Gateley

In this month’s update we: summarise the key changes recently made to the AIM Rules; review the court’s approach when asked to create a company’s register of members from scratch; and explain how an administrator’s appointment could be open to challenge if made solely for an improper purpose. New AIM Rules effective from 5 August 2026 The London Stock Exchange (LSE) has confirmed the implementation of the most significant package of AIM reforms for many years.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its latest annual statistics on work-related fatalities, revealing that 126 workers were killed in work-related incidents across Great Britain during 2025/26, the lowest number of worker fatalities recorded in a single year. We explore what these figures mean and issue a warning about the persisting concern for employers and duty holders.

The recent Court of Appeal decision in Glint Pay Ltd v Baker [2026] EWCA Civ 1023 is of interest to secured lenders and insolvency practitioners regarding the out-of-court appointment of administrators.

We have advised the Joint Administrators of tranScrip Limited and the Receivers and Managers of tranScrip Ireland Limited on the sale of substantially all of the companies’ business and assets to TMC Pharma Services Limited. tranScrip is a specialist pharmaceutical consultancy headquartered in Berkshire, with operations in Ireland, supporting biotech and small pharma companies with expert drug development, medical, clinical and regulatory services.

AI is now part of everyday legal practice, supporting document review, drafting, research, summarisation and knowledge management. The Solicitors Regulation Authority's recent warning notice on the misuse of AI is therefore significant - not because it discourages adoption, but because it clarifies what responsible use looks like in practice. The timing of the notice is unsurprising.

Has banking become the biggest hidden barrier to international growth? For many international businesses, banking is no longer a routine administrative step, but the silent deal-breaker that determines whether a company can actually trade, invest and grow. Market opportunities, incorporation and commercial strategies can move quickly, but banking access often does not.

The Upper-Tier Tribunal’s decision affirms that a claim for overpayment relief from Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) under paragraph 34 of Schedule 10 to the Finance Act 2003 (Paragraph 34) was valid where the taxpayer (who satisfied the conditions under paragraph 34A of the schedule) was out of time to reclaim under Section 44(9) of the Finance Act 2003 (Section 44(9)).

Songa Product and Chemical Tankers IV AS v Gardsea Shipping Inc [2026] EWHC 1559 (Comm) explores the meaning of “Banking Days” in an international contract, where banks in different jurisdictions and time zones were included in the definition of “Banking Days” in the contract. Background facts The case centred around a contract concerning the sale of a ship for $25m.

The Technology and Construction Court (TCC) recently handed down a significant judgment in Durkan Estates Ltd v Wallace Estates Ltd [2026] EWHC 2003 (TCC). This case, involving a dispute over a remedial works agreement for a building under the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA), provides essential guidance for building owners and developers navigating the complex regulatory landscape of high-rise building (HRB) remediation. The building falls within the scope of the BSA.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has refreshed its entertainment and leisure industry guidance, providing a timely reminder that organisations operating public-facing activities should regularly review whether their arrangements remain sufficient to discharge their legal duties. Whilst the update does not introduce any new legal obligations, it highlights the importance of keeping pace with current guidance when determining what is ‘reasonably practicable’ to manage risk.