At 11 p.m. on Thursday, December 31, 2020, the United Kingdom left the European Union.
This has since enabled staff in many airports in continental Europe, often with unconcealed delight, to direct British citizens to much longer queues than they would have needed to join had the U.K. remained an EU Member State.
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.
An insolvency practitioner (IP) can pursue a wide range of claims when appointed as the administrator or liquidator of a company.
These include claims that already existed at the point that the company entered an insolvency process (Pre-existing Company Claims), and ones that arise on insolvency (IP Claims see below).
An IP pursues Pre-existing Company Claims as agent for and in the name of the company, and these types of claims typically include claims for debt, breach of contract, breach of duty or recovery of property.
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
key takeaways
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (the Act) will overhaul the private rented sector in England and Wales.
Key changes include:
- All tenancies being periodic assured tenancies;
- Changes to the way landlords can obtain possession;
- The application of a Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector; and
- The creation of a digital private rented sector database.
The Act received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025 and the Government has published a roadmap for phased implementation, with the key reforms commencing on 1 May 2026.
Aquapoint LP v Fan [2025] UKPC 56
Introduction
In Re Petrofac Ltd [2025] EWHC 2887 (Ch), the English High Court made an administration order in relation to a Jersey-incorporated company even though its registered office was not in England which is the starting point for determining COMI and therefore the Court’s jurisdiction to make such an order.
Background