Author: Dave Antrobus

The collapse of Sheffield’s SSB Law has led to a rigorous investigation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).Many clients are now facing unexpected legal costs due to issues with After the Event (ATE) insurance providers.The SRA is scrutinising SSB Law’s client interactions and assessment processes to ensure compliance with professional standards.Key individuals from SSB Law might be interviewed as part of the investigation into the firm’s operations.Discussions with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) aim to bolster consumer protections.The recent collapse of Sheffield-based SSB Law has prompted an intense investigation by the Solicitors…

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Hybrid working arrangements are reshaping the professional landscape for women from minority backgrounds, enabling them to pursue senior roles with newfound confidence.The recent ‘Advancing Equality’ report highlights that over half of female hybrid workers are now applying for promotions.The flexibility of hybrid work has provided new opportunities, particularly benefiting women from minority groups.This work model is instrumental in advancing gender equality and inclusiveness within the workplace.Women are using hybrid work to improve their work-life balance and explore professional growth.The adoption of hybrid working practices is significantly altering the professional dynamics for minority women. A recent report by IWG shows that…

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Workplace relationships pose unique challenges that business leaders must navigate carefully.Romantic involvement between colleagues can lead to conflicts of interest, particularly if hierarchical dynamics are present.Perceived favouritism from relationships can negatively impact team morale and fairness in the workplace.Risks of harassment and victimisation increase in workplace relationships, raising potential legal concerns.A well-thought-out workplace relationship policy can help in managing these issues effectively.In recent years, workplace relationships have garnered significant attention due to high-profile resignations and dismissals. A notable example is Bernard Looney, the former CEO of BP, who stepped down after failing to fully disclose past relationships with colleagues. These…

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In today’s demanding work climate, effective mental health policies are crucial to sustain a resilient and engaged workforce.One in four individuals may experience a diagnosable mental health condition annually, underscoring the necessity for robust workplace policies.Strong mental health strategies help in both maintaining productivity and reducing employee turnover.Successful policy implementation requires leadership support and a shift in organisational culture.The integration of best practices such as flexible working, mental health training, and stigma reduction can enhance workplace mental wellness.The importance of mental health policies in the workplace cannot be overstressed, especially in today’s fast-paced environments. One in four adults is likely…

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The acquisition of Daleside Brewery by Rooster’s Brewery marks an important move in the local beer industry, facilitated by legal experts from Ward Hadaway.The Harrogate-based breweries will merge operations while maintaining their unique identities and product lines.Experienced teams will continue crafting beloved brews, preserving traditional flavours and respected brands.The acquisition is a strategic move that ensures the continuation of Daleside’s legacy as its founders retire.The involvement of significant legal and corporate expertise highlights the importance of this business development in Yorkshire.Harrogate’s Rooster’s Brewery has successfully acquired Daleside Brewery Ltd, a significant event in the local brewing industry. The legal expertise…

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The tragic death of Vanessa Ford has reignited discussions on mental health within the legal profession.Ford, a senior partner at a prominent law firm, faced immense work stress prior to her untimely death.Her story reveals the difficulties in balancing career and family, especially for working parents in demanding roles.Social media platforms have since seen increased calls for systemic changes to the legal industry’s culture.Prominent professionals stress the need to move away from the ‘always-on’ attitude to ensure a healthier work environment.The tragic passing of Vanessa Ford, a senior partner at Pinsent Masons, has brought to the fore the intense pressures…

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Only a fraction of working-class female professionals have received promotions compared to their upper-middle-class peers.Just 26% of working-class women have been promoted, far behind other groups, highlighting significant inequality.A staggering 32% of working-class women report not knowing the steps required for career advancement.Pay disparities for working-class women are exacerbated by dual class and gender pay gaps.Negotiation challenges further hinder pay progression for working-class women.In a concerning revelation, only 26% of female professionals hailing from working-class backgrounds have attained promotions in their current companies, starkly contrasting with 59% of their counterparts from upper-middle-class backgrounds. This data, highlighted in the Robert Walters…

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A recent study highlights the pension planning disparity between men and women in the UK.Sixty percent of UK women have not planned beyond auto-enrolment for pensions.Women are less likely to know the details of their workplace pensions compared to men.There is a higher tendency among women to contribute only the legal minimum to their pensions.My Pension Expert calls for increased government and employer support for women’s financial education.A recent survey conducted by My Pension Expert reveals that a significant proportion of UK women are trailing behind in pension planning compared to their male counterparts. Specifically, 60% of women in employment…

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In the dynamic landscape of human resources, understanding employee sentiment through well-crafted questionnaires is vital for organisational success.Employee surveys are essential tools for gauging workforce engagement, linking directly to performance and retention metrics.Technologies like SurveyPlanet streamline survey processes, enhancing data collection and analysis efficiency.Customisation and comprehensive question libraries ensure tailored surveys that reflect organisational needs.Effective distribution and robust analysis tools facilitate informed decision-making to boost employee productivity.In today’s rapidly changing field of human resources, gaining a clear understanding of employee sentiment is crucial. Well-constructed employee questionnaires play an imperative role in assessing workforce engagement, which is intrinsically linked to customer…

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Research by the Project Management Institute highlights a significant shortcoming in meeting business goals, with one in four projects failing to achieve their intended objectives.The 15th edition of the Pulse of the Profession® report surveyed over 2,000 project professionals and 300 senior leaders worldwide.Findings reveal that while some projects deliver value, 10% provide no benefit, accounting for substantial financial losses.Remote work’s impact on project success is negligible, with focus shifting to essential skill development.Capability-building is crucial as many teams require new technical, power, and business acumen skills.Research conducted by the Project Management Institute (PMI) has unveiled a concerning statistic in…

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