Sarah O'Sullivan, Author at Tees Law

Tees advises on sale of BDM Agencies to Plastic Products Limited

Posted on 14 May 202515 May 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Tees is pleased to have advised Brian and Rachel Muir on the successful sale of BDM Agencies Limited (BDM) to Plastic Products Limited (PPL), a leading distributor and supplier of thermoplastic reels and sheets.

Founded in 2012, BDM supports overseas companies in promoting and selling their products across the UK and Ireland. The business has also played a key role in sourcing materials for the Source and Retail card markets, as well as supplying polycarbonate and acrylic for ID card projects and PPE partitioning.

After more than a decade of building BDM, Brian and Rachel decided it was the right time to realise the value of their hard work. They sold their shares to PPL, a long-standing business partner of BDM. This acquisition strengthens PPL’s service offering to its clients, expanding its reach and capabilities.

Baljeet Kaur (Partner) led the transaction. Charlie Neal (Solicitor) provided guidance on the disclosure process, and Tees’ Employment team advised on employment matters.

Brian Muir, former Director of BDM, commented: “Rachel and I would like to thank Baljeet Kaur and Charlie Neal for their hard work and professionalism. They ensured we achieved all our goals within the timeline we set.”

Baljeet Kaur, Partner in Tees’ Corporate & Commercial team, added: “Congratulations to Brian and Rachel on the sale of BDM. It was a pleasure to guide them through the process, and we wish them all the best for the future.”

Tees launches new agricultural scholarship with Anglia Ruskin University

Posted on 12 May 202513 May 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.

Founder praises Tees following successful Daycare Nursery sale

Posted on 12 May 202513 May 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Tees recently advised the sole shareholder and founder of Little Spring Wonders Daycare Nursery (LSW) on the sale of her shares to R & C Becko Limited.

Located in Great Baddow, LSW was founded in 2011 and has cultivated an environment in which children can learn, develop and play. LSW holds outstanding provider accreditation with Ofsted and the staff have been praised by parents for their “inclusive, robust and effective approach” towards the children’s learning and development.

The sale will allow LSW to go from strength to strength and maintain the high standards that the business has achieved. The Buyers have extensive experience of providing early years education and understand the standards and requirements of LSW.

Corporate Partner Baljeet Kaur drove the transaction forward and ensured that the founder was protected and able to step back from the business that she had nurtured. Speaking about the sale, Baljeet described how “it has been a pleasure to work with the founder and help her to leave her business so that she can enjoy a well-earned retirement.”

Following the sale, the founder, Toni Stanford, expressed her thanks to the Tees team: “I truly cannot thank Baljeet enough for her help, assistance, advice and knowledge to make sure the transaction was completed in the best interests of both parties. I would definitely recommend her to anyone else looking to buy or sell a business.”

National Security and Investment: What is the NSI Act?

Posted on 8 May 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 20257 May 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 202514 May 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.

Hip and knee replacement surgery and medical negligence: What you need to know

Posted on 1 May 202510 May 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Hip and knee replacements are among the most common surgical procedures in the UK. While they are generally successful in improving mobility and reducing pain, complications can occur— particularly in cases where the standard of care falls short and there is medical negligence. In this guide, we explain what joint replacement surgery involves, potential risks, and how patients can take legal action if things go wrong.

What is hip and knee replacement surgery?

Joint replacement surgeries, or arthroplasties, are primarily performed to treat osteoarthritis, gout, and sports injuries. In some cases, rheumatoid arthritis or damage from a fall may also necessitate surgery.

When conservative treatments are no longer effective and joint pain significantly impacts daily life, replacement surgery is often recommended. The aim is to restore pain-free mobility and enhance the patient’s quality of life.

Key statistics:

According to the National Joint Registry (2023):

108,558 primary hip replacement procedures
116,845 primary knee replacement procedures

It is estimated that 1 in 10 people in the UK will need a joint replacement in their lifetime.

Data from NHS England (2023/24) shows:

Hip Replacement: 24.6% of patients reported post-operative issues, 5.7% were readmitted, and 2.3% required further surgery.
Knee Replacement: 27.6% experienced complications, 7% were readmitted, and 3.1% required further surgery.

Note: These statistics may change over time. For the latest data, refer to the National Joint Registry, the Royal College of Surgeons, or the NHS.

Types of joint replacement surgeries

Knee Replacement:

Total Knee Replacement (TKR): Both ends of the joint (thigh bone and shin bone) are replaced.
Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): Only the damaged part of the knee is replaced.

Hip Replacement:

Total Hip Replacement (THR): Both the ball (top of the thigh bone) and socket (part of the pelvis) are replaced.
Partial Hip Replacement: Only the ball is replaced.

Common risks and complications

While joint replacement surgeries are common and generally safe, complications can still occur. Medical negligence claims relating to hip and knee replacement surgeries usually arise because of:

Blood clots & deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Blood clots can form and travel to the lungs, causing life-threatening blockages.
Failure to prevent or diagnose DVT due to inadequate medication or advice can lead to claims.

Tissue and nerve damage

Poor surgical technique may damage surrounding tissues and nerves.

Prosthesis misalignment

Improperly aligned implants can lead to dislocations and uneven leg lengths, affecting mobility.

Prosthesis failure

Incorrectly fitted or defective implants may fail prematurely.

Infections

Infections at the wound site or around the prosthesis can occur, sometimes due to substandard post-operative care.

Lack of informed consent

Patients must be fully informed of potential risks before consenting to surgery.

Proving medical negligence in joint replacement surgery

Healthcare professionals owe patients a legal duty of care. To make a successful medical negligence claim, you must demonstrate that:

Breach of duty: The medical professional provided substandard care.
Causation: You suffered harm as a direct result.
Financial loss: You incurred financial losses (e.g., lost income, care costs, ongoing treatment).

How Tees can help

Seeking support for a medical negligence claim is a significant and often challenging step. This is why we are here to listen to you, talk through what happened, and help and guide you every step of the way.

Tees offer a complete funding package, including a ‘no win, no fee’ agreement, for the investigation of medical negligence claims – this means that you can run the case safely in the knowledge that if you lose the case, it should not cost you a penny.

Read our comprehensive No Win, No Fee Claims guide for more details.

Eight signs someone is being gaslighted and the UK law explained

Posted on 30 April 202530 April 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Domestic abuse encompasses various forms of harm, both visible and invisible. Let’s look into a form of invisible abuse known as “gaslighting” explore strategies to recognise this and explain how our family law solicitors can support victims.

What is gaslighting?

‘Gaslighting’ is a form of psychological abuse where false information is presented to the victim to encourage them to question their own reality, memory and perception.

The term originates from the film ‘Gas Light’ in 1944. The film follows a husband who slowly manipulates his wife into believing she is losing her mind in order to control her and gain access to her inheritance. The husband subtly dims the gas lights in their home and then denies any change when his wife notices it. He manages to convince her she is imagining things, and eventually she starts to question her own perceptions and sanity.

The aim of the perpetrator is to exert control and power over the victim. Gaslighting is often used by abusers to:
o Undermine the victim’s confidence
o Make them doubt their own memory or judgment
o Isolate them from friends and family
o Gain emotional or psychological control over them

The psychological and emotional impact of gaslighting is significant. The manipulative pattern of behaviour is often subtle and used over time to cause confusion and powerlessness to the victim so that the abuser’s control and power over them increases and they become more dependent on the abuser.

How does gaslighting work?

Identifying signs of gaslighting in a relationship can be challenging as they are often not immediately obvious given it tends to involve a pattern of behaviours. Gaslighting typically involves a series of tactics including the following:

1. Denial and Distortion – “That never happened” “You’re imagining things”
An abuser may deny things they said or did, even if the victim has proof of it. They may make victims question whether they have “misunderstood” something that is obvious, or twist and manipulate events to make themselves the victim.

2. Blame shifting – “This is your fault, not mine”
An abuser may try to shift the blame onto the victim even when they are clearly wrong. They may make the victim feel guilty for addressing their behaviour or tell the victim they are ‘overreacting’ to try to diminish the victim’s justified feelings.

3. Memory manipulation – “You’re remembering it wrong”
An abuser may try to rewrite events to suit their narrative and tell the victim their memory is incorrect, and that the victim’s version of events is irrational or impossible.

4. Projection and deflection – “You’re the one gaslighting”
An abuser may try to deflect their behaviour and accuse the victim of doing what the victim has said they are doing, to shift the focus away from their own actions.

5. Minimising feelings – “You’re being dramatic”
An abuser may try to downplay victim’s emotions and feelings and try to argue the victim is exaggerating or make them feel ashamed for expressing their feelings.

6. Triangulation – “Even your friends think you are being irrational”
An abuser may try to involve friends and family to back up their version of events, with the aim to isolate the victim into feeling like everyone is against them.

7. Nonengagement – “I don’t want to talk about this again”
An abuser may refuse to engage in conversations about their behaviour and may try to undermine the victim’s feelings by acting bored or annoyed when victim tries to express their feelings. This is also known as ‘stonewalling’.

8. Disingenuous concern or support – “I am only saying this because I care about you”
An abuser may try to fake kindness to manipulate behaviour and exert control over the victim, making it seem like their control is for the victim’s “own good”.

Is gaslighting a form of abuse?

Yes, gaslighting has been recognised as a form of domestic abuse for years. However, in 2015 under section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 created the specific offence of “controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship”. Therefore, if used repeatedly and it has a serious effect on the victim, gaslighting can be a criminal offence. In January 2022, the term ‘gaslighting’ was acknowledged for the first time in the High Court. This judgment was welcomed by family law practitioners as whilst coercive control has been a criminal offence since 2015, by actually referring to ‘gaslighting’ in its own right, the family court acknowledged the severity and legitimacy of this form of domestic abuse, and it is now a term commonly adopted in the family courts.

Often victims of domestic abuse worry they may not be believed if there is no physical evidence and so they are reluctant to come forward. However, the family courts are increasingly recognising non-physical forms of domestic abuse, and this has led to an increased awareness and understanding of non-physical forms and better support and legal protections for victims of such abuse.

How can we help?

At Tees, our family law specialists have a great deal of experience securing protection for victims of domestic abuse. We help our clients apply to the family court for court orders to protect them and we support them through this process. We work alongside domestic abuse organisations, charities, and counsellors to ensure our clients gain the protection and support they need.

If you or anyone you know requires advice or would like to discuss matters, please do get in touch. If you are in immediate danger from domestic abuse, please dial 999.

For further information about domestic abuse and how we can help, please visit our article: Domestic abuse

Delayed bowel cancer diagnosis: Tessa’s ongoing fight for answers and justice

Posted on 15 April 202524 April 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Tessa* reached out to Natalie Pibworth at Tees when she thought she might have been the victim of medical negligence.

She had suffered from symptoms of worsening abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea and bloating for a period of over 1 ½ years before finally being diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer.

Tessa wanted to know whether the cancer should have been diagnosed sooner and, if so, when. She also wanted to know whether spread of the cancer beyond her bowel could have been avoided by appropriate treatment and earlier intervention.

Tessa’ story

Tessa is married and was in her thirties when her symptoms began. Prior to the symptoms of bowel cancer, Tessa was fit and well.

In the 1 ½ years preceding Tessa’ diagnosis, she was incorrectly diagnosed and treated for multiple abdominal conditions and had multiple scans and other investigations at Hospital.

Tessa also had multiple hospital admissions due to her worsening symptoms.

Tessa was eventually taken into emergency surgery after being admitted to the Hospital with severe agonising abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and distress.

A few weeks later, she was given the heart-breaking news that she had stage 4 bowel cancer.

Tessa subsequently underwent chemotherapy but the cancer sadly recurred, resulting in the need for further major surgery which has left her infertile, immunotherapy and further major surgery to as the cancer had spread to the liver.

Tessa suffers with ongoing debilitating symptoms from the cancer and the treatment she has had to undergo, some of which will unfortunately be permanent and which impact on her quality of life.

How our medical negligence specialists helped

Natalie Pibworth spoke with Tessa, listened to her story and asked questions to understand what Tessa wanted to achieve.

Having understood that Tessa wanted to find out whether the delay in diagnosis made any difference to the treatment she has needed, her current condition and her prognosis, Natalie obtained reports from independent radiology, colorectal surgery, oncology and psychiatric experts.

The experts’ conclusions were that Tessa should have been diagnosed over a year and a half earlier than she was, that the cancer would have been at an early stage and that Tessa would have been able to have surgery before the cancer had spread. Tessa would not have needed chemotherapy or further surgeries and would have had an otherwise normal life expectancy with a normal quality of life.

Achieving justice

Natalie’s work on the claim to secure the justice and compensation that Tessa deserves is continuing.

Natalie has already been able to secure some answers and explanations for Tessa, and the Defendant Hospital has admitted some errors. Natalie is supporting Tessa through the claims process.

*Tessa has been anonymised to protect her identity

Delayed bowel cancer diagnosis: How Tees secured justice after hospital failures

Posted on 15 April 202524 April 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Christine’s* partner reached out to Natalie Pibworth at Tees after she was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer.

Christine had suffered delay in diagnosis and treatment of her bowel cancer after her local Hospital failed to appropriately deal with an urgent referral by her GP. By the time she was diagnosed, Christine had Stage 4 bowel cancer that had spread (‘metastasised’) to her lung.

Christine wanted to know if the delay had made a difference to her prognosis, wanted compensation for the delay in diagnosis and treatment, and wanted to try and reach a conclusion to her claim as quickly as possible, given that her cancer was found to be incurable.

Natalie worked with Christine to settle the case within 12 months.

Christine’s story

Christine was in her 20s, lived with her partner and had two young children when the symptoms began.

Christine underwent chemotherapy and major surgery following her diagnosis but was sadly thereafter advised that further surgery to remove the lung metastases was not an option and that chemotherapy was the only option to try to prolong her life. Her cancer was terminal.

Failures in Christine’s diagnosis and treatment

Christine had consulted her GP with symptoms including altered bowel function and blood in her stools. The GP arranged initial investigations and then made an urgent referral to the local Hospital.

However, despite the urgent referral, the Hospital did not arrange a colonoscopy and gastroscopy until almost 6 months later. During this time, Christine suffered from enduring stomach pains and unexplained bowel symptoms. She was concerned throughout this period of delay, as she knew that the referral had been urgent and worried that there was something wrong with her. The worry and physical symptoms caused Christine to suffer from a persistent low mood for which she was prescribed antidepressants.

After Christine’s colonoscopy, she was advised that there was a possibility of cancer. A month later she was seen with her partner and the diagnosis was confirmed. Following further investigations, it was confirmed that Christine’s cancer was Stage 4 and had unfortunately spread to her lung. Treatment did not start until 3 months after the diagnosis.

Unfortunately, Christine did not tolerate chemotherapy well and was admitted to hospital many times during her treatment. She suffered from chemotherapy induced diarrhoea and abdominal pain. When she switched treatment, Christine spent 2 days in hospital because of the abdominal pain and had to have a blood transfusion. She also underwent surgery to remove her rectum and put in a stoma.

Christine received an apology from a consultant gastroenterologist at the Hospital for the delays from receiving the GP referral to her first telephone appointment and to her cancer diagnosis. The consultant admitted that this was far too long. As a result of this incident, changes were made to the service and the level of impact of the incident was graded as ‘major – up to 6 month delay in diagnosis of colorectal cancer’.

How our medical negligence specialists helped

Natalie spoke to Christine and her partner, listened to their story and asked questions to understand what Christine wanted to achieve. Having understood that one of the things that Christine wanted was to understand whether the delay in diagnosis made any difference, Natalie obtained an opinion from a colorectal expert. Natalie was able to provide Christine with some clarity in this regard as the expert concluded that the delay in diagnosis did not make a difference to Christine’s condition.

Based on a detailed review of the medical records and evidence provided by independent medical experts, Natalie was able to identify various failures that amounted to breaches in the Hospital’s duty of care to Christine, both in arranging the investigations which led to the diagnosis of cancer and thereafter beginning treatment. Natalie wrote to the Defendant Hospital and the alleged failures were put to them in a Letter of Claim.

Natalie emphasised the consequences Christine suffered as a result of the delay. She described Christine’s low mood from being left in the dark during those months, worsened by the stomach pain and altered bowel symptoms she was still dealing with.

The Defendant Hospital initially denied liability, but Natalie persevered and thereafter secured some admissions for Christine, most notably that she should have been diagnosed 2-3 months after her first GP appointment and that she should have commenced treatment less than 2 months after that.

Achieving justice

Christine achieved justice in her case through these admissions, financial compensation and a speedy conclusion to her case given her shortened life expectancy. Natalie also achieved answers and explanations for Christine which had not previously been provided to her by the Defendant Hospital. Christine can use the additional financial support to improve her quality of life.

*Christine has been anonymised to protect her identity

Tees advises Price Bailey on acquisition of Oliver Clive & Co

Posted on 14 April 202524 April 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Tees is pleased to have advised Price Bailey LLP (Price Bailey) on its acquisition of Oliver Clive & Co Limited (Oliver Clive & Co).

Established in 1938, Price Bailey is an award-winning accountancy and business advisory firm, providing expert financial, tax, and strategic support to individuals and companies across a range of industries. Tees has a longstanding professional relationship with Price Bailey and its management team.

Founded by Steven Davidson and operating from its London office, Oliver Clive & Co demonstrates expertise across various industry sectors and boasts a distinctive client network. Steven Davidson will join the Price Bailey partnership as part of the transaction.

Martin Clapson, Managing Partner at Price Bailey, commented:

“I am thrilled to welcome Oliver Clive & Co to the Price Bailey team. As we continue to expand and strengthen our presence and expertise, the valuable experience and client relationships, cultivated by Oliver Clive & Co, will be invaluable. Together, I have no doubt, we share a bright future.”

Lucy Folley (Partner), with assistance from Charlie Neal (Solicitor), negotiated the terms of the purchase agreement and guided Price Bailey’s management team through the legal aspects of the transaction. Anjalie Bala (Associate) advised Price Bailey on the commercial property aspects.

Lucy Folley, Partner and Head of Corporate & Commercial at Tees, said:

“Having worked with the team at Price Bailey for many years, we are delighted to have been able to support them with this strategic acquisition. Partnering with Oliver Clive & Co represents a further step forward in Price Bailey’s growth plans following its acquisition of Peterborough-based Stephenson Smart in late-2023 and undoubtedly strengthens Price Bailey’s service offerings to its clients. We wish the Price Bailey team the very best in this next chapter.”

Lets talk directors duties: What SME directors should not ignore

Posted on 14 April 202524 April 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Becoming an SME (Small and Medium-sized Enterprise) in today’s world can be incredibly exciting! The idea of starting a business and watching it blossom into something successful, knowing you’ve curated the business you want is fulfilling. But with success comes great responsibility.

Why Directors duties matter

One of the most important yet often overlooked responsibilities when operating as a UK limited company, is understanding directors’ duties. While the term might sound like a corporate “buzzword”, it is far from it. Running a small or medium-sized enterprise at times can be overwhelming particularly having to wear so many different hats -which is generally the life of an SME business owner, and so understanding your directors’ duties is crucial to running a healthy and sustainable business.

Whether you’re an individual business owner or a team of directors, once you step into the role of directorship you owe legal and fiduciary duties to your company which are set out in law under the Companies Act 2006.

The 7 general (formally referred to as statutory duties) duties of a director

Duty to act within powers: a director must act in accordance with its company’s constitution and governance documents and only exercise powers for the purposes for which they are conferred.
Duty to promote the success of the company: a director must act in a way they consider, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the company for the benefit of its members as a whole, but they are also obliged to pay attention to the interests of the company’s employees, the need to foster business relations, the long-term consequences of the company’s actions, the impact on the community and the environment, the desirability for maintaining a reputation for high standards and in certain circumstances the interests of its creditors.
Duty to exercise independent judgment: a director must make decisions independently, without subordinating their powers or being influenced by others.
Duty to exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence: a director must perform their role to the standard of a reasonably diligent person with the same level of skill and knowledge of that expected from the role.
Duty to avoid conflicts of interest: a director must not place themselves in a position where there is a conflict between the duties they owe to the company, and either their personal interest or third-party interests (unless the company consents).
Duty to declare interest in a proposed transaction: a director must declare to the board if they have any personal interest in a company transaction.
Duty not to accept benefits from third parties: a director must not accept gifts or personal benefits that could compromise their impartiality.

In addition to the above:

The duty to promote the success of the company is subject to any enactment or rule of law which requires directors to consider or act in the interests of its creditors (“creditor duty”) which is important to consider in the context of insolvency. If a company becomes insolvent a director has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of its creditors.
Directors have other administrative statutory duties to the company such as the obligation to keep the statutory books updated and to file accounts and annual returns. A company’s constitutional document can go further to extend certain obligations and also modify certain rules, therefore it is important that a director understands these and how they influence their duties.

What is the impact of not complying?

Legal: directors can be held personally liable and despite being a small company and even under resourced this is no exception. Unlike larger corporates, SMEs most likely do not have dedicated departments such as HR, legal, or compliance to prevent poor decision-making, making it even more critical for the business owner to be mindful of their legal responsibilities.
Growth: director’s fiduciary duties to the company are fundamental to ensuring that the company operates properly. Investors and banks will want assurance that their investments are being managed with good governance that contribute to long-term success.
Reputation: upholding directors duties sets a standard to its employees, clients and stakeholders which demonstrates that the business is reliable, trustworthy and a company that carries out its business with ethical decision-making.

Consequences for breaching?

Personal liability: a director could be held personally liable for any losses suffered by the company.
Disqualification: a breach could result in a director being disqualified from acting.
Criminal charges: a breach involving fraud, dishonesty, or trading while insolvent could lead to a director facing criminal prosecution.
Reputational damage: a breach could damage a director’s professional reputation and the company reputation that they have spent time to build.

Can you be protected against liability?

Generally, there is no exemption for a director from liability for negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the company, neither can a director be indemnified for such claims. Insurance on the other hand is permitted to be taken out to help cover legal costs and potential damages arising from certain claims related to their role.

What can you do now?

It is important for directors to have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities as this is fundamental to the operation and longevity of a company. Typically, directors of SME’s are often the key decision makers and do not have the large corporate structure to mitigate poor decision-making, therefore making it essential that directors have a thorough understanding of their duties.

A good starting point is understanding the company’s constitutional documents, including the articles of association, and being fully aware of both legal and financial obligations. Additionally, maintaining detailed records of decision-making including board meetings and resolutions, helps demonstrate governance practices and provides accountability. Directors must also ensure that personal and company interests remain separate, maintaining transparency at all times. In areas of uncertainty we would always recommend seeking legal advice.

A Commitment to Agricultural Excellence

Which entities and assets are covered by NSI Act?

Which areas are covered under NSI Act?

What types of acquisitions are covered under NSI Act?

Does the NSI Act apply to overseas acquisitions?

How long does the Governmental approval take?

How can we help?

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.

The importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment

Why are fractures sometimes missed?

What happens if a fracture is left untreated?

Can I claim compensation for a missed or untreated fracture?

How much compensation could I claim?

How does the medical negligence claims process work?

We’re here to help

Key takeaways

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.

Inflation rate eases before expected jump

Markets

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

Retail sales see strong quarterly rise

Jobs market continues to weaken

What is hip and knee replacement surgery?

Types of joint replacement surgeries

Common risks and complications

Proving medical negligence in joint replacement surgery

How Tees can help

Domestic abuse encompasses various forms of harm, both visible and invisible. Let’s look into a form of invisible abuse known as “gaslighting” explore strategies to recognise this and explain how our family law solicitors can support victims.

What is gaslighting?

How does gaslighting work?

Is gaslighting a form of abuse?

How can we help?

Tessa* reached out to Natalie Pibworth at Tees when she thought she might have been the victim of medical negligence.

Tessa’ story

How our medical negligence specialists helped

Achieving justice

Christine’s* partner reached out to Natalie Pibworth at Tees after she was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer.

Christine’s story

Failures in Christine’s diagnosis and treatment

How our medical negligence specialists helped

Achieving justice

Tees is pleased to have advised Price Bailey LLP (Price Bailey) on its acquisition of Oliver Clive & Co Limited (Oliver Clive & Co).

Becoming an SME (Small and Medium-sized Enterprise) in today’s world can be incredibly exciting! The idea of starting a business and watching it blossom into something successful, knowing you’ve curated the business you want is fulfilling. But with success comes great responsibility.

Why Directors duties matter

The 7 general (formally referred to as statutory duties) duties of a director

What is the impact of not complying?

Consequences for breaching?

Can you be protected against liability?

What can you do now?