The

LegalSheffield & District Law Society Issue Eighteen January 2014 look who’s coming to dinner...

The Legal_Sheffield and District Law Society_January 2014 The

Sheffield & District Law Society 8 Campo Lane, S1 2EF Tel: 0114 2723655 www.sheffieldlawsociety.co.uk LegalSheffield & District Law Society Contents President’s Column 4 Law firms merge Sheffield & District Law Society President Giles Searby rings in the New Year and looks ahead to the Yorkshire Law Banquet. Call for action 5 Sheffield Stephen Williams called for “action not words’’ after being installed as the President of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce. Student’s top prize 6 Support from a Sheffield has helped a Sheffield Hallam University T&E chief executive Anthony Long (left) and partner John Outram (right) with Richard student win the Law in Practice prize. Kay (second left) and Michael Cockerton

A time for consolidation 7 Taylor&Emmet is merging with Bakewell David Thurkettle dicusses the findings of PwC’s annual Law Firm Survey and the firm Cockertons. challenges facing the regional legal sector. The move sees Cockertons become a Slater & Gordon seals deal 9 division of T&E but the firm is to retain Slater & Gordon has completed the acquisition of John Pickering & Partners and its own identity and client base and all announced a new fund to research social and medical issues that impact 17 employees are to remain at its Bridge their clients Street offices. Minister’s praise 11 Partner Richard Kay joins the T&E board, A Government Minister has praised the work of Howells in the field of while Michael Cockerton will act as a mediation, and the firm celebrates recognition for its medical negligence team. consultant, following his retirement at the end of last year. Movers & Shakers 12-14 Robert Addy of CRA Legal predicts a year of sustained growth in the T&E partner John Outram said: “The two sector, and we round up the latest moves and appointments in the region. firms differ in size, but we share a common commitment to providing Forensic focus 15 professional and personal legal services. Chartered accountant and expert witness Chris Makin asks firms if they need a We are both deeply rooted in the forensic accountant. communities we serve and believe, Nabarro expansion 16 together, we can develop a thriving The Sheffield office of Nabarro has further strengthened its planning team, and business across Sheffield and the the firm was recently named Restructuring Team on the Year for its work with Peak District.” UK Coal. Banner Jones award 18 Banner Jones Solicitors has won a top regional award for Excellence in Professional Services and helped raise money for charity in a special episode of TV show Editor Bargain Hunt. David Todd [email protected] Firms sign up 19 07403 322351 DLA Piper heads the list of new firms who have decided to sign up with the Designer Sheffield & District Law Society. We look at the full list of corporate members. Sian Puckrin [email protected] 0333 5775 300 Conveyancing conference 20 A full-day conveyancing conference in February launches another year of CPD Advertising Opportunities & General Enquiries Cannon Public Relations Ltd activity from the SDLS. Check the dates to keep up with your training. [email protected] 01709 321 585 Dinner time 22 As seen on the cover of this issue, actor Brian Blessed has been confirmed as Contact The Editor The Legal welcomes editorial contributions such as the speaker for the Yorkshire Law Banquet in February. features, letters and news stories. To discuss any opportunities in forthcoming issues please contact; [email protected] 07403 322 351

No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from Cannon PR Ltd. All enquiries of this nature must be made in writing to; [email protected] Cover photograph: Steve Cowell 3 Comment President’s Column Sheffield & District Law Society President Giles Searby says farewell to the old year, welcomes the new and looks forward to the Yorkshire Law Banquet. Editorial deadlines sometimes throw up I hope to be able to repay that kindness slight paradoxes. Like filming a Christmas for those who are able to join us at the special in August, I am writing this Yorkshire Law Banquet. column in November but beginning it by A week later and fortunately for all without hoping that you all had a restful festive any speaking responsibilities, I found break and wishing you all good fortune myself gowned and mortar-boarded and prosperity for the New Year ahead! sitting at the front of the City Hall stage, Indeed, by the time this edition hits your for the graduation ceremony of the desks, most of you will have already Sheffield Hallam University Law Faculty. broken your New Year’s resolutions What a fantastic celebration that was and and, if the statistics are to be believed, great fun to be wearing my graduation CRA Consulting will be awash with gown for the first time in 23 years. Lord freshly updated CVs and our Winston clearly has a fantastic lightness practitioners will have waiting rooms full of touch that made everyone graduating of disgruntled spouses. feel the centre of attention, stopping a least a quarter of those passing to shake One thing I can say for certain is that his hand to find out what they were Januarys are always the same at Law moving onto post-graduation. Society Hall. We go straight from membership renewals into full-on For all that though, the afternoon was final preparations for the Yorkshire Law extremely humbling by the tragic parallels Banquet. For me, it begins with spending of two incredibly brave mothers. The first, time over the Christmas break finally assisting acting manager Rianne for the Baroness Doreen Lawrence, received her getting to grips with my speech. last six months. Not only that, but I am well-deserved Honorary Degree for the work she has done since the shocking Beyond that we are already ahead of delighted that Rianne has now secured a and senseless of murder of her son, the curve, though as I write this we have – with the Vice President Stephen, almost 20 years ago. The second only just begun with ticket sales. I am no less – and will also sadly leave us was the brave mum who came up on delighted, however, by the number of at the end of January. With Jim going stage to collect the posthumous degree acceptances I have already received to to work with Anna at Sheffield Hallam, awarded to her son, who was tragically join me on the top table and also by the we seem to have done a good job of killed in a car accident during his studies. huge support we have received from advancing our staff’s careers from around Flanked by his grandfather and a framed both new and existing sponsors. the management committee table – as I have reminded the committee, though, photograph of her son, as a parent I’m sure it will be a great Liz is not available! A huge thanks to one can only imagine the bravery and both Rianne and Jim for all their support courage that must have taken for her to night and I certainly during my presidential year to date. climb those few steps onto the stage to receive a spontaneous standing ovation. feel much less pressure This month has once again seen me on my own speech practising my public speaking skills down Seeing things like that does put all the at court, this time for the welcome address moans and groans of the January blues into proper context. I don’t tend to knowing that I’m being to the New Honorary Recorder of Sheffield, bother with resolutions but if I have one His Honour Judge Goose. It was never followed by the great this year it will be to count my blessings going to be easy speaking after arguably and reflect on stories like these and Brian Blessed – who’s one of the best silks on circuit so, as at His others that have happened recently, Honour Judge Goldsack’s valedictory, I going to remember already addressed in previous columns. went for a slightly lighter touch. I’m fairly what I say anyway! confident that I didn’t offend anyone too So onwards to the banquet. If you haven’t This January will, however, see changes at much as I was honoured to be invited to already, get those tickets booked and Law Society Hall. We welcome back from join Mr Justice Globe, Judge Goose and I very much look forward to seeing as maternity leave our manager, Liz, and will his fellow judges for lunch. They were all many of you as possible at the Cutlers’ have said goodbye to Jim, who has been fantastic hosts and great company and Hall next month. Happy 2014! 4 The Legal_Sheffield and District Law Society_January 2014 Legal News Chamber chief calls for action to boost economy Sheffield lawyer Stephen Williams has cricket in every single park across called for “action not words” from the city Sheffield. After retiring from football, my region to help boost the local economy father became a certified accountant after taking over as President of Sheffield while my grandfathers were a blacksmith Chamber of Commerce. and station master at Beighton respectively. My family heritage is Mr Williams, a property and relocation cemented in Sheffield.” at Lupton Fawcett Lee & Priestley, was elected into the role as part of the David Thurkettle, director at PwC, becomes Chamber’s 156th Annual General Meeting senior vice-president, with Jillian Thomas, at the Holiday Inn Royal Victoria Hotel. managing director of Future Life Wealth Management, joining the Chamber board He succeeds previous president Jon as director and junior-vice president. Stewart, a director at Siemens Metals Jillian will become the second ever Technologies. female President of the Chamber in 2015. Mr Williams said: “My mantra for the Simon Bladen, audit manager at coming year is that to enhance the chartered accountants Hawsons, was regional economy we need action appointed as a Chamber director and not words. This applies to everyone honorary treasurer following the we deal with from the City Council, retirement of Mike Shepherd. Local Enterprise Partnership, politicians, Sheffield Chamber President Stephen Williams Government, the business community as Meanwhile, Taylor&Emmet’s Rob Moore well as the Chambers of Commerce. happening in this city and make and Phil Mulchinock of Swindell & Pearson are among 12 business leaders “Now is the time to deliver growth, not significant strides forward.” elected to the Chamber Council. The just discuss what we hope to do to Sheffield-born Mr Williams grew up in others are Alan Easter (Arkom Creative achieve it. The Sheffield Chamber should a terraced house in the Hillsborough Technology), Martin Gorman (Natwest have a higher profile than we’ve had area of the city. His father Derrick played Bank), Andrew Fowlds (LF Logistics (UK) before. We are now at a stage where we professional football for Sheffield Ltd), Peter Newsam (UHY Wingfield Slater), can be more proactive and drive forward Wednesday and Sheffield United during Dan Bates (Sheffield Theatres Trust), activities which will enhance the the War years, before an injury playing for Robert Earl (Bull Information Systems), environment for business growth. Portsmouth forced him into retirement. Kay Couldwell (Good Travel Management), “This is a great opportunity for the public He said: “I am Sheffield born and bred. Darren Pearce (Meadowhall Centre), Tracy and private sector to work in partnership My whole working life has been in this Viner (The Cathedral Archer Project) and on the fantastic activities which are wonderful city and I’ve played football or Matt Jackson (UK Workspace). Howells moves into conveyancing market Howells Solicitors has opened a in conveyancing matters and has played conveyancing department, led by an important role in the introduction of experienced Rachael Sawyer. case management systems within the department to provide an efficient service. Rachael, who has specialised in residential conveyancing for more than 20 years, said: “There are signs that the housing market “It is both an exciting and challenging is improving and we are pleased to opportunity to create a new conveyancing offer clients who are buying, selling or service at Howells. I am looking forward re-mortgaging their property a quality to bringing my experience and providing service at an affordable price clients with advice on all their residential “The addition of a conveyancing conveyancing matters.” department will add to the already wide Howells partner Lindsey Rawson said: “We range of personal legal services Howells are delighted to welcome Rachael. She can offer, essentially allowing us to provide Rachael Sawyer, Howells Anna Rudkin with Michael Napier brings with her extensive skill and experience legal services at all key stages of life.” 5 Legal News Firm helps student land top prize Support from the Sheffield office of “The work of a clinical legal supervisor Simpson Millar has helped a Sheffield takes dedication but the satisfaction of Hallam University student claim the Law seeing someone like Zoe develop her skills in Practice prize. and grow professionally is very rewarding,” says Cathie. “It’s a pragmatic approach, Zoe Ascott earned her stripes under the and my job is to facilitate rather than to guidance of Cathie Delaney, partner at teach in the traditional sense. I set tasks Simpson Millar, who heads up the clinical based on real life case files, and take negligence department and is a clinical students through the process of building legal supervisor for the Law in Practice a case from start to finish. This includes module. legal research, analysis, problem-solving, For two terms, Zoe spent one day each drafting and so on. They are involved week with Cathie and her team. The hands-on at every step of the way and opportunity enabled her to observe and can discover for themselves where the participate firsthand in how to meet negligence lies and how to build the the individual needs of clients and in blocks required to win a case.” the legal process required to succeed in Sometimes students recognise that pursuing challenging cases. Cathie Delaney of Simpson Millar becoming a solicitor is not for them “Taking part in the Law in Practice enabling the personal and professional and that they would prefer to use their module has been invaluable to me. It has development of those who come and knowledge within academic life. Others helped me make connections between work with me. discover exactly what their strengths are. theory I have been taught and the link to “Zoe has shown beyond a shadow of practice allowing me to see the Law in “Zoe was a ray of sunshine, going above doubt that she has made the right choice. context in the real world,” says Zoe. and beyond what was expected of her. Watching her grow as she embraced the She has gained commercial awareness too, and demonstrated that she is a good “The module has shown me how to difference between theory and practice all-rounder. We’re so proud of her,” says approach situations in the correct in the application of the law has been a Cathie. Cathie was among the Platform professional and empathetic manner real privilege.” and how to react specifically to different Party on 18 November 2013 when Zoe’s clients, depending on their vulnerability, Participation in the programme allows degree was conferred with an LLB none of which can be taught in the class students to experience the reality of Honours degree from Sheffield Hallam room.” practising law. Although students do not University. Zoe is now looking forward to deal directly with clients they get involved a bright future which benefits others and According to Cathie, Zoe impressed in case research and, where appropriate, enables those in need of help to get the everyone with her personable nature, attend client meetings as observers. They justice they deserve. “By conversing with teamwork, and professional approach. also listen to telephone calls so that they real clients at Simpson Millar I appreciate She said: “Simpson Millar is committed learn how to adopt the correct manner more than ever the helpful work that is to supporting and encouraging law with specialists and consultants, across a performed by my chosen profession,” students, andI take great satisfaction in diverse variety of cases. she says. Queen’s Award for Whirlow Hall Farm volunteers from hlw Keeble Hawson’s among 120 volunteers at the working Sheffield office were among a group of farm, which provides hands-on experience volunteers from Whirlow Hall Farm Trust for more than 10,000 visitors a year. presented with the Queen’s Award for The four lawyers offer legal advice and Voluntary Service. services on a voluntary basis to Whirlow Partner Roger Dyson, head of the firm’s Hall Farm Trust. corporate and business team and a trustee Lauren, who advises the charity on Lauren Fulcher receives her certificate of the farm-based charity, and solicitor from Lord Lieutenant David Moody employment issues, said: “The firm has Lauren Fulcher received certificates to mark been supporting the trust for 13 years the accolade from the Lord Lieutenant Together with their colleagues Rebecca and it was a real honour to receive such of South Yorkshire, David Moody, at a Pugh, an associate at the firm, and a significantDavid Gray, Graysons award, WE the highest accolade ceremony at The Cutlers’ Hall, Sheffield. solicitor James Alger, the lawyers are for groups of volunteers in the UK.’’ 6 The Legal_Sheffield and District Law Society_January 2014 Legal News A time for consolidation Sheffield-based David resilient and grow, while others continue to struggle, with the gap Thurkettle, director and between best and worst performing co-author of PwC’s widening further. The legal sector has come under annual Law Firm Survey, increased scrutiny from banks and the discusses this year’s David Thurkettle sector’s regulator following a number of well-publicised law firm insolvencies, findings and the However, the region remains optimistic mergers and acquisitions in the region. challenges facing the and is the most positive of all the English This trend is set to continue with further regions surveyed, with 37% of firms consolidation of the market very likely. regional legal sector. very confident they are on track to see revenue growth this year, compared Our survey also notes that certain With many global economies on the up, to just 20% in The Midlands and 26% northern firms achieve higher profits some regional law firms will be well in . This increases to 50% when per partner (PEP) than any other placed to take advantage, but pricing looking at revenue growth over the next region outside of London, with 13% pressures, effective utilisation of fee three years. receiving £501k-£750k. Nationally, PEP for earners and cost reduction challenges the Top 10 law firms averaged £1million, have taken such a huge toll on others When looking at the sector as a whole up 6.1% on 2012. that their medium term survival is at risk. however, only 50% of northern firms are somewhat confident there will be growth Our latest annual survey of the Top The trend in net profit margins in the next three years, with 50% not 100 law firms shows 2013 has been a remains a concern for smaller and confident at all. watershed year for the legal sector in the regional law firms with one third UK and across the North. Merger activity Against a challenging backdrop, 2013 recording net margins of less than 20%, and restructures are consolidating and could be seen as a turning point for the and a number approaching single figures. polarising the market, from those that legal sector as certain firms remain Productivity in law firms, relative to the are growing, to those that are height of the market in the struggling to survive. mid-2000s, remains low and consequently pressures remain This has rung particularly true on both headcount numbers in the region with the recent and salary levels. merger of Lupton Fawcett and Denison Till, and earlier this year Continued focus on cost Bond Pearce and Dickinson Dees. reduction and innovative delivery is required across all In the North West there has been firms to maintain profitability a string of mergers including in a highly competitive UK DWF’s purchase of market. We expect many firms in March, and only this month to look carefully at their the acquisition of Pannone by Australian listed firm Slater & strategy, focusing on whether Gordon. Slater & Gordon have there is a sustainable presence been on the acquisition trail in each region of operation. acquiring a number of UK law Looking ahead and despite firms this year including Russell some encouraging signs of Jones & Walker, Goodmans, a pick-up in activity, it is clear Taylors Vinters, Fentons and firms remain concerned John Pickering & Partners. about continued economic Our survey shows that this will uncertainty and the changing be a trend set to continue, as needs and behaviours of nearly a third (29%) of firms clients. Some clear winners think it is very likely that they and losers will emerge over will merge in the next three the next few years as all firms years and 43% thinking it is strive to take market share from fairly likely. their rivals. 7

The Legal_Sheffield and District Law Society_January 2014 Legal News Slater & Gordon seals deal Slater & Gordon has completed the acquisition of specialist industrial disease firm John Pickering & Partners. The deal sees John Pickering partner David Cass move to the Fountain Precinct base of Slater & Gordon as a Principal Lawyer in the industrial disease team, along with solicitor Keith Hague. On the day the deal was completed, Slater & Gordon announced a commitment of more than half a million pounds to help fund research into the social and medical issues that impact their clients. Keith Hague and David Cass from John Pickering & Partners The newly created Slater & Gordon Social have joined the Sheffield team at Slater & Gordon and Medical Research Fund will be a not-for-profit research and educational Neil Kinsella, head of UK at Slater & Lupton Fawcett Lee & Priestley has fund established to support information Gordon, said: “Today is an important merged with York-based Denison Till. day for us as John Pickering & Partners sharing amongst healthcare professionals The enlarged firm will trade as Lupton becomes part of Slater & Gordon and to in both the UK and Australia. Fawcett Denison Till and will have mark this we have decided to also Slater & Gordon has a history approximately 280 staff with more announce the news that we will be of supporting social justice and than 140 executives, making it one launching an international fund for philanthropic causes and has donated of Yorkshire’s top law firms. First year research in to the social and medical more than half a million pounds to turnover is expected to exceed £18m. issues which impact clients of the firm. asbestos and medical research in Richard Marshall, Lupton Fawcett Lee & Australia over the last seven years. “Not only will we be combining our Priestley’s managing director, said: ‘’The experience and talents to mean that we As part of this fund there will be a addition of the first class team from are in the best possible position to offer provision for financial support for Denison Till represents a great step clients world class legal services, we will on-going efforts to understand and forward in our journey to achieve our also be in a position to use the Slater tackle asbestos-related disease as part of strategy being the Yorkshire region’s & Gordon Social and Medical Research its support for the victims. law firm of choice by meeting the Fund to support information sharing There will be a commitment from Slater needs of our region’s wealth creators amongst healthcare professionals and & Gordon of more than £565,000 over for commercial advice in their business provide us with a platform to the next six years and there is also the capacities, and their need for wealth for change of behalf of our clients.” possibility of further donations of funds preservation services in their private from clients. Elsewhere, Sheffield and -based capacities.” Court of Appeal to consider access cases The Court of Appeal it is to jointly who had hoped that a legal ruling would Now a judge sitting on the Court of consider the appeals of two cases be made which gave them priority access Appeal Civil Division in London has concerning the issue of accessibility of to the wheelchair space on a bus. decided that the two conflicting buses for wheelchair users. decisions need further consideration. A few months later, in September, a In May 2013, a Teesside judge ruled similar case involving wheelchair user Chris Fry from Sheffield’s Unity Law, who represents the disabled passengers in that Arriva North East’s “First Come First Doug Paulley was heard in Leeds County both cases said: “We are pleased that the Served” policy in relation to the allocation Court. This time the judge took a different issue of who should have priority over of the wheelchair space on their buses view, that wheelchair users had a legal did not breach the Equality Act 2010. the wheelchair spaces on buses will now right to have priority over other bus users be considered by a panel of senior judges. This case was widely reported nationally to the wheelchair space and that First Bus It’s an opportunity for the thousands of and the outcome was a great Group had breached the Equality Act by wheelchair users in the UK to finally get a disappointment to disabled passengers not properly enforcing access to the service. definitive answer on this issue.” 9

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Legal News Taylor&Emmet in Minister’s praise for Chambers first A specialist in mediation progress commercial litigation has earned Taylor&Emmet its first mention in Chambers and Partners’ 2014 UK guide to business lawyers. Partner Paul Clarke is ranked as an ‘up and coming’ litigator in the Yorkshire section of the guide, which highlights his work Cathy Urwin, mediator at Family Mediation Yorkshire, Work and Pensions Minister in commercial contract disputes and sale Steve Webb, Sue Colven, Bryan Thornton, counsellor at Solution Focus Sheffield and of goods cases. He is also praised for his Alyson Siddall, Head of the Family Department at Howells Solicitors client handling skills.

Work and Pensions Minister Steve Webb for the sake of their children, and avoid The entry follows the firm’s success in visited Sheffield law firm Howells the need to go to court. The Legal 500 this year, which saw it Solicitors to see first hand how they are commended in 11 categories. Paul Clarke “This ‘one stop shop’ is part of a wider helping families cope when parents was singled out by the industry bible for initiative seeing up to £20m invested separate. his “knowledge, experience and in help for separated parents. It is one responsiveness” and for tackling issues £1.4m of funding was awarded to Howells of seven innovative projects across the head on in commercial disputes. Solicitors in April 2013 to help couples country supporting parents to resolve resolve their problems and come to their conflict and make decisions in the best Paul said: “It is a real achievement to own arrangements for their children interests of their children.” make the Chambers and Partners listings without resorting to the courts. on recommendation alone and I am Project manager Sue Colven from honoured that clients and colleagues To date, Howells has helped more than Howells Solicitors said: “Initial reaction speak so highly of me and 200 separated parents in South Yorkshire to the pilot scheme has been excellent. Taylor&Emmet.’’ benefit from extra support to help We have been delighted to be able to them to work together for the sake of offer parents free help to encourage their children with access to free family agreements about children and finances.” PRH celebrates mediation, counselling, and legal advice The award is part of an initial £6.5m fund on all the issues thrown up by separation. for creative and targeted help by seven ranking double Mr Webb said: “I am very encouraged that organisations that will support over a Rotherham firm Parker Rhodes Hickmotts Howells has already started helping some quarter of a million separated parents has once again been ranked as a leading 200 separated parents to work together in Britain. firm in the Chambers UK guide to the profession, following its first top tier Recognition for negligence team listing by the Legal 500. The medical negligence team at Howells against all law firms in Yorkshire, noting PRH, which was established in 1895, is the Solicitors has been been recognised by the “strong presence in Sheffield”. only Rotherham area firm to be listed in the legal profession and clients for the either guide. The 2014 edition of Chambers UK says the quality of their work and client care. Howells’ team is “sympathetic, practical It is ranked in the top tier by the Legal Solicitor Tania Harrison has been accredited and tough negotiators on behalf of clients”, 500 for immigration, with department by the Law Society for her work in clinical while individual praise was given to head Christopher Cole mentioned. The negligence; acknowledging the quality of Tania Harrison and Michelle Gyte, both narrative says: “The firm has experience in her work and expertise of dealing with neg- identified for their expertise in their field. complex litigation and acts for a regional ligence claims including inquests, human and national client base.’’ Howells also maintained their rankings in rights and high value complex cases. Chambers in other areas, including being The firm is ranked in Band 3 by Chambers, Further recognition comes from the classed as a top tier firm in crime, and which says: “Christopher Cole is capable lawyers’ directory, Chambers UK, which high rankings for several civil areas of law of handling the full range of immigration has praised Howells’ clinical negligence including immigration, police law, civil work, but is especially well known for his department by ranking the firm highly liberties and human rights. focus on human rights and asylum cases.’’ 11 The Legal_Sheffield and District Law Society_January 2014 Movers & Shakers Stand by for the year of growth Robert Addy of CRA Legal Robert Addy of CRA and in South Yorkshire six live senior At CRA we have mirrored the upturn in commercial property solicitor roles. It’s the market and expanded ourselves. We Legal says 2014 is the so refreshing to see that the market now have three dedicated qualified legal has taken a complete U-turn from this consultants covering South Yorkshire and year conveyancing has time 12 months ago and I hope we can Derbyshire and a permanent presence been waiting for since all build on this increase in confidence in Leeds with a newly formed office in throughout the sector as a whole. the heart of the city’s business district on the dark days of 2008. Wellington Place covering Leeds and the Admittedly, the legal landscape is surrounding area. 2013 was by no means a quiet year in the constantly changing and we still can’t legal sector. ignore that our business models are We are also looking into further forever needing to be reviewed and geographical expansion in the New Year It definitely had its challenges with the scrutinised to safeguard us from ongoing and, with that in mind, if you feel you Jackson reforms and looming continued pressures in the industry. would be interested in a change in cuts. But it has to be said that, direction we are always looking for overall, we feel that confidence has been However, I think it is fair to say that as a qualified legal professionals to join our building. sector we have risen to the challenges expanding teams across the region. set in the last three years and I am very Please feel free to contact me in strictest One area that seems to have fuelled the proud of the way we have all evolved and confidence to find out more. growth has been both residential and come through the other side. commercial property matters and I feel In the meantime, if you are looking to I strongly believe that 2014 will be the this will continue into 2014. recruit or are equally keen to see what is year we have all be waiting for since out there from a candidate perspective, Just to give you an insight into the the dark days of 2008 and I urge you all please feel free to get in contact with recruitment in these two sectors, alone in to continue building this confidence your dedicated recruitment team on Yorkshire at present I have over 50 live throughout the sector. I strongly feel that 0114 2418030 / 0113 3662028 or email us vacancies in residential conveyancing 2014 will be the year of growth. at [email protected] Caroline to lead Graysons WE property Graysons WE has appointed Caroline completed the mammoth and complex Caroline Murray, Murray to head up its property Graysons WE task of creating the leasehold titles for department. 167 flats for one developer.

Caroline, who graduated from Caroline is well known for her expertise Teesside University with an LLB (Hons) and attention to detail and the firm was and undertook her keen to bring her back when the position at the , qualified as arose after she provided temporary cover a solicitor in 2005 and has specialised in in the department just a few years ago. property law ever since. Dealing with commercial and residential The recipient of a recent Good Lawyer property, Caroline has a wealth of Guide certificate for outstanding legal experience in all conveyancing issues, practice, Caroline joins a team which has with particular expertise in dealing with already achieved the Law Society’s development work. She recently Quality Conveyancing accreditation.

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New director for Cassandra is a member of the Institute to reward their contribution to the firm’s of Residential Property Management growth and development. litigation team and a regular contributor to block Chesterfield’s BRM management forums. She said: “I am very has welcomed excited to be joining such a progressive, new director innovative team and to have the Ashley Wood to opportunity to drive the firm’s property its commercial Ashley Wood (left) litigation services forward.” litigation department. with Neil Brown at BRM Lucy Hartley, Pat Wotherspoon and Elizabeth Cassidy, Taylor&Emmet Ashley, who has more than 20 years’ Insolvency role litigation experience, joins from Sheffield’s for Carl at hlw Pat Wotherspoon, Elizabeth Cassidy and hlw Keeble Hawson. Solicitor Carl Jones has Lucy Hartley have been granted associate solicitor status to recognise the skills and Ashley acts for clients in commercial been appointed by expertise they bring to the team. disputes in High Court and County Court hlw Keeble Hawson proceedings including in the Technology to further strengthen Children’s expert Pat Wotherspoon has and Construction Court and Mercantile the insolvency team at more than 30 years’ experience in family Court. its Commercial House Carl Jones, hlw law. She entered private practice in 1991, Keeble Hawson offices in Sheffield. after spending ten years working for local He said: “I am delighted to be joining BRM authorities across the north of England. at an exciting time for the firm and joining University graduate Carl, from Pat joined Taylor&Emmet in 2008 and a team of talented litigators. Chesterfield, joins the firm from DLA Piper in Sheffield. still represents councils, along with “I am very much looking forward to parents, children and other family Ron Whitlam, hlw Keeble Hawson senior contributing to the continued growth of members, in care proceedings, children partner, said: “Carl joins our recent intake the practice and working with the rest of disputes, contact or residence issues and of high calibre newly qualified solicitors the team to help our clients, both new adoption. and old, achieve the results they desire.” and we wish him a successful future with us as part of our growing insolvency team.” Lucy Hartley and Elizabeth Cassidy are Neil Brown, BRM director and head former Taylor&Emmet trainees, joining Carl, who completed his post graduate of commercial litigation said: “Over the firm in 2004 and 2005, respectively. law qualification at Sheffield University, is a number of years we have seen a After qualifying two years later, both substantial increase in instructions to this also a senior county football referee. secured roles within the matrimonial Department, which is testament to our team and have since become members approach to Commercial Litigation. Union specialist joins Unity Law of Resolution. Lucy focuses on financial Partner to boost and property settlements and premarital, One of the region’s pre-civil or separation agreements, leading trade union property strength whilst Elizabeth specialises in domestic lawyers, Jeremy abuse, property disputes and issues Hague, has been relating to children. She is also a qualified appointed by Unity mediator. Law as a consultant Jeremy Hague, Unity Law solicitor. Michaela Heathcote, head of family law, said: “We would like to congratulate our Formerly an equity partner at Thompsons new associates on their achievements. Rob Cooke and Cassandra Zanelli, Solicitors in Sheffield, Jeremy’s presence They are valued members of our team Taylor&Emmet bolsters the team that handles the complex and make a significant contribution to cases within the firm. Taylor&Emmet is developing the support the success of the department.” it offers to owners of blocks of flats and Jeremy has more than 25 years apartments following the appointment experience as a claimant personal injury Angela to head of a new partner. lawyer, with considerable expertise in the area of occupational disease claims. wills department Property management specialist Simpson Sissons & Brooke has appointed Cassandra Zanelli joins from a niche Chris Fry, managing partner at Unity Law, Angela Galvin as head of wills and . firm in Nottingham and will add to the said: ‘We are delighted that Jeremy has existing range of services offered by its chosen to join us. As a well-regarded and Angela, who lives in Barnsley, studied law business litigation team. high-calibre solicitor, his appointment as a mature student at Sheffield Hallam both strengthens and grows our ability University and has since worked at many Rob Cooke, Taylor&Emmet’s head of to handle the most complex of personal firms across the region, including Mills, property litigation, said: “Cassandra is an Kemp and Brown, Switalskis, Raleys and accomplished solicitor and will no doubt injury cases.” Howells. be a valuable addition to our team. Her proactive approach to cases and Family law With detailed and extensive experience specialist skill set will enable us to promotions in the field of wills and probate, Angela enhance the services we offer to property Taylor&Emmet has promoted three will be developing her department’s owners and managers.” members of its family law department interest in contentious and disputed wills. 13 The Legal_Sheffield and District Law Society_January 2014

Vicky makes insolvency firms. In her new role, she will where Andrew Broadbent joins the be utilising her experience and contacts dispute resolution team; Sarah Robinson property move to expand Taylor&Emmet’s insolvency the corporate team and Amy Smith the Taylor Bracewell services, which were recommended by commercial property team. is expanding this year’s The Legal 500. The Doncaster office sees Sarah Finnemore further in joining the dispute resolution team. Sheffield with the Four recruits for appointment of hlw Keeble Hawson Rosemary joins senior commercial property solicitor Vicky Woodhouse, Partner Paul Gibbon Taylor Bracewell Taylor Bracewell (centre) with Rosemary Finn has Vicky Woodhouse. (from left) Sarah Finnemore, Sarah joined the family law Vicky qualified as a solicitor in 2004, Robinson, Amy team at Taylor following her studies at Sheffield Hallam Smith and Andrew Bracewell in Sheffield. University, and has since specialised in Broadbent commercial property work as a department Rosemary has more head at her previous firm in the city. than 20 years’ Rosemary Finn experience and is an Emma to boost accredited specialist in family provision business services hlw Keeble Hawson has strengthened its and domestic abuse with Resolution and Taylor&Emmet Sheffield and Doncaster offices with the is a past chair of South Yorkshire Resolution. is investing in its appointment of four newly qualified Alison Kitchman, head of Taylor business legal solicitors. services with the Bracewell’s family law department, said: appointment With many firms offering fewer training “I am really pleased that Rosemary has of Emma Rigby contracts and finding it difficult to joined us. I know her well and have as a specialist Emma Rigby and Rob give permanent positions to qualified worked with her in the past. She is an insolvency solicitor. Moore, Taylor&Emmet trainees, four out of six trainees now have excellent family lawyer; approachable and permanent positions after completing committed to dealing with clients and Emma has spent the last five years their contracts. practising in the South Yorkshire region, their cases in a sensitive manner, which where she has acted for a number Three are based at the practice’s often means that difficulties can be of regional and national clients and Commercial House office in Sheffield resolved without having to go to court. “ The Legal_Sheffield and District Law Society_January 2014 Do you really need a forensic accountant? Chris Makin has involving club stewards, sub- postmistresses, care home staff stealing more than 20 years’ pocket money from residents, and so on. Then, of course, there are the drug experience as a traffickers. My biggest failure was on forensic accountant instruction from Jonathan Duff (later the first solicitor jailed for money laundering) and expert witness. whose client was accused of importing It is said you can see the rubbish on the £100million of cocaine by light aircraft. beach only when the tide goes out. Interviewing him in Strangeways I could Similarly, much financial crime is discovered see that he had no valid defence; he is only when a company’s funds have now well into a 25-year sentence. run out. And in these straitened times, who agreed it. Amazing! The outcome was Space doesn’t allow me to write about financial crime is more prevalent. Where that Peter Clowes the MD (not my client) the many Asset Recovery cases I have normal income dries up, the impecunious was jailed for 10 years, and my client the worked on, or the 80% of my time spent but honest individual may ask himself: chairman was found not guilty on all charges. on civil cases – personal injury, family, Sec Who can I sue? But the dishonest one If ever a case needed forensic accountants, 994, valuations, director disqualification, will ask himself: From whom can I steal? this was it. professional negligence, or some of my There is also the sheer greed of criminals. Similarly with the Rotherham mouldy fascinating mediations. Greed and the money having run out chicken case. A rendering company was Two closing points, if I may. The first you featured in one of my early cases as a tasked with cutting up dead poultry for will well know: that there is no duty to forensic accountant. How many of you Pedigree pet food, and rendering down report fraud to the authorities. Where the are old enough to remember Barlow what remained. The managers of the FD has stolen so much that a company Clowes? It was an early Ponzi scheme rendering company picked out the faces insolvent liquidation, the main aim (like Bernard Medoff with a few noughts “choice” cuts and sent them to a secret must be to recover as much as possible, off the end!) and it went into liquidation factory in Rotherham where they and quickly. Report matters to the police with £150million of investors’ funds were dipped in acid then brine, shrink- and the chances are either that they won’t missing. Barlow Clowes boasted that they wrapped, and sold to local butchers and be interested, or that they will seize all the invested only in gilt-edged stock, good for low grade supermarkets. The quantities records for months, thus removing the widows and orphans, but the truth was were enormous, and so was the evidence you need to make recovery. So very different. They paid over-the odds paperwork. Environmental health officers consider appointing a forensic accountant returns and refunded investors’ money, had lots of disgusting photos and many to look at things first; a good one, who but had to sell more and more investments rooms full of financial records. I don’t will look without destroying the evidence to do that, as well as stealing the funds to know a lot about chickens, but I know for a criminal prosecution or civil recovery. buy Bentleys, Porsches, office blocks, the just a bit about financial records – Not every case needs a forensic accountant. Spa at Scarborough, a brewery, vineyards, especially those we seized at the rendering But how do you know? The answer is to and a yacht from Christina Onassis for $3.5m! factory, protected by armed police! have a good relationship with a forensic The SFO produced funds flow charts – Again with my team, I found that the scam accountant who doesn’t set his meter hundreds of them – and I was instructed was on a national scale, and the profits running as soon as he starts work. I offer to defend the chairman by demonstrating enormous; not hard to visualise with pet an initial review without obligation: show the extent to which he had authorised the meat at 1p per pound and chickens me the key documents, I will review them transfer of funds from client account to allegedly for human consumption at £1 and tell you if I can add any value to your office account, and on to improper means. per pound. Based on our evidence, the case. If not, there is no charge whatever. I put together a team of six forensic prosecution got seven convictions, with accountants, devised a set of standard When did you last hear a no-cost offer, sentences up to 7 years. questions so that they could all help from a forensic accountant of all people? compile my evidence, and my report of On a lower scale, I have acted for [email protected] 43 ringbinders was served on the SFO, prosecution or defence on cases www.chrismakin.co.uk

15 Legal News Further expansion Nabarro’s prize for restructuring for planning team A team from the Sheffield and London Nabarro’s planning team in Sheffield offices of Nabarro was named Restructuring has expanded further following the Team of the Year at the British Legal Awards. appointment of associates Stuart Tym, The award specifically recognised the formerly senior solicitor at Lincolnshire firm’s innovative restructuring of UK Coal County Council, and Hetty Tombs, earlier this year, which saved 2,000 jobs previously a lawyer at niche planning and Hetty Tombs, Linsey Goucher, Stuart Tym, and protected the pensions of over 7,000 environmental firm Zyda Law. Christopher Bowes and Rebecca Roffe of Nabarro members through a unique arrangement The new team members join associates with the Pension Protection Fund. region. They add expertise from both Rebecca Roffe and Linsey Goucher, who the public and private sectors including Led by Nabarro partner Ben Hendry, both qualified as solicitors after completing valuable insights from their work in head of corporate in Sheffield, and Glen their training contracts at Nabarro, and connection with major infrastructure partner Chris Bowes, who joined Nabarro Flannery (restructuring & insolvency), the projects in particular in the renewables cross practice team also included Ian in March after 13 years at DLA Piper. and nuclear energy sectors.” Greenstreet (pensions) and Sheffield Chris Bowes, who heads the team in Martin Evans who heads Nabarro’s partners Tracey Marsden (employment), Sheffield, said: “We are very pleased to Planning practice nationally said: “These Gareth Saynor (corporate), Tim Shaw welcome Stuart and Hetty to Nabarro. appointments are further evidence of (projects) and Niall Logan (real estate). These experienced lawyers complement Nabarro’s continued investment in the the team we have been building in specialist disciplines that will support n Nabarro is to open a new office in Dubai. Sheffield which is now one of the the firm’s clients and ensure that Nabarro It will be the firm’s third international strongest planning practices in the remains a sector leader.” opening after Singapore and Brussels.

Legal News Banner Jones lands award Banner Jones was named winner of the Excellence in Professional Services Mark Bilton, Elizabeth Bilton, Ann-Marie Lowe and Stephen Gordon of Banner Jones with Derbyshire Times editor Graeme Huston (left) and compere Claire Frisby category at the Derbyshire Times Business Awards. The firm picked up the the award in an event at Chesterfield FC’s Proact Stadium and Executive Director Simon Wright said: “We are delighted to receive this accolade for the services we provide and are very proud of everyone in the business who has contributed to this success. “Banner Jones has been providing services locally for over 135 years and to have gained this recognition for the The Route to Growth event aimed to help n Banner Jones helped raise more than quality of the services which we provide and encourage businesses to consider £650 for charity when they took part in a is fantastic. their future plans by listening to how special version on TV’s Bargain Hunt. others have achieved success in their “Our continued success stems from how As part of the Chesterfield Arts and industry. seriously we take customer care. By Market Festival two teams, one constantly monitoring customer Simon Wright of Banner Jones said: representing the Mayor of Chesterfield feedback we are able to track customer “Following the success of the first event and one from Banner Jones, were given satisfaction and develop innovative last year we knew we had to secure £100 each and two hours to buy items solutions that meet the needs of the another set of quality speakers and from the town’s antiques market. modern consumer of legal services. we were delighted to welcome Martin The items were then auctioned off to Allen from Rolls-Royce plc and Alex “It’s been a great year for Banner Jones as the watching crowd by Bargain Hunt Mardapittas, Managing Director of EMSc we also achieved a ranking in the Legal celebrity dealers Anita Manning and (UK) Ltd. Their presentations were 500 for the first time.” James Lewis. inspirational. Alex Mardapittas shared his n The second annual Manufacturing own personal experiences of researching, Anita helped the all-girl Banner Jones & Engineering event hosted by Shorts, developing and manufacturing his award team select their buys and they were NatWest and Banner Jones brought winning energy saving product solely auctioned off for £280, including a huge together a wide range of businesses from within the UK and how he has developed teddy bear donated by one of the stall around the region. a successful export model. ” holders, which fetched £60. Spencers Solicitors appoints new chief executive Spencers Solicitors in Chesterfield has number of financial strategies that have appointed Robert Landman as chief driven significant cost savings and executive officer. allowed the Spencers team the freedom to pursue a specialisation into the most Robert has been chief financial officer at serious personal injury cases. the personal injury specialists since 2008, having joined the firm in 2005. John Spencer will continue as director of the company and be closely involved John Spencer, who has served as chief in strategic and business development, Robert Landman, Spencers executive officer for the last five years, working with Robert and other members becomes the chairman. of the board to ensure continued success. not for profit organisation specialising Before joining Spencers, Robert worked in matching volunteers to suitable He said: “Rob brings a wealth of expertise for Vesuvius, a worldwide manufacturer charitable projects in the North to his new and I know will lead the firm and supplier to the steel, glass, aluminium Derbyshire area. to an even higher level as a leading and cement industries, and held personal injury practice.” Robert’s new position will see him several on-site managerial posts with responsible for continuing to strengthen Robert said: “I am really looking forward to responsibility for financial matters. Spencers’ foothold in the personal injury the challenge and will continue to enjoy He is treasurer and a board member market. Throughout his eight-year tenure working with the team to further enhance of the Chesterfield Volunteer Centre, a with the firm, he has implemented a our presence in the personal injury market.” 18 The Legal_Sheffield and District Law Society_January 2014

Legal News Society says thank you to corporate members DLA Piper heads the list of new firms to give their corporate backing to the Sheffield & District Law Society. Global giant DLA Piper is the latest firm Richard May, office managing partner at The full list of corporate members at the to become a corporate member of the DLA Piper in Sheffield, said: “Although we time of going to press is: Sheffield & District Law Society. are now one of the largest law firms in the • Bell & Buxton world, our roots firmly lie in Sheffield and Among the other new firms to sign up • Joe Bellamy & Associates with the Society are FW Meggitt & Co, we remain committed to the local market. Anderson Partnership Solicitors and “Joining the Sheffield & District Law • Howells Solicitors Walker & Co. Society is one way in which we can • Anderson Partnership Solicitors SDLS acting manager Rianne Wilcockson demonstrate this, providing us with a said: “We are delighted to welcome DLA platform to actively support, and be part • DLA Piper of, the regional legal community.” Piper as the newest corporate members • of The Sheffield & District Law Society. Rianne added: “We are also delighted to • Best Solicitors “With the benefit their international reach welcome FW Meggitt & Co, Anderson and commercial expertise, we hope we Partnership and Walker & Co, who • Graysons with Watson Esam strengthen our links with high street can improve what the Society has to offer • Medical Solicitors and also improve our dialogue with the firms as well as firms in the wider region. sector. • Wrigleys Solicitors “Thank you to all our individual and “With its roots in Sheffield, DLA Piper has corporate members who have renewed • FW Meggitt & C0 grown to be a global firm and remains one with us so far for 2014. It is through your • Walker & Co of the biggest firms in South Yorkshire, membership that we continue to support employing over 300 people locally.’’ the legal profession locally.’’ • MKB Solicitors

SSB confirms partnership with QualitySolicitors Simpson Sissons & Brooke has launched a In line with all QualitySolicitors branches, new working partnership with SSB will be offering a free initial telephone QualitySolicitors. consultation to assess the need for legal services, underpinning that first free More than 200 law firms in England and advice with an increased offering of fixed Wales are now working together under price services and online DIY documents. the QualitySolicitors banner, providing a new way to access legal services. Jeremy Brooke, QualitySolicitors SSB “That first free consultation is very much in line with what SSB has always believed The new Sheffield partnership will secured up to £80 million in private equity to be best practice, ensuring great value be known as QualitySolicitors SSB. backing for a push to create what is now and transparency,” said Jeremy. “QualitySolicitors is a trusted and respected being described as the ‘Specsavers of the “We understand that buying legal services brand, one of the largest legal brands in legal world’ by legal profession insiders. and understanding what you need can the country, and one that SSB is delighted “By joining the QualitySolicitors network be a complex process but we want to to become a part of,” said SSB partner we believe that the SSB team will be able make everything clear. Jeremy Brooke. to offer an even great breadth of quality “We have the expertise to help and The QualitySolicitors brand is a group of and service to our clients than before,” when it’s simple, we’ll say so – that’s the law firms across the UK which has said Jeremy. QualitySolicitors SSB approach.” 19 Society News Conveyancing conference Stay in touch with the latest developments in the world of conveyancing, plus a first look at the CPD dates booked for the months ahead by the Sheffield & District Law Society. The Sheffield & District Law Society, in designed to bring delegate up to date Speaker: John Trimbos Cost: £50 + VAT association with Safe-Move, is staging a with the major practical implications (£60) for members, £60 + VAT (£72) for one-day conveyancing conference on arising and covers: non-members Thursday 20th February. • Effect on leasehold rights of upgrading Wednesday 9th April 9.30-11.30am The event, at the Law Society Hall, is to absolute title The SRA Accounts Rules 2011 divided into four sections and features • Update on statements of truth Speaker: Andy Poole Cost: £75 + VAT Stephen Desmond, who has delivered • Mortgagee in possession sales: entries (£90) for members, £105 + VAT (£126) for more than 1,000 CPD events to lawyers that are not automatically cancelled on non-members from a variety of backgrounds. completion Wednesday 9th April 12noon-1.30pm • Land Registry’s expanded guidance on The first section, from 10-11am, looks Should You Incorporate Your Practice? plans at the environmental risks in property Speaker: Andy Poole Cost: £75 + VAT transactions and covers: • Exclusions of mines and minerals, Chancel repairing liability (£90) for members, £105 + VAT (£126) for • Environmental risk: The UK’s industrial • Issues arising from key adjudicator non-members legacy decisions on a range of matters Tuesday 22nd April 3.30-5pm • Environmental liability To book your place at the conference, or Trustee Investments, Obligations and • Contaminated land Strategies Speaker: Chris Holland, Nick • Practical steps to address environmental any of the other CPD dates listed below, Thomas and Cathy Russell Cost: £30 + risks, including an analysis of the Law contact the SDLS on 0114 272 3655. VAT (£36) for members, £50 + VAT (£60) Society’s Warning Card The following CPD courses have so far for non-members • Environmental data reports been confirmed for 2014. All events are MAY This is followed by a presentation on at the Law Society Hall, Campo Lane, Tuesday 20th May 9am-5pm CON29DW, which looks at the wide range Sheffield, unless otherwise stated. Further Management Course Stage 1 (compulsory of topics covered in the search, including details, including full information about course) Speaker: Doug Robinson Cost: repair and maintenance issues as well as the courses and speakers, together with £180 + VAT (£216) for members, £260 + the overloading of internal public sewers. any additions to the schedule, are VAT (£312) for non-members It also touches on the appropriate available at www.sheffieldlawsociety.co.uk legislation and the powers that water FEBRUARY Friday 23rd May 9.30am-3.30pm companies have to protect their network Thursday 20th February 10am-5pm First Aid at Work – Employers’ Legal Duties of assets. Conveyancing Conference (sponsored by Cost: £60 + VAT (£72) for members, Next up is Stephen Desmond looking at Safe-Move) Speaker: Stephen Desmond £75 + VAT (£90) for non-members Title Defects: Defusing the Time Bombs Cost: £120 + VAT (£144) for members, OCTOBER before you Exchange. This presentation £150 + VAT (£180) for non-members Monday 6th October 10am-12noon explored how to manage key risks that Monday 24th February 3-5pm Drafting Contract Clauses Speaker: have been highlighted by practice, case Jackson Reforms and the Enterprise Act John Trimbos Cost: £50 + VAT (£60) for law, inadequately drafted deeds or poorly 2013 Speaker: Robert Smith Cost: £30 members, £60 + VAT (£72) for non- prepared plans. + VAT (£36) for members, £50 + VAT (£60) members for non-members It looks at: Wednesday 22nd October 9am-5pm • When is an easement defective? What if MARCH Management Course Stage 1 (compulsory the property lacks adequate rights? Tuesday 20th March 2-5pm course) Speaker: Doug Robinson Cost: • How an easement can be lost or Planning Tax-Efficient Wills Speaker: Carl £180 + VAT (£216) for members, £260 + suspended Islam Cost: £75 + VAT (£90) for members, VAT (£312) for non-members • Breach of covenant: likelihood of £100 + VAT (£120) for non-members SEPTEMBER enforcement and remedies available APRIL Friday 19th September 9.30am-3.30pm The final section, again with Stephen Monday 7th April 10am-12noon First Aid at Work – Employers’ Legal Duties Desmond, is a Land Registry Practice and (registration and coffee from 9.45am) Cost: £60 + VAT (72) for members, £75 + Procedure Update. This presentation is Checking and Proof Reading Documents VAT (£90) for non-members 20

Lifestyle Brian’s big dinner date Larger-than-life actor Brian Blessed will Blackadder. He also starred alongside be the guest speaker at the Yorkshire Law Kevin Costner in Robin Hood: Prince Banquet next month. of Thieves and appeared in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace as the Arguably best known for his portrayal voice of Boss Nass. of Prince Vultan in the 1980 film Flash Gordon, Brian will be returning to his These days, he claims he is best known by South Yorkshire roots for the banquet at a new generation for providing the voice the Cutlers’ Hall on Friday 7th February. of Grampy Rabbit in Peppa Pig. He was born in Mexborough in 1936 A quick search on the internet also and grew up in the mining village of reveals his unmistakable voice available Goldthorpe. His father was a miner Brian Blessed on anything from alarm clocks to sat nav Photograph: Steve Cowell and Brian lost three uncles in colliery systems. accidents. appearances in Shakespearean An accomplished mountaineer, he has After a variety of jobs including productions, both on stage and screen. attempted to scale Everest three times undertaker’s assistant to plasterer, he Among them are the Kenneth Branagh and is the oldest person to have reached turned to acting and has since forged a film versions of Henry V, Much Ado About both the geographical and magnetic highly successful career, with many high Nothing and Hamlet. North Pole. profile stage, TV and film roles. He appeared in the miniseries I, Claudius Brian has also completed cosmonaut One of his first was as PC ‘Fancy’ Smith in in the late 1970s and is remembered for training and is a first reserve to travel to Z-Cars and he has made numerous his portrayal of the hero’s father in the International Space Station. JLD presents £1,250 to St Luke’s Hospice

The Sheffield Junior Lawyers’ Division raised £1,250 for the city’s St Luke’s Hospice. The money was presented at the JLD Annual Ball at the Holiday Inn Royal Victoria by President Ciaran Dearden to Ceri James, capital appeal development manager at St Luke’s, and guest speaker Rebecca Walker, whose mother had recently been cared for at the hospice. n The clinical negligence team at Taylor&Emmet has donated more than £1,000 to Cavendish Cancer Care. a local charity that helps improve cancer sufferers’ quality of life. The entire clinical negligence team completed the 10K Great Yorkshire Run around Sheffield and doubled their fundraising target, raising £1,056. Taylor&Emmet has also raised £1,100 for the Parents’ Association of Children with Tumours and Leukaemia (PACT), the firm’s chosen charity for 2013.