News Items

Pengillys have opened a second office in Poundbury by julian — last modified 2008-03-12 12:03

Having had a flourishing practice in Weymouth for over a century, Pengillys have opened an office in Poundbury.

Independant Estate Agents Attend HIPs Seminar by julian — last modified 2008-03-12 12:04

Seventeen independent estate agents attended a seminar on 28th June 2006, outling the legal and practical implications of the forthcoming introduction of Home Information Packs, HIPs.

HIPs - Home Information Packs by Dan Hodges — last modified 2010-05-21 16:54

Following the Government's decision to introduce Home Information Packs for all properties, it is now necessary for all sellers of residential properties to have a Home Information Pack available containing information relating to their property (including an energy performance certificate) before the property can be placed on the market for sale.

Challacombe House Map by Dan Hodges — last modified 2006-08-14 12:05

Alternative route if Bridport road is closed.

Autumn 2006 by Dan Hodges — last modified 2006-10-04 15:16

 

Expert Family Law Clinics by Dan Hodges — last modified 2009-10-09 16:15

Pengillys Solicitors and Mediators are running free family law clinics throughout December and January.

Back To The Fold by Dan Hodges — last modified 2008-03-12 12:03

Having worked for Pengillys Solicitors for 11 years, leaving in 1987 and moving to work in Dorchester and Weymouth, Lindsey Arnold has returned to their Family Team of solicitors and mediators.

New Private Client Solicitor at Poundbury by Dan Hodges — last modified 2012-01-12 15:40

Lawyer Samantha Melville has joined Pengillys in the Poundbury office.

All Change For Landlord As New Legislation Comes Into Force Concerning Tenants Deposits by Dan Hodges — last modified 2007-03-13 16:23

New legislation comes into force which affects all shorthold tenancies (AST - the most common form of new tenancy) created after 6th April 2007 in England and Wales. It is intended to protect a tenant paying a deposit so that they get all or part of it back at the end of the tenancy.

HIPs Brochure by Dan Hodges — last modified 2007-05-11 14:04

 

CAPITAL GAINS TAX CHANGES - Are you a winner or a loser? by Dan Hodges — last modified 2007-10-24 14:51

 

Pengillys welcome new Employment Law specialist by Dan Hodges — last modified 2009-10-09 16:19

Pengillys Solicitors and Mediators or Dorchester and Weymouth are delighted to welcome Graham Whitehouse to head up their Employment Law Team.

Karen Brown HIPs by Dan Hodges — last modified 2008-03-18 13:22

 

Pengillys carry out 100th HIP by Dan Hodges — last modified 2008-04-15 16:47

 

Energy Performance Certificates to be extended to all Commercial Properties by Dan Hodges — last modified 2008-04-28 11:14

As from 1st October 2008 all commercial buildings will require an Energy Performance Certificate on either a sale or letting.

Autumn 2008 by Dan Hodges — last modified 2008-09-08 14:58

 

Commercial Landlords remedies for non-payment of rent by Dan Hodges — last modified 2008-09-22 10:38

In the current economic climate with the credit crunch there is an expectation that there will be an increasing number of Tenants becoming insolvent in the near future. Many Tenants will fall behind with their rent. What can a commercial Landlord do in that event?

Are you a residential landlord? Here's a timely reminder... by Dan Hodges — last modified 2008-09-25 11:38

If you are Landlord and rent out domestic property e.g. houses or flats, you need to be aware of new legislation in respect of Energy Performance Certificates. From 1st October 2008 all homes being let are required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

Business Breakfast Seminar by Dan Hodges — last modified 2008-10-02 14:27

 

Online Wills - the public beware by Dan Hodges — last modified 2008-10-08 10:19

 

Home Information Packs - Buyers Beware by Dan Hodges — last modified 2008-10-13 10:59

A recent Trading Standards investigation into Home Information Packs produced by Estate Agents has found that they contain serious errors, including absent information and inaccurate dates for planning proposals.

Pengillys Welcomes New Trainee by Dan Hodges — last modified 2008-10-17 11:33

Pengillys is pleased to welcome Jenny Lee to the firm as a trainee solicitor. Jenny will be training with Pengillys for the next two years at which stage, subject to satisfactory completion of her contract, will be admitted as a solicitor.

Commercial Leases by Dan Hodges — last modified 2008-12-18 11:04

What to do if the Credit Crunch has affected you

Land Banking Schemes - a Word of Warning by Dan Hodges — last modified 2009-01-22 14:52

 

Changes to Home Information Packs by Dan Hodges — last modified 2009-03-18 14:13

The progressive introduction of Home Information Pack requirements will be nearly complete in early April when further changes to the current system are introduced.

Commercial Properties - difficulties paying rent by Dan Hodges — last modified 2009-03-26 16:31

With the March quarter day for rent payments upon us and tenant insolvencies going through the roof, timely advice on what to do if you are a tenant struggling to meet a rent payment or a landlord concerned about a build up of arrears will pay dividends in the longer term.

HIP - 21 Bath Street by Dan Hodges — last modified 2009-04-23 16:18

 

ZIP FILE - 21 Bath Street by Dan Hodges — last modified 2009-04-27 11:54

 

Changing Contracts by Dan Hodges — last modified 2009-08-28 16:21

It is a long held principle that the terms of a contract cannot be changed unless all of the parties to that contract, are in agreement. However, where contracts of employment are concerned, this principle may not hold true. Any employer wishing to change the terms of the contracts it has with its employees, may also be able to do so with or without the agreement of the individual employee.

Identity Fraud by Dan Hodges — last modified 2009-09-07 16:15

Identity fraud is one of the fastest growing crimes in the UK with some reports suggesting it is increasing at a rate of over 500% per year. With rates of growth at this level it will not be long before identity fraud becomes the number one career choice for criminals in the UK. In this article Graham Whitehouse, Employment Solicitor at Pengillys LLP Solicitors of Weymouth and Dorchester looks at some of the most frequently asked questions about identity fraud.

Trade Secrets by Dan Hodges — last modified 2009-09-08 13:48

In these uncertain times safeguarding confidential or sensitive information is a major concern for most businesses. Key employees often have unique access to their employer's most sensitive information, and when those employees are made redundant or decide to look elsewhere for employment, there is always the fear that they will leave taking their employer's confidential information with them. In this article Graham Whitehouse, Employment Law Specialist at Pengillys LLP Solicitors of Weymouth and Dorchester answers some of the most frequently asked questions concerning the protection of confidential and sensitive information.

Matthew D Rimmer by Dan Hodges — last modified 2009-10-14 15:40

 

Matthew Rimmer, Assistant Solicitor by Dan Hodges — last modified 2012-01-12 15:44

 

Double Celebrations at Pengillys by Dan Hodges — last modified 2009-10-14 15:50

Office Manager, Geoff Hodges, 56, from Weymouth has recently celebrated an impressive 40 years continuous employment at Pengillys Solicitors, Weymouth and Dorchester.

Will Aid by Dan Hodges — last modified 2009-12-01 10:58

Pengillys are pleased to be involved in Will Aid, a scheme designed to raise vital funds for nine highly respected charities; Action Aid, British red Cross, Christian Aid, Help the Aged, NSPCC, Save the Children UK, Sightsavers International, SCIAF and Trocaire.

Tracey Parsons, Assistant Solicitor by Dan Hodges — last modified 2010-07-21 11:37

 

Family Lawyer Comes to Dorchester by Dan Hodges — last modified 2010-01-11 14:25

 

Latest Developments in Consumer Protection - direct from Brussels by Dan Hodges — last modified 2010-02-04 11:47

Following the European Unfair Commercial Practices Directive the goverment brought the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (CPR's) into force in May 2008. This new legislation aims to "harmonise" European Trade and assist with developing common consumer protection across the EU.

Stamp Duty Land Tax and The Budget 2010 by Dan Hodges — last modified 2010-03-25 11:29

Mr Darling today announced alterations to the Stamp Duty thresholds that will benefit the first time buyer and at the same time increase the amount payable by the wealthy when they buy luxury homes.

Freedom Of Choice - Choose A Solicitor That You Want by Dan Hodges — last modified 2010-05-06 16:10

 

Capital Gains Tax by Dan Hodges — last modified 2010-05-14 09:58

The new Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition government has announced plans to increase the rate of Capital Gains Tax from the current flat rate of 18% to a rate equal to the income tax rate payable by a person making the disposal.

New Claims Process for Personal Injury Cases by Dan Hodges — last modified 2010-06-02 15:20

A new claims process has now been introduced for personal injury claims with a value between £1,000 and £10,000. The intention is to streamline the process by using standardised information online with insurers.

Co-Owners - A Timely Reminder by Dan Hodges — last modified 2010-08-06 15:24

Although it has been law for some years that in the absence of an express agreement between co-owners the parties are entitled to joint and equal shares in a property unless a clear contrary intention could be shown, the Court of Appeal has recently reinforced the importance for cohabitants to enter into an express agreement as to their beneficial shares in a property rather than leaving it for a Court to decide.

High Court hands Landlords concession on Council Tax by Dan Hodges — last modified 2010-10-08 11:41

With Local Autorities in the grip of ever tightening budgets, Council's have been pursuing Landlords for the recovery of Council Tax which should have been paid by their tenants.

All Change For Private Sewers - Water Bills Set To Rise by Dan Hodges — last modified 2010-12-21 14:42

As from 1st October 2011, the Government has proposed that all existing private sewers will become the resposibility of the water company in whose area they are situated.

Stephen Jones by Dan Hodges — last modified 2011-03-07 15:00

 

Family Procedure Rules 2010 by Dan Hodges — last modified 2011-04-06 15:19

A major shake-up of all Family Court procedures has been introduced on the 6th April 2011. A key emphasis is a pre-application protocol with an expectation that parties will attempt a resolution of their dispute using Mediation.

Robert Swinburne, Assistant Solicitor by Dan Hodges — last modified 2011-10-03 11:38

 

New Senior Principal by Dan Hodges — last modified 2011-05-25 09:44

Following Chris Lousley's retirement, Pengillys announce that their new Senior Principal is Tim Guppy.

New Principal by Dan Hodges — last modified 2011-04-14 09:31

Pengillys LLP is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Principal, Katherine Ashley.

Pengillys Law Prize by Dan Hodges — last modified 2011-07-28 15:22

Thomas Hardye School, Dorchester

New Associate by Dan Hodges — last modified 2011-07-19 14:54

Pengillys LLP are pleased to confirm the announcement that Rachel Turner was appointed to the position of Associate in April 2011.

Matt Rimmer by Dan Hodges — last modified 2011-07-21 09:26

 

New Trainee by Dan Hodges — last modified 2011-09-15 16:16

 

Sherry Foot, Trainee Solicitor by Dan Hodges — last modified 2011-09-16 10:54

 

Will Aid 2011 by Dan Hodges — last modified 2011-09-26 16:25

 

Congratulations by Dan Hodges — last modified 2011-10-07 14:36

 

Asbestos: £1 Million Fine for Marks & Spencer by Dan Hodges — last modified 2011-10-11 10:15

Apart from the serious embarrassment and the financial penalty for Marks & Spencer on recently being convicted on Health & Safety offences relating to asbestos removal in the refurbishment of its Bournemouth store, the size of the fine and the fact that the Health & Safety Executive were prepared to prosecute is a salutary reminder for all those where the control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 apply that they should ensure their procedures are both up-to-date and effective

Employee Risks - Electronic Age by Dan Hodges — last modified 2011-11-14 14:54

 

Recovering a Trade Debt by Dan Hodges — last modified 2011-11-14 14:55

 

Residential Service Charges by Dan Hodges — last modified 2011-11-14 14:56

 

Flat Owners Beware! by Dan Hodges — last modified 2011-11-14 15:08

Maintenance charges can sometimes be a contentious issue for flat owners, particularly where the Landlord or Managing Agents are remote from the property and the level of service they provide is lacking in comparison with the cost charged.

The Smart Guide to Recovering a Trade Debt by Dan Hodges — last modified 2011-11-14 15:15

The downturn in the economy has led to many businesses potentially suffering a double-whammy: more customers failing to pay their invoices on time or at all at a time when cashflow for a business relying upon settlement of those invoices is becoming even tighter.

Employee Risks in an Electronic Age by Dan Hodges — last modified 2011-11-16 15:19

The seemingly unstoppable rise in social networking sites has left many more employees exposed to potential disciplinary investigation than was the case before the advent of the electronic age. It is all too easy to click the send button without fully reflecting on the implications of what is being sent and the repercussions can be extremely serious for employees if they make comments about their employer that are not justified. There is also the danger that such comments are sent to an unintended recipient with even more scope for disciplinary proceedings to follow.

Accident Claims by Dan Hodges — last modified 2011-11-16 15:18

Have you had an accident in the past three years or have you settled a claim in the past six years and perhaps think it was settled at an under-value?