Keystone Law

When is a statutory demand appropriate?

A statutory demand can be a powerful commercial tool for creditors seeking prompt payment of an undisputed debt from a limited company. In practice, it is most effective where informal chasing has stalled and the debtor has stopped engaging meaningfully.

BIOT Supreme Court quashes Removal Orders in landmark Chagossian victory

Keystone Law’s partner, barrister, and Attorney General for the Chagos Government, James Tumbridge, has successfully represented British Chagossian citizens before the Supreme Court of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), with Philip Ruke KC.

Keystone Law advises Gedeon Richter on its acquisition of Celmatix Inc’s research portfolio

Keystone Law has advised Gedeon Richter, a European multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company, on its acquisition of the women’s health early-stage research portfolio of Celmatix Inc.

Keystone Law advises System1 founder on sale of 23% shareholding to Brave Bison

Keystone Law has advised John Kearon, founder and largest shareholder of System1 Group plc (AIM), on the sale of his 23% shareholding in the business to Brave Bison Group PLC through a share‑for‑share exchange.

Keystone Law advises on landmark ruling on HMRC abuse of process and fair pleading

Keystone Law’s Tax partner Martin O’Neill has represented Mr Ashley Trees before the Upper Tribunal (Tax and Chancery Chamber) in an important judgment which has set aside a Director’s Liability Notice (“DLN”) issued by HMRC to Mr Trees.

Business rates revaluation: what it means for high street businesses and landlords

A major business rates revaluation took effect on 1 April 2026, increasing costs for many high street premises.

Digital Explainer – What is the future for experts in the age of AI?

AI is all around and it is giving many the confidence to comment on things they only know about because of an AI summary. What does this mean for traditional knowledge-based expertise?

Share-for-share exchanges: what is the new anti-avoidance rule?

Share-for-share exchanges are widely used in corporate transactions, including third-party acquisitions where consideration includes shares in the buyer and internal group restructurings.

Are convertible loan notes a hidden trap in startup funding?

Convertible notes are increasingly popular in early-stage startup funding. They are essentially short-term loans that automatically convert into equity at a later financing round, often at a discount or subject to a valuation cap.

What now for creatives, rightsholders, and AI businesses in the UK?

The UK government has published a coordinated set of responses addressing how to balance copyright protection with AI innovation.

What you need to know about pensions, spousal maintenance, and inheritance

When a marriage ends, dividing finances fairly requires more than just splitting the family home. Some of the most significant – and often most misunderstood – issues involve pensions, spousal maintenance, and inheritance.

What does the ICO’s warning against automated decision-making mean for AI, recruitment & employers?

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) published its views and report on AI & automated decision-making in recruitment. This flows from its AI and biometrics strategy, published in June 2025.

Protecting your home and work devices against cyber attacks

German authorities and the UK’s GCHQ recently warned that Russian state-linked hackers are turning Wi-Fi routers into spying devices by exploiting vulnerabilities in home and office devices.

What are the new sponsor responsibilities for UK employers?

Recent changes to the Immigration Rules have been accompanied by updates to sponsor guidance, significantly raising the bar for compliance. The key change is not just about what sponsors are required to do, but what they must be able to clearly evidence.

The increase of director disqualifications: could you be at risk?

Director disqualification is a legal mechanism intended to prevent individuals who are deemed unfit from managing companies. Under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986, courts can prohibit directors from holding office for a period of two to fifteen years, depending on the severity.

Inheritance Tax changes: what do they mean for businesses?

As of 6 April 2026, the Inheritance Tax (IHT) landscape for business owners and farmers has changed significantly.

What does the decision in Pal v Accenture UK Ltd mean for employers?

The decision of the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) in January 2026 in Pal v Accenture (UK) Ltd has two important lessons: one is for employers managing long-term health conditions in the workplace and the other relates to the fairness of the policy of ‘up or elsewhere’.

A year of transition for the Building Safety Regulator

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) continues to move from establishing the regulatory framework under the Building Safety Act 2022 to actively exercising its supervisory role.

AI and legal privilege – Do you know your risks?

Now thanks to an immigration case from November 2025, we have a UK tribunal telling us that there is also a risk of losing legal professional privilege if you use AI. This is a very serious concern and needs to be understood.

The importance of full financial disclosure when dealing with your financial separation

Giving full and honest disclosure is the foundation of any financial settlement. Without it, there can be no fairness, no certainty, and no lasting closure.

Can an adult who was treated as a ‘child of the family’ bring a claim under the Inheritance

Can an adult who was treated as a ‘child of the family’ bring a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 after an estate is distributed?

What increased powers will the Charity Commission have and what do charities need to do?

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) recently announced that the Charity Commission (Commission) will have increased powers under the government’s social cohesion action plan.

Keeping your Group Life Scheme compliant: why trustees and employers must act now

Changes that are being made to the online platform that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) uses to be kept informed about registered group life assurance schemes should prompt trustees and employers to check and manage their scheme’s registration and administration records

What does the EU’s Industrial Accelerator Act proposal mean for UK businesses?

The recently published Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) proposal forms a central pillar of the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal, the EU’s industrial strategy for decarbonisation and competitiveness.

Illuminate Skin Clinics Limited and Mark Glenn Ltd: when can cosmetic procedures be exempt from VAT?

Following our Keynote on where the law stood regarding the VAT treatment of cosmetic procedures, the Upper Tribunal gave its view in Illuminate Skin Clinics Limited which lays down a multi-factorial analysis to be used to determine whether a procedure is exempt from VAT.

‘Force majeure’: what happens if the performance of your contract has been impacted by matters in th

This really is an area where you have to look at things in the round: the terms of your contract, the facts on the ground, and how you have engaged with both of those things are all relevant factors. Nothing like a clear and simple answer to an often urgent commercial problem.

What can you do if you receive a trade union access request?

Many employers are surprised to receive trade union access requests, particularly where staff relations are good and there has been no previous union presence.

Children’s privacy enforcement intensifies: lessons from ICO’s Reddit and Imgur decisions

Two recent enforcement decisions from the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) concerning failures to protect children’s personal data online send a clear warning signal to online platforms about UK regulators’ priorities when it comes to children and online safety.

Is a prenup invalid if you fail to fully disclose your assets?

Since 2010 the courts of England and Wales have given effect to pre-nuptial agreements (prenups) that are freely entered into by each party with a full appreciation of their implications, unless they have found that in the circumstances it would not be fair to hold the parties to the agreement.

What changes are coming into effect for those who hire temporary workers?

Do you engage workers who are employed and paid by a so-called ‘umbrella company’? Or, perhaps you’re not sure. Either way, you may be affected by new legislation which will apply from 6 April 2026. Non-compliance may have substantial financial implications.