Weightmans

The Government's decision to strengthen planning protections for community pubs reflects a legitimate concern: the continued decline of one of Britain's most recognisable social institutions. Yet while the policy may preserve some venues that would otherwise disappear, it also raises a more fundamental question: can planning regulation solve what is essentially an economic viability problem?

A practical guide for commercial vehicle operators and transport managers Published on: 19 Aug 2026 Reading time: 8 minutes read For transport managers, automated vehicles might appear to promise a fairly obvious change: take the driver out of the equation and a large part of the transport manager’s job disappears with them. The reality is likely to be almost the opposite. The Automated Vehicles Act 2024 creates the legal framework for self-driving vehicles in Great Britain.

In this article partnership litigator and mediator, Andrew Cromby, explores why mediation is particularly effective in partnership disputes, where a perfect storm of clashing personalities, financial aspirations, risk and emotion might otherwise lead to disaster. Published on: 17 Aug 2026 Reading time: 4 minutes read Types of partnerships Partnerships come in many different flavours.

Skip to content Our immigration solicitors explain how the process of renewing a British passport from abroad works, the documents you'll need and how to avoid delays. Published on: 17 Aug 2026 Reading time: 1 minute read If you're living overseas and your British passport is due to expire, you'll usually need to renew it before you travel. The good news is that most applications can now be completed online, making the process more straightforward than in the past.

Has your British citizenship application been delayed? Learn why applications can take longer than expected, when to contact UKVI and what steps you can take to seek a resolution. Published on: 14 Aug 2026 Reading time: 3 minutes read Applying for British citizenship is often the final step in your immigration journey. However, while the Home Office aims to process most naturalisation applications within six months, delays can happen and leave applicants facing uncertainty and frustration.

Published on: 13 Aug 2026 Reading time: 6 minutes read There’s been a real emphasis in recent years on Board oversight of Health & Safety - setting the health & safety culture, proactively monitoring health & safety performance, and seeking to integrate health & safety consideration into all aspects of leadership and decision-making.

If you have a layover in a UK airport, you may need to apply for a transit visa. Our immigration experts explain when this is necessary and which visa you'll need. Published on: 13 Aug 2026 Reading time: 3 minutes read Passing through a UK airport while on the way to another country is called ‘transiting’. Although it is equally referred to by travellers as a layover.

Many business owners don't realise that there can be significant immigration implications to buying or merging with a UK business. Our immigration experts explain what you need to think about. Published on: 13 Aug 2026 Reading time: 3 minutes read Acquiring or merging with a UK business can have significant immigration implications, particularly where overseas owners or sponsored workers are involved.

Skip to content Our immigration law experts explain what the seven-year residence rule is and how it may affect your child's immigration status. Published on: 12 Aug 2026 Reading time: 2 minutes read Many parents seeking immigration advice have heard of the seven-year residence rule but are unsure what it actually means or how it affects their family's immigration status.

Skip to content Planning a move to the UK? Learn which visa is right for you and how our immigration solicitors can support your application Published on: 11 Aug 2026 Reading time: 3 minutes read If you're planning to relocate to the UK, one of the first things you'll need to consider is which visa is right for you. The UK offers a range of immigration routes depending on your circumstances.