEGAL CELEBRATES 2nd ANNIVERSARY WITH EXPANSION

2010-10-26T12:28:00.001+01:00

DTM Legal, the Chester based commercial law specialists, has added reason to celebrate their second birthday as they announce plans for further growth and office expansion. The firm has confirmed that it is looking for office space in both Shrewsbury and St Helens and is actively looking for additional talented staff to bolster their expanding teams.

Since the launch of DTM Legal in 2008 the firm has doubled in size form an original team of nineteen and won the Business Start Up Award in 2009. The firm now aims to build on this position with further expansion into new markets.

As part of its second anniversary celebrations, DTM Legal is inviting clients to a Champagne reception at Chester Race Course on 30 September. The event wasattended by more than 250 guests from some of the region’s leading businesses.

Julie Mogan, partner at DTM Legal, comments: “It’s been an exhilarating rollercoaster ride getting the business up and running and we have performed ahead of forecast despite the economic climate. We have thoroughly enjoyed every moment, but are now entering what I believe to be the most exciting phase as we look to further grow the business from our Chester base.”

DTM Legal are specialists in commercial law and offer clients a full spectrum of advice from employment and property law to legal advice for business recovery, corporate law and a range of litigious issues.

Chester Development Update

2010-09-18T21:13:00.005+01:00

DTM Legal LLP's property team, headed up by Thomas Pearson is working again with the Place Northwest and Cheshire West & Chester Council to deliver follow up breakfast seminars to April's successful Property Forum.

The first breakfast event of the series will be held at the prestigious HQ on Thursday 7 October and will focus on development in Chester, in particular the challenges and opportunities that exist.

Key speakers in attendance will be:

Cllr Mike Jones - Leader of the Council
Rita Water - Chief Executive of Chester Renaissance
Henry Owen John - Regional Director of English Heritage

For further details on the event please click on this link.

Peckforton Land Auction Sale - date announced

2010-08-17T09:01:00.003+01:00

Thomas Pearson, Partner and head of DTM’s commercial Property team is acting for the vendors on the sale of 7 lots at Auction on 8th September 2010.

The lots are being sold by Strutt & Parker, Chester at the Swan Hotel, Tarporley and consist of fertile pasture and arable land on the Peckforton Estate.

Sales particulars for all lots can be obtained from the agents and auction packs will be available to inspect at DTM’s offices, Archway House and at the agents during normal office hours in the 14 days prior to the auction.

DTM legal have experience in acting on both selling and buying land at auction and can provide you with advice throughout this process, so if you are thinking of selling or buying land at auction and require legal assistance please contact Thomas Pearson.

DTM in Pole Position

2010-06-30T16:58:00.003+01:00

A team of Solicitors from DTM - Ed Barnes, Paul Edwards, Richard Manley and Matthew Robinson took first place at a corporate go-karting event held just outside Corwen.

The go-carting which lasted 2 ½ hours was a team based endurance event and DTM who took pole position in qualifying held on to the lead to take the chequered flag in first place.

The day was enjoyed by all and for a very worthy cause raising funds for Hope House Hospice.

Thanks to Gareth Parry and Gareth Williams of HSBC Commercial Banking at Ewloe for the invitation and hospitality.

DTM to sponsor Bolesworth Classic

2010-06-23T20:09:00.001+01:00

After last years successful inaugural event, the Bolesworth Estate are preparing to host what is set to be a bigger and better Bolesworth Classic Showjumping and Country Fair 15th - 18th July in the grounds of the Bolesworth Estate.

DTM are pleased to be involved again this year as a sponsor and this year will be sponsoring a class on Friday 15 July - further details on the event can be found using this link.

Members of the DTM team and their guests will be looking forward to another great day of top-class showjumping in the grounds of the estate.

DTM team and guests perform well at Business Club Golf day

2010-06-16T23:44:00.004+01:00

The annual Chester Business Club golf day took place last week at Chester Golf Club, Curzon park.

the event was well supported and will feature in Cheshire Life's August edition and raised money for charity with sponsorship from Villeroy & Boch and Robinsons the brewers.

The DTM team of Jim Morris, Thomas Pearson and their guests placed 3rd in the competition.

DTM join St Helens Chamber of Commerce

2010-05-26T10:56:00.005+01:00

DTM have recently confirmed it's connection with St Helens and its surrounding area by joining its Chamber of Commerce.

DTM has a growing client base in the area and the DTM team has connections, both professionally and personally, with the area and the Chamber is a great way of confirming its commitment to those connections and signal an intent to further develop activity in the area.

The St Helens Chamber (http://www.sthelenschamber.com/) is recognised nationally (and internationally) as being one of the most active and energised Chambers in the country and DTM will work with the Chamber to further DTM's objective of establishing itself as a respected provider of Commercial Legal Services in the area.

Watch this space for regular udpdates on DTM's progress.

DTM Support Football Aid

2010-05-16T20:40:00.004+01:00

DTM corporate partners Ed Barnes and Tom Sutcliffe participated in a Charity Football Match hosted by Baker Tilly in support of Football Aid which raises money for various charities through football-related events.

This particular event saw Ed and Tom, along with DTM guests, Dave Furnival (RBS) and Phil Kurthausen (Bank of America) playing for a Liverpool side in the merseyside derby at Goodison Park. The day involved the full premiership match experience and for football fans like the "DTM foursome" it was indeed a dream come true (particularly for Phil who is a Toffee's Season Ticket Holder).

The match itself was a tense affair with nerves perhaps playing their part (or so Phil claimed) but it was not long before the DTM contingent made their mark, Sutcliffe outjumping all in a crowded penalty box to head home at the Gladys Street End. Shortly after, Barnes squandered a good chance but moments later made amends with a neat finish. Sutcliffe added another in an open second half but the game finally finished in a 6-all draw after the Reds conceded an equaliser deep in stoppage time. Both Furnival and Kurthausen also "contributed" to the result (or so they claimed in the aftermatch debrief).

All in all a great day for a very worthy cause. Thanks to Jill Jones at Baker Tilly for the invitation and hospitality.

Successful event at Porsche Garage

2010-05-16T16:28:00.008+01:00

The Premier Network's inaugural event at Porsche Chester was very well attended and guests enjoyed champagne, canapes, a golf putting challenge and for those who fancied it a spin in the latest Porsche.

Photos of Thursday's successful event can be seen by clicking on this link.

Shropshire Chamber of Commerce Golf Day

2010-05-16T16:19:00.005+01:00

Shrewsbury Golf Club was the venue for the first Chamber Golf day of the year.

Edward Barnes and Thomas Pearson of DTM Legal played in a fourball with Turner Peachey. The team score didn't trouble the winning team who managed to retain the title for the second year in a row.

Premier Network Group - Inaugural event: Thursday 13 May at Chester's prestigious Porsche garage

2010-05-11T23:24:00.003+01:00

DTM Legal as one of the members of the newly formed Premier Network Group, with members from North Wales and the North West, is looking forward to being involved in the very first event when invited guests will be treated to a full packed night of entertainment with the chance to meet up with like minded people.

If you are interested in cars, fashion, golf, jewellery and networking then this is definitely the place to be.

Apart from being able to test drive a Porsche and learn how to get the perfect shine on your car, top Chester jewellers, Walton’s, will be showcasing some of its spectacular pieces and Felicity Hat Hire will be modelling the latest race day and wedding hats.

Top golf tips will also be available courtesy of North Wales Golf Club professional, Richard Bradbury, however, if you just want to relax then Mankind of Chester will be in attendance or why not try out the latest champagnes with the Clear Black Wine Company.

The first 50 guests will receive goody bags from Porsche and Network She and everyone will have the chance to win a great prize donated by Porsche Cheshire Oaks. The winner will spend a day at Silverstone race track where they will be coached by Porsches’ very own “The Stig”.

The event has been organised by the Premier Network Group which was set up earlier this year to bring together like minded business people. The companies involved in the group are: HSBC bank, Duncan Sheard Glass, DTM Legal, Network She, Clear Black Wine Company and PR&Print Solutions.

For more information please contact Sue Gallagher at spg@dsg.uk.com or telephone 0151 243 1230/01244 526030.

Property Forum write up is published

2010-05-11T23:14:00.006+01:00

After last month's successful Place Northwest Property Forum, co-sponsored by DTM a summary of the key points has been published.

Please click on this link to be taken to the Place's website for further details

DTM become a patron of the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce

2010-05-11T09:17:00.005+01:00

DTM Legal have become a patron of the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce.

With existing links to professionals and a good client base in the county, it demonstrates DTM's further commitment to being further involved in the Shropshire business community.

For more details on the Chamber please click here

DTM Sports Lawyer completes Sprint Tri

2010-04-26T21:10:00.005+01:00

DTM Corporate Partner, Tom Sutcliffe, completed his first (and possibly last) triathlon this weekend. Although Tom has previously competed in duathlon's (bike and run) and running races, his lack of swimming ability meant that triathlon (swim, bike, run) was always considered beyond him.

However, Tom has never been one to reject a challenge and so when it was suggested to him (during a typically focussed and productive partners meeting) that triathlon was the ultimate fitness test, he had no hesitation in picking up some "speedo's" and signing up for some swimming lessons.

6 months later and Tom found himself at Chirk Triathlon on an un-seasonally warm April day. Chirk Tri is a "sprint" triathlon meaning the distances are shorter and are therefore suited to a novice. The 400m pool swim was predictably hard and Tom entered the first transition behind schedule. However, an average bike leg and a decent running performance meant a respectable finish and will allow Tom to retire from triathlon's gracefully.

Click below to see the full results:

www.wrecsamtri.org.uk/documents/RaceResults2010/Chirk2010results.htm

Tom is a Partner in our Corporate Team and is also part of the DTM Sports Law team, acting for individuals and organisations involved in all aspects of the business of sport.

Property Team prepare for next weeks forum

2010-04-17T11:28:00.004+01:00

The Property Team at DTM Legal are preparing for next week's Place Northwest Cheshire West & North Wales Property Forum.

The forum includes a key note speaker and a panel debate to round off the day.

We anticipate that there will be some lively discussions on the future of property in the region and what challenges and opportunities we all face in the next few years.

For more details on the services that the Property Team can offer please contact Thomas Pearson

Place Northwest highlights promotion and DTM property team

2010-04-12T17:06:00.002+01:00

Thomas Pearson a Partner at DTM and the firm's Property Team have been featured on the Place Northwest website.

For further details please click here