Ashfords LLP

We were thrilled to host FinTech West: Future of Payments Part 2 today with insightful contributions from industry leaders Payji, Revolut, APEXX Global, and Oliver Woodhouse from our commercial team. Here are some of the key highlights from their discussions on the future of payments and fintech: Ashfords: Provided an important regulatory update with a focus on the FCA's 2023/24 Annual Report, which highlighted key developments around APP fraud reimbursement, operational resilience, and authorisation efficiencies. Payji: Reducing transaction fees, expediting payment processes and maximising returns for merchants through the world's first people-powered payment platform. Payji’s first iteration, Bristol Pay, is leading the way by keeping transaction costs within the local economy and creating a positive social impact. Revolut: Setting the standard for 21st-century banking, with a focus on empowering consumers, businesses, and merchants. Revolut emphasised regulatory developments and their vision for the future of payments infrastructure in the UK, tackling open finance, digital ID, and AI. Apexx Global: Simplifying the complexity of payments with cutting-edge payment orchestration solutions. By consolidating multiple payment methods and services through a single API, APEXX Global is improving acceptance rates and reducing transaction costs, creating real value for businesses. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to explore how innovation is reshaping the payments landscape! #FintechWest #FutureOfPayments #DigitalPayments #Fintech #Innovation #PaymentOrchestration

We're looking forward to attending Solar & Storage Live next week, the country's largest solar exhibition which brings together industry experts aiming to accelerate the roll out of solar and battery storage across the UK. Members of our clean energy team will be attending the exhibition on 24 and 25 September, and they are keen to meet with connections both old and new to discuss the latest developments in the solar and battery storage markets. Feel free to contact any of them to arrange a meet up. You can find out more about our work in clean energy here: https://lnkd.in/e-BjAytk #SolarStorageLive #SolarEnergy #CleanEnergy

Last week, the Labour government introduced the Renters' Rights Bill to parliament, which aims to redress the balance between landlords and tenants in the private rented sector in England. The Renters' Rights Bill replaces the Renters (Reform) Bill, which was dropped ahead of the election in July, and reflects the Labour party's manifesto pledge to see through a more robust version of the wholesale reforms that were proposed in the original bill. Our article provides a summary of the ten key facts you need to know about this new proposed legislation. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/e4tZy8qm #RentersRightsBill #RentersReform #Property #RealEstate

In a recent High Court ruling, the significance of upholding contractual obligations and court undertakings came to the forefront. The court considered a breach of a settlement agreement that prohibited derogatory comments about a claimant company, with the defendant ultimately facing contempt of court proceedings. Our article examines this judgment, which provides reassurance that clauses designed to protect against reputational harm will be respected and enforced. Read the full article to understand the court's reasoning and the broader implications for both employers and individuals: https://lnkd.in/eJpQDuUT #ReputationManagement #Defamation #CommercialDisputes

Thousands of workers at Next have won a six-year legal battle for equal pay, which could see a back-pay compensation award of more than £30m. This case is the first successful equal pay claim of its kind against a UK national retailer and could see a precedent set for cases going forward. Our article examines how the law on equal pay may be impacted following this case, as well as the Labour Government's 'Plan to Make Work Pay' which aims to stop pay discrimination. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/e38Rms9Y #EqualPay #EmploymentLaw #PayDiscrimination

We are looking forward to our upcoming seminar and panel discussion with the University of Exeter on Thursday 3 October, exploring the opportunities and challenges of responsibly integrating AI tools into your business. Senior associate Liam Tolen and associate Hannah Pettit will be speaking on the panel, drawing on their experience of the legal landscape surrounding AI to discuss the regulations that may apply to the development, implementation and usage of these technologies. Find out more about Liam and Hannah's expertise and experience below. There is still time to register for this event. Find out more and book your place here: https://lnkd.in/dXNrvHs5 #AshfordsUnlockingAI #AI #AIRegulation #Exeter

We are pleased to report strong financial results for 2023/24, with revenues growing by 9% to hit £55 million generating a 7% firm-wide bonus. Commenting on the results, CEO Louise Workman, said: "It has been another strong year for the firm with continued sustainable growth across the business. Our focus is clear – ensuring we have the depth of expertise our clients need and are delivering the service they expect. Working together effectively as one team is a critical part of that, which underpins our firm wide bonus. We now look forward to the future and developing our next five year strategy to 2030.” Find out more about our financial results here: https://lnkd.in/e4JNnCtA #Growth #FinancialResults #UKLawFirm

👋 Yesterday we welcomed our September 2024 trainee cohort to Ashfords. The trainees are taking part in a week-long induction consisting of workshops and networking sessions to help them learn more about Ashfords and trainee life, before spending their first day in their new department on Friday. We wish all the trainees the best of luck with their training contracts! #TraineeSolicitor #TrainingContract #LegalCareer

We are proud to have been shortlisted for Property Law Firm of the Year at Insider Media's South West Property Awards. The annual awards celebrate the achievements and excellence of businesses operating in the commercial property sector in the region, and we look forward to attending the ceremony next month. Congratulations to everyone else who has been shortlisted, we wish you the best of luck! 👏 Find out more about our real estate team and the services they offer here: https://lnkd.in/e9D29bAq #SWProp #Shortlisted #SouthWest #UKLawFirm

The UK and USA have signed the European Union's Convention on AI today, which aims to ensure the use of AI systems is fully consistent with human rights, democracy and the rule of law. While the convention is legally binding, critics have pointed out that it includes no strict enforcements such as sanctions or fines. Brett Lambe, senior associate in our commercial team, comments on the convention in Computing's article, explaining what will be key to the convention's success. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dXJid3Sr #AshfordsUnlockingAI #AIRegulation #AI