In early November 2025 one of the biggest UK’s largest private building control firms Assent Building Control Compliance Limited, along with its subsidiaries Oculus Building Consultancy Limited and LB Building Control Limited, (together “Assent”) ceased trading and subsequently entered liquidation. The collapse of such a major player in the building control sector will likely have wide ramifications throughout the whole construction industry, and particularly for HRB developments and the BSR’s Gateway 2 Application process.
Waypark Commercial Mortgage 1 Ltd v Vanguard Number 1 Ltd (in liquidation) [2025] EWHC 1786 (Ch)
In brief
Usually, a Fixed Charge Receiver will not be liable to pay business rates. However, there are some exceptions and in some important areas the law is unclear.
Occupied Property: Limited Exposure
To be liable for business rates a party must be in occupation of the Property. This is a matter of fact and degree. Generally, the position is clear although there can be issues for example where more than one party is entitled to occupation.
As 2025 draws to a close, this newsletter reviews key developments that have shaped the commercial disputes landscape over the past year and offers our views on significant English court decisions. We then look ahead to the trends likely to define 2026. We also reflect on another productive and successful year for Hausfeld’s Commercial Disputes team.
HOW DID 2025 CHANGE THE LEGAL LANDSCAPE?
Financial services
From 18 November 2025, the UK’s new Companies House identity verification (IDV) framework took effect, representing one of the most substantial reforms to corporate administration in recent years. The reforms, introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, aim to enhance corporate transparency and prevent misuse of UK entities.
key takeaways
On 6 November 2025, winding-up orders were made against Assent Building Control Compliance Limited (“Assent”) and its subsidiaries LB Building Control Limited (“LB”) and
Aquapoint LP v Fan [2025] UKPC 56
Introduction
The Insolvency Service has for many decades been the Government department responsible for the oversight of bankruptcies, compulsory insolvencies and, in more serious cases, the disqualification of individual directors.