LEXLAW Solicitors & Barristers
Growing scrutiny of regulatory oversight has reignited claims that small businesses were exposed to hidden liabilities through complex lending structures, raising significant legal questions around misrepresentation, regulatory accountability, and SME redress.
Thousands of UK businesses were mis-sold complex interest rate hedging products (IRHPs) by major banks between 2001 and 2012. While the FCA’s formal review scheme has closed, significant routes to redress remain open in 2026, particularly for victims of hidden swaps, LIBOR manipulation, and professional negligence. This article explains who can still claim, why time is critical, and what a specialist solicitor can recover for you.
The High Court held that Ronojoy Nag was liable for misfeasance and breach of fiduciary duty after diverting company assets during insolvency, while his wife Amanda Nag was found liable for dishonest assistance and knowing receipt, ordering both to account for misapplied funds.
In Manolete Partners Plc v Trevor Howarth [2024] EWHC 2294 (Ch), the High Court dismissed a £101,000 claim against the former CEO of One Legal Services. Manolete alleged that repayments to Mr Howarth’s director loan account during the firm’s CVA were unlawful preferences under the Insolvency Act 1986. Judge Barber disagreed, holding the payments were made in good faith.
![McGuinness & Anor v Goldentree Financial Services PLC & Anor [2025] EWHC 870 (Ch)](https://lexlaw.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/McGuinness-Anor-v-Goldentree-Financial-Services-PLC-Anor-2025-EWHC-870-Ch-2-1080x720.png)
McGuinness v Goldentree [2025] EWHC 870 (Ch) clarifies investment property loan exemptions under Article 61A FSMA 2000. The High Court struck out regulatory challenges to commercial development finance, confirming contemporaneous evidence establishes business purposes. The judgment reinforces that former directors lack litigation authority during administration without administrator consent. This decision protects legitimate commercial lending from spurious consumer credit challenges whilst emphasising robust documentation practices for development finance practitioners.
A time-to-pay proposal enables a debtor to negotiate structured repayment terms with creditors, creating a legal pathway to avoid insolvency while ensuring creditors’ rights are protected. Commonly sought by companies with tax arrears, such arrangements require careful preparation and timely negotiation to maximise acceptance.
Unjust enrichment is a powerful remedy in English law allowing recovery where one party is enriched at another’s expense without legal justification. This guide by LEXLAW Solicitors explains how restitution claims arise in commercial, financial, and contractual disputes. We outline key legal principles, real-world examples, and common defences helping you understand your rights and take action.
The High Court refused a summary judgment application by Sampson Coward LLP, a Salisbury-based law firm, over its handling of £2 million in escrow funds, allegedly misapplied while acting for connected parties, following assignment of the claims to litigation funder Manolete Partners.
Legally binding contracts in UK contract law can be made via WhatsApp, email, & text messages. The Jaevee Homes v Fincham High Court ruling confirms digital agreements require offer, acceptance, consideration, & intention (based on an objective test). Understand contract formation via electronic communication & risks of informal digital contracts in English law.