Sarah O'Sullivan, Author at Tees Law

Spotting the signs of Aortic Dissection

Posted on 30 June 20252 August 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Aortic dissection is a serious condition where the inner layer of the aorta, the body’s main artery, tears and blood rushes between the layers of the aortic wall. This weakens the aorta and can potentially lead to rupture of blood flow to vital organs.

Aortic dissection is a life-threatening medical emergency that needs urgent diagnosis and treatment, yet is still often misdiagnosed. It is often missed in younger patients or those not typically seen as high risk.

Sadly, it causes more deaths each year than road traffic accidents in the UK. Quick diagnosis can be the difference between life and death and so knowing what to look out for is vital.

Common symptoms of aortic dissection

Symptoms can vary and may mimic other more common conditions like heart attacks or a stroke. Knowing what to look out for could save a life:

Sudden, severe chest pain, often described as “ripping” or “tearing”
Pain that moves to the neck, back, jaw, or abdomen
Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
Loss of consciousness or fainting
Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
Sweating, nausea, or dizziness
Low blood pressure or pulse differences between limbs

Notably, pain can be brief or migratory, and in some cases may subside before returning, misleading both patients and doctors.

When diagnosis is delayed or missed

Around 30% of aortic dissections are linked to genetic conditions such as Marfan syndrome or vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, affecting people at younger ages than typically expected. It’s also a leading cause of maternal cardiac death. Unfortunately, aortic dissection is still frequently overlooked in these groups.

If a diagnosis is missed, the consequences can be catastrophic. Blood tests, ECGs, and chest x-rays cannot rule it out. The gold standard is a CT angiogram or MRI of the entire aorta, which is why the guidance rule should be “THINK AORTA”.

What you can do

If you’ve experienced severe, sudden pain and were not given a CT scan, especially if symptoms persisted or returned, it’s important to seek specialist follow-up. If you believe that medical professionals failed to investigate your symptoms, or those of your familyproperly and this led to a delay in diagnosis or treatment, legal advice may help you understand your options.

We’re here to help. Our medical negligence team understands the complexities of aortic dissection cases and will guide you clearly through every step of the claims process.

Read our case study and find out more about how we can help: Aortic Dissection Medical Negligence Claims

Employment tribunal backlog in 2025: Practical insight for employers and employees

Posted on 26 June 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Employment Tribunal backlogs continue to swell, with a reported 49,800 open cases at the end of 2024, a 23% on the previous year, leaving roughly 450,000 individuals waiting for resolution. The average claim for unfair dismissal or discrimination now sits in the queue for about 12 months before it is listed for hearing. During that time the dispute is very much alive, potentially tying up management time, legal budgets and personal energy.

Why the numbers keep rising

Receipts are outstripping disposals. In Q3 of the 2024–2025 financial year the Tribunals received 11,000 new single claims but disposed of 9,600, driving the overall open caseload to 467,000 across single and multiple claims. Within those figures unfair dismissal filings jumped by more than a quarter year on year, with wage disputes and discrimination claims also climbing.

Greater public awareness of employment rights, cost-of-living pressures and the abolition of Tribunal fees in 2017 all play a part, yet a shortage of salaried judges may be an immediate pinch point.

ACAS Early Conciliation: a system within the system

Early Conciliation was designed to ease pressure, but freedom of Information data shows an average of 14.78 days to allocate a case to a conciliator, and practitioners regularly see four-week waits that consume most of the six-week statutory early conciliation window. ACAS’ total headcount is 1,085 people for the entire organisation, limiting capacity to manage the growing volume of notifications.

The practical consequence is, we would venture, more certificates issued without discussion and, ultimately, more claims proceeding to Tribunal.

Enter the Employment Rights Bill

The Employment Rights Bill, now progressing through Parliament, promises to reshape the landscape again:

• Day-one protection against unfair dismissal will replace the current two-year qualifying period, although employers may operate an extended probation period of up to nine months.
• Limitation periods for most employment claims could double from three to six months, giving potential claimants more time to seek advice and lodge proceedings.
• A broader definition of “employee” will bring casual and zero-hours workers firmly within Tribunal jurisdiction.

Each change aims to improve access to justice, yet each may add pressure on an already stretched system.

What this means for employers

1. Refresh policies and procedures now

In practical terms, the best antidote to a growing Tribunal backlog is prevention. For employers, start with a spring-clean of your core documents. Your disciplinary, performance and redundancy and flexible-working policies should match current ACAS guidance, speak the language of fairness and set out clear timelines and expectations (and consequences of serious and/or persistent poor behaviour or work expectations).

When policies are simple, consistent and easy to find, staff are much more likely to follow them and far less likely to feel blindsided by process.

2. Train line managers on fair process and record keeping

Next, equip your line managers. Many Tribunal claims succeed because managers skipped a step in the process, or appeared to act inconsistently, rather than because the business acted in bad faith.

Short, scenario-based training on investigation meetings, note-taking and outcome letters pays for itself quickly.

Pair that training with a standard document pack so managers capture evidence in a consistent format.

Clear processes and consistent practices build trust inside the workforce and reduce the risk of unfair dismissal litigation.

3. Front-load evidence. Capture witness notes and digital records while memories and data are still fresh

Evidence really is key. Gather witness statements, emails, WhatsApp messages and rota data while the facts are still fresh in everyone’s minds.

Store everything in a central, searchable system with retention periods that reflect the six-month limitation proposed in the Employment Rights Bill.

Early document collection not only strengthens your defence but also signals to claimants that you are prepared, which can encourage settlement during ACAS Early Conciliation.

Keep in mind, as an aside, data privacy rights and obligations when processing data.

4. Consider alternative dispute resolution

When a dispute arises you might look beyond ending up at the Tribunal hearing. Judicial mediation (where a Judge not involved in your final case mediates between the parties), private mediation or even a well-timed protected conversation can save months of uncertainty and allow commercial choices to be made to reach a resolution in a cost-effective way.

Alternative dispute resolution shows the Tribunal that the employer has acted reasonably, protects brand reputation and often costs far less than a full hearing. With listing dates sliding into late 2026, a pragmatic offer today can be the quickest route to closure.

If you would like tailored advice on updating policies, delivering training or exploring mediation, the Tees Law employment team is ready to help.

What this means for employees

Early advice remains essential.

Even with longer limitation periods on the horizon, evidence is far easier to gather soon after an incident. Keep contemporaneous records, explore ACAS conciliation promptly and weigh settlement offers pragmatically against the prospect of a hearing that could be more than a year away.

Our perspective at Tees Law

The backlog is frustrating, but it is manageable with the right strategy. We help clients set realistic timelines, gather robust evidence at the outset and explore settlement or mediation where that serves their goals. If the Tribunal queues or the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill raise questions for you or your organisation, our employment team is ready to help you navigate UK employment law with confidence.

Sources

• Ministry of Justice, “Tribunals statistics quarterly: October to December 2024,” GOV.UK, published March 2025.
• Personnel Today, Rob Moss, “Employment tribunal backlog up 23 % in a year,” 7 May 2025.
• People Management, “Employment tribunal backlog soars by a quarter in a year,” May 2025.
• HR Grapevine, “Employment tribunal backlog leaves 450,000 in legal limbo,” 8 May 2025.
• House of Commons Library, “Employment Rights Bill 2024-25: Progress of the Bill,” Research Briefing CBP-10174, March 2025.
• ACAS, “Annual Report and Accounts 2023-24,” presented to Parliament 18 July 2024 (staffing and service metrics).

Making a Will: Who will inherit if you don’t decide?

Posted on 26 June 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Have you thought about what would happen to your assets if you died without a Will? It’s a difficult topic to consider, but putting a Will in place is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and future.

Shockingly, research by pension and insurance company Canada Life has consistently found that over half of the adults in the UK have not made a Will. If they die without one, they’ll be intestate, and their assets distributed in accordance with default rules (known as ‘the rules of intestacy’).

Make your wishes known

A Will is the only way to make sure your money, property and personal possessions go to the people and causes you care about. Without one, the rules of intestacy set out who inherits – and it might not reflect what you would have wanted.

You can also use your Will to:
• Appoint guardians for your children
• Make financial provision for dependents
• Leave gifts to friends, charities, or organisations
• Set out funeral wishes

Reduce stress and uncertainty

Losing a loved one is hard enough. A clear, legally valid Will reduces the burden on your family at a time of grief. It helps avoid confusion, prevents disputes, and ensures decisions don’t have to be made under pressure.

Protect against inheritance tax

A well-drafted Will can help manage how much inheritance tax is paid – making sure more of your estate goes to your loved ones. With advice from our legal and financial experts, we can create a plan that works for you.

Plan for the unexpected

No one knows what the future holds and yet, approximately 31 million UK adults do not have a Will in place. Making a Will is not just for later life – it’s relevant to anyone with children, property, or financial assets. It can then be reviewed and updated as life and your personal circumstances change.

Giving you the full picture
Our private client solicitors will talk you through the process clearly and without jargon. We’ll help you understand your options and draft a Will that reflects your wishes. We’ll also make sure it meets all legal requirements and help protect against any potential future challenges against the terms of the Will.
If you already have a Will, we recommend reviewing it regularly – especially after major life events like marriage, divorce, or having children.

Get in touch

If you’re ready to make a new Will, wish to review an existing one or just want to talk through your options, we’re here to help. Book a confidential, no-obligation chat with one of our expert Wills and probate solicitors

The NHS maternity crisis: the statistics demand urgent action

Posted on 25 June 20258 July 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

The state of NHS maternity services is a national concern and the government has announced a plan of action. In a move that will resonate with many families, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has launched a rapid investigation into 10 of England’s worst-performing maternity units, alongside a broader review of systemic failings.

This follows the 2024 Birth Trauma Inquiry which was one of the most sobering reports on NHS care in recent years.

Based on over 1,300 testimonies from women and health professionals, it concluded that traumatic births are not rare exceptions, but common events. Around one in three women now describe their birth experience as traumatic. Each year, as many as 30,000 mothers develop post-traumatic stress disorder after giving birth.

The report uncovered:

694 emergency caesareans, many of them unplanned and inadequately explained
378 cases involving forceps delivery
106 third-degree perineal tears and 41 fourth-degree tears
Repeated failures to obtain informed consent before procedures
Poor or missing pain relief in labour
A consistent theme of women feeling dismissed, ignored or blamed when things went wrong

Behind each statistic is a person, a mother who felt abandoned, a baby with preventable injuries and a family searching for answers.

At Tees, we see the reality behind these figures. We work with families affected by poor maternity care, many of whom come to us not just seeking compensation but seeking answers. They want truth, accountability, and reassurance that lessons will be learned.

The stories we hear reflect the national picture, from missed diagnoses and failure to escalate concerns, to serious injuries and hospitals failing to meet their legal duty of candour. For some families, the outcome is a child with lifelong care needs. For others, it is the grief of losing a baby. For many, the trauma is emotional and enduring with an ongoing loss of trust.

Tees has long championed the need for safe, respectful and accountable maternity care. We’ve spoken publicly on these issues, highlighting how avoidable harm can occur during labour and delivery, and how some mothers face discrimination during pregnancy and maternity leave.

In 2015, the UK government set an ambition to half the rates of stillbirths, neonatal deaths, and maternal deaths in England by 2030. Despite these pledges, improvements in maternity services have been slow. Read our Freedom of information report which analysed the responses from NHS Trusts on patient safety and maternity care.

We welcome this inquiry and hope it helps deliver the national cultural change that is so clearly needed. That means listening to experiences, rebuilding trust in maternity care, and ensuring that when things go wrong, families are supported, not silenced.

Tees is here to support people through these moments. If you have questions about the care you or your baby received, we’re here to listen and help.

Limb lengthening and reconstruction orthopaedic surgeries: When medical negligence may arise

Posted on 16 June 202523 June 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Limb lengthening and reconstruction surgeries are advanced orthopaedic procedures used to treat various conditions such as congenital limb discrepancies, traumatic injuries, and deformities caused by infection or bone cancer. These surgeries can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life by restoring mobility, alleviating pain, and improving limb function.

However, the complex nature of these procedures means that, when something goes wrong, the consequences can be severe. If medical professionals fail to follow appropriate clinical guidelines or provide substandard care, patients may be entitled to bring a medical negligence claim.

What is limb lengthening and limb reconstruction?

Limb lengthening is a surgical process used to gradually increase the length of a bone, typically using an external fixator or an internal lengthening device. This may be necessary for patients with:

Congenital limb length discrepancies
Traumatic injuries
Amputations requiring limb equalisation

The process occurs over several months and is usually carried out in carefully planned stages.

Limb reconstruction on the other hand, refers to procedures designed to restore the structure and function of a limb following injury, disease, or deformity. Reconstruction techniques may include:

Bone grafting
Osteotomy (bone realignment)
Use of implants or prosthetics

Any procedure requires meticulous surgical technique, thorough planning and comprehensive postoperative care. Failure at any stage could give rise to complications and in some cases to claims for orthopaedic negligence.

When can medical negligence occur?

Healthcare professionals owe their patients a legal duty of care. They must provide treatment that meets the standard of a reasonably competent practitioner in their field. Negligence occurs when this duty is breached and the breach causes avoidable harm.

To be successful, a medical negligence claim must satisfy two legal tests:

Breach of Duty

It must be shown that the care provided fell below the standard expected of a reasonably competent professional in that specialism. A claim will usually fail if the healthcare provider can demonstrate that a responsible body of clinicians would have acted similarly.

Causation

It must then be proven that, on the balance of probabilities (i.e. more than a 50% chance), the injury or poor outcome would have been avoided had the proper standard of care been met.

Common examples of negligence in limb lengthening and reconstruction

Surgical errors

These procedures require extreme precision. Common errors include:

Incorrect placement of external or internal fixation devices, causing malalignment or deformity
Poor surgical technique resulting in abnormal bone growth or failure to achieve intended length
Damage to nerves, blood vessels, or surrounding tissue during surgery

Inadequate preoperative assessment and consent

A full preoperative assessment is crucial to identify any risks or contraindications. Failures may include:

Incomplete imaging or assessment of bone and soft tissue
Failure to identify underlying conditions affecting healing
Inadequate consent procedures, particularly in paediatric cases where risks are not clearly explained

Poor postoperative monitoring

Post-surgical care is just as important as the surgery itself. Failures here can include:

Not recognising signs of infection, non-union, or delayed healing
Lack of follow-up imaging or clinical reviews
Insufficient rehabilitation advice, impacting mobility and recovery

Improper use or management of medical devices

Limb lengthening devices must be managed correctly throughout treatment. Negligence may occur where:

Devices are improperly adjusted or maintained
There is a failure to act when a device is malfunctioning
Infection or bone damage occurs due to poor hygiene or delayed treatment

Supreme Court clarifies developer and designer responsibilities under Building Safety Act

Posted on 28 May 202510 July 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

URS Corporation Ltd v BDW Trading Ltd [2025] UKSC 21

In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court has provided vital clarification on the responsibilities of developers and construction professionals when it comes to building safety under the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA).

The background: safety obligations in a post-Grenfell world

Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the BSA was introduced to tighten regulations—particularly for high-rise developments. One key change was extending the timeframe for bringing claims under the Defective Premises Act 1972 (DPA).

This case involved BDW Trading Ltd (a major developer) and URS Corporation Ltd (their structural engineering consultant). BDW had discovered serious defects in two high-rise developments—both already sold to homeowners—and carried out remedial works before the enactment of the BSA and without any claim having been brought by homeowners. BDW then sought to recover those costs from URS, raising questions about whether it was legally entitled to do so.

The legal questions

The Court considered four central issues:

Could BDW recover the cost of repairs it had “voluntarily” undertaken?
Did the BSA extend the time limit for BDW’s claims?
Was URS liable to BDW under the DPA even though BDW was a developer, not a homeowner?
Could BDW seek a contribution from URS, even without any direct claim from homeowners?

What the Supreme Court decided

“Voluntary” repairs may still be recoverable

URS claimed BDW’s actions were voluntary and fell outside their duty of care. The Court disagreed. It ruled that developers can recover the cost of safety-critical repairs even if no formal claim has yet been brought by residents. The key issue is whether the response was reasonable in the circumstances—a fact-specific question to be tested at trial.

The Building Safety Act applies broadly

The Court confirmed that section 135 of the BSA doesn’t just extend limitation periods for DPA claims. It also affects claims linked to the DPA—such as negligence and contribution claims. This interpretation reinforces the BSA’s aim of improving accountability across the sector.

Developers are owed a duty under the DPA

URS argued they owed no duty to BDW under the DPA because BDW wasn’t a homeowner. The Court rejected this. It said the duty is owed to homeowners who have acquired an interest in the dwellings and also to whoever commissions the work—layperson or developer alike.

Contribution claims don’t require prior legal action from homeowners

BDW was entitled to bring a claim for contribution even though no homeowner had brought a formal claim. The Court clarified that such claims arise when both parties are liable to the damage which has been suffered by a homeowner and the party seeking contribution has agreed to make compensation to the homeowner—even through “payment in kind”, like repairs.

What this means for the industry

This decision strengthens the legal footing for developers acting proactively to resolve safety issues. It sends a clear message: if you’ve contributed to building defects, you can be held accountable—regardless of whether formal claims have been brought by homeowners.

It also provides:

Greater clarity on how long claimants have to bring proceedings.
Confirmation that developers can seek redress from design professionals and contractors under the DPA.
Assurance that early, reasonable intervention by developers won’t bar them from recovering costs.

How we can help

At Tees, our construction law specialists and Commercial Dispute Resolution and Litigation team are on hand to help you navigate your obligations under the Building Safety Act and the Defective Premises Act. If you’re a developer, contractor or consultant facing questions about building safety or legacy liabilities, we’re ready to support you. Team Members include: Jason Torrance, Duncan Ho, Jessica Barker, Stefania Cuffaro and Daniel Muranyi

Get in touch for a confidential, no-obligation conversation about how the ruling might affect your projects or responsibilities.

Understanding the new Renter’s Rights Bill: Key changes explained

Posted on 28 May 20258 July 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

The Renters’ Rights Bill 2024 is set to bring sweeping reforms to the private rental sector in England and Wales. One of the most significant changes is the proposed abolition of Section 21 notices, often referred to as ‘no fault’ evictions. These currently allow landlords to regain possession of their property by giving tenants two months’ notice, without needing to provide a reason.

On 7 November 2023, the King’s Speech confirmed the Government’s intention to introduce the Renters (Reform) Bill, aiming to provide long-awaited protections for tenants—despite the concerns it has raised among landlords.

The current process: Section 21 Notices

Under the current regime, landlords wishing to serve a Section 21 notice must comply with various statutory requirements, including:

Protecting the tenant’s deposit;
Providing an up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate (EPC);
Issuing a valid Gas Safety Certificate.

Failure to meet these requirements renders a Section 21 notice invalid.

In November 2024, the Ministry of Justice reported the highest number of bailiff-led repossessions in six years—24% higher than in 2023—demonstrating growing pressure on the current system.

What is the Renters’ Rights Bill 2024?

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer pledged to abolish Section 21 notices, and the Government has now introduced the Renters’ Rights Bill 2024 (the Bill), which has passed the committee stage in the House of Lords.

The Bill proposes the abolition of Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs). In their place, all tenancies will become monthly periodic tenancies by default. This change means tenants may remain in their homes indefinitely, unless:

They choose to leave voluntarily; or
A landlord regains possession through a valid Section 8 notice, using one or more of the revised or new statutory grounds.

Key changes to Section 8 Notices

The Bill introduces amendments to the grounds for possession under Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988. These changes aim to strike a balance between tenant protection and landlord rights.

Ground 8: Rent arrears
One of the most significant changes is to Ground 8, which deals with rent arrears. Currently, landlords can serve a Section 8 notice with just two weeks’ notice if a tenant is two months in arrears.

The Bill proposes:

Raising the threshold to three months’ arrears;

Increasing the notice period to four weeks.

This provides tenants with greater time to resolve financial difficulties before facing eviction.

New grounds for Possession

The Bill introduces new grounds for possession, including:

Selling the property – Landlords will be able to serve notice if they intend to sell the property, providing a clear and legitimate basis for recovery of possession.

Other key aspects of the new Renters’ Rights Bill include:

1. A new private rented sector database

A central database will be established to confirm a landlord’s compliance with legal obligations. Landlords seeking to serve a Section 8 notice must demonstrate adherence to statutory requirements.

2. Decent homes standards & awaab’s law

The Bill will extend Awaab’s Law, requiring landlords to investigate and resolve health hazards—such as damp and mould—within specific timeframes. Currently, 12% of private rented homes contain serious hazards.

3. Restrictions on rent increases and upfront payments

The Bill aims to limit financial pressure on tenants by:

Capping upfront rent payments to one month (or 28 days);
Preventing rent increases more than once a year and only to market rates;
Banning “bidding wars” where tenants compete by offering higher rents.

4. Penalties for misuse of possession grounds

Landlords who knowingly misuse a ground for possession may face rent repayment orders—a financial penalty designed to deter abuse of the system.

Challenges and concerns

A major concern is the anticipated increased pressure on the court system. With the removal of Section 21, more possession claims will be routed through the courts under Section 8. Given that it can currently take up to a year for cases to be processed, this raises serious questions about capacity.

The Government acknowledges this and proposes the creation of a new housing ombudsman to handle disputes and complaints from both landlords and tenants in a faster, more cost-effective way.

What happens next?

While the Bill is not yet in force, landlords and tenants alike should prepare for these changes.

Section 21 notices served before the Bill takes effect will remain valid, and those tenancies will still be treated as ASTs for that purpose.
Landlords should ensure they are fully compliant with existing legislation and begin reviewing tenancy agreements in light of the proposed reforms.
Tenants should familiarise themselves with both their current rights and the protections that the Bill will introduce.

Need advice?

If you need advice on the Renters’ Rights Bill, your tenancy agreement, or regaining possession of your property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.

ESG and corporate governance: A legal duty and a business advantage

Posted on 21 May 20258 July 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

When I first joined Tees, I was pleased to learn what ESG meant, not just as a concept, but what it truly meant to embed environmental, social and governance values throughout our ecosystem. Fast forward to today, I am proud to be a part of a firm that has been shortlisted as “Responsible Employer of the Year” by the UK Property Forum Eastern Echo Awards 2025. But it’s not just about awards, many of us still ask why is ESG so important? What are the genuine legal obligations? And how does it impact corporate growth?

What does ESG mean in a business context?

ESG is about how a company manages risks and opportunities related to environmental, social and governance factors. This can include examples like:

Environmental: Carbon emissions, climate impact, waste reduction, energy efficiency.
Social: Employee wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, human rights.
Governance: Board accountability, executive pay, ethics and anti-corruption

It’s no secret that for many businesses, ESG began its journey as a reputational tool, for example, something that looked good in annual reports and presentation decks. But today ESG is no longer just “the right thing to do”, it’s a critical part of a company’s corporate governance.

ESG is a legal duty

Directors owe duties to act in the best interests of the company and today there is a growing understanding that “best interests” comprises long-term value which includes ESG related issues like environmental impact, workforce practices, supply chain ethics and good corporate governance.

The Companies Act 2006 specifically states under Section 172 that directors must act in a way they consider in “good faith” to “promote the success of the company for the benefit of its members as a whole,” and have regard to factors such as:

The need to foster the company’s business relationships with suppliers, customers and others;
the impact of the company’s operations on the community and the environment; and
the desirability of the company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct.

These are all written in law and form a director’s statutory duties – which means that ESG considerations when they fall within these areas are not optional. They are a legal requirement! Boards that ignore these factors, particularly in today’s world of growing climate, social, and ethical risks could be seen as breaching their statutory duties.

ESG is about action

For lots of businesses I talk to today it remains clear that ESG is no longer just about values or vision statements it’s about taking actual action and implementing policies. A huge legal risk currently in the market is “Greenwashing”. Greenwashing is making inflated or misleading claims about a company’s environmental practices, so for example, relying on historic practices or initiatives to portray a business as more environmentally responsible than it really is. If a company says it’s sustainable, carbon neutral, or ethical, it needs to be able to back it up with real evidence. The time of saying the right things without doing the right things is over.

Various regulators across the UK, in response to rising concerns about corporate greenwashing are tightening their own standards. Smaller and medium sized businesses are expected to adhere to requirements from regulators, industry bodies, and government guidance. Whilst larger limited companies, PLC’s and financial institutions will be required to adhere to the Sustainability Disclosure Standards (SDS) which sets the UK’s ESG reporting standard- this is expected to be finalised this summer.

To sum up, ESG now demands real action and regulators expect proof!

So how does ESG contribute to business growth?

ESG plays a powerful role in shaping how businesses grow, adapt and connect with the people who matter most.

From a personal perspective, ESG aligns with what people care about. I see it first hand amongst my colleagues, friends, and family that people want to work for organisations that they can be proud of, that are inclusive and contribute positively to the world. I know I certainly do! In turn, this can attract top talent and retain staff levels.

Likewise, clients, employers and partners are paying attention to what businesses stand for and trust builds brand loyalty. Those companies caught involved in unethical practices risk reputational damage.

Investors are now also demanding ESG responsibility, failing to meet certain expectations can significantly limit financial gain.

Additionally, risk management is huge, companies with strong ESG policies are able to manage and mitigate risk better – whether it is supply chain issues or governance failures. ESG also drives innovation as it can encourage businesses to find smarter and more sustainable ways to operate.

Finally

Hopefully, it’s clear that ESG is not just about doing good—it’s about doing business well. It is both a legal obligation, a recipe for growth and businesses cannot simply treat ESG as a side issue or branding tool – it must be embedded into the heart of corporate governance and decision-making.

Tees launches new agricultural scholarship with Anglia Ruskin University

Posted on 12 May 202525 July 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Tees, a leading law firm with over a century of experience supporting agricultural and landed estate clients, is proud to announce the launch of the Tees Agricultural Award in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) Writtle. This exciting new initiative aims to provide financial support to promising agriculture students across the East of England.

Recognising the importance of nurturing future leaders in agriculture, Tees will fund two annual prizes over the next three years. The top academic performer will receive £2,000, while the runner-up will be awarded £1,000.

The awards will be based on the second-year results of students studying agriculture degree courses at ARU Writtle. The first awards are expected to be presented in September 2025.

Supporting Future Leaders in Agriculture
Located near Chelmsford, ARU Writtle is a premier centre for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in animal, environmental, agricultural, and horticultural studies. Established in 1893, its 150-hectare campus includes a working farm with livestock, arable crops, and conservation areas, providing hands-on experience for students.

Students from Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk are eligible for the scholarships.

A Commitment to Agricultural Excellence

Tees is passionate about celebrating the achievements of these dedicated students. With deep roots in the rural community, Tees’ agricultural advisers possess extensive knowledge of the delicate balance between business, land, and family. Supported by a team of over 30 lawyers, including 10 partners specialising in agriculture, Tees delivers expert advice in a rapidly evolving legal and political landscape.

Letty Glaister, Partner and Head of the Agriculture Team, said:
“Building strong relationships is at the heart of what we do. We’re delighted to partner with ARU Writtle to reward students for their hard work and dedication to agricultural studies.”

Caroline Flanagan, Head of the School of Agriculture, Animal and Environmental Sciences at ARU Writtle, added:
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Tees. These annual prizes are a fantastic way to recognise our students’ commitment and achievements in agriculture.”

This announcement coincides with Tees’ continued expansion in Hertfordshire, marked by the opening of its North Herts office at Hyde Hall, Buntingford, in April 2025. This location is situated next to the NFU Mutual Hertfordshire office, which further strengthens Tees’ commitment to the agricultural community. Award recipients will be invited to this new office to receive their prizes.

Tees extends its best wishes to all ARU agriculture students as they pursue their studies and contribute to the future of British agriculture.

National Security and Investment: What is the NSI Act?

Posted on 8 May 20258 July 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

The National Security and Investment Act 2021 (‘NSI Act’) introduced a regulatory framework that allows the UK Government to scrutinise and approve certain acquisitions in 17 sensitive areas of the economy that could pose a risk to the UK’s national security. These areas include, but are not limited to, advanced robotics, defence, energy, advanced materials, and artificial intelligence (AI).

For certain acquisitions within these sectors, mandatory notification to the Government is required and these types of transactions are referred to as ‘notifiable acquisitions’. Acquisitions completed before 12 November 2020 do not fall within the NSI Act’s remit and are therefore non-notifiable.

Which entities and assets are covered by NSI Act?

Entities include:

companies;
limited liability partnerships (LLPs);
any other corporate bodies;
general and limited partnerships;
unincorporated associations; and
trusts.

Assets include:

land;
tangible moveable property;
intellectual property (e.g. ideas, information or techniques with economic value).

Which areas are covered under NSI Act?

Certain acquisitions in the following sensitive areas of the economy may require the Government’s approval:

advanced materials;
advanced robotics;
AI;
civil nuclear materials;
communications;
computing hardware;
critical suppliers to the Government;
cryptographic authentication;
data infrastructure;
defence;
energy;
military and dual-use;
quantum technologies;
satellite and space technologies;
suppliers to the emergency services;
synthetic biology; and
transport.

What types of acquisitions are covered under NSI Act?

An acquisition is notifiable if it involves an entity or assets in one of the sensitive areas (‘Qualifying Entities’ and ‘Qualifying Assets’) and meets certain thresholds set by the Government.

In acquiring control of a Qualifying Entity, a transaction will be notifiable if the buyer:

increases its shareholding OR voting rights from:
- 25% or less to more than 25%,
- 50% or less to more than 50%,
- less than 75% to 75% or more, or
the buyer acquires voting rights to secure or prevent the passage of any class of resolution governing the entity’s affairs; or
the acquirer being able to exercise material influence over the qualifying entity’s policy.

In acquiring control of a Qualifying Asset, a transaction will be notifiable if the buyer:

is able to use the Qualifying Asset to a greater extent than prior to the transaction; or
becomes able to direct or control how the Qualifying Asset is used or increases its ability to control the Qualifying Asset.

Does the NSI Act apply to overseas acquisitions?

Yes, the NSI Act applies not only to UK registered entities and UK based assets, but also to international organisations, if they have a connection to the UK. This includes scenarios where an asset is physically located outside of the UK but is used to produce products used in the UK.

Practical implication for businesses

Businesses involved in mergers, acquisitions or investments must assess whether their transaction falls within one of the defined sectors and meets the thresholds set by the Government, if so, requires governmental approval to the transaction. If a party dealing with a notifiable transaction proceeds without Government approval, the transaction will be void and the parties involved may face civil and criminal penalties including up to two years’ imprisonment or fines of up to £10 million or 5% of turnover (whichever is higher).

How long does the Governmental approval take?

Once a notification form is submitted, the Government aims to reply within five working days to confirm whether the form has been accepted for review. If accepted, the review period will take up to 30 working days. The Government may extend this period if additional review is required.

How can we help?

If you have any questions about the NSI Act or whether your transaction may trigger a mandatory notification under the NSI Act, please feel free to get in touch with our Corporate & Commercial team.

Missed and untreated fracture claims: What you need to know

Posted on 7 May 20258 July 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Fractures and broken bones are among the most common injuries, with the average person expected to experience two in their lifetime. They typically occur in the collarbone, wrist, ankle, arm, or hip.

When diagnosed and treated promptly, most fractures heal well—often within three months, even in more complex cases. However, delays in diagnosis or improper treatment can result in serious complications. This is where medical negligence can arise, and you may be eligible to bring a missed fracture compensation claim.

The importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment

Fractures should be treated quickly to avoid long-term complications. For instance:

Bones should ideally be realigned within three weeks of the injury.
By six weeks, the bones typically begin to fuse, making realignment difficult without re-breaking the bone.

A delay in diagnosis or treatment can lead to improper healing (malunion), requiring further medical intervention and potentially causing permanent issues.

Why are fractures sometimes missed?

While many fractures are clearly visible following a fall or trauma, others are more subtle.

Common symptoms of a fracture

Being aware of the signs of a fracture can help prevent delays in seeking treatment. Key symptoms include:

Swelling and bruising around the affected area
Sharp or intense pain, particularly when moving
Difficulty bearing weight or reduced mobility
Tingling or numbness (if nerves are affected)
Visible deformity or abnormal positioning (angulation)
A grinding or crunching sound when moving (crepitus)

When to seek medical attention

If you experience any of the symptoms above, it’s crucial to seek prompt medical attention. Your GP or hospital should arrange an X-ray to confirm the presence of a fracture.

Depending on the severity, treatment may involve:

Immobilisation with a cast or brace
Realignment of the bone (manually or surgically)
Surgery in more complex or unstable cases

What happens if a fracture is left untreated?

Untreated fractures can lead to a range of complications, including:

Malunion – the bone heals incorrectly, leading to deformity or restricted movement
Infection, especially in the bone or marrow
Nerve or ligament damage
Blood clots
Avascular necrosis – where bone tissue dies due to loss of blood supply
Compartment syndrome, a potentially serious condition caused by pressure build-up in the muscle

In children, the stakes are even higher. Because their bones are still growing, an untreated or misdiagnosed fracture could lead to limb length discrepancies or permanent deformities.

Malunion fractures explained

A malunion occurs when a broken bone heals in the wrong position. This can cause:

Persistent pain
Reduced functionality
Difficulty with movement
Visible deformities

Malunions often require corrective surgery. They may result from delayed diagnosis, improper treatment, or failure to properly align the bone initially.

Compartment syndrome and missed fractures

Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that occurs when swelling or bleeding increases pressure within a muscle compartment, reducing blood flow and damaging nerves and tissue.

This can occur after a fracture, especially if left untreated. If not promptly addressed, it may lead to permanent muscle or nerve damage—and in extreme cases, amputation.

Can I claim compensation for a missed or untreated fracture?

To bring a claim, there must be evidence that:

The medical care you received was substandard, and
This caused you harm, which would have been avoided with proper care.

Time limits apply:

Adults: Three years from the date the alleged negligence occurred or 3 years from the date of knowledge
Children: Three years from their 18th birthday

How much compensation could I claim?

At Tees, we will look at your case individually to ensure that you can get the full amount of compensation the law permits. As your case is unique to your personal circumstances, and the exact situation that your injury occurred and was treated, we cannot tell you exactly how much you can claim at the outset. We will be able to give you a more accurate estimate once we know more about your case.

If you win your claim, the Judicial College Guidelines will guide your compensation amount. Judicial College Guidelines 17th Ed. | Books

Moderate shoulder injury £9,630 to £15,580

Hip or pelvis injury £32,450 to £47,810

Wrist injury £15,370 to £29,900

Modest ankle injury £6,710 to £16,770

Severe ankle injury £38,210 to £61,090

Moderate elbow injury £4,310 to £15,370

How does the medical negligence claims process work?

Medical negligence claims are complex. At Tees, we are experts at helping people navigate this process.

Our team can:

Review your medical records
Obtain expert medical opinions
Gather evidence to support your case
Handle the legal process on your behalf

For more information, read: How to make a medical negligence claim

Economic review April 2025

Posted on 1 May 20259 July 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Key takeaways

The UK economy grew 0.5% in February, driven by strong service and manufacturing sectors despite looming headwinds
Inflation dipped to 2.6% in March, but April’s household bill hikes are expected to reverse the trend
The labour market weakened as vacancies fell, though wage growth remained robust amid cost pressures and job cuts

UK economy returns to growth

Data released last month by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed economic growth was stronger than expected in February, although more recent survey evidence suggests this pick-up may prove short-lived as economic headwinds threaten growth prospects.

According to the latest gross domestic product (GDP) statistics, economic output rose by 0.5% in February, the fastest rate of expansion in 11 months. This figure was higher than all forecasts submitted to a Reuters poll of economists, which had pointed to a monthly rise of just 0.1%.

ONS said this stronger-than-expected performance partly reflected robust service sector growth, with computer programming, telecoms and car dealerships all performing well during February. In addition, ONS noted that manufacturing, electronics and pharmaceutical businesses all enjoyed a strong month.

Separately released trade figures for February also showed goods exports to the US hit their highest monthly level since November 2022. Analysts suggested the jump was a clear sign of firms trying to beat the imposition of President Trump’s tariffs.

Survey data, however, shows that those tariffs are now having a detrimental impact on business activity. Last month’s preliminary headline growth indicator from the closely monitored S&P Global/CIPS UK Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), for instance, fell to a 29-month low of 48.2 in April, down from 51.5 in March. This left the index significantly below the 50.0 threshold, denoting a contraction in private sector output.

S&P Global Market Intelligence’s Chief Business Economist Chris Williamson said, “The disappointing survey reflects the impact of headwinds from both home and abroad. The biggest concern lies in a slump in exports amid weakened global demand and rising global trade worries, but higher staffing costs have also piled pressure on companies – linked to the National Insurance and minimum wage changes that came into effect at the start of April.”

Inflation rate eases before expected jump

Although last month’s inflation data showed the headline rate at its lowest level for three months, this dip is only expected to prove temporary with an acceleration in price growth likely to resume when April’s data is published later this month.

The latest ONS statistics revealed the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) 12-month rate – which compares prices in the current month with the same period a year earlier – fell to 2.6% in March from 2.8% the previous month. This reading was just below analysts’ expectations, with a Reuters poll pointing to a rate of 2.7%.

ONS noted that March’s decline was largely driven by falling petrol prices and a drop in prices for computer games. The one significant offsetting factor came from the clothing sector, with the price of clothes rising strongly following February’s surprise, unseasonal fall.

Despite this second monthly CPI decline, economists still expect to see a pick-up in inflationary pressures when April’s data is released on 21 May. This predicted jump will largely be driven by a host of household bill increases, which came into effect at the start of last month, as well as price pressures on businesses as they respond to the National Insurance and minimum wage hikes.

Forecasting the future path of inflation, however, has become more complicated with the introduction of Trump’s tariffs. Bank of England (BoE) policymaker Megan Greene recently suggested the tariffs would probably lead to lower rather than higher inflation in the UK, although she did stress big uncertainties still surround the tariff plan, adding “none of us have any idea what they’ll look like when the dust finally settles.”

While such uncertainties undoubtedly create a policy dilemma for the BoE, its interest-rate setting committee is widely expected to sanction another quarter-point rate cut this month, with its decision due to be announced on 8 May.

Markets

As April drew to a close, global markets were digesting fresh data from the States which showed that the economy contracted for the first time in three years during Q1.

The US economy shrank at an annualised rate of 0.3%, as government spending fell and imports surged, with firms racing to get goods into the country ahead of tariffs. The contraction follows robust growth of 2.4% recorded in Q4 2024. The Dow Jones closed the month down 3.17% on 40,669.36, while the tech-orientated NASDAQ closed April up 0.85% on 17,446.34.

On the continent, the Euro Stoxx 50 closed the month 1.74% lower on 5,156.90. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 ended April on 36,045.38, a monthly gain of 1.20%. In the UK, the blue-chip FTSE 100 index closed April on 8,462.77, a loss of 1.40%. The mid-cap focused FTSE 250 closed the month up 1.82% on 19,830.00, while the FTSE AIM closed on 689.93, a gain of 1.16%.

On the foreign exchanges, the euro closed the month at €1.17 against sterling. The US dollar closed at $1.33 against sterling and at $1.13 against the euro.

Gold closed April trading around $3,317 a troy ounce, a monthly gain of over 5%. The price has pulled back from recent all-time highs as geopolitical tensions eased slightly as a result of Trump’s tariff relief orders. Brent Crude closed the month trading at around $61 a barrel, a monthly loss of over 18.00%. The oil price fell at month end as demand concerns weighed.

Index Value (30/04/25) Movement since 31/03/25

FTSE 100 8,462.77 -1.40%

FTSE 250 19,830.00 +1.82%

FTSE AIM 689.93 +1.16%

Euro Stoxx 50 5,156.90 -1.74%

NASDAQ Composite 17,446.34 +0.85%

Dow Jones 40,669.36 -3.17%

Nikkei 225 36,045.38 +1.20%

Retail sales see strong quarterly rise

Official retail sales statistics published last month revealed that sales volumes grew at their fastest rate in nearly four years across the first three months of 2025.

According to the latest monthly ONS figures, retail sales volumes rose by 0.4% in March, defying economists’ expectations of a 0.4% decline. ONS said sales at garden centres were boosted by March’s sunny weather, while demand for clothing and DIY goods also proved to be strong. This left sales across the first quarter as a whole up by 1.6%, the largest three-month growth rate since July 2021.

Data from GfK’s most recent consumer confidence survey, however, suggests sales may not grow so quickly over the coming months. In April, the closely watched gauge of British consumer sentiment fell to its lowest level since late 2023, with GfK saying rising household bills and turbulent global financial markets were behind the drop in confidence.

The latest CBI Distributive Trades Survey found that retailers are also relatively pessimistic about the future outlook. Although the survey’s monthly sales gauge for April was actually higher than the comparable figure for March, respondents said they expect the retail environment to worsen this month reflecting concerns about weak consumer sentiment and global economic uncertainty.

Jobs market continues to weaken

The latest set of UK labour market statistics showed that demand for workers continued to wane in the run-up to April’s National Insurance and minimum wage changes, although pay growth once again remained strong.

Figures published last month by ONS revealed another decline in the overall number of job vacancies. In total, there were 26,000 fewer vacancies reported between January and March 2025, leaving the estimated number of jobs on offer at 781,000. This leaves vacancies 15,000 lower than in the same period in 2020, marking the first time since March to May 2021 that the total has fallen below its pre-pandemic level.

Survey evidence also points to a further softening in demand for labour. Data from April’s S&P Global/CIPS PMI, for example, found job cutting remains ‘aggressive’ across the UK private sector as firms grapple with the twin pressures of decreased workloads and rising payroll costs; survey respondents widely noted that squeezed margins had resulted in the non-replacement of voluntary leavers.

The ONS data, however, did show that wage growth remains strong. Indeed, average weekly earnings excluding bonuses rose at an annual rate of 5.9% in the three months to February, up from 5.8% in the previous three-month period.

All details are correct at the time of writing (01 May 2025)

It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this document is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice and the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. It does not provide individual tailored investment advice and is for guidance only. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK. We cannot assume legal liability for any errors or omissions it might contain. Levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation are those currently applying or proposed and are subject to change; their value depends on the individual circumstances of the investor. No part of this document may be reproduced in any manner without prior permission.

This material is intended to be for information purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument. Tees is a trading name of Tees Financial Limited which is regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority—registered number 211314.

Tees Financial Limited is registered in England and Wales—registered number 4342506.