HF

We were proud to be the headline sponsors of the Commercial Litigation Association Spring Conference this week, with Ryan Lewis, Ashliegh Beaver, Charlotte Whalley, and Paul McCarthy representing HF and contributing to the day’s discussions. The diverse agenda covered APP fraud, professional enablement, mediation, professional liability, collaboration with experts, and trends in commercial disputes. It was an insightful and thought-provoking event and we look forward to continuing the conversations and building on the connections made on the day.   #CLASpringConference2025 #DisputeResolution #LegalInsights

With ongoing economic pressures and evolving global events, claims inflation remains a key challenge for insurers, MGAs, and corporates in 2025. While personal injury costs may see a decline, repair costs, credit hire, and fraud-related expenses continue to rise - placing further strain on the industry.   Our 2025 Claims Inflation Report analyses the factors driving cost increases across the UK motor claims sector. From geopolitical instability and supply chain disruptions to government policy changes and climate-related impacts, the report outlines both macro and micro influences shaping the market.   We’re working closely with our clients to develop and implement strategic claims inflation solutions - leveraging data, technology, legal and other insights to drive efficiencies and reduce indemnity spend. To speak to us about optimised claims handling and proactive cost control strategies, contact jonathan.hodgkinson@h-f.co.uk Jonathan Hodgkinson   Download your copy of the report here: bit.ly/41FeHNU   #LegalInsights #Insurance #ClaimsInflation

The Government’s proposed Employment Rights Bill has been amended but still represents significant changes that will reshape the employment law landscape. From guaranteed hours for zero-hour and agency workers and restrictions on ‘fire and rehire’ practices, to granting low paid earners statutory sick pay. These and other amendments are set to affect businesses nationwide.   With full implementation expected by mid-2026, now's the time for employers to review policies, ensure compliance and prepare for the critical shifts in employment rights. Stay ahead of the curve - Gareth Matthews takes a closer look at what the changes mean for every business: bit.ly/4iY8ZNZ For expert advice contact our Employment team here: EmploymentManchester@h-f.co.uk   #EmploymentRightsBill #EmploymentLaw

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!   Last week, we brought together colleagues and clients to celebrate early with a fantastic evening of live music, dancing - and Guinness… embracing the spirit of the day and toasting to an exciting year ahead! From strengthening our presence in Ireland with the acquisition of Quigg Golden, to the continued growth of our existing Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland offices, we’re excited to build on that momentum, and we wish everyone a fantastic St. Patrick’s Day! #StPatricksDay2025 #Growth #HFIreland Martin Browne Eddie Quigg

As a people focused business and inclusive employer, we’re always looking for ways to improve the support we offer. We’re currently working towards becoming accredited as a Menopause Friendly employer and over the last two weeks we’ve run Menopause Awareness training sessions in collaboration with Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace. The sessions were very well received, with one session open to everyone at HF and the other aimed at providing managers with the knowledge and tools to help them be as aware and supportive as possible to their teams. Here’s just one example of the positive feedback: “Very informative presentation delivered with enthusiasm in an engaging way. I feel equipped if one of my team wants to discuss the issue and needs support.” If you’d like to learn more about working for an organisation that’s ‘not your typical law firm’, click here: bit.ly/4icPFNi #IWD2025 #peoplenotjustlawyers #AccelerateAction #WomenInLaw

Our International Women’s Day event yesterday was an outstanding success. Claire Fox ACC and Charlotte Whalley hosted HF employees and clients both in person and via online streaming, introducing our two inspirational speakers and facilitating a Q&A session. Stacey Copeland embodies the theme of this year’s IWD - #AccelerateAction – and shared her remarkable journey as a hugely successful female athlete in not one, but two male dominated sports. Through her charity, Pave The Way, she’s continuing to help break down barriers for young people in sports today. Gemma Merna captivated us with her personal story, opening up about the biases, expectations and pressures she has faced throughout her acting career. As the founder of Mind and Wellness, she helps empower other women to overcome their challenges through wellness and personal growth.   A huge thank you to our speakers and to everyone who attended for creating such a great event, we hope you found it as inspiring – and entertaining! – as we did. We’re already looking forward to continuing our focus and progress on inclusion and #AcceleratingAction throughout the year and as we head towards IWD 2026!   #iwd2025 #AccelerateAction 

Val Pitt, Partner, talks to The Scotsman about the crucial role of independence in expert witnesses, highlighted by the recent David Adam v Moneybarn No.1 Limited case. The claim was dismissed due to concerns over the expert's impartiality, impacting the credibility of his evidence. Val emphasises the importance of selecting qualified, independent skilled witnesses in such cases. Read the full article here: bit.ly/43JAab1 And to contact or learn more about our Scotland team click here: bit.ly/3DKVBxJ #ExpertWitness #LegalInsights #ScottishLaw

We’re proud to be the headline sponsor of the CLA Spring Conference in London on 19 March!   With a diverse agenda covering APP fraud and professional enablement, mediation, professional liability, working effectively with Counsel, expert collaboration, dishonesty, and trends in commercial disputes, it promises to be an insightful event.   We’re looking forward to engaging discussions and connecting with fellow attendees. See you there!   #CLASpringConference2025 #DisputeResolution #Conference Paul McCarthy

Tomorrow is International Women’s Day, celebrating progress, resilience, and the achievements of women everywhere. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” is a powerful call to keep pushing forward to address systemic barriers and biases that hinder women’s advancement in personal and professional spheres.   As a people-focused business we’re committed to driving meaningful change and nurturing an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. To celebrate IWD 2025, we’re hosting an International Women’s Day event on 12 March, 10am-12:30pm, at our office building in MediaCityUK, featuring two inspiring speakers: Stacey Copeland and Gemma Merna. We’re looking forward to our own people and our clients joining us either in person or online, and if you would like to be part of this empowering discussion and celebration of women’s achievements, register your interest here: bit.ly/HFIWD25   #InternationalWomensDay #AccelerateAction #WomenInLaw #IWD2025

Thank you to everyone who attended our Apprenticeship Open Evening in Manchester. We met some fantastic potential legal apprentices and are proud to say that 90% of them have submitted their formal application! We look forward to meeting the successful applications when they start in September. Thanks also to everyone at HF who helped make the evening such a success, including those from our Credit Hire, Counter Fraud, Recoveries, Motor, Complex & Catastrophic Injury, Disease and Casualty teams. We’ve run apprenticeships for 10 years, in partnership with BPP, supporting our goal of attracting, recruiting and retaining the best and most diverse workforce possible, providing alternative routes into a career in law. Briony Hill, Jacob Routh, Charlie Conway, Reem Alkanshaly, Amy Brough, Joe Emmerson, Niamh Huxley, Hannah Macdonald, Jennifer Roberts, Danielle Edwardson, Claire Rennison, Oliver Bate Gemma Jones #Apprenticeships #LegalCareers