DISPUTE RESOLUTION MATTERS - MAY 2025

Welcome to this month’s newsletter!

Whether you’re a business owner navigating commercial contracts, an entrepreneur tackling disputes, or simply wanting to protect your legal rights, this issue is packed with practical tips and advice.

Here’s what’s brewing this month:

• How CCJs (County Court Judgments) can impact your credit rating and, more importantly, how to avoid them.

• Smart strategies for overcoming unfair prejudice disputes and safeguarding shareholder rights.

• And don’t miss Johanna Smallman ’s fantastic blog on misrepresentation in business contracts. Johanna dives into the tricky world of tech solutions that overpromise and underdeliver.

Our aim? To make sure you’re not just informed but ready to take action and stay ahead in the legal landscape.

Please feel free to share this newsletter with your colleagues and contacts if you think they’d find it helpful!

Understanding Unfair Prejudice Claims in Company Disputes

Ever wondered what rights minority shareholders really have? While the main decisions in a company often lie with directors and majority shareholders, minority shareholders aren’t left completely powerless. It turns out they have a few crucial rights up their sleeve, especially if they feel treated unfairly. Intrigued? You’re going to want to check this out.

My latest article dives into the fascinating world of unfair prejudice claims. It unpacks key terms like "unfair" and "prejudicial," and explains what minority shareholders need to prove to take their case to court. From financial damages to being sidelined in decision-making, I break it all down in a way that’s easy to follow. Plus, I’ve included insider tips for handling such claims, whether you’re the one filing or defending one.

I hope you find this article both insightful and practical, whether you’re a majority shareholder, a director, or someone holding a minority stake. Click here to read the full piece and arm yourself with the knowledge to tackle shareholder disputes effectively!

Understanding CCJs-What You Need to Know

Ever wondered what a CCJ actually is and how it might affect your finances? You’re not alone! These three little letters can seem intimidating, but understanding them could make a big difference to your credit health. I’ve put together a simple guide explaining what a CCJ is, how it impacts your credit score, and what steps you can take to address it. Whether you're looking to pay it off, get it removed, or simply avoid one in the first place, this article has you covered.

Click here to read the full piece— I hope you find the information handy! And remember, knowledge is power when it comes to staying on top of your and your business’ credit rating.

Negotiating Contracts for Your Business: Protecting your Interests and Ensuring Fair Terms

Ever bought a shiny new tech solution that turned out to be more of a headache than a help? You're not alone. Misrepresentation in business contracts, especially when it comes to technology that fails to deliver on its big promises, is a tricky and increasingly common issue. My brilliant colleague, Johanna Smallman, has shared her expertise on this topic in a must-read guest blog.

Johanna dives into the nitty-gritty of what misrepresentation is, the remedies available under the Misrepresentation Act 1967, and how to avoid nasty surprises lurking in the terms and conditions. She also breaks down those confusing “entire agreement” clauses and offers practical tips on negotiating better deals for your business.

If you're a business owner or decision-maker, this article is packed with invaluable advice to help you protect yourself and your company. Click here to read more—I think you'll find Johanna's insights incredibly helpful!

Supporting Trussell: Completing the London Marathon 2025!

On 27 April, I ran the London Marathon to support Trussell . I’m thrilled to share that I completed the run in 3 hours, 25 minutes, and 19 seconds! It wasn’t easy, particularly with the warm weather challenging us runners, but the sense of achievement at the finish line made it all worthwhile.

Even more fulfilling, though, is the over £1,500 I’ve raised for the Trussell Trust. This charity does incredible work to combat hunger and poverty across the UK, and I’m so proud to have contributed to supporting their mission.

A huge thank you to everyone who sponsored me, cheered me on, and kept me motivated throughout the training and on race day itself. Your generosity and encouragement helped power me through the toughest miles.

If you’d like to join in supporting this important cause, there’s still time! You can visit my JustGiving page and make a donation clicking here. Thank you again to everyone who has supported me!

Staying in touch

Dealing with a dispute can be an unwanted distraction, but seeking early professional advice can help limit the impact on your (or your business’s) health and well being, and dramatically reduce your costs in the process.

If you or your business are currently facing a dispute or conflict, or if you require more information on the topics covered in this newsletter, please don't hesitate to call  me (0161 529 1200) or email melissaworth@bexleybeaumont.com.

Legal disclaimer 

The matters contained within this newsletter are intended to be for general information purposes only (fun, hey?). This newsletter does not constitute legal advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the law in England and Wales and should not be treated as such. 

Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct, no warranty, either express or implied, is given as to its accuracy, and no liability is accepted for any errors or omissions. 

Before acting on any of the information contained in this beautifully presented newsletter, expert advice should always be sought. Looking for an expert?  I’m just at the end of the ‘phone.

© Melissa Worth, May 2025