The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) has overturned a rebuke issued by an SRA adjudicator against solicitor Liam Connolly, who was accused of attempting to prevent a client from reporting him to regulators.The issue arose when a former client, referred to as ‘Mrs S’, made various complaints about the service provided by Mr Connolly, who is an equity partner at a firm in Reading. She sought a refund of the £2,616 in fees she paid. In response, Mr Connolly offered a ‘without prejudice’ settlement, which controversially included a clause related to ‘regulatory action’.Mrs S questioned the inclusion of this provision, citing…
Author: Dave Antrobus
New research highlights a disparity in public confidence towards barristers, particularly among ethnic minorities.The Bar Standards Board (BSB) commissioned an annual survey to understand public awareness and confidence in barristers. This research, conducted by Ipsos Mori, involved 2,047 adults and aimed to build an evidence base for the BSB. It revealed that while public confidence in barristers is generally high, it is notably lower among ethnic minorities and those from the C2DE social grades.Among legal professionals, police officers and solicitors are most recognised by the public, with 99% and 98% awareness respectively. Barristers and judges follow closely with a 97%…
Temu is enhancing its delivery service by using UK-based suppliers, significantly cutting wait times for customers.Customers can now receive items within one day due to Temu’s ‘local’ initiative using UK suppliers.The initiative primarily involves larger products such as furniture, which are costly to ship from China.Temu has faced challenges with the European Commission over concerns regarding illegal goods.Despite legal issues, Temu continues to expand, planning a new London office with increased staff.Temu has launched a new strategy aimed at reducing delivery times for its customers by partnering with suppliers based in the United Kingdom. This move allows the company to…
Independent retailers share their perspectives on Black Friday and discounting.Many independent retailers, like Sean Garnham, oppose Black Friday, citing its negative impact on small businesses.The British Independent Retailers Association reports that 70% of UK independents choose not to participate in Black Friday.Concerns are rising about Black Friday’s harmful effects on the high street, affecting small businesses’ viability.Retailers like Black White Denim offer alternative events, promoting year-round thoughtful shopping.Independent retailers across the UK are vocal about their stance on Black Friday. Sean Garnham, owner of Hall Street Ladieswear in Suffolk, communicates with his customers through a direct email, explaining his decision…
London Fashion Week is taking a significant environmental step by extending its fur-free policy to include a ban on wild animal skins starting in 2025.BFC’s decision makes London the first of the ‘big four’ to ban both fur and wild animal skins, setting a precedent for Paris, Milan, and New York.From 2025, all brands at London Fashion Week must comply with these new rules, aligning with a growing global shift against animal exploitation in fashion.Dr Charlotte Regan highlights this move as crucial in sending a global message that exploiting animals for fashion is unethical and unnecessary.The fashion industry is increasingly…
JD Sports has launched an innovative campaign bringing cinema-goers into their festive campaign through photobooth activations.The campaign was executed at Vue cinemas in London and Manchester during screenings of ‘Gladiator 2’ and ‘Wicked’.Participants were encouraged to share their own interpretations of ‘family’ through photographs.These images were then showcased on the big screen, adding a personal touch to the cinema experience.The campaign aims to immerse audiences and enhance the festive spirit by celebrating familial bonds.JD Sports, in collaboration with Goodstuff, Digital Cinema Media (DCM), and Grand Visual, has launched a unique campaign designed to engage cinema-goers directly. Situated in the foyers…
In a significant address at the Civil Justice Council’s National Forum on Access to Justice, Minister Heidi Alexander articulated the government’s strategic vision for civil justice reform, even as she transitions to her new role as Transport Secretary.Emphasising that civil justice is not subordinate to criminal justice, Alexander highlighted the government’s commitment to reforming civil justice systems. Key among the initiatives is the expansion of pre-action protocols similar to the existing Official Injury Claim portal, which has processed nearly 900,000 claims in three years. This framework aims to simplify access to justice for small business owners and the average citizen.Despite…
Tembo, the fintech startup focused on first-time buyers, secures £14m funding to expand its offerings.The company, founded during the pandemic, aims to enhance access to over 10,000 mortgage products.Tembo also launched a savings app to aid prospective homeowners in accumulating funds.The startup has helped over 4,000 individuals purchase their first homes since its inception.Backed by notable investors, Tembo seeks to solidify its market position.London-based fintech company Tembo has successfully raised £14m in a bid to expand its innovative savings app and diverse mortgage schemes. The company aims to aid first-time buyers in navigating the housing market with greater ease.Established in…
Charles McManus, CEO of ClearBank, urges Meta to take action against online fraud by addressing fake accounts.Online payment fraud continues to grow, with Meta platforms accounting for a significant portion of such cases.Pressure mounts on social media companies, as financial institutions have already invested heavily in fraud prevention.Revolut criticises Meta’s existing measures as insufficient, advocating for the company to bear more responsibility.The rising costs of fraud highlight the need for effective solutions from both social media companies and banks.Charles McManus, the CEO of ClearBank, has made a public appeal for social media giant Meta to take more decisive action in…
The Prolific North Tech Awards 2024 celebrated the best in tech innovation and leadership.Hosted at Radisson Edwardian Manchester, the event highlighted top performers across the Northern tech sector.AppCheck Ltd and Answer Digital were among notable winners, applauded for their significant contributions.Optalysys and ANS stood out as Tech Companies of the Year in their respective categories.Innovative projects like Electricity North West’s SMART Street IRM were recognised for their impact.The Prolific North Tech Awards 2024, held at the Radisson Edwardian Manchester, gathered notable figures from the Northern technology industry. This highly anticipated event showcased exceptional talent and innovation, recognising those making waves…