Last night, the Big Jalebi Charity Ball, hosted by Sumeet Jalan and his lovely family, took place at Oakley House, Bromley, in an early celebration of Diwali. The evening wasn’t just about the festivities but about bringing communities together and supporting charities that make a real difference.The ball raised significant funds for causes, including Yoga Mission, which provides education for young girls in India, the Madlani Cancer Charity, the Big Jalebi Mission Charity, and the Mum Mum Foundation. These organisations work to improve lives both locally and globally, and the funds raised will directly contribute to their missions.Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a blend of performances, from Indian classical dancers and Bollywood routines to energetic Brazilian dancers. Michelin-star chef Peter Joseph from Kahani Indian Restaurant delivered an exceptional dining experience, ensuring the food was as memorable as the performances.It was clear that the spirit of Diwali, with its message of unity and hope, was central to the evening’s atmosphere. Sumeet Jalan united the community, with special guests like Gareth Bacon, MP for Orpington, showing their support.One of the evening’s highlights was the live auction, which featured prizes like luxury hotel stays, dining experiences, and spa packages. Manak Solicitors proudly outbid for a vintage flying experience at Biggin Hill, adding to the successful fundraising efforts.The Big Jalebi Charity Ball reminded us that while Diwali may inspire us to be better people, real change comes from the collective effort of a community. The event showed how much can be achieved when people come together to support those in need.We’re proud to have been part of such an impactful event and look forward to seeing the positive changes these charities will continue to bring.

Manak Solicitors is pleased to announce the acquisition of Ennis-Webb & Co Solicitors, a well-established legal firm based in Biggin Hill. This strategic acquisition marks a significant expansion of Manak Solicitors' footprint in the Kent region, enhancing its service offerings and client base.Ennis-Webb & Co Solicitors, renowned for its expertise in Wills, Probate, Trusts, and Tax services, has been a trusted name in Biggin Hill. Founded by Fiona Ennis-Webb, the firm has built a strong reputation for providing client-focused and sympathetic legal advice. With decades of experience, Fiona Ennis-Webb and her team have been instrumental in delivering high-quality legal services to clients both locally and internationally.Both Fiona Ennis-Webb and Lesley Hine will officially join the Manak team, retaining their Biggin Hill premises. Clients will benefit from the advanced technologies and enhanced resources provided by Manak Solicitors, ensuring superior service and support."We are thrilled to welcome Ennis-Webb & Co Solicitors to the Manak family," said Surinder Singh Manak, Managing Director of Manak Solicitors. "Their specialisation in private client work complements our existing services and aligns with our mission to provide exceptional legal support to our community. We look forward to working together to serve our clients better.”

On Saturday, September 28th, the Charity Angels Fashion Show brought the community together to support breast cancer charities and the work of Dr. Lord, who is advancing treatments for secondary breast cancer. The sold-out event was a great success, helping raise much-needed funds.Fashion with PurposeThe evening centred around the fashion show, with women impacted by breast cancer taking to the runway. Models wore designs from Seasalt Cornwall, Lovell & Vie, Bat & Ball Sports, The Clever Dresser, and Specsavers. The event showcased their strength and resilience as they modelled for a great cause.A Memorable EveningGuests enjoyed canapés, drinks, and a performance by magician Bob Pound, known for his work with Dynamo. An auction featured prizes such as a holiday villa stay in Mallorca and Guernsey, a Chelsea-signed shirt, and a Royal Albert Hall royal box experience, adding excitement to the evening.New AmbassadorsDuring the event, Jacqui Beltrao, Sky Sports presenter and former Olympic gymnast, and Tony Hatch, the composer and songwriter, were introduced as the newest Charity Angels ambassadors. Their support is another step toward helping raise awareness and funds for breast cancer charities.A Special MilestoneThis fashion show also marked a significant moment for Stephanie Harrison, as it was her last local fundraiser for the community she has dedicated herself to supporting. Her efforts with Charity Angels have had a lasting impact, and the event was a fitting tribute to her years of dedication.Join Us in Supporting the CauseSince 2021, Charity Angels has raised over £80,000, all through voluntary efforts. You can continue to help them make a difference by donating through their JustGiving page- Charity Angels Just Giving page. Manak Solicitors is proud to stand with Charity Angels. It is grateful for the opportunity to support such an important cause.

Manak Solicitors is proud to support MyTime Active and their Fitness Fiesta at Walnuts Leisure Centre on September 21, 2024, an event dedicated to raising funds for Breast Cancer Research. With a focus on fitness and community engagement, participants can enjoy a range of sessions like Pilates and Zumba, catering to all levels of fitness.As part of our commitment to wellness, we’re donating a brand new Fitbit Charge 6 to the raffle. Here at Manak, health is paramount. That’s why we offer all employees private Vitality health insurance to help prioritise their wellbeing.We’re looking forward to seeing the community come together in support of this important cause.For more event details, visit Orpington 1st.

Authored by Harpreet Kaur Khella, Immigration Solicitor.We would like to inform you of an important update regarding Biometric Residence Permits (BRP). All BRP cards are set to expire on 31st December 2024. This update affects all individuals, including those who do not currently hold a BRP card, as the transition to the e-visa system is required.How We Can HelpOur team at Manak Solicitors is here to assist you with the e-visa application process. We offer this service at a fee of £500.00 + VAT, bringing the total to £600.00.For Those With Indefinite Leave to Remain/EnterIf you have an indefinite leave to remain/enter stamp in your passport but do not have a BRP card, it is essential to apply for one before transitioning to an e-visa. For both applications, our fees are £995.00 + VAT (£1,194.00).Additional FeesPlease note, you will also be responsible for any applicable Home Office fees. We will provide further details on these fees once you instruct us.Book an AppointmentTo receive assistance with either application, please call us at 01474 324529 to schedule an appointment. Our team is ready to guide you through this process.Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to helping you during this transition.

At Manak Solicitors, innovation drives everything we do, not just for our clients but also in how we conduct business. This September, we're proud to announce a new chapter in our journey towards a more sustainable and efficient workplace—our complete transition from traditional paper business cards to sleek, NFC-enabled, sustainable metal cards.The Power of One TapBusiness cards have long been a staple in professional settings. But in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, we saw an opportunity to rethink the way we connect. With our new NFC-enabled cards, sharing contact information is as simple as a single tap. Every member of our team now has a cutting-edge card that instantly transfers their details—phone number, email, and more—directly to your smartphone. An effortless, immediate exchange of details, ensuring a seamless and modern experience every time.Sustainable by DesignTraditional paper business cards may seem small, but their environmental footprint adds up. From production to disposal, billions of cards are printed each year, with millions quickly ending up in the bin. By adopting these sustainable metal cards, we're reducing waste, conserving resources, and reinforcing our dedication to more environmentally conscious practices.These new cards are durable and designed to last—meaning we're cutting down on unnecessary reprints and contributing less to the cycle of single-use paper products. It’s a move that aligns with our larger environmental goals, helping us make a meaningful difference for the planet.More Than Just a Card—A StatementSwitching to NFC-enabled cards isn’t just about technology or sustainability—it’s about redefining how we interact. The sleek design of these cards makes an instant impression, reflecting the professionalism and forward-thinking mindset that our clients have come to expect from Manak Solicitors.We’re proud to lead the way with V1ce and excited to continue exploring new ways to make our business smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable.It’s a small change with a big impact, both for our clients and the planet.

This blog update has been written as several clients have heard the news of the judgement that some convictions were brought incorrectly through the single justice procedure and as such they will be quashed. The case is Norther Trains Limited v Mark Ballington and Jade Wylie, Northern Train Limited v Sarah Cooke, Greater Anglia v Joshua Baggaley, Paul Jenkins and Sarah McKenzie which was heard in August 2024.We are receiving a lot of enquiries as to whether past settlements can be set aside. This blog is to assist in your understanding as to the position.The Court found it was improper that the single justice procedure was used for offences prosecuted under Section 5 (1) and 5(3) of the Regulation of the Railways Act 1889.A single justice procedure notice is a document with several pages which requires you to plead guilty or not guilty on the papers. It does not require court attendance and you can be sentenced on the papers too as many were.Please note that any prosecution brought under a Byelaw offence is valid and therefore has no relevance to this judgement. Also if you were prosecuted under the Regulation of the Railways Act 1889 and you received a court requisition i.e. not a single justice procedure notice but a regular court summons then your case also has no relevance to the judgement.The decision was made to declare those cases a nullity and so the Courts will contact all those affected and ensure the case is declared a nullity and any fines and costs paid to the court be paid back to the Defendants. The cases will not be prosecuted again as they are out of time given there is a six month time limit to bring such cases.Accordingly, it is our view that you will not need a Solicitor for this process, and that you can either contact the Court yourself to speed up the process or wait to be contacted. If any person who was convicted improperly has changed addresses, then they should update their contact details with the Court.Samir Moftah is a Director at Manak Solicitors and a successful fare evasion solicitor who has over ten years of experience dealing with fare evasion and has settled thousands of cases. He has very high success rates and is able to assist clients resolve fare evasion cases. Samir also has hundreds of five star reviews on Google and Trustpilot of satisfied clients.Please do contact us if you require any assistance.

By Jasdeep Singh Jandu, Head of the Residential Property Department at Manak SolicitorsAs the Head of the Residential Property Department at Manak Solicitors, I've seen a surge in enquiries from landlords and second homeowners eager to sell before 30 October 2024. The main reason? A potential increase in Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is expected in the upcoming Budget. If you're considering selling, now is the time to act; we’re here to help.At Manak Solicitors, our experienced conveyancing team has a proven track record, especially during tight deadlines like the Stamp Duty Holiday in 2020/2021, where we achieved a 100% success rate. Our office-based team ensures exceptional case handling, communication, and results.Here are our top tips for selling before the anticipated deadline:Instruct Your Solicitor Early: Start early to prepare a draft contract, identify potential issues, and ensure a smooth transaction.Complete Protocol Forms Promptly: Submit property information, fittings forms, and relevant certificates as soon as possible to avoid delays.Consider Purchasing a Search Pack: This can prevent delays caused by waiting for search results and keep the process on track.Clarify Timescales in the Memorandum of Sale: Clearly define the sale timescale to avoid misunderstandings.Plan for Potential Delays: Aim to complete by 11 October to avoid missing the 30 October deadline, which could increase your CGT liability.Manage Tenant Issues Properly: Our landlord and tenant team are ready to assist with any tenant-related matters.With the CGT deadline approaching, swift and strategic action is crucial to minimise tax liability and secure a successful sale. Our team at Manak Solicitors is here to guide you through the process efficiently.Contact us today to discuss your options and get started. We're here to help you achieve the best possible outcome.Note: The potential increase in CGT is currently a rumour and has not been officially confirmed. For specific tax advice, consult a qualified accountant. We can recommend a trusted accountant if needed.

The Priory Live Festival 2024 was a celebration of music, food, and community spirit, and we at Manak Solicitors were pleased to be a part of it.The Manak Main Stage: Unforgettable PerformancesAs hosts of the Manak Main Stage, we witnessed some truly special moments. Indie favourites like Space, The Farm, and The Rifles delivered performances that resonated with everyone in attendance. The energy was palpable as the crowd sang along, and the DJs from Mi-Soul, Solar Radio, and House FM kept the rhythm flowing throughout the day, making sure there was never a dull moment.Finding Calm in the Wellness GardenFor those seeking a bit of tranquillity amidst the festival excitement, the Wellness Garden offered the perfect retreat. Located within the historic Old Priory building, this serene space featured Yoga, Reiki, and Sound Baths, providing a peaceful counterbalance to the lively music. It was a place to unwind, recharge, and soak in the calming atmosphere before returning to the festivities.A Culinary AdventureThe festival was also a feast for the senses, with a wide variety of delicious foods to explore. From the savoury flavours of Greek wraps and Caribbean delights to the rich tastes of Spanish Paella and the ever-popular Dough n Go Pizza, there was something for every palate. Paired with refreshing brews from Westerham Brewery, it was a culinary journey that perfectly complemented the day.Joy for All AgesIt was wonderful to see families enjoying the festival together. The children were especially delighted by the circus skills, storytelling sessions, and creative workshops that filled their day with laughter and imagination. Their joy added a special layer of warmth to the festival, reminding us of all the simple pleasures of life.A Celebration of CommunityPriory Live 2024 was more than just a festival—it was a celebration of togetherness and community spirit. As a local business rooted in this community, we were honoured to be part of an event that brought so many people together, creating memories that will last well beyond the day.Here When You Need UsWhile the festival was a day to remember, we understand that life’s challenges continue. Whether you’re facing a legal issue or planning, Manak Solicitors is here to support you. Our team is ready to provide the expert legal advice and services you need.