Author: Sam Allcock

The Yorkshire Legal Awards reaches its 25th year, marking a milestone in recognising legal excellence in the region.The prestigious awards ceremony will be held on 10 October 2024 at the first direct arena in Leeds, celebrated for its black-tie event.The awards acknowledge exceptional contributions from individuals and firms across various legal disciplines.A panel of esteemed judges will evaluate nominees, including notable figures like Nick Emmerson and Shanika Varga.The event promises networking, entertainment, and a celebration of the past, present, and future achievements in Yorkshire’s legal community.The Yorkshire Legal Awards, now in its 25th year, continues to be a pivotal event…

Global sports brand Nike projects a revenue decline, causing a notable market reaction.Nike reported a modest 1% revenue increase for the year ending 31 May 2024, yet faced a 2% downturn in Q4 sales.The sports giant anticipates a mid-single-digit percentage revenue drop moving into 2025, influenced partially by rising competition.Following the earnings update, Nike experienced a 12% decrease in its share value, indicating potential further losses.Strategic measures are being implemented to enhance competitiveness, amid diminishing demand in international markets.Global sports brand Nike announced a modest 1% increase in revenue for the 12 months ending 31 May 2024. Despite this annual…

Shares in the AIM-listed personal injury group, NAHL, experienced a dramatic fall of 15% following the group’s announcement of a substantial reduction in revenue and profit forecasts for the year.The decline in share value is primarily attributed to diminishing demand from NAHL’s panel of law firms and escalating costs associated with Google acquisition. These factors have been highlighted as the main contributors to the adverse financial outlook.NAHL operates through three channels to manage leads generated by its marketing arm, the National Accident Helpline (NAL): its own alternative business structure (ABS), the joint venture ABS ‘Law Together’ with Horwich Cohen Coghlan of…

The latest data reveals contrasting fortunes for discounter chains Lidl and Aldi, highlighting shifts in supermarket dynamics.Lidl’s sales rose by 8% in a 12-week span, surpassing Aldi, which saw a 1% decline.Despite both discounters attracting new shoppers, their average spend per visit has dropped compared to last year.Ocado and M&S have shown significant sales growth, leaving them ahead in market share compared to some competitors.Grocery sales have begun to slow, influenced by factors like weather conditions and previous high inflation levels.Lidl continues to strengthen its position in the discount retail sector as its sales surged by 8% over the 12…

During heatwaves, understanding legal working rights is crucial.There are no specific UK laws allowing workers to stop due to heat, but safety obligations exist.Employers have a duty of care to provide a safe, healthy work environment, or face legal consequences.Flexibility in working practices can improve employee well-being during extreme temperatures.Temperature management includes environmental adjustments and consideration of specific employee needs.During heatwaves, knowledge about legal working rights becomes essential as there is no specific UK legislation permitting workers to halt work when temperatures soar. However, there exists an overarching obligation for employers to maintain a safe work setting and uphold the…

The fashion retailer, Quiz, navigates a challenging trading environment by renewing its bank facility, despite a dip in revenues.Quiz has secured a £4 million bank facility extension until June 2025 amid tough trading conditions.Revenues from April to May 2024 dropped 11%, totalling £13.8 million, impacted by cost-of-living pressures.International demand for Quiz products grew by 12%, yet UK online traffic remains affected.Initiatives like partnerships and a new store in Manchester seek to revitalise brand presence.The womenswear retailer Quiz has successfully renewed its substantial £4 million bank facility for an additional year, securing financial stability through June 2025 despite experiencing a drop…

Ward Hadaway has announced a series of strategic promotions as part of their growth plan, aiming for a £75 million turnover by 2029.Promotions in the Leeds office account for 50% of the firm’s total promotions this year, indicating regional growth.Phil Edmondson has been promoted to partner in the commercial litigation team, showcasing his expertise.Rachel Blythe advances to director in the employment department with over 13 years of specialised experience.Four managing associates and three associates were also promoted across various departments.Ward Hadaway has announced a series of key promotions, aligning with their strategic growth plans to achieve a £75 million turnover…

Shoplifting incidents in Scotland have escalated to their highest level in a decade, sparking concern among retailers and authorities alike.New figures reveal nearly 40,000 shoplifting offences occurred last year, marking a 41% increase over the decade.Retailers report substantial spending on crime prevention measures, yet theft rates continue to rise.The Scottish Retail Consortium highlights the adverse impact on shop workers and consumers, calling for more stringent government action.Both major political parties have committed to addressing retail crime in their election manifestos.Shoplifting in Scotland has reached unprecedented levels, with a staggering 38,674 offences recorded last year. This marks a 35% increase from…

With rising temperatures, the CIPD emphasises the importance of flexible work to enhance productivity.The heat affects everyone’s concentration and can increase fatigue, particularly in people with health conditions.Employers should consider home working options and flexible hours to avoid peak heat times.Provision of cooling resources, like fans and cold water, is essential to maximise comfort in the workplace.Legal guidelines do not specify a maximum temperature, thus placing responsibility on employers to maintain reasonable conditions.With the mercury rising, the CIPD has highlighted the critical role that flexible working arrangements can play in helping employees cope with hot weather conditions. Ben Willmott, head…

The Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust (FTCT) is launching its annual fundraiser to support children from families of fashion and textile workers.The campaign addresses the financial strain of back-to-school expenses amid a cost of living crisis.A survey revealed significant stress among parents, with many unable to save for school-related expenses.The initiative aims to raise £5,000 to provide school uniforms for 25 children.FTCT, celebrating 171 years of support, continues its commitment to helping families in need.The Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust (FTCT) has announced the launch of its annual back-to-school fundraising campaign. This initiative aims to ease the financial pressure on…