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Perspective - Blog

Consumers return to retail. The retail story in China…where are things now?

Published on 31 Jul 2020.

Globally, the retail sector has been heavily impacted by Covid-19. As the epicentre for the outbreak of the virus in January 2020. China is now one of the first economies showing signs of recovery, and retailers are looking to understand the pattern there, in order to help predict how retail will recover (and how long it will take to do so) following enforced store closures and restrictions on people’s daily lives.

Perspective - Blog

Livestream shopping: making platform partnerships a success

Published on 31 Jul 2020.

Livestream shopping is a live shopping event – think QVC - hosted by a brand on its own, or a third party website/mobile app. Usually, a celebrity, social media influencer or brand worker demonstrates a product and answers questions from a digital audience in real-time. Viewers are able to immediately purchase the item from an embedded link online. Just like presenters on QVC, livestreaming hosts sell a wide range of products, from apparel and cosmetics to electronics and even cars. In China, live streaming is a wildly popular way to shop, with the market worth an estimated US$63bn to its economy in 2019. (but the technology is starting to catch on in the US and UK too). The first major livestream shopping player emerged in China in 2016 when Alibaba first launched Taobao Live. Since then, platforms like Tmall, Douyin or Xiaohongshu have become key Chinese e-commerce sites and saw a big spike in demand during lockdown as shoppers were forced to shop from home

Perspective - Blog

Retail returns in light of COVID-19

Published on 31 Jul 2020.

Many retail businesses have reopened/are preparing to reopen as the Covid-19 lockdown eases. Whilst retailers hope that sales will surge as consumers rush to the shops that they have been unable to visit since March, some fear that a large percentage of transactions will be returns of goods purchased pre-lockdown.

Perspective - Blog

Stores in focus; reopenings, safety and single use (plastic) setback

Published on 31 Jul 2020.

With stores reopened, retailers face an unprecedented operational challenge in delivering the retail experience.

Perspective - Blog

Furlough fraud and Government clawback: managing the risk

Published on 31 Jul 2020.

HMRC has the right to go back up to five years when considering businesses’ (including retailers’) records relating to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (the “furlough scheme”) and will be able to clawback funds which have been claimed in error, or fraudulently, under new powers contained in the Finance Bill 2020, which is expected to become law in the latter half of 2020.

Perspective - Blog

Furlough forecast: What kind of employment law claims are on the horizon?

Published on 31 Jul 2020.

As retail workforces continue to be re-organised, what kind of employment claims could be brought by employees in the coming months, in light of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (or furlough scheme) and what can you do in anticipation?

Perspective - Blog

Temporary COVID-19 measures in respect of AGMs and other general meetings

Published on 31 Jul 2020.

The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 (CIGA), which came into force on 26 June 2020, provides temporary measures which enable companies to comply with their legal requirements on holding annual general meetings (AGMs) and other meetings whilst still respecting social distancing legislation and guidance.

Perspective - Blog

UK Government introduces “suspension” of wrongful trading provisions

Published on 31 Jul 2020.

In March 2020, Business Secretary Alok Sharma announced that provisions on wrongful trading would be suspended. The move came as part of a wider package of measures that sought to provide assistance to businesses – and their beleaguered boards – experiencing financial distress due to Covid-19. Now set out in the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 (CIGA), which was passed on 26 June 2020, the provisions adapt the wrongful trading regime making directors’ liability for the “relevant period” unlikely.

Perspective - Blog

Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act – Supplier Terms

Published on 31 Jul 2020.

On 26 June 2020 the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act (CIGA) came into force. The CIGA has made both permanent and short-term changes to the insolvency regime in response to the coronavirus pandemic and its consequences.

Perspective - Publication

Retail Compass Summer edition 2020

Published on 28 Jul 2020. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Karen Hendy, Partner

Welcome to the Summer 2020 edition of Retail Compass – our guide to key upcoming legal and policy changes affecting Retail and our thoughts on the need-to-know issues.

Perspective - Video

TerraLex virtual meeting: The new wave of M&A

Published on 18 Jun 2020. By Neil Brown, Partner and Paul Joukador, Partner

In this video presentation, RPC's Neil Brown and Paul Joukador meet with Lori Green and Rick McGuirk to discuss issues related to force majeure, frustration of purpose, material adverse change, and how they’ve been impacted and will likely change in the post-pandemic world.

Perspective - Blog

The ASA bites back – Burger King 'Rebel Whopper' ads ruled to be misleading and in breach of advertising rules

Published on 07 May 2020. By Ben Mark, Partner

At the start of the year, Veganuary hit the headlines, with the British public challenged to ditch animal by-products in favour of a plant-based diet for the month of January.

Perspective - Blog

The ASA bites back – Burger King 'Rebel Whopper' ads ruled to be misleading and in breach of advertising rules

Published on 07 May 2020. By Ben Mark, Partner

At the start of the year, Veganuary hit the headlines, with the British public challenged to ditch animal by-products in favour of a plant-based diet for the month of January.

Perspective - Blog

Give retailers a break, lawyers tell creditors

Published on 16 Apr 2020.

Lawyers have called for a break on winding-up petitions against retailers as they fail to pay creditors due to the outbreak. So far, retailers have been hit with 52 winding-up petitions since the beginning of the year, with the numbers accelerating since the coronavirus outbreak took hold, according to lawyers at RPC.

Perspective - Blog

Could I mitigate my losses by using my premises for other purposes?

Published on 14 Apr 2020.

With the inevitable impact of the coronavirus on retail businesses, many will be looking to mitigate their losses. One obvious way of doing this would be to use their premises, often their single largest overhead, for other uses. But is this possible and what must you consider?

Perspective - Blog

COVID-19: The groceries sector - temporary competition law exemption comes into force

Published on 03 Apr 2020. By Melanie Musgrave, Of Counsel

In light of "exceptional and compelling reasons of public policy" arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, the Secretary of State (the "SoS") has announced temporary competition law arrangements in the groceries sector.

Perspective - Blog

Changing retail landscape leads to decline in employee numbers

Published on 21 Nov 2019. By Kelly Thomson, Partner, ESG strategy lead

The retail sector continues to face change and challenge from every conceivable angle and employment within the sector is following this trend.

Perspective - Blog

Fixing Fast Fashion: Parliament aims to put the brakes on retailers

Published on 10 Apr 2019. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial

'Fast fashion' has been providing inexpensive, up to date styles to the mass market for decades, keeping the consumer both on trend, and in the black. However, as society becomes increasingly aware of the environmental and social impact of the retail sector, Parliament has thrown a spotlight upon the sustainability of 'fast fashion' and the modern retailing practices which underpin it.

Profile

Kim Wright

Senior Associate

Perspective - Publication

Annual insurance review 2024

Published on 11 Jan 2024. By Simon Laird, Global Head of Insurance and Robert Morris, Partner and Toby Higginson, Partner and Co-head of Clients and Markets (Insurance)

Hello and welcome to RPC's Annual insurance review – a look back at the events that shaped the insurance market in 2023 and a look forward towards what to expect in 2024.

Perspective - Publication

Annual Insurance Review 2022

Published on 10 Jan 2022.

Welcome to RPC's 2022 annual insurance review – a look back at the events that shaped the insurance market in 2021 and a look forward towards what to expect in 2022.

Perspective - Publication

Annual Insurance Review 2021

Published on 14 Jan 2021.

Welcome to RPC's 2021 annual insurance review. No prizes for guessing what we will be talking about this year.

Perspective - Publication

Annual Insurance Review 2020

Published on 08 Jan 2020. By Simon Laird, Global Head of Insurance and Robert Morris, Partner

Hello and welcome to the 2020 edition of RPC’s annual insurance review. Here you will find updates from our experts across a whole range of business classes as well as from around the world. In the articles that follow you will be able to read our take on key issues that have impacted your market in the year gone – and our thoughts on the issues likely to affect you in the year to come.

Perspective - Publication

Marine and shipping

Published on 08 Jan 2020. By William Jones, Of Counsel and Toby Savage, Partner

In this chapter of our Annual Insurance Review 2020, we look at the main developments in 2019 and expected issues in 2020 for marine and shipping.

Perspective - Publication

Annual Insurance Review 2019

Published on 21 Jan 2019. By Simon Laird, Global Head of Insurance and Robert Morris, Partner

Welcome to RPC’s Annual Insurance Review

Perspective - Publication

Annual Insurance Review 2018

Published on 17 Jan 2018.

Welcome to RPC’s Annual Insurance Review for 2018.

Perspective - Publication

Accountants

Published on 17 Jan 2018.

In this chapter of our Annual Insurance Review 2018, we look at the main developments in 2017 and expected issues in 2018 for accountants.

Perspective - Publication

Annual Insurance Review 2017

Published on 09 Jan 2017. By Simon Laird, Global Head of Insurance

Last year we identified the standout insurance law event of 2015 as the impending introduction of the Insurance Act 2015. Little did we anticipate the tumultuous events of 2016 that would shake up the global economic markets as a whole.

Perspective - Publication

Annual Insurance Review 2016

Published on 08 Jan 2016.

Landmark insurance law reform and market consolidation

Perspective - Publication

Annual Insurance Review 2015

Published on 16 Jan 2015.

Landmark insurance law reform and dealing with economic recovery which remains gradual

Perspective - Podcast

The arbitration of insurance disputes (With Jonathan Wood)

Published on 17 Jul 2024.

Welcome to Insurance Covered, the podcast that covers everything insurance. In this episode Peter is joined by Jonathan Wood, President of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and fellow RPC lawyer. In this episode they discuss arbitration with a particular focus on insurance disputes.

Perspective - Publication

New Labour government – what is in store for the UK?

Published on 09 Jul 2024. By Rachael Healey, Partner

We have a new Labour Party government for the first time in 14 years. The new government has already made various announcements, with more set to follow in the coming days, and then we have the King’s Speech on 17 July, when the Labour Party will set out its opening legislative agenda – but what can we expect from the new government impacting services regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, pensions and accountants?

Perspective - Podcast

Northern Ireland and the art of dispute resolution (With Lord Peter Hain)

Published on 09 Jul 2024.

Welcome to Insurance Covered, the podcast that covers everything insurance. In this episode Peter is joined by Lord Peter Hain, former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and member of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown's Government. In this episode they discuss Peter's involvement in the Good Friday agreement where a peaceful end to hostilities in Northern Ireland was successfully negotiated.

Perspective - Blog

Compulsory mediation in small claims: a quick guide for the busy lawyer

Published on 28 Jun 2024. By Kirstie Pike, Partner

A new pilot scheme requiring parties in money claims valued at up to £10,000 to take part in a compulsory free one-hour mediation appointment, provided by HMCTS' Small Claims Mediation Service – before the claim can then proceed to Court if no settlement is reached.

Perspective - Podcast

5 things every insurance professional should do at the start of their career (With Samantha Lydon)

Published on 20 Jun 2024.

Welcome to Insurance Covered, the podcast that covers everything insurance. In this episode Peter is joined by Samantha Lydon, Founder of Empower Development, and in this episode they discuss the 5 things every insurance professional should do at the start of their career.

Perspective - Publication

Navigating the digital shift: balancing efficiency and customer care in insurance brokerage

Published on 23 May 2024. By Kirstie Pike, Partner

Workflow and process efficiency is something that insurance brokers report as one of their main challenges year on year. As technology accelerates faster than ever before, using data and technology is critical to providing exceptional customer service and improving productivity, but what are the risks involved in automation?

Perspective - Podcast

Rising to the challenge of social inflation (With Marc Adee)

Published on 22 May 2024.

Welcome to Insurance Covered, the podcast that covers everything insurance. In this 2 part series, Peter is joined by Marc Adee, CEO and Chairman of Crum & Forster to discuss social inflation the causes, challenges and consequences of it and the steps that can be taken to mitigate the challenges.

Perspective - Publication

General Liability newsletter – May 2024

Published on 13 May 2024. By Gavin Reese, Partner, Head of Regulatory and Fiona Hahlo, Partner and Beth Lewis, Associate and Sally Lord, Knowledge Lawyer

Welcome to the latest edition of our general liability newsletter, rounding up some of the key cases from the last few months.

Perspective - Publication

Money Covered: The Week That Was – 10 May

Published on 10 May 2024. By Rachael Healey, Partner and Robert Morris, Partner and David Allinson, Partner and George Smith, Partner

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the financial services sector over the last seven days.

Perspective - Podcast

Star Wars special: The insurance of the Death Star

Published on 09 May 2024.

Welcome to Insurance Covered, the podcast that covers everything insurance. In this episode we are doing something a little different, Peter is joined by an ensemble cast of experts to answer the question, in the Star Wars universe, could the Death Star be insured, and if so, what policies would cover it.

Perspective - Publication

Money Covered: The Week That Was – 3 May

Published on 03 May 2024. By Rachael Healey, Partner and Robert Morris, Partner and David Allinson, Partner and George Smith, Partner

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the financial services sector over the last seven days.

Perspective - Publication

Money Covered: The Week That Was – 26 April

Published on 26 Apr 2024. By Rachael Healey, Partner and Robert Morris, Partner and David Allinson, Partner and George Smith, Partner

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the financial services sector over the last seven days.

Perspective - Blog

Are you being smart with your connectable products?

Published on 26 Apr 2024. By Gavin Reese, Partner, Head of Regulatory and Andrew Martin, Associate

The growth of "smart" products that can connect to the internet has grown significantly over the past 10 years and the UK government estimate that there could be 50 million connectable products worldwide by 2030, and on average there are currently 9 in each UK household.

Perspective - Podcast

Insurance as a force for good (With Rowan Douglas)

Published on 25 Apr 2024.

Welcome to Insurance Covered, the podcast that covers everything insurance. In this episode Peter is joined by Rowan Douglas, CEO of Climate Risk and Resilience at Howden. In this episode they discuss the role insurance has to play in building resilience in the face of climate change.

Perspective - Publication

Money Covered: The Week that Was - 19 April

Published on 19 Apr 2024. By Rachael Healey, Partner and Robert Morris, Partner and David Allinson, Partner and George Smith, Partner

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the financial services sector over the last seven days.

Perspective - Publication

Source@RPC – April 2024

Published on 15 Apr 2024. By Mark Crichard, Partner and Nigel Wilson, Of Counsel and Jonathan Greenway, Senior Associate

The aim of Source@RPC is to provide lawyers, procurement professionals and CIOs/CTOs (amongst others) with a regular update on the legal implications and risks (and how best to manage them) of sourcing and utilising technology and outsourced technology-enabled services, as they affect businesses operating in the insurance and financial services sector.

Perspective - Podcast

Insurance as the great enabler (Dr Franziska Arnold Dwyer)

Published on 10 Apr 2024.

Welcome to Insurance Covered, the podcast that covers everything insurance. In this episode Peter is joined by Dr. Franziska Arnold Dwyer. In this episode they discuss her new book, Insurance, Climate Change and the Law, which among other things looks at insurance as the great enabler for change.

Perspective - Podcast

The 5 secrets to handling large claims (With Sarah Howell)

Published on 26 Mar 2024.

Welcome to Insurance Covered, the podcast that covers everything insurance. In this episode Peter is joined by Sarah Howell, Claims Manager at Liberty Specialty Markets, and the topic for discussion is the 5 secrets to handling large claims.

Perspective - Blog

Asbestos update: "implausible" deniability

Published on 14 Mar 2024. By Thom Lumley, Partner and Chris Gower, Associate

The recent case of Evans v Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, follows the trend of low exposure asbestos cases being defendable, when many feared that the 2018 case Bussey v Anglia Heating Ltd made that near on impossible.

Perspective - Podcast

The birth of an MGA (With James Sterling & Charles Boorman)

Published on 14 Mar 2024.

Welcome to Insurance Covered, the podcast that covers everything insurance. In this episode Peter is joined by two guests, Charles Boorman, CEO and James Sterling, Head of Claims, at Kayzen Specialty a new MGA, and in this episode we discuss the story of how Kayzen was formed.