Assigning and Subletting a Commercial Lease: Legal Risks and Landlord Consent
Commercial leases do not always run their full course with the original tenant. Businesses relocate, expand, downsize, restructure, or sell their operations. When this happens, assigning or subletting a commercial lease can provide flexibility, but it is rarely as simple as handing over the keys. Both tenants and landlords must understand the legal and commercial…
Immigration Rule Changes from July 2026: A Guide for Applicants and Families
If you’re planning to make a UK immigration application this summer, it’s worth checking whether the latest Immigration Rule changes could affect you. The Home Office has published a new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, with amendments taking effect from 30 July and 3 August 2026. Some of the updates clarify existing rules,…
Child Arrangements and the Pathfinder Approach, Putting Children First After Separation
Child Arrangements and the Pathfinder Approach, Putting Children First After Separation When parents separate, one of the most important issues to resolve is what happens in relation to the children. This can include where a child lives, how much time they spend with each parent, and how important decisions about their welfare are managed. In…
How to Negotiate on Price During a Property Transaction
Practical tips for buyers when survey or search results reveal unexpected issues Negotiating the purchase price of a property is often part of the conveyancing process, particularly when new information comes to light. In England and Wales, the agreed price is not legally binding until exchange of contracts, which means buyers can renegotiate where survey…
Statement on Behalf of the Family of Ricky Swindells Regarding His Death Following Contact with Greater Manchester Police
The family of Ricky Swindells are devastated by his death following contact with Greater Manchester Police in Salford on 24 July 2026. Ricky was 28 years old. He was a much-loved son, brother, uncle and friend, and his loss has left his family heartbroken. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is now investigating the circumstances…
Common Types of Professional Negligence and How to Seek Compensation
When you instruct a professional to help you with something, you expect them to get it right. Whether it’s a surveyor in a house purchase, an accountant giving tax advice, or a solicitor helping you with a legal case, you rely on their judgment and skills to get the job done properly. So if things…
Your Roles and Responsibilities as a Trustee and How to Administer a Trust Properly
Acting as a trustee is often seen as an honour. It usually means someone trusts you to look after their assets and carry out their wishes. However, many people don’t realise that becoming a trustee also brings important legal responsibilities. If a trust is not administered properly, trustees can, in some circumstances, be held personally…
The Legal Implications of Remote Working for UK Businesses
Years after the Covid-19 pandemic, remote working remains an important fixture of the UK employment landscape. Whilst the proportion of employees who work remotely has fallen from the days of lockdowns and social distancing, ONS figures from May 2026 suggest that working from home (in some form) remains in the lives of roughly 41% of…
What to do if a Property Dispute Delays a House Sale
Delays can be all too common when buying or selling a house. Searches, surveys, title defects – they can all take time to resolve. But when a dispute arises in connection with a house sale, it can feel a lot more serious and uncertain. If you’re a buyer, property dispute delays can put your plans…
Maternity Review Misses Vital Coroner Data, Renewing Reform Calls
Press Release – July 2026 A prominent clinical negligence and inquest specialist has warned that a landmark review into England’s maternity services risks costing lives by completely ignoring evidence from coronial investigations. The independent investigation into maternity and neonatal services in England, published by Baroness Amos, followed a government-ordered rapid review into deep-seated safety concerns….
How Equity Release Can Affect Your Property and Your Estate
Equity release is increasingly being used by homeowners to unlock the value tied up in their property without having to sell or move. For many, it provides greater financial flexibility in retirement, allows them to support children or grandchildren financially, or releases capital for home improvements or other investments. However, equity release is far more…
Yorkshire Legal Powerhouse Breaks New Ground with Landmark Manchester Expansion
Press Release – July 26 One of the North’s fastest-growing law firms is expanding outside its traditional home territory for the first time in its 48-year history. Ison Harrison, which was founded in 1978, has officially opened its 27th regional office, choosing the heart of Manchester’s commercial district for its historic first move into the…
Indefinite Leave to Remain Through Marriage Explained
Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) is the process through which a person is granted permanent settlement status in the UK, and is most commonly used by spouses and partners of British citizens or already settled people. Being granted with ILR means there are no further immigration time limits or visa extensions for a person and…
Keeping Your Will Up to Date: Life Events That Should Trigger a Review
A will is not a document you prepare once and file away. It should evolve alongside your personal circumstances, your assets, and your intentions. Failing to keep a will up to date can result in unintended consequences for your loved ones and, in some cases, may render parts of the will ineffective altogether. In England…
Divorce and the Family Home: What Are Your Legal Rights?
What happens to the family home can be one of the most contentious issues in a divorce or when dissolving a civil partnership. If a dispute arises, knowing the legal rights you have over the home can help you to understand what is and isn’t reasonable when agreeing a financial settlement This blog will give…
The Impact of Higgs v Farmor’s School: What Employers Need to Know
The Court of Appeal’s decision in Higgs v Farmor’s School has become one of the most significant recent developments in employment law relating to belief discrimination, freedom of expression, and workplace conduct. For employers across England and Wales, the case provides important, and practical, guidance on how to manage risk when employees express controversial views,…
Breast Cancer Survivors Demand Inquiry into Failings at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
A letter of apology from County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust acknowledged patients’ harrowing experiences of poor care following an investigation spanning more than ten years. The poor service within the breast care team provided by CDDFT led to many patients suffering delays in diagnosis of cancer, undergoing unnecessary surgical procedures, and in some…
Why Your Digital Assets Should Form Part of Your Will
When people make a Will, they usually think about their home, savings and personal possessions. However, a significant part of a person’s wealth, memories and important information now exists online. From email accounts and social media profiles, to online banking, cryptocurrency, subscriptions to music and tv streaming service and photos, digital assets are becoming an…
Donna Ockenden Review Highlights Systemic Maternity Care Failures at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust
The Donna Ockenden Independent Maternity Review was published yesterday after nearly four years of investigation into Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust’s maternity services. The publication of the final review marks a significant moment for families affected by maternity care failings at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust. The review follows years of concerns about patient safety,…
Emily Moore Inquest [Rolling Coverage]
A jury is hearing evidence at Crook Civic Centre as the inquest into the death of Emily Moore examines the circumstances surrounding her care and death while she was under the care of Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV). Emily, from Shildon, died in February 2020 aged 18. Her death has been…
Lease Extensions: Your Rights to Extend Your Residential Lease
For many leaseholders, particularly those who own flats, a lease is one of their most valuable assets. However, as the lease term reduces, it can affect the property’s value, make mortgages harder to obtain, and create difficulties when selling. Understanding your right to extend your lease can help protect both your home and your investment….
Spouse Visa Refused? Common Reasons and What to Do Next
You can feel devastated and helpless if your spouse has been refused a visa, particularly when you have spent a long-time preparing information and gathering documentation, and believed you had done everything correctly. In these circumstances you may find yourself separated from your partner and children and feeling confused and anxious about what the future…
Ison Harrison Named Law Firm of the Year as Rapid North East Expansion Drives Growth
Press release – June 2026 Leading law firm Ison Harrison has been named Law Firm of the Year at the Northern Law Awards (NLA), marking a major milestone in its expansion strategy across the North East. The accolade, in the category of law firm with under 50 employees in the North East region, comes during…
Why High Net Worth Divorces Require More Than Family Law Advice: A Coordinated Approach To Protecting Complex Family Wealth
Divorce is rarely just a legal process. In high net worth asset cases, it often involves complex financial arrangements, significant assets and important decisions that can affect both immediate outcomes and long-term financial security. For individuals with significant wealth, the stakes are higher and the margin for error is smaller. Business interests, pensions, investments, trusts,…
Pros And Cons of Carrying Out Commercial Property Searches
When buying, leasing or refinancing commercial property, one of the key decisions you need to make early on is whether to carry out commercial property searches as part of the wider commercial conveyancing process. For some transactions, searches are seen as non-negotiable. In others, parties may question whether they are strictly necessary, particularly where there…
Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents at Work: When Can You Claim?
Slip, trip and fall accidents at work are among the most common causes of workplace injury across England and Wales. From wet floors and trailing cables to uneven surfaces and poor lighting, everyday hazards can quickly lead to serious harm. If you have been injured in a workplace accident that was not your fault, you…
What Happens if a Family Court Order Is Ignored? Understanding Enforcement Options
When family arrangements break down, having a court order in place can be a relief at what can feel like the end of a long process. For some parents and former partners, however, if a court order is ignored, delayed or partially complied with, this can bring additional stress when parties are trying to move…
Ison Harrison Secures South Yorkshire Foothold With New Regional Office
Press release – June 2026 Leading employee-owned law firm Ison Harrison has extended its reach into South Yorkshire with the launch of a new, fully staffed branch in Penistone. The opening marks the 25th office for the expanding regional firm and its second new location of the year, following the recent establishment of a city…
Nottingham University Hospital’s Trust Still Requires Improvement
A recent BBC Panorama documentary, Maternity Failures: The Fight for Justice, highlighted the ongoing struggles families have faced trying to obtain answers into maternity failings they suffered at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH). Sadie Simpson, an inquest specialist and clinical negligence solicitor, has represented several families affected by the failings at NUH’s maternity services….
Ison Harrison Achieves Silver Award in the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme
Ison Harrison is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious Silver Award as part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), recognising the firm’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community. The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme celebrates organisations that actively demonstrate their commitment to the Armed Forces community. Through its Bronze,…
Can You Be Dismissed For Social Media Posts? UK Law Explained
Social media is an enormous part of many people’s lives, and for many businesses and institutions it is also a key pillar of their marketing and public relations strategies. It is perhaps unsurprising then that employers are increasingly conscious of what their employees are posting online – both inside and outside work. Is this overstepping…
Who Counts as Vulnerable in Family Law? And How Legal Aid Can Help in Bradford
Please be aware that this blog discusses sensitive and distressing topics such as domestic and sexual abuse. If you are suffering any form of abuse, there are resources which can help, including the National Domestic Abuse Helpline and Samaritans. Protection is something that we expect from the law, especially in situations where we feel vulnerable…
A Long Wait for Answers: Reflections on the Inquest of Nicholas “Nicky” Markham
After more than two years of waiting, the inquest into the death of Nicholas “Nicky” Markham has finally concluded. For his family, this was not simply a legal process, but a long, painful struggle to understand how a much‑loved son, partner and brother died while in the care of a mental health service. Nicky died…
Restraining Orders vs Non-Molestation Orders: Understanding the Difference
When a relationship breaks down or domestic abuse comes to the surface, the law offers several routes to secure protection. Two of the most common are Restraining Orders and Non-Molestation Orders. At first glance they may appear similar since both are designed to prevent harmful behaviour, but in practice they operate in different legal arenas…
Ison Harrison named among the UK’s top ten best places to work by The Sunday Times
Press Release – March 2026 Leading Yorkshire law firm Ison Harrison has secured a prestigious national accolade after being named one of the top ten employers in the UK in the “Best Big Places to Work” category by The Sunday Times. The definitive nationwide workplace survey, developed in partnership with leading employee experience platform WorkL,…
Ison Harrison Trustee Robert Camp Shortlisted for ‘Trustee of the Year’ Award
Ison Harrison are delighted to share the news that Robert Camp, our independent trustee, is a ‘Trustee of the Year’ finalist at the 2026 UK Employee Ownership Awards. With a presence from the beginning, Robert took up their role as independent trustee when Ison Harrison converted to employee ownership in 2022. A qualified solicitor with…
Coroner Rules That Article 2 Is Engaged: Statement On Behalf Of The Family Of Edie Grace Smart
On Thursday 24 July 2025, during the summer school holidays, Edie Grace Smart and a friend were enjoying a summer’s day at the seafront in their hometown of Whitley Bay. They were sitting on some steps when Edie was suddenly taken into the sea by a large wave. Edie’s family want to begin by paying…
Q&A Interview with Sarah Magson & Alistair Smith for Mental Health Awareness Week 2026
As part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, we are interviewing Alistair Smith and Sarah Magson, personal injury solicitors at our Middlesbrough branch. They have been supporting the call for a public inquiry into the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV), which has now been confirmed, and they work with families from…
Legal Aid for Family Law in Bradford: 3 Things Local Families Need to Know
Family matters that result in legal disputes can be stressful and challenging. It can be intimidating to deal with other parties, courts and lawyers; many people find this overwhelming. Having legal representation will support a party through this. When a person does not have the financial means to pay for a family law solicitor is…
Broken promises and continued failings: families demand urgent action as Government drifts on TEWV Public Inquiry
Press Release – May 2026 Relatives and patients affected by serious failings at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys (TEWV) NHS Foundation Trust have voiced growing anger at the continued delay to a promised public inquiry, with legal representatives at Ison Harrison warning that the lack of progress risks undermining confidence in the Government’s commitment to…
How Families Can Seek Answers After Mental Health Care Failings
Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 will be happening from Monday May 11th to Sunday May 17th, and the 2026 theme is ‘Take Action’. The focus is predominantly on improving a person’s mental health, but is very appropriate given the intense scrutiny surrounding the Tyne, Esk and Wear Valleys (TEWV) NHS Foundation Trust statutory public inquiry,…
How Legal Aid Supports Families Through Court Proceedings in Bradford
Concerns over solicitors fees and meeting the costs of legal proceedings can often be a barrier to pressing forward with a family law matter. It can feel overwhelming to consider taking a family law matter further when you are already in a difficult situation and cannot meet the possible costs of a legal case. This…
Key Takeaways from Recent High Court Decision on Military Hearing Loss Claims
A recent High Court decision in Abbot and others v Ministry of Defence has set out new guidance on how hearing loss claims involving military service personnel should be approached. Currently the case forms part of wider group litigation, but its implications are significant for any current or former service personnel who may be considering…
Why Now Is the Right Time to Put a Lasting Power of Attorney in Place
Recent media commentary on the subject of financial planning has brought an important but still underutilised legal safeguard into the spotlight. It has highlighted the need for us to not only manage our money now, but plan ahead and put protections in place, in case the unexpected should happen. This week, consumer finance expert Martin…
How Social Workers Decide if a Child is at Risk
When social services first contact a family, it can be unsettling. Parents often feel confused, anxious or like they are being judged. However, social services’ main focus is the welfare of the child and the process is guided by a clear legal framework. Understanding how social workers approach a situation can make a significant difference…
4 Things To Know About Inheritance Tax Changes
Inheritance Tax (IHT) rules are changing, with important reforms having recently taken effect from April 2026 and further changes to follow in April 2027. These developments may affect many families, business owners, and farmers across Yorkshire and beyond. Understanding what is changing now gives you time to review your plans and avoid unexpected tax issues…
Legal Due Diligence When Buying Commercial Property: What Is Often Missed
Buying a commercial property, whether as an investment or for owner occupation, always requires careful legal due diligence. The process is designed to uncover risks that could affect value, future use, or your ability to dispose of the property at a later date. Yet despite the checks most buyers expect, there are areas that are…
Legal Aid in Bradford: What to Do If Your Family Case Is Urgent
Sometimes family issues can escalate quickly, and it can feel overwhelming if you’re unsure what your options are, who to ask for help and how you will be able to afford legal support. It can feel even more stressful if you’re dealing with issues of child safety or domestic abuse, but it’s important in these…
TEWV Public Inquiry Update: Families Call for Urgent Safeguarding Action and Greater Transparency
On Tuesday 31 March, Alistair Smith and Sarah Magson attended the latest update meeting with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) regarding the proposed statutory public inquiry into failings at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV). While progress continues behind the scenes, the biggest concern among the families in attendance…
Supporting Strategic Growth in the Children’s Care Sector
Ison Harrison has advised on the successful acquisition of a significant portfolio of children’s care homes, marking another milestone in the firm’s ongoing work within the healthcare and social care sector. At the end of March 2026, Resilience Care Homes Ltd completed the purchase of SBL CareServices (UK) Ltd, bringing 19 children’s residential care homes…