Author: Scott Dylan

Emma Gough, a seasoned barrister, joins Parklane Plowden Chambers’ family law team, enhancing its expertise in family law matters.Gough, with 19 years of experience, transitions from Dere Street Barristers, bringing substantial knowledge in private children cases and financial remedy proceedings.Parklane Plowden Chambers, known for its strong family law practice, holds prestigious rankings from Chambers & Partners across various legal areas.Emma Gough expressed enthusiasm for joining a progressive team committed to impactful casework.The Chambers recently won the Yorkshire Legal Awards’ Chambers of the Year and continues to thrive with numerous accolades.Emma Gough, a prominent barrister with 19 years of experience, has…

Kurt Geiger has defied economic challenges, achieving notable sales growth.The company’s earnings have surged by 34%, reaching over £40 million.Annual sales have risen by 10% to £360 million, driven by global demand.North America’s sales have skyrocketed 100-fold since 2018, becoming its largest market.Kurt Geiger continues to expand its influence even during tough economic times.Kurt Geiger, a renowned British footwear and handbag retailer, has displayed resilience in the face of economic adversity, recording impressive sales growth. The company’s earnings increased significantly by 34% during the 2023/24 financial year, surpassing £40 million. This growth is attributed to a strong global demand for…

The Legal Services Board (LSB) has delayed approval of proposed increases to the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) Compensation Fund contributions, marking the first such postponement.The SRA has proposed significant increases in contributions to its Compensation Fund, citing a substantial rise in intervention-related expenses. Individual solicitor contributions are set to increase from £30 to £90, while law firms holding client money will see their contributions rise from £660 to £2,220. These changes are expected to generate £31.6 million, up from £10 million in the current year.Historically, the LSB approves these figures within 28 days; however, this year it has exercised its…

In a significant ruling, Stephen Vasey of Walters & Plaskitt has been penalised for representing both parties in a property transaction, breaching conflict of interest rules.The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has taken action against Stephen Vasey, a partner at Walters & Plaskitt in Stoke, for his involvement in a property transaction where he represented two clients with conflicting interests. This decision underscores the SRA’s commitment to upholding ethical practices within the legal profession.The case involved one client transferring beneficial ownership of a property to another, without a substantially common purpose linking the parties. The SRA’s notice highlighted that Mr Vasey…

A recent report highlights the British fashion industry’s shortcomings in addressing the climate crisis.Only 3.4% of British Fashion Council members have set emissions reduction targets, far behind other industries.Fashion and textiles are major global polluters, contributing 12% of emissions.Leading figures urge the British Fashion Council to demand more climate action from its members.The report calls for a reduction in animal-derived materials to mitigate environmental impact.The British fashion industry faces criticism over its inadequate response to the climate crisis, as highlighted in a report released by the Collective Fashion Justice (CFJ). According to the report, a mere 3.4% of the member…

The recent August bank holiday proved beneficial for numerous independent fashion retailers, marking a surge in sales amidst a variety of trading conditions. Many retailers across the UK experienced a rise in customer footfall and sales.Despite poor weather conditions in some areas, retailers like The Dressing Room in St Albans saw sales increase by 20% over the weekend.Retailers reported that strategic pricing and new season deliveries contributed to their successful trading sessions.Coastal and non-coastal stores alike, such as those owned by Busby & Fox, achieved notable sales increases, indicating a wider retail recovery trend.Even retailers in Northern Ireland, like Joli…

HMRC intensifies scrutiny on nearly 800 large UK firms over suspected tax underpayments.The investigation spans key sectors such as banking, telecoms, and retail, highlighting HMRC’s focus on tax compliance.The banking sector alone faces potential underpayments totalling £9.3 billion.Retail and oil & gas industries are also under the spotlight with underpayments of £5.5 billion and £3.9 billion, respectively.HMRC’s actions reflect a broader trend towards aggressive tax collection amid slow global economic growth.HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has expanded its investigative reach to 791 of the United Kingdom’s largest companies, scrutinising tax underpayments that span multiple critical sectors. This strategic move highlights…

The Victims’ Commissioner of Yorkshire has launched a crucial survey aimed at understanding how court delays affect victims.In Yorkshire, significant delays within the criminal justice system have prompted victims to abandon cases, stressing support services.Over 67,000 cases are pending in Crown Courts nationwide, with Yorkshire alone facing a growing backlog.Recent data highlights that delays pose a threat to justice delivery and public trust in the legal system.The survey aims to collect victim feedback to propose solutions for easing their burden.Victims across Yorkshire are being urged to contribute to a newly launched survey by the Victims’ Commissioner. This initiative is in…

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the temp staffing industry, bringing significant efficiencies.AI streamlines recruitment processes by automating repetitive tasks, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.The integration of AI ensures values-based, unbiased decisions, fostering a fair hiring process.AI enhances the candidate experience through personalised communication and data-driven insights.Despite AI advancements, human judgment and interaction remain crucial in recruitment.The ever-evolving landscape of technology highlights Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a frontrunner, notably influencing the temp staffing industry. Temp staffing agencies are increasingly adopting AI to enhance their recruitment processes and meet surging demands. This integration allows agencies to swiftly and accurately match talent with…

A recent survey reveals many UK homeowners are perplexed by property jargon.81% of homeowners are unfamiliar with ‘indemnity insurance’.’EPC’ is unknown to 52% of homeowners, affecting informed energy decisions.Terms like ‘leasehold’ and ‘freehold’ confuse half of the homeowners surveyed.David Wilson Homes shares insights to help decode property terminology.A survey conducted by experts at David Wilson Homes highlights the confusion among UK homeowners when it comes to property jargon. The survey, which included 500 participants, revealed that many are not well-versed in terms commonly used in the housing market, posing potential challenges during house-hunting.The term ‘indemnity insurance’ emerges as the most…