In a startling revelation, the High Court has disclosed that a former credit control manager at a prominent London legal chambers has confessed to embezzling £2.75 million over the last five years.The legal proceedings initiated by Pump Court Chambers against Gillian Brown, also known as Gillian Goodfield, have brought to light significant financial misappropriation. The case, which was initially held under anonymity, was made public following a decision by Charles Morrison, acting as a deputy High Court judge. He determined there was no reason to continue private proceedings.Pump Court Chambers, a respected legal entity with branches in London, Winchester, Swindon,…
Author: Dave Antrobus
A new initiative to support the UK’s semiconductor industry has been introduced, signalling a strategic shift by science minister Patrick Vallance.Previously sceptical, Vallance has endorsed £720k average grants for 16 semiconductor projects, aiming to boost innovation.Vallance’s earlier comments criticised £1m funding as insufficient, suggesting firms would struggle without more capital.The G7 Semiconductors forum kick-off coincides with the funding, fostering global discussion on industry challenges.The UK semiconductor sector, valued at £10bn, could significantly impact economic growth and reach £17bn by 2030.In a notable shift from previous remarks, UK science minister Patrick Vallance has thrown his support behind a new scheme to…
In a significant intervention, former justice minister Lord Wolfson KC, together with Andreas Gledhill KC from Blackstone Chambers, has voiced strong opposition to the Bar Standards Board’s (BSB) proposed equality duty. The plan aims to impose a positive duty on barristers to actively advance equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).Lord Wolfson and Mr Gledhill have articulated their concerns through a joint letter addressed to Bar Council chair Sam Townend. They contend that the BSB lacks the authority to impose its own interpretations of social justice on legal practitioners, describing the proposed duty as inherently “vague” and “uncertain,” with a potential to…
Frasers Group accelerates its ‘next generation’ department store rollout as it phases out the House of Fraser brand.The Sheffield Meadowhall centre hosts Frasers’ 13th and most expansive store to date, replacing an outdated model.David Epstein, Managing Director, highlights the global trend of struggling department stores and the need for innovation.Frasers Meadowhall features various branded spaces, digital elements, and pop-up areas, demonstrating a modern shopping experience.The store strategically incorporates Sports Direct while keeping ample space for a home department and a Pret-A-Manger partnership.The Frasers Group is intensifying its expansion of ‘next generation’ department stores as it phases out the House of…
John Lewis has launched its Christmas shops in 35 stores, marking the start of the festive shopping season.Customers can explore a wide range of festive products, from trees and baubles to wreaths and gifts.For the first time, John Lewis is consolidating its Christmas foliage in 15 stores.The retailer introduces various festive activities, including Lego workshops and personalised chocolate boxes.Sales of individual baubles and wrapping paper have seen a significant increase this year.John Lewis has opened Christmas shops in 35 of its stores, signalling the beginning of the bustling festive shopping period. Shoppers will discover an extensive array of festive decorations…
The UK toy retailer launches its largest Christmas recruitment drive seeking over 1000 seasonal workers.The Entertainer aims to staff its 160 UK stores and 130 Tesco concessions with temporary sales assistants.Contracts vary from 8 to 20 hours weekly, expanding to full-time before Christmas.Chief Executive Andrew Murphy describes the expansion as a thrilling opportunity.The recruitment highlights the company’s significant growth and ambitions.The Entertainer, a prominent UK toy retailer, has embarked on its largest recruitment initiative in preparation for the upcoming Christmas season. The company plans to bring on board over 1000 seasonal staff members to manage the anticipated increase in customer…
Boots has initiated its most expansive beauty marketing campaign yet, inviting audiences to embrace beauty anew. The campaign targets the under-35 demographic through diverse media channels.The campaign, titled ‘make more room for beauty,’ seeks to incorporate over 25 new brands into everyday beauty routines.It features a series of films voiced by British actor Freema Agyeman, aiming to resonate with young British women.Innovative advertising formats such as an 8-page magazine ad and special builds in London are employed to enhance visibility.Social media strategies on Instagram and TikTok are crafted to engage the younger audience effectively.Boots has embarked on an unprecedented venture…
In a significant development, Constructive Bio has successfully secured £43.4m in funding. This underscores the firm’s ambitious genomic synthesis initiatives.Founded in 2021, the startup is pioneering programmable molecule technology to bolster pharmaceutical and therapeutic solutions.The funding round was led by key investors including Ahren, OMX Ventures, and Paladin Capital Group, enhancing the firm’s financial standing.Constructive Bio is recognised for its unique ability to transform living cells into sustainable biofactories, a process helmed by founder Prof Jason Chin.The total financing to date, post this round, now stands at $75m, showcasing strong investor confidence.Constructive Bio, a promising synthetic genomics startup based in…
The Co-op food division chief highlights the substantial impact of shoplifting on staff, overshadowing financial losses.Shoplifting has led to an estimated £39 million in losses for the Co-op in the first half of the year, marking a 19% increase from the previous year.Despite investing millions in security measures, shoplifting incidents have become more frequent and audacious, according to Co-op’s food boss.The increase in shoplifting is not deterring potential employees from joining Co-op, as claimed by the managing director.Co-op has encountered unprecedented levels of crime and abuse, with a significant rise in violent incidents in its stores.Shoplifting has emerged as a…
Sainsbury’s has announced a strategic decision to sell its ATM business to Brink’s Company NoteMachine, aiming to streamline its banking operations and cut costs.NoteMachine will become the owner of Sainsbury’s 1,350 ATMs nationwide, maintaining customer access to cash with no changes to current withdrawal methods.The transition of ownership is set to be finalised by May 2025, expected to provide Sainsbury’s with a shared commission income stream.This move follows Sainsbury’s earlier sale of its banking arm to Natwest Group, signalling a phased withdrawal from banking operations.Both companies express their commitment to providing accessible financial services across the UK through this partnership.Sainsbury’s,…