Author: Dave Antrobus

An appeal for mandatory food waste reporting has been launched by top grocery chains and brands in the UK.More than 30 businesses, including Tesco, Aldi, and Nestlé, urge government action against food waste.The initiative, supported by notable supermarkets and brands, targets improving transparency and accountability.Mandatory reporting aims to make companies more efficient in food production and waste management.The letter to the UK government aligns with goals to build a zero-waste circular economy.An influential coalition involving over 30 grocery retailers and iconic brands has publicly urged the UK government to introduce compulsory food waste reporting. This joint appeal aims to minimise…

Read More

In the contemporary workplace, HR’s influence on employee mental health is increasingly significant.HR is crucial in promoting a supportive work environment for mental health.Key HR initiatives include open communication and reducing mental health stigma.Access to mental health resources, like counselling, is vital.HR’s proactive measures can enhance employee morale and engagement.In today’s fast-paced work environment, the role of Human Resources (HR) in fostering employee mental health and well-being has become increasingly significant. Employee mental health is a crucial component of organisational success, and HR is central to creating a supportive atmosphere that prioritises mental well-being. HR departments can implement various strategies…

Read More

Handling challenging conversations is crucial for HR professionals.Research indicates 57% of managers wish to avoid difficult discussions.Misunderstandings often arise from assumptions about intentions.Effective coaching skills can aid in managing such conversations.Practical strategies can lead to more positive outcomes.Handling challenging conversations is an essential skill for human resources professionals. Whether it is about conducting performance reviews, providing difficult feedback, or questioning a superior’s decision, these interactions need careful management to achieve favourable results.A study by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) showed that 57% of managers would do nearly anything to avoid difficult discussions. They identified five key reasons for this avoidance:…

Read More

Nick Hanning has made history as the first CILEX lawyer appointed as a recorder.He will preside in the county, family, and Crown courts on the South Eastern circuit.This follows a recent law change allowing CILEX lawyers to apply for such roles.Hanning’s career includes experience as a deputy district judge since 2020.His appointment signifies an important step towards equality for CILEX members.Nick Hanning’s appointment as a recorder marks a pivotal moment in the legal profession, as he becomes the first CILEX lawyer to assume such a role. He will preside over cases in the county, family, and Crown courts within the…

Read More

M&S is considering a significant expansion to support its online sales growth.The retailer is exploring a large new warehouse site in the Midlands.This move aims to bolster its online fashion and homeware sales target of 50%.Recent improvements in M&S’s online experience have boosted customer engagement.Automation and supply chain refinement are key strategies for M&S’s growth.M&S, a major retail entity, is evaluating options for a substantial new warehouse in the Midlands region, indicative of its strategic push to enhance its online sales capabilities. The potential site, spanning over one million square feet in Northamptonshire, represents a significant investment decision still under…

Read More

Retail investor Alteri Investors is in discussions to potentially acquire the footwear and accessories brand Kurt Geiger from private equity firm Cinven. The talks are still in early stages and not exclusive.Kurt Geiger’s current owner, Cinven, had previously appointed Bank of America for the brand’s auction, suggesting a value of around £400 million.Alteri Investors had formerly owned a 50% stake in the fast fashion retailer Missguided, which faced financial challenges before being sold to Frasers Group for £20 million.Despite tough economic conditions, Kurt Geiger has reported record sales, showing resilience in the retail market.No comments have been made by Alteri…

Read More

Two solicitors, Mr. Zachariah Reynolds and Ms. Alexa Kordowicz, have faced significant fines totalling over £30,000 for their failure to adequately manage conflicts of interest and act in their clients’ best interests.The case primarily revolves around two transactions involving a property developer known as Mr. A, and an estranged couple, Mr. B and Ms. C. Mr. A had maintained a client relationship with the firm since 2016 and was related to Mr. B by marriage. In the first transaction, the solicitors facilitated a £112,500 loan agreement secured by a property jointly owned by Mr. B and Ms. C. This transaction…

Read More

The Legal Services Board (LSB) has authorised a substantial rise in the contributions required from solicitors and legal firms to the Compensation Fund, coinciding with the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) collection schedule.The contribution increase results in individual solicitors, often funded by their firms, seeing their payments escalate from £30 to £90, while law firms managing client funds will face a hike from £660 to £2,220. This decision will enable the fund to raise £31.6 million, a notable increase from the previous £10 million in the practising year.This decision by the oversight regulator, which is tasked with approving these figures annually,…

Read More

RBG Holdings, a publicly listed legal services company, has experienced a significant decline in its share price, which nearly halved in early trading following the announcement of another 7% drop in turnover accompanied by a £5.7 million loss for the first half of the year. Furthermore, the company has warned that its full-year performance will fall substantially short of market expectations.The share price plummeted 45%, reaching an all-time low of 3.25p. This downturn follows the company’s earlier high of 148p in June 2021 and a starting price of 64p at the beginning of 2023. The decline accelerated last December after…

Read More

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has secured approval for a significant increase in the compensation fund fee to address the financial impact caused by Axiom Ince. This dramatic 270% rise in contributions aims to replenish the fund after considerable payouts. The approval has raised concerns, amidst ongoing investigations into the SRA’s handling of past interventions. Firms, regardless of size, will face a uniform fee increase.The Solicitors Regulation Authority gains approval to significantly raise compensation fund fees.A 270% fee hike is implemented to cover the financial aftermath of Axiom Ince.The decision arrives during an ongoing investigation into SRA’s organisational conduct.The fee…

Read More