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In February 2026, Orbital Express Launch Ltd, commonly known as Orbex, one of Scotland’s most high-profile rocket developers, entered administration after failing to secure critical funding and rescue deals. This development has placed approximately 150 skilled jobs at risk and raised broader questions about the resilience and strategic direction of the UK’s domestic space launch industry. Company Background and Ambitions Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Forres, Moray, Orbex had been developing the Prime micro-launcher and the larger Proxima rocket, aiming to establish sovereign UK launch capability from Scottish soil. The company had received £26 million in government-backed loans and had …

STEM businesses are often built for speed—rapid innovation, fast‑paced fundraising, and ambitious growth plans. But while founders focus on technology, investment, and commercial roll‑out, governance documents and equity records can easily fall to the bottom of the priority list. When these aren’t properly maintained, the consequences can be disruptive, costly, and in some cases, legally problematic. This blog highlights key governance considerations for STEM companies, including the importance of well‑drafted Articles of Association and Shareholders’ Agreements, common pitfalls we see in practice, and why accurate cap table management is fundamental to growth. Articles of Association: The Company’s Operating Manual The …

The Employment Rights Act 2025, which received Royal Assent in December of last year, is set to be the biggest overhaul of employment law that we have seen in decades. With the vast number of changes ahead, the employment law landscape can appear rather daunting right now. The various reforms are set to be introduced in phases over the next two years; however, the first package of provisions are set to land this week on 18 February 2026. To help you prepare, we’ve set out below the main changes coming into effect on this date and consider their implications for …

Almost one-fifth of families in Scotland are cohabiting couples, the fastest-growing family type in the country. Wills and succession planning isn’t the most romantic Valentine’s Day discussion over a candlelit dinner but how to protect your partner in the event of your death could be one of the most important discussions you have. It is a common misconception that living together comes with similar rights to that of married couples or civil partners. The reality is that cohabitants have no automatic rights in the event of their partner’s death and would instead have to turn to costly, time-consuming and uncertain …

Can a 14-year-old work in a café after school? Can they work weekends? Are there limitations on their working hours? Is the position the same when the business is family-owned? Employment law places tight controls on the work children can do, when they can do it, and who is responsible for ensuring compliance. Current Law Currently children under the age of 14 are not employable under any circumstances. That said, those aged 13 and below may, with their parents’ consent and provided that local authority licensing rules are followed (which vary from district to district in Scotland), take part in …

The recent judgments handed down in the cases brought by Sandie Peggie and the Darlington Nurses (both determined in the context of last year’s landmark ‘For Women’ decision) appear to have generated greater uncertainty rather than the much sought after clarity that many had hoped for. Sandie Peggie v NHS Fife and Upton The much-anticipated judgement in the case of Sandie Peggie v NHS Fife and Upton, was handed down on 8 December 2025. Ms Peggie, who had worked for NHS Fife for several decades, was suspended pending a disciplinary investigation following a complaint by her colleague, Dr Beth Upton, …

Organisations operating in the care and life sciences sector will be familiar with regulatory engagement and investigation. Key regulators include the Care Inspectorate, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, the Health & Safety Executive and police agencies. Recently, a different regulator, HMRC, has been active in investigating staff conditions including pay and working conditions. HMRC reviews The process is: HMRC will issue a letter explaining that they are carrying out a review of pay and working conditions bearing in mind National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage requirements. A date will be set for a meeting with HMRC officials attending …

Afan Valley Ltd v Lupton Fawcett LLP in the Light of Manchester, Stanford and SAAMCO The Court of Appeal’s decision on 5 January 2026 in Afan Valley Ltd v Lupton Fawcett LLP [2026] EWCA Civ 2 is a major reaffirmation of conventional principles governing loss and scope of duty in professional negligence claims.  While under the law of England and Wales, it may well provide further guidance for Defenders in Scotland where Pursuers seek to recharacterise commercial failure, fraud, or regulatory exposure as recoverable loss flowing from negligent advice. In particular, Afan Valley demonstrates how the modern scope‑of‑duty framework stated …