News & knowledge

What’s this about a ban on upwards-only rent reviews?

The ban’s not in force yet, but The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act, (Act) which contains the ban has received Royal Assent and the ban is currently expected to come into effect late 2027 or early 2028. The ban would apply to all business tenancies in England and Wales. The ban would mean that […]

The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 – Implications for your business

Introduction The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (the “DUAA”) received royal assent last year with the aim of improving people’s lives, making processes easier for both users and businesses, and ultimately growing the economy. One of its key aims is to clarify UK data protection legislation to ensure current law is fit for our […]

Deal Round-Up | January–May 2026

Despite the macroeconomic noise, the first few months of 2026 have been busy ones — and a good reminder that Cornish and South West businesses continue to find ways to grow. Corporate | Henry Maples The anticipated capital gains rate changes in April created an inevitable flurry of activity, with a number of capital event […]

We have chosen The Wave Project as our Charity of the Year

The Wave Project is a brilliant organisation with strong local links and an increasingly vital purpose. 1 in 5 children in the UK struggle with their social, emotional or mental health and over 500,000 are on waiting lists for the support they need. The Wave Project helps young people aged 8–18 build confidence and resilience through six-week surf therapy courses led by trained staff and […]

Employment Law Newsletter

Murrells Highly Commended at the Modern Law Awards — Twice

We are pleased to share that Murrells has been recognised at this year’s Modern Law Awards, one of the legal sector’s leading national programmes celebrating excellence across firms of every size. We were shortlisted in three categories — Boutique Firm of the Year, Company Culture, and Operations Team of the Year — and are delighted […]

Human Authorship and AI

Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) is disrupting the creative industries, with authorship and the value of human creativity at the heart of the debate between artists, governments, and tech entrepreneurs. The speed at which AI and its use is progressing in our society is dizzying. Governments and legal systems the world over are scrambling to keep pace, […]

Murrells shortlisted for three Clio Modern Law Awards 2026 — and two of our team nominated for 30 Under 30

We’re pleased to share some good news from Murrells. We’ve been shortlisted for three categories at the Clio Modern Law Awards 2026: For a firm of our size — four partners, 23 people, based in Cornwall — being recognised across all three feels good. Particularly the Culture and Operations shortlistings, which reflect what we think […]

Frequently Asked Questions – Settlement Agreements

What is a settlement agreement? A settlement agreement is a legally binding agreement used to resolve disputes between an employer and an employee. It typically involves the employee agreeing to waive or settle any claims they may have against their employer in exchange for a payment. Why may an employer offer an employee a settlement […]

Employment Law Changes: Your Practical Survival Guide to the New Employment Rights Act  

Sweeping employment law changes are coming this year and next, and if you’re reading the headlines, you’d think the sky is falling. Here’s the truth: businesses that prepare now won’t just survive—they’ll gain a competitive edge.  After months helping clients navigate these changes, we’ve noticed something. The businesses panicking are treating this like a compliance checkbox. The ones thriving? They’re using it as an opportunity to become better employers.  Three changes […]

Biodiversity Net Gain: Part 2 – contracting, risk allocation and long-term obligations

This article is part of our developer‑focused series on Biodiversity Net Gain. We do not advise on the content or approval of biodiversity gain plans. Our focus is the commercial and land implications—how BNG affects acquisition strategy, conditionality, timing and long‑term obligations. You’ve identified the site, agreed heads of terms, and the planning case appears […]

Biodiversity Net Gain: Part 1 – what is it and when does it apply.

You have planning permission — but you still cannot lawfully break ground. For many developers, biodiversity net gain (BNG) is now the reason why. Since February 2024, BNG has been a mandatory planning requirement for most developments in England. Failure to address it properly can delay projects long after permission has been granted. This article […]