Shoosmiths LLP

The proposed planning reforms in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill are many and varied. However, there are a number of themes that run through the proposals. Ambition The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill aims to reverse geographical disparities between different parts of the United Kingdom by spreading opportunity more equally. Given the scale of this ambition, the Bill is inevitably lengthy - the Explanatory Notes alone run to 247 pages - and includes a disparate set of measures encompassing devolution, regeneration and planning. Whilst the proposed planning reforms in the Bill are many and varied, there are a number of themes that run through the proposals...

The Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) has issued guidance on ads for cryptoassets following an increase in the number of Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) complaints about crypto ads. What are cryptoassets? Cryptoassets are defined by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as: “cryptographically secured digital representations of value or contractual rights that use some type of distributed ledger technology (DLT) and can be transferred, stored or traded electronically.” Below are some high level examples of different products that fall under the term “cryptoassets”: Cryptocurrencies are probably the most well-known form of cryptoasset...

Law firm Shoosmiths has boosted its employment team with the appointment of Robert Forsyth as a partner in London.With more than a decade of experience at DLA Piper, Robert (pictured left) advises clients on both the employment and employment tribunal litigation aspects of major national and international deals and projects.  A Legal 500 listed lawyer, Robert guides clients on all aspects of employment law, both contentious and non-contentious, and has particular experience in the banking, manufacturing, retail, hospitality and leisure sectors...

The State opening of parliament began with the Queen’s Speech and was delivered by Prince of Wales this year. Our experts respond below to the speech at large.Alex Bishop, co-head of the Shoosmiths Birmingham office, said: “We were delighted to see Birmingham and the Commonwealth Games specifically mentioned in the Queen’s Speech, marking this pivotal year for the city. It is imperative we leverage the opportunity the Games will bring to propel the city forwards and to take advantage of the levelling up agenda. Any support Government can give to further this objective is most welcome - giving greater autonomy to the regions has to be a move in the right direction”...