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The Week That Was - 27 August 2021
Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.
Read moreNew RICS guidance for valuers - Another step in the right direction for valuers
RICS has produced a Guidance Note for the valuation of residential leasehold properties for secured lending purposes, aimed at providing valuers with a best practice guide when undertaking valuations in what has been a turbulent sector over the last 5 years.
Read moreThe Week That Was – 20 August 2021
Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.
Read moreThe Building Safety Bill – a welcome change?
Following the Grenfell tragedy on 14 June 2017, the Government appointed Dame Judith Hackitt, former Chair of the HSE, to undertake an independent review of building safety in high-rise buildings. Dame Judith commented that the current system is "far too complex" and "lacks clarity as to who is responsible for what" with "inadequate oversight and enforcement". She wanted her recommendations to form the foundation of a clearer, simpler and more robust approach to the building and management of high-rise residential buildings. Her report was published in May 2018.
Read moreThe Week That Was – 13 August 2021
Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.
Read moreFire Safety Act 2021: Clarification for the Responsible Person
The Fire Safety Bill (the "Bill") received Royal Assent on 29 April 2021 and is now known as the Fire Safety Act 2021 (the "Act"). Although the date has not yet been confirmed for when the Act comes into force, this is another significant development on the issue of fire safety.
Read moreThe Week That Was – 6 August 2021
Pursuant to a building contract novated to Toppan, Simply was engaged to construct a care home and subsequently provided a collateral warranty in favour or the operator, Abbey. Defects were found at the care home and Abbey obtained an adjudicator's decision against Simply for damages for loss of trading profit.
Read moreArchitect receives 12 month suspension over "ugly duckling" home cinema design
Daniel Marcal, an internationally renowned and award winning architect, was retained by Phillip Freeborn, former head of operations at Barclays Capital and his wife Christina Goldie to design an "architectural jewel" of a home cinema, in their £7 million London home. However, as Mr Freeborn told the High Court in his claim against Mr Marcal, he ended up with a "wonky" "expensive white elephant", rather than the sleek modernist cube floating over his pool that he had wanted.
Read moreKnot so Weedy Afterall? RICS issues new draft guidance on Japanese Knotweed
The RICS is seeking consultation on its Japanese Knotweed draft guidance note. The consultation, which you can access here, opened on 22 June 2021 and closes on 3 August 2021.
Read moreDisciplinary investigations against architects #6 - Professional Conduct Committee Hearing: What to expect
Further to our previous five articles detailing the stages of the Architect Registration Board's (ARB) disciplinary process up to the Referral to Professional Conduct Committee stage, this article considers the Professional Conduct Committee Hearing, and what Architects should expect if their case reaches this stage.
Read moreNew RICS Guidance for Risks, Liability and Insurance April 2021
The RICS have produced a new Guidance Note entitled "Risks, Liability and Insurance", which came into effect on 1 April 2021. This note is a must read for surveyors and provides practical advice for risk management and the points to consider when seeking professional indemnity cover.
Read moreFire safety – at last, some welcome news for surveyors
We set out below news of a welcome change to the professional indemnity insurance available to surveyors relating to their fire safety work.
Read moreThe RICS key to unlock the market?
In December 2019, the RICS launched a new form, the EWS1, to assist with the process of valuing properties within all residential buildings over six storeys (18 metres). In the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, lenders were needing to understand whether materials used for cladding/insulation were safe and would require remediation at a cost that would have impact on the value of the property. The EWS1 form was intended to provide a quick route to ascertain whether works were required that might have an impact on value.
Read moreDisciplinary investigations against architects #5 - Referral to Professional Conduct Committee
Further to our previous four articles detailing the stages of the Architect Registration Board's disciplinary process up to the Investigations Panel Stage, this article considers the steps that are taken by the ARB in order to refer the matter to the Professional Conduct Committee and the steps that an Architect may wish to take to prepare for that hearing.
Read moreBuilding on renewable energy #3 – Anaerobic Digestion
Anaerobic digestion is the process by which biodegradable materials are broken down in a controlled environment. Whilst being broken down, the materials emit gas (which can be used as a source of renewable energy), and produce heat (which can also be harnessed on or near-to site). The process also leaves a waste material (digestate), which can be used as fertiliser, contributing to the circular economy.
Read moreBuilding on renewable energy #2 - Wind power
Wind power is, unsurprisingly, generated by wind (typically as little as a light breeze) passing over and turning the turbine's blades. The blades are connected via a shaft and gearbox to a generator, which converts the kinetic energy into electrical energy. A transformer then increases the voltage of the generated energy to enable transmission to the grid.
Read moreDisciplinary investigations against architects #3 – The review stage
Further to our previous two articles which provided (1) an overview of the Architect Registration Board's disciplinary process and (2) a review of the complaints stage we explain the next stage of a disciplinary investigation against an Architect, the review stage.
Read moreDisciplinary investigations against architects #2 - Complaints to the ARB
Further to our previous article which provided an overview of the Architect Registration Board's disciplinary process, we explain the first stage of a disciplinary investigation against an Architect, the complaint stage.
Read moreAI in auditing: Embracing a new age for the profession
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rather new concept for many (ignoring those versed in 80’s Sci-Fi movies); it’s something many don’t know much about and certainly don’t use in our day-to-day lives (or at least appreciate we are using). However, that’s not the case for everyone. Auditors have long been reaping the benefits of AI, but are auditors just scratching the surface of what AI can offer and what impact will an increased use have on their insurance requirements and claims they face?
Read moreDigital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act becomes law
Following the announcement of a date for the general election, the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCC) rapidly sped through the final stages of parliamentary processes to become law on 24 May 2024
Read moreThaler v Comptroller [2023] UKSC 49: the UKSC rules that AI cannot be an 'inventor'
To the surprise of no one, the UK Supreme Court (UKSC) has finally ruled that an artificial intelligence (AI) cannot be an inventor for the purposes of UK patent law. This judgment accords with the decisions of the lower courts in the UK and the initial ruling of the UKIPO. It also reflects similar findings from most of courts around the world where the claimant, Dr Thaler, brought similar actions.
Read moreCriminal Liability for Senior Managers under the Online Safety Act
Under the Online Safety Act (OSA), senior managers of in-scope services could be held personally liable in certain circumstances for the company's non-compliance with obligations within the legislation.
Read moreGenerative AI and intellectual property rights—the UK government's position
The IPO is to produce a code of practice by the summer that will provide guidance to support AI firms in accessing copyright protected works as an input to their models.
Read moreSilicon Valley, Signature and Credit Suisse: what do they all share(holder) in common?
In what has been termed "the biggest banking crisis since 2008", both Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank have collapsed, and Credit Suisse has been rescued. Whether more banks are to follow suit is yet to be seen.
Read moreHong Kong's enhanced e-reporting system for internet fraud
On 19 September 2022, the Hong Kong Police Force announced its upgraded e-reporting system for internet crimes and frauds, which aims to improve the processing and analysing of cyber crimes.
Read moreEuropean Parliament formally adopts Digital Services Act
Following provision political agreement by the Council and the European Parliament in April 2022, on 5 July 2022 the European Parliament formally adopted the Digital Services Act (DSA). The DSA has yet to be adopted by the Council.
Read moreRPC Insurtech in brief - January 2022
Welcome to the January edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.
Read moreRPC Insurtech in brief - October 2021
Welcome to the October edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.
Read moreRPC Insurtech in brief - November 2021
Welcome to the November edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.
Read moreRPC Insurtech in brief - September 2021
Welcome to the September edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.
Read moreRPC Insurtech in brief - August 2021
Welcome to the August edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.
Read moreRPC Insurtech in brief - July 2021
Welcome to the July edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.
Read moreRPC Insurtech in brief - June 2021
Welcome to the June edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.
Read moreRPC Insurtech in brief - May 2021
Welcome to the May edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.
Read moreRPC Insurtech in brief April 2021
Welcome to the April edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.
Read moreRPC Insurtech in brief – March 2021
Welcome to the latest edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.
Read moreCommercial Court cracks down on crypto-fraudsters (if it can find them)
In the first initial coin offering 'ICO' fraud case before the Commercial Court, Ion Science Limited & Duncan Johns v Persons Unknown & Ors, the court granted permission to serve disclosure orders on two cryptocurrency exchanges through which the claimants' stolen bitcoin had been traced, granted a world-wide freezing order against persons unknown, and gave ground-breaking guidance on the lex situs of crypto-assets.
Read moreRPC Insurtech in brief – January 2021
Welcome to the latest edition from RPC Insurtech in brief providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.
Read moreRPC Insurtech in brief – December 2020
Welcome to the latest edition from RPC Insurtech in brief providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.
Read moreMajor overhaul of UK telecoms regulation to go ahead by the end of December 2020
The UK still pushing ahead with implementing wide ranging European regulatory changes, but obligations for many "over the top" providers are likely to be postponed.
Read moreNew virtual insurer for Hong Kong
This month saw the award of a further virtual insurer licence in Hong Kong – this time for OneDegree (on 15 April 2020). The start-up will focus, initially, on the burgeoning Hong Kong pet insurance market, before a proposed expansion into health and cyber risk.
Read moreFuture Fund
The Chancellor has announced the launch of a £500m co-investment fund for start-ups adversely impacted by the coronavirus. The 'Future Fund' operates through the government matching private sector money with state-backed loans that can convert into equity stakes in the start-up.
Read moreLoot Boxes: what's in the box?
On 12 September 2019 the House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee (DCMS) released its report into what it calls "immersive and addictive technologies".
Read moreRPC provides response to 'Online harms' consultation
This consultation response is submitted on behalf of RPC's Tech Group*. RPC is an international law firm with offices in London, Bristol, Hong Kong and Singapore. RPC acts for a range of clients from start-ups to multi-nationals in the technology, media, and retail sectors and for their insurers. RPC's Tech Group provides specialist advice on regulation, content liability, commercial contracts, outsourcing, data protection, cyber, intellectual property, e-commerce, and investigations and disputes. Views expressed in this submission do not necessarily represent those of our clients.
Read moreInformation requirements to change under European communications contracts
The rules around what needs to be provided to consumers under communications contracts are going to be changing under the new European Electronic Communications Code. This will have implications for consumer contracts provided by communication providers in Europe, including broadband, voice and "over the top" providers.
Read moreConnected and Autonomous Vehicles: Changes ahead for UK road traffic laws
The UK Government has recently launched a consultation on proposals to amend the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 (Regulations) and the Highway Code. The proposed changes will clarify the legal position for use of features in Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) and should bring the UK law in line with recent updates to international rules.
Read moreDigital Comparison Tools: The CMA's Verdict
The CMA has recently concluded its year-long digital comparison tools (DCT) market study with the publication (on 26 September 2017) of its Final Report. However, this is by no means the end of the story. In addition to making recommendations to DCTs, their users, the regulators (in particular, the FCA), other bodies and the Government, the CMA has launched a competition investigation into the use of wide "most favoured nation" (MFN) contractual arrangements by a DCT in the home insurance sector and will keep other commercial arrangements under review.
Read moreEBA encourages banks to pool their resources for cloud audits
The EBA has set out that banks are no longer required to provide their auditors (or themselves) with an independent right to audit their cloud service providers.
Read moreA mutual break-up? – Old Mutual drops IT supplier IFDS
Old Mutual Wealth has ditched its IT supplier, International Financial Data Services, on £450 million platform project.
Read moreLicensors beware – BlackBerry wins refund of royalties from Qualcomm
Smartphone chip supplier Qualcomm has been ordered to pay back $814.9 million to BlackBerry as part of a binding interim arbitration settlement.
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