Our News
Please take a look at our latest press releases below to learn more about the Firm and current legal issues in the news. To browse our full archive of stories please go to Our News.
July - 2010
Jennings Expansion - 29/07/2010
West Midlands’ law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has advised on the expansion of one of the longest established funeral directors in Wolverhampton Read more...
New government policy will increase housing shortage - 22/07/2010
New housing planning policies introduced by the new government will detract from efforts to rectify the shortage of new homes in the West Midlands Read more...
FBC Manby Bowdler Wins £75,000 Compensation For Clubbers Injured at Wolverhampton City Council Events - 16/07/2010
West Midlands’ law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has helped six clubbers win compensation after slipping and injuring themselves during an evening out at nightclub events organised by Wolverhampton City Council. Read more...
New Legal Protocol Cuts Number of New Home Possessions - 13/07/2010
A new legal protocol designed to encourage more communication between mortgage lenders and borrowers falling behind with their repayments has succeeded Read more...
Health check your social media policies - 12/07/2010
As social networking, via online tools such as MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter has exploded in popularity over the last few years, many employers have had to deal with inappropriate conduct by their employees on the web. Read more...
National minimum wage rates confirmed - 12/07/2010
From October 1st 2010, the NMW rates are set to increase as follows: Read more...
Making reasonable adjustments in the workplace - 12/07/2010
In the recent case of Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police v Jelic the Employment Appeal Tribunal has agreed with the decision of an employment tribunal Read more...
Tribunals and "illegible" claim forms - 12/07/2010
In the recent case of May v Greenwich Council, Mr May presented his claim form at the Tribunal on the last available date of the 3 month period, Read more...
FBC Manby Bowdler Helps Deliver a Slice of the Action for Newest Pizza Hut Franchise - 05/07/2010
West Midlands law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has advised on the opening of the latest Pizza Hut Delivery franchise in Wolverhampton, which has created 25 new jobs. Read more...
June - 2010
FBC Manby Bowdler strengthens Shrewsbury litigation team - 21/06/2010
Shrewsbury law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has strengthened its Litigation team with the appointment of a local solicitor. Read more...
FBC Manby Bowdler supports charity hike for Macmillan - 21/06/2010
West Midlands law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has chosen MacMilllan Cancer Support as one of its two corporate charities for the next 12 months Read more...
Long wait for Co-habitation legislation will lead to further court disputes for unmarried couples - 14/06/2010
With little sign that giving further legal rights to unmarried couples is a priority for the new Government, there is likely to be an increase in former co-habitees facing expensive legal disputes Read more...
FBC Manby Bowdler advises on major expansion at Walsall manufacturer - 14/06/2010
West Midlands’ law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has advised on a major expansion at a Walsall window and door hardware manufacturer. Read more...
May - 2010
Hats the way to raise money for Headway at FBC Manby Bowdler - 24/05/2010
Staff in the Wolverhampton and Willenhall offices of law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP have raised more than £500 for a national brain injury charity by wearing brightly coloured hats to work for a day. Read more...
FBC Manby Bowdler Advises on Expansion at Wolverhampton Financial Adviser - 24/05/2010
West Midlands law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has advised a leading Wolverhampton independent financial adviser on an expansion programme involving the acquisition of three smaller rival businesses in the past three months. Read more...
Abolition of HIPs - 21/05/2010
The abolition of Home Information Packs (HIPs) will help free up the housing market, but sellers should still spend time putting together a sales pack of vital documents to help speed through a sale Read more...
Managing Football Fever - 17/05/2010
With the FIFA World Cup set to kick off in South Africa on 11 June, West Midlands law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has drawn up a list of tips for employers to help them deal in advance with any absences causing disruption to business. Read more...
More Parental Leave Promised by New Tory Liberal Coalition Government - 12/05/2010
Employers can expect few breaks from the new Conservative Liberal Democrat Coalition Government Read more...
Licensing Curbs Extended to Wolverhampton Takeaways - 11/05/2010
Takeaway food establishments which want to open or extend their operating hours within Wolverhampton City Centre Ring Road can now have their licence refused Read more...
Wrong Claims Lead to Delays in Claiming Inheritance Tax Allowances - 11/05/2010
Children trying to claim their inheritance without paying tax on their parents’ estate are facing long delays due to a complicated claim form and onerous record keeping requirements Read more...
FBC Manby Bowdler Advises on Housing Development Purchase - 04/05/2010
West Midlands’ law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has helped to get a stalled housing development moving again by advising on the acquisition of the freehold of a partly finished residential development in Willenhall, whose owner had become bankrupt. Read more...
Checklist for Businesses to Avoid Fraud - 04/05/2010
With cases of business fraud on a seemingly inexorable rise, West Midlands’ law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has prepared an Employee Fraud Checklist to help businesses recognise the signs. Read more...
April - 2010
Seven Promoted to Senior Positions at FBC Manby Bowdler - 28/04/2010
West Midlands’ law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has made seven promotions to the position of partner and associate. Read more...
Law Firm Advises Celebrity Hairdresser on London Salon Franchise - 12/04/2010
West Midlands law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has advised a celebrity hairdresser on the franchise agreement for a new London salon. Read more...
Beware the CRC - 12/04/2010
Commercial landlords and tenants must take into account the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme in both new and existing leases, warns West Midlands’ law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP. Read more...
Law Firm Advises on Establishment of Polymer Training and Innovation Centre - 12/04/2010
Shropshire law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has advised City of Wolverhampton College on the establishment of the Polymer Training and Innovation Centre (PTIC) Read more...
March - 2010
Taylor Retires After 40 Years With the Same Law Firm - 30/03/2010
One of Wolverhampton’s longest serving solicitors has stepped down after nearly 40 years with the same law firm. Read more...
Stronger Village Green Law Will Hinder Development Opportunities - 24/03/2010
Preventing development of land in small towns and villages areas has become easier as result of a landmark Supreme Court decision Read more...
Discriminatory Jobs Adverts Targeted by Serial Litigants - 11/03/2010
Employers using discriminatory job adverts are being targeted by so-called serial litigants, who are winning an average of £2,000 per claim, warns a leading Shropshire employment lawyer. Read more...
Leading Family Lawyer to Address WI Meetings on Divorce - 10/03/2010
One of Shropshire’s leading family lawyers will be speaking about divorce to a series of Woman’s Institute (WI) meetings throughout the county. Read more...
Impatient Landlords Risk Losing Out - 03/03/2010
Commercial property landlords risk losing substantial amounts of time and money by allowing tenants to move into their premises before signing a lease, warns a leading Shropshire commercial property lawyer. Read more...
Employers Face Increased Threat of Whistleblowing Investigations From Disgruntled Employees - 03/03/2010
Employers could soon find themselves subject to investigation by regulatory authorities thanks to disgruntled employees using new ‘whistleblowing’ regulations, warns Bridgnorth law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP. Read more...
Effective date of termination - you're fired, effective from? - 01/03/2010
In the case of Gisda Cyf v Barratt Miss Barratt attended a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday 28 November. She was sent home and told to expect a letter concerning possible dismissal that Thursday. Read more...
Introduction of Fit Notes - 01/03/2010
The Social Security (Medical Evidence) and the Statutory Sick Pay (Medical Evidence) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 are intended to come into force on 6 April 2010. Read more...
IVF treatment and sex discrimination - 01/03/2010
In the recent case of Sahota v The Home Office and Pipkin Mrs Sahota worked for the Border and Immigration Agency and was undergoing IVF treatment. Read more...
Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 - 01/03/2010
The right to request time off is being extended to cover employees who wish to undertake training or study. Read more...
New Financial Year Policy Review - 01/03/2010
With the start of a New Financial Year looming, it is a good time to review your employment documents and check you have at least some of the basics in place. Read more...
February - 2010
Law Firm Advises on Birth of Top Telford Entertainment Venue - 22/02/2010
Shropshire law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has proved its credentials in the leisure and entertainment business by advising on the establishment of one of the largest entertainment venues in the Midlands. Read more...
FBC Manby Bowdler Renews Shropshire Cricket League Sponsorship - 16/02/2010
Shropshire law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is to sponsor the Shropshire Cricket League for a third consecutive year. Read more...
Check "Copying" Policies - 09/02/2010
Shropshire law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is warning businesses to be extra vigilant when they are copying material from external sources. Read more...
Step Up for FBC Manby Bowdler Legal Duo - 02/02/2010
Two members of the Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning Department at West Midlands’ law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP have been appointed as members of an international organisation for professionals who specialise in tax, trusts and estate planning. Read more...
Equestrian Businesses Need to Check Worker Status - 02/02/2010
A leading equine lawyer is warning the Shropshire equestrian industry to check the employment status of its workers following a court ruling. Read more...
January - 2010
Property Sales Tips - 26/01/2010
With Spring approaching, many people are considering selling their home. But getting a property ready for market is much more than just decorating and staging rooms to draw in potential buyers Read more...
FBC Manby Bowdler Joins Certainty - 25/01/2010
West Midlands law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has become a founder member of Certainty, the national electronic Will search and Will registration facility. Read more...
FBC Manby Bowdler Reappointed to Headway Panel - 18/01/2010
Shropshire law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has been reappointed to the list of solicitors firms approved by leading brain injury charity Headway. Read more...
New Specialist IT-IP Group Launched - 18/01/2010
West Midlands law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has established a specialist Intellectual Property and Information Technology (IP/IT) group to deal with the growing number of clients seeking its help in these specialist areas of business law. Read more...
Increase in Agreements to Protect Assets in Second Marriages - 11/01/2010
More people are seeking to protect their assets by using legally binding agreements to restrict their spouse’s or partner’s rights to their wealth Read more...
Businesses Advised to Check Leases and Insurance Policies - 08/01/2010
The recent explosion in Shrewsbury town centre has shocked the entire community, but what would be the implications and costs for local business owners and occupiers should it happen to them? Read more...
Employers Must Be Clear on "Snow Days" Policy - 06/01/2010
With the region battling with some of the worst winter conditions for the past two decades, a leading Wolverhampton employment lawyer is urging employers to make clear their policy on being absent from work due to the snow. Read more...
December - 2009
Agricultural Q & A - 21/12/2009
The vehicular track to part of my farm is across a neighbour’s property which has recently changed hands. The new owner tells me I have no written right to use the track and is intending to block it based on what is shown on his Deeds. Read more...
FBC Manby Bowdler Delivers on First Quench Stores Acqusition - 21/12/2009
A team from West Midlands law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has advised a Dudley-based discount off licence chain on its acquisition of 14 former Thresher and Wine Rack stores, part of First Quench which went into administration at the end of October. Read more...
FBC Manby Bowdler Strengthens Corporate Team - 07/12/2009
West Midlands law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has strengthened its corporate department with the appointment of a new solicitor. Read more...
Leading Threatened Buildings Campaigner Steps Down - 02/12/2009
One of the key figures in the on-going battle to preserve Wolverhampton’s historic buildings has stepped down. Read more...
November - 2009
Law Firm Advises on City's Legendary Entertainment Venue - 30/11/2009
Wolverhampton law firm FBC Manby Bowdler has proved its credentials in advising clients involved in the leisure and entertainment business by helping the re-birth of a legendary entertainment venue in the city. Read more...
Save Tax - Give Cash for Christmas - 30/11/2009
Giving cash as a Christmas present to children, grandchildren, and other relatives or friends, will not only spread a lot of happiness, but can help reduce the tax bill too Read more...
Check Lack of Licence Will Not Ruin Christmas Party - 25/11/2009
A Bridgnorth law firm is warning businesses, charities, societies and social clubs to make sure their Christmas parties do not fall foul of licensing laws, and face a fine of up to £20,000 or six months in prison. Read more...
Malingerers' Charter to Hit Firms During Christmas Shutdown - 23/11/2009
Black Country firms could face a host of claims for extra holidays from workers claiming they were sick during the traditional Christmas shutdown, warns a leading Wolverhampton employment lawyer. Read more...
Licensing Deal Secures £Multi-Million Orders and Prospect of New Jobs - 10/11/2009
West Midlands’ law firm FBC Manby Bowdler has helped an entrepreneur licence a new technology for use in the food processing industry Read more...
Employers Struggling to Recruit Despite Unemployment Figures - 03/11/2009
Despite 12-year record high unemployment figures, Shropshire organisations are struggling to recruit good workers, according to a leading employment lawyer. Read more...
October - 2009
Free Guide to Help Landlords Deal with Insolvent Tenants - 26/10/2009
West Midlands’ law firm FBC Manby Bowdler has published a free guide for landlords of commercial properties to help them deal with any tenants which become insolvent. Read more...
Do Not Rely on Political Promises to Safeguard Future - 21/10/2009
Too many people are prepared to bet their children’s inheritance on vague promises made by political parties seeking election, according to a leading Wolverhampton solicitor. Read more...
Recession Changing Divorce Trends - 19/10/2009
The current economic crisis is bucking the trend for divorce numbers in a recession, and is changing the nature of divorce settlements themselves, according to a leading West Midlands’ matrimonial solicitor. Read more...
Property Market Conditions Helping Tenants Do Better Deals - 07/10/2009
The current state of the commercial property market is helping tenants to achieve some excellent property deals, according to a leading Midlands’ commercial property solicitor. Read more...
Pitchcare Form Strategic Alliance with ALS - 05/10/2009
The e-commerce arm of Pitchcare.com Limited has formed a strategic alliance with Amenity Land Solutions (ALS) with funding from The Co-operative Bank’s Birmingham corporate banking centre. Read more...
September - 2009
Business Community Gathers to Mark FBC Manby Bowdler's Theatre Severn Gallery Sponsorship - 24/09/2009
More than 50 of Shrewsbury’s leading business lights gathered at the town’s new Theatre Severn to celebrate the sponsorship of the theatre’s third floor gallery area by local law firm, FBC Manby Bowdler. Read more...
Deal With Short Term Absences Now to Avoid Swine Flu Crisis - 23/09/2009
Organisations need to reduce persistent short term absenteeism from work now, so that they can cope with the potential effects of the on-going Swine Flu pandemic this winter, according to a leading Midlands’ employment lawyer. Read more...
FBC Manby Bowdler Partner Secures First Agricultural Law Fellowship - 23/09/2009
A partner at a Bridgnorth law firm has become the first solicitor in Shropshire to be granted the top award by the leading rural legal business organisation. Read more...
Simpler Forms Should Boost Powers of Attorney - 23/09/2009
The introduction of simpler documentation is expected to lead to a much needed uptake in the numbers of powers of attorney, according to a leading Midlands’ lawyer specialising in wills, trusts and estate planning. Read more...
Employers Recruiting Again for the Upturn Advised to Check Job Procedures - 18/09/2009
With some employers starting to recruit again for the expected economic upturn, a leading Midlands’ employment lawyer is warning them to review their employment procedures Read more...
Adjudication Can Provide a Cash Flow Lifeline for Construction and Property Companies - 18/09/2009
With around 17 businesses going under every day, the construction and property sector should make more use of adjudication to settle contract disputes, according to a leading Midlands’ construction litigation lawyer. Read more...
BCBP Welcomes Outcome of Bishop's Castle Biomass Power Plant Planning Inquiry - 04/09/2009
Bishop’s Castle Biomass Power Limited (BCBP) has welcomed the Planning Inspector’s decision to grant it planning permission to build and operate a biomass power plant in Bishop’s Castle Read more...
Inheritance Tax and Rented Holiday Accommodation: Update - 01/09/2009
Rented holiday accommodation is a valuable source of income for many farmers and people involved in the rural economy. Read more...
August - 2009
Important Changes to the National Minimum Wage - 10/08/2009
Important changes to the National Minimum Wage are set to come into force on 1 October 2009 Read more...
It's Not Too Late to Plan for Swine Flu Absenteeism - 10/08/2009
With Department of Health (DoH) officials predicting a ‘worst case’ scenario of 30% of the population succumbing to swine flu Read more...
June - 2009
New Powers Enforce the Payment of Tribunal Awards - 22/06/2009
A local solicitor has highlighted new measures from the Ministry of Justice designed to ensure that people who have been granted awards by an Employment Tribunal receive the money they are owed Read more...
New 'Fit Note' Looks Set to Help Patients Stay in Work - 19/06/2009
Britain’s ‘sickness culture’ is estimated to cost the economy some £100 billion and 172 million working days every year – but a local solicitor believes that this is all set to change next spring. Read more...
Agricultural Property Relief and Inheritance Tax - 08/06/2009
Am I right in thinking that there has been a recent change in the rules for Agricultural Property Relief on Inheritance Tax ? Read more...
Double Whammy for Employers as Credit Crunch Drives up Number of Employment Tribunals - 08/06/2009
As the credit crunch continues to bite, Shropshire businesses are now also facing an increase in the number of employment tribunals and the subsequent additional expenditure. Read more...
April - 2009
Dispute Resolution - The Way Forward - 01/04/2009
On 6 April 2009 the Employment Act 2002 (Dispute Resolution) Regulations 2004 will be repealed. Read more...
December - 2008
Distressed Landlords Could Miss Dated Distraint - 18/12/2008
The common law right of distraint, which has been applied by landlords of premises for years to recover rent, is likely to be abolished shortly Read more...
Voluntary Organisation Relocates to New Development - 16/12/2008
Wolverhampton-based voluntary organisation Access to Business has announced its relocation to larger premises in response to rising demand for its services. The company was advised by local law firm FBC Manby Bowdler. Read more...
The Best Way to Deal with D-Day - 15/12/2008
Christmas can be a stressful time for many as visiting in-laws, money worries and attempting to keep everybody happy can bring any problems in a relationship to a head. Read more...
November - 2008
Relax, it's Christmas! - 04/11/2008
Bosses should avoid a Scrooge response to the credit crunch and engender Christmas goodwill by relaxing their IT and postal policies for staff in the run up to Christmas, says West Midlands law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP. Read more...
A Case of Practice Makes Perfect... - 03/11/2008
“I have no interest in lowering our standards or our quality. I want us to be the most outstanding law firm within a 60-mile radius, giving the best quality at the best prices, and quite frankly, clients wouldn’t think of coming anywhere else.” Read more...
October - 2008
Health Warning - You Face Jail! - 22/10/2008
Company bosses face up to two years in prison for neglect of their health and safety duties under new laws, a county law firm is warning. Read more...
Telford Seat Maker has Designs on Europe - 20/10/2008
A design-led Telford contract furniture designer and manufacturer is poised to expand and enter Europe as a result of a joint venture with a larger Dutch manufacturer – and advice from a Shropshire law firm. Read more...
September - 2008
Tomorrow is Another Day - 09/09/2008
What’s in a day? As much as £36,000 if you are retired early against your will! Read more...
July - 2008
Twin Blow to Employers of Parents - 28/07/2008
Workers with kids are set to deliver a twin whammy to employers in Shropshire, says law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP. Read more...
Booze Abuse Brings Stronger Measures - 04/07/2008
Licensees in Shropshire can now face tougher punishments if they or their punters flout the law, warns FBC Manby Bowdler LLP. Read more...
June - 2008
Positive Step for Fairer Sex - 27/06/2008
Women in the Shropshire workforce can finally expect equal pay under new laws to allow positive discrimination, says law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP. Read more...
New Recruit Back For More At FBC Manby Bowdler - 25/06/2008
Newly merged Black Country law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has strengthened its team with an old face as a new recruit. Read more...
Blacklist Could Backfire on Bosses Playing Big Brother - 11/06/2008
Share details of bad leavers at your peril, an employment expert has warned Black Country company bosses. Read more...
May - 2008
Midlands Could Bump on Lack of Corporate Recycling - 30/05/2008
The credit crunch and fears of a recession could take their toll on the Midlands economy, an insolvency lawyer is warning. Read more...
Consult to Avoid Huge Redundancy Penalties - 28/05/2008
Employers in the West Midlands struggling in the face of economic slowdown are being warned to follow procedures correctly when making redundancies – or face huge costs. Read more...
Shropshire Cricket League Nets New Sponsor - 22/05/2008
Black Country law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is to sponsor The Shropshire Cricket League for two years. Read more...
Regulators Cut Red Tape - 16/05/2008
Seven principles of regulation will make life easier for businesses in Shropshire, a compliance expert predicts. Read more...
Empty Rates Could Cripple Development - 12/05/2008
Regeneration and speculative office development could grind to a trickle as a falling Shropshire market is hit by the latest blow of empty property rates. Read more...
April - 2008
Tax Crackdown for Buy-To-Let Landlords - 30/04/2008
Buy-to-let investors in the West Midlands and Shropshire are being warned that they could be investigated by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if they have under-declared or failed to declare taxable income from their properties. Read more...
FBC Manby Bowdler United - 28/04/2008
West Midlands law firm heavyweights Manby Steward Bowdler and fbc have officially tied the knot to create fbc Manby Bowdler LLP – exactly a year on from Manbys’ merger with respected Shrewsbury practice Bowdlers. Read more...