Westminster & Holborn Law Society’s Post

Keir Starmer, British PM in waiting would have failed the Code of Ethics I was responsible for overseeing in my previous organisations. Anything over $25 had to be declared. We didn't allow employees to receive even F1 tickets, unless it was given to the company and raffled for any employee to attend - not decision makers clearly. The reason is obvious. A gift leads to an expectation of a favour such as: 1. an extension of contract 2. winning the bid 3. not enforcing a contract resulting in poor performance 4. higher priced contract 5. leaking information which gives an unfair competitive advantage, especially in bids. Now imagine how this works with the highest office holder in the land? Nope Keir, I don't care if you're a lawyer or a former DPP. You wouldn't have survived when I was in Legal. Image description: Extract from the FT: Sir Keir Starmer accepted £76,000 worth of entertainment clothes and similar freebies from UK donors since the 2019 general election, more than any other MP according to research by the Financial Times. The labour leader took "gifts, benefits and hospitality" spanning concerts, parties, sports games, hotel stays and clothing during the last parliament including more than 20 free tickets to see football matches. #Ethics #Bribery #Corruption

What are the Livery Companies? (Part 1 of 3) The origins The livery companies and the City of London have grown up together. They share common goals and since the earliest beginnings of the City have both been strong and active in its support. "The livery companies are integral to the City's governance: each year liverymen elect the Sheriffs of the City of London, endorse the election of the Lord Mayor and play a prominent part in major events." Some guilds can trace their origins back to the 12th century, with the earliest charter still in existence being granted to the Weavers' Company in 1155. Those working in the same craft lived and work near each other, grouping together to regulate competition within their trade and maintain high standards. The early London guilds benefited their members and customers alike, controlling the manufacture and selling of most goods and services in the Square Mile. As the guilds became more established, many set up their headquarters in large houses or Halls. As well as a meeting place, these became the venue for settling trade or domestic disputes. London street-names today still bear witness to areas where individual trades gathered and flourished. When some guilds introduced their own distinctive clothing and regalia – or livery – to distinguish their members from those in other guilds, they soon became known as livery companies. The peak period for the formation of guilds was the 14th century when many received charters or ordinances. In 1515 there were 48 companies and the Lord Mayor established an order of precedence for them, finally ending many years of dispute. After the 17th century, the livery companies suffered a series of setbacks. With their powers and practices restricted to the Square Mile, most were unable to compete with cheaper traders springing up outside its boundaries, while costly wars and political intrigues saw first Tudor and then Stuart monarchs levying hefty charges on the companies. The Industrial Revolution only added to their problems – yet stimulated the changes that were to save them. https://lnkd.in/gcxkACz #educators #cityoflondon #citylivery

The region’s most incredible deals to be named at upcoming event 🤝🏆 When you think of the Thames Valley Deals Awards, the first categories that come to mind are likely the Small, Mid-Range and Large Deals of the Year. With LDC sponsoring the Small Deal of the Year and Crowe UK sponsoring the Mid-Range Deal of the Year at the upcoming Thames Valley Deals Awards 2024, we can’t wait to see which nominated deals go above and beyond to truly impress our judges and earn their contributors a trophy. Our independent judges will be analysing the nominated deals on multiple levels, considering a range of factors including their complexity, any innovative solutions involved in their completion, the speed of their completion and their overall impact on both the businesses involved and the local economy. Continue reading... https://lnkd.in/e7pSgUus #TVDA24 #deals #awards #events #finance #thamesvalley #businessnews #businessintelligence

Excellent opinion piece here, written by Tim Burrows.

Before I tell you about Chase Buchanan USA let’s talk about the realities of moving to a new country. Imagine yourself somewhere warm and sunny having new food to try, places to visit and festivities to be part of. Like in Porto last weekend where we celebrated Festa de São João. Traditions include street concerts, dancing and releasing lantern balloons into the sky. At midnight there are incredible fireworks and to really be part of the fun you have to have a plastic hammer and hit the “bad spirits” out of other people. At the same time a move can be daunting and complex as there are many things to do and consider. It can feel overwhelming to research because there is an ocean of conflicting information out there. It can also feel scary and maybe not seem financially viable. You may feel like you don't even know where to start with your concerns and how best to plan for them — even in your own language! And Europe is confusing — it's layered with laws, regulations, and levels of bureaucracy that don't exist back home. We know, we've been there! At Chase Buchanan USA, we focus specifically on Americans living in Europe We guide them through the challenges of investing and planning while living abroad. We understand from listening to our clients that while tax efficiency and investment returns are important, they are also looking for a long-term partner to support their family through the financial challenges that inevitably arise as an American overseas. Moving to a new country presents numerous challenges that can quickly overwhelm you. Our job is to use our years of experience and knowledge to simplify your financial life -- so you can really enjoy the life that you envisioned in a new country with a BANG!  ........................ I'm Jennifer, Client Services Associate at Chase Buchanan USA. Feel free to reach out for a free initial consultation to see how we can help. #movetoeurope #usfinance #portugal #finance #relocation

Happy St. Patrick's Day from Gladstone Wealth Partners! As we don our green attire and celebrate the luck of the Irish today, we're reminded that success in the world of financial advising isn't just about luck—it's about making strategic choices, especially when it comes to your career path. Many advisors dream of finding their pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, and for a growing number, that treasure is the autonomy, freedom, and fulfilling client relationships that come with breaking away and going independent. Choosing independence isn't leaving your career to chance; it's taking control, embracing opportunity, and crafting a future where you're the architect of your own destiny. At Gladstone Wealth Partners, we believe in empowering advisors to navigate this journey with the support, technology, and resources needed to thrive. So, this St. Patrick's Day, let's raise a glass, not just to good fortune, but to the bold decisions and hard work that propel us toward our goals. Here's to the advisors who've taken the leap towards independence and those contemplating their next move. May your path be bright and your rewards plentiful. To learn more about Gladstone Wealth Partners and how we champion advisors on their journey to independence, visit our website at the following link: www.whywouldyoustay.com. #StPatricksDay #FinancialAdvisors #Independence

What are the Livery Companies? (part 3 of 3) Links with the City of London All livery companies come under an element of control by the City of London's Court of Aldermen. To become a new company, a group of people (usually numbering at least 100) must satisfy the Court that they have the resources and willingness to continue their association indefinitely, having already been long and well established. In addition to strong ties with the Square Mile, the potential new Company must have a significant number of members engaged in its particular trade, profession or craft, which must not overlap or clash with that of an existing guild. Liverymen still play a pivotal role in the election of the Lord Mayor. In 1385, a regulation was introduced requiring each Lord Mayor to have previously served as a Sheriff and, until 1742, to be a member of one of the 12 senior livery companies (the Great Twelve). Today, each Lord Mayor will still belong to one of the City livery companies, and be supported by their fellow liverymen in Common Hall at the end of September each year. The Lord Mayor will also be an Alderman (literally, elder man), whose Court oversees the creation and conduct of the livery companies. Aldermen are elected by the Square Mile's 25 Wards. The City's franchise gives voting rights to a wide representation of organisations within the Square Mile enabling nominees or representatives of livery companies occupying premises there to be voters. The livery companies also play a prominent role in many great occasions. Each year’s United Guilds’ Service in St Paul’s sees the livery companies, City of London and church joining together for a great ceremonial event, while the Lord Mayor's Show features spectacular displays by many livery companies, particularly those with close links to the new Lord Mayor and the two Sheriffs. The livery companies and the City of London have enjoyed a long, close and extremely effective working partnership, sharing objectives, supporting excellence and together promoting the Square Mile. This partnership is fostered through a dedicated committee, the Livery Committee, which strengthens these ties, as well as constantly seeking new ways to enhance joint initiatives for the future. https://lnkd.in/gcxkACz #educators #cityoflondon #citylivery

Connell Foley litigation partner Margot Wilensky recently delivered a presentation discussing language that is critical for retail establishments to include in their contracts at USLAW NETWORK, Inc.'s 2024 Retail and Hospitality Industry Executive Risk Forum in Ohio. Participants received #CLE credit. Click here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gVmRkvKr #RetailLaw #ContractLaw #HospitalityLaw

King Charles gave the King’s Speech this week and announced 40 new bills. One important bill from Labour is called the 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞. It plans to ban zero-hours contracts, strengthen trade unions, etc. 👨⚖️ The government will talk with businesses, workers, and the public to figure out the best way to put these plans into action before making them law. Stay posted with the upcoming changes or sign up here to get regular updates straight to your inbox. ✍️ https://lnkd.in/d-BGgYGA #employmentlaw #labourparty #employmentrights

🌟 Why Local Reigns Supreme: Unveiling the Gallagher Difference 🏢 In a world of endless options, what truly fosters loyalty between a business and its service providers? Hint: it's not just about the services offered; it's about trust and quality rooted in local expertise. Discover why Gallagher Uniform stands tall in this narrative. This case study is a testament to the unmatched value of local knowledge and personalized care in the realm of service and quality. Check out our latest blog to learn more: https://bit.ly/3yMGnpl #GallagherUniform #LocalExcellence #LocalBusiness #LocalVSNational