Monthly Archives: August 2021

News

Integration of Microsoft Azure Communication Services with Avaya OneCloud CPaaS

Avaya has announced a strategic relationship with Microsoft to create a powerful set of joint cloud communications solutions to define the future of customer and employee experience.

Benefitting from the complementary strengths of both companies, the joint solutions include Avaya’s award-winning Avaya OneCloud CPaaS (Communications Platform as a Service) now integrated with voice, video, chat and SMS capabilities of Microsoft Azure Communication Services for combined global reach, scale and functionality.

Additionally, Avaya and Microsoft have strengthened the integration of Avaya OneCloud™ CCaaS and Microsoft Azure:

  • Globally expanding availability of Avaya OneCloud CCaaS (Contact Centre as a Service) hosted in Azure
  • Avaya OneCloud CCaaS natively integrated with Microsoft Teams via the Microsoft Teams Connected Contact Centre Certification Programme
  • Avaya OneCloud CCaaS integration with Microsoft Dynamics 365
  • Avaya SBCs is now certified for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing and Media Bypass and are designed to complement Avaya’s OneCloud CCaaS solutions

This relationship with Microsoft is a key element of Avaya’s strategic partner ecosystem, leveraging extensive collaboration with leading cloud, technology and channel partners to provide flexible, composable solutions with leading-edge innovation for our customers.

“Avaya and Microsoft are responding to our customers who have asked us to deliver more integrated experiences for Avaya OneCloud Contact Centre running in Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365. Together we are providing true integration, spanning not just the contact centre application itself but also the underlying communication platforms. Additionally we will be implementing Microsoft’s powerful AI capabilities via Azure Cognitive Services,” said Anthony Bartolo, Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer, Avaya. “Avaya’s market-leading solutions in Cloud Contact Centre combined with Microsoft’s presence in cloud collaboration is compelling for existing and new customers alike.”

“The global collaboration with Avaya is an example of how Microsoft, collaborating with other industry leaders, is meeting businesses’ requirements for integrated communications solutions that transform customer and employee experience,” said Scott Van Vliet, Corporate Vice President, Intelligent Conversation and Communications Cloud, Microsoft. “This relationship benefits from the combined strengths of the two companies to connect businesses to their customers via powerful communication experiences across platforms – all with the resiliency, enterprise-grade security and cloud scale of Microsoft Azure.”

To achieve maximum awareness and distribution of these powerful new communications solutions, the companies have designed and plan to execute a joint global go-to-market and co-selling strategy.

News

Retail professionals called upon to support LGBT+ youth

A leading LGBT+ charity is enlisting the help of supermarket and shop assistants to support young people who identify as LGBT+ now the UK is fully reopened.

The call to action comes as enquiries to The Proud Trust (the UK’s largest LGBT+ youth charity) increased significantly during the pandemic, with 54% of young service users saying their mental health had deteriorated during each of the UK’s lockdowns.

The Proud Trust is asking those in the retail industry to help highlight the support available for LGBT+ young people and the adults who are support them, spread the word about its new LGBT+ digital support service Proud Connections , as well as learning more about how they themselves can become trusted adults.

Proud Connections is a digital support hub where visitors can live chat with trained youth workers and find out more about LGBT+ lives, including how as a trusted adult they can support a young LGBT+ person.

The charity has produced a range of posters that shop owners can print and display in their place of work to signal it is a safe space for LGBT+ identities. They can be downloaded here: https://www.theproudtrust.org/trusted-adults/training-resources-and-education/signposting/

Ashley Hind, Help Services manager at The Proud Trust who oversees the new website and live chat function said:

“It’s more important than ever that adults feel confident discussing LGBT+ identities, to better support young people’s mental health.  However, we know from the adults in the lives of the young people who access The Proud Trust’s services that sometimes this can be challenging and they may have lots of questions about how best to support their young person.

“It can be tricky to know where to look for support, particularly for those who live in more isolated places or who aren’t confident discussing LGBT+ identities. For young people that are already struggling with their mental health, it’s crucial that the adults in their lives know where to go for information and guidance both for their young person and for themselves.

“Through the launch of Proud Connections, we’re really hoping that people from all walks of life will become more aware of the difficulties that some LGBT+ young people might be experiencing right now and share information on what to do if somebody does reach out.

“It’s the posters in shop windows or on staffroom notice boards that have allowed people to realise they’re not alone, and that there’s lots of information and support out there for them too.

“Displaying LGBT+ supportive posters has the added benefit of ensuring young people can find safe spaces on the high street too. Although attitudes are changing, we do still see a lot of instances of LGBT phobia on the high streets, in shopping precincts and also on public transport.  Having visual cues that signify your shop or workplace is an LGBT+ inclusive space can be very reassuring for those that are looking for help or support.

“We have lots of information and resources on our website not only for young people but also trusted adults, which could be anybody at all, from a teacher, parent, carer, or youth leader, to shop assistants, bus drivers, librarians and of course hairdressers and beauty therapists.

“From experience, we have found that, for some young people, it’s easier to share details about certain aspects of their lives with a person that’s not from their close inner circle.

“Sometimes it’s a way of assessing reactions and testing the water in a place, or with a person that doesn’t have a daily interaction in their life, but that is still a trusted connection.

“We are asking for people to be aware of the signs that somebody is trying to ask for support and to know where to go to get it when they do.”

About Proud Connections

Proud Connections  is the UK’s first digital service for LGBT+ young people and the adults who support them. The one-to-one web chat gives LGBT+ young people and the adults who support them the opportunity to talk to experienced youth workers for support and signposting to other services such as youth groups or mentoring projects if they could be beneficial. This new digital support service sits alongside a hub of information and resources on all aspects of LGBT+ lives.

Ashley Hind, Help Services manager at The Proud Trust continued:

“For some people who identify as LGBT+ the pandemic has been particularly tough, amplifying the issues they experience in their everyday lives and removing any support networks or safe space where they can truly be themselves.

“Going forward, we recognise that young people may need to be able to access our services remotely wherever possible, therefore we are rolling out this service nationwide so that the Proud Trust can help even more young people.”

The project is supported by BBC Children in Need’s £10 million funding programme, A Million & Me, which focuses on supporting children’s mental health.

Paddy Sloan, Project Director for A Million & Me, said: “We are delighted to be supporting The Proud Trust, who share our ambition to encourage children to share their feelings and supporting family, friends, carers and trusted adults to listen. A Million & Me is all about the importance of relationships and by providing access to expert information and giving children and adults the confidence to have open conversations, we aim to increase empathy and resilience and help prevent mental health problems developing. We look forward to working with The Proud Trust as they build their digital support service, providing information and advice to those who feel isolated and excluded.”

 

News

Awards pour in for Welsh vineyard with plans to grow after grape success

THE awards continue to pour in for a vineyard with plans for expansion and new products after five years of grape success.

Gwinllan Conwy owners Colin and Charlotte Bennett are celebrating a prestigious bronze medal from the Decanter World Wine Awards, having achieved two bronze medals at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) earlier this year.

That takes their haul to 17 medals in national and international competitions since launching the company.

Add to that a place in the UK Grand Final of the Countryside Alliance Awards – they won the Local Food and Drink Class for Wales – and the future looks bright for the vineyard, based in Llangwstenin, Llandudno Junction.

Colin and Charlotte first planted a quarter of an acre in 2012 and by 2016 were ready to release their first wine.

The Pefriog and Solaris varieties have been lauded by critics and customers, as have their tours and support of independent North Wales producers, but the couple insist the best is yet to come.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have won these awards and to receive so much positive feedback and goodwill,” said Colin.

“But for us the most important thing is always the customers, and the quality of the wine we produce here in Conwy.

“Year on year we double in size and that looks set to continue as we prepare to launch a limited-edition range of classic wines following experimentation with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay flavours, so watch this space.”

Charlotte added: “Covid-19 has sharpened our focus on returning to normality and adapting to meet the challenges of the pandemic; we are adding an outside kitchen area with a barbecue-style offering and have completed a rebrand of the bottles with a more personalised touch, a view from the vineyard painted by a local artist.

“There is a lot in the pipeline, so we are excited to move forward because like many in the sector we were hit hard by lockdown, it was a hammer blow for all of us.

“That said, it gave us a chance to reflect and promote our web presence, the potential of Welsh gifts and particularly hampers, which we sold almost 1200 of after promoting ourselves more online.”

Gwinllan Conwy now covers more than three acres and marked its recent success by hosting an event with guests including farmer and TV star Gareth Wyn Jones, Aberconwy MP Robin Millar and MS Janet Finch-Saunders, and High Sheriff of Clwyd, Steve Thomas.

There they showcased the tasting room, shop, wine garden, and revealed tours are fully booked into the autumn, before those in attendance enjoyed an awe-inspiring flyover by an RAF Chinook helicopter!

Now producing 10,000 bottles a year with the support of Vineyard Manager Sarah Stewart and countless volunteers, Colin and Charlotte are delighted to be in prime position to capitalise on the easing of Coronavirus restrictions and global interest in their burgeoning business.

“We are proud to demonstrate how innovation can make sustainable farming profitable,” said Charlotte.

“It allowed us to become a major tourist destination while assisting other local producers, which is a priority for Gwinllan Conwy.”

Colin added: “Supporting one another is vital, whether that be winemakers – the website www.vineyards.wales was an important platform throughout lockdown – or the brilliant food and drink firms in this region.

“Our core focus is on outstanding customer service, high-quality wine and a visitor experience that lives long in the memory. We will never lose that ethos and thank everyone who has helped us along the way.”

For more information, visit the website www.gwinllanconwy.co.uk and follow them on social media at @conwyvineyard. Alternatively, email cheers@gwinllanconwy.co.uk.

News

Why is Online Gambling so Popular in a Post-Pandemic World?

The creation of the internet and the many advancements that it has led to has revolutionised most industries, and gambling is no exception. These advancements proved their worth during lockdown when many people became essentially housebound. Hobbies could still be undertaken in a safe, covid compliant way. However, as life is mostly back to normal in many aspects, why has the popularity of online gambling continued?

Its continued popularity is down to a number of factors; read on to find out more.

A More Relaxed Environment

Traditional casinos can get incredibly overcrowded, which has only gotten worse after the restrictions were lifted. It is almost impossible to get to your favourite game straight away, and you often end up spending your time and money at other games while you wait for a space. This is not a problem when you decide to gamble online; you can log in and head to your favourite game straight away with no delays. You can play for as long as you like without feeling pressured by other players or staff. This level of anonymity also offers you more privacy. It allows you to play new games or even make a mistake without the pressure of having everyone else’s eyes on you.

It’s More Convenient

If you choose to gamble online, you can fit it around your schedule; you don’t have to sort out any travel or comply with any dress codes. Often gambling online is also cheaper as there aren’t any unexpected costs. When you go to gamble at a traditional casino, there are often other costs such as food, drink, travel and sometimes even an entry charge; you get to circumvent all of these when you opt for an online casino. Simply put, an online casino offers a more accessible experience for all users. However, the biggest convenience of an online casino is that you can simply log off whenever you choose to or if you do not like one, you can log on to another instead.

They Offer Incentives

Often, online casinos will offer some sort of incentive to get new players to sign up. These bonuses or promotions are most commonly in the form of virtual money or betting chips. They can also be an added bonus on your first withdrawal too. These incentives are exceedingly rare in traditional casinos and are only really offered if you offer up a big steak first. There is nothing to stop you from signing you with several different sites to take advantage of their offers. These incentives are enough to keep customers coming back. However, you do need to make sure that you read all the terms and conditions beforehand.

An Abundance of Choice

Online casinos can offer you the luxury of choice. There are thousands of different games, or versions, or rules to choose from. If you so desired, you could even play games from different sites simultaneously. Often, they also have games that only exist online. This variety was paramount in keeping people entertained during the pandemic. Today, whilst the pandemic’s effects are far less, this desire for entertainment and a better variety has continued. This choice extends past the games to the casinos themselves. There are so many different options out there that, frankly, it can be overwhelming at times. This is where independent review sites such as Catzino come in. Say you wanted to play at the All British Casino, but you weren’t too sure about their practices or the experience that they offer. You simply open Catzino and look up their All British Casino review, and you can see their experience presented impartially, and you can use that to inform your own decision.

Better Safe-Guarding

Because traditional casinos deal predominantly in cash, they can be magnets for criminals. Thieves and other opportunists are well aware that visitors will be carrying cash and sometimes huge amounts, which means that pickpocketing is prevalent. That isn’t to say that the casinos aren’t safe, as most opportunistic petty crimes occur outside. However, your money is deposited directly into your bank account with online casinos, alleviating these risks. You are also the architect of your own evening when you play at home, you can make it into a bigger event and put on some music and have a drink, or you can play on your phone with a cup of tea whilst you watch the telly, it is entirely up to you.

In Conclusion

As the popularity of online gambling continues to rise, so will the number of online casinos. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing. The healthy competition will translate to better customer service and offers as they all fight to attract new customers and keep their existing ones. Be sure to take advantage of this. Simply put, online gambling offers all of the benefits plus a few extra of a traditional casino whilst having none of the drawbacks. Is it any wonder that its popularity has continued to increase in the post-pandemic world?

 

Law

The Essential Guide To Understanding ‘No Win No Fee’ Employment Claims

A ‘no win, no fee’ claim is also called a conditional fee agreement and is an arrangement between you and a solicitor. This type of agreement means if you receive no compensation as a result of an unsuccessful claim, you will not have to pay any contingency fees for the solicitor’s legal services.

There are many reasons why you might make a ‘no win no fee’ claim against your employer, including receiving an injury in the workplace and discrimination due to gender, sexual orientation, race, age, religion, or disability. When making a claim, it’s essential to understand how they work and what to expect, whether you are successful or unsuccessful. In our short guide, we will help you understand what you need to know before you make a claim.

 

How Does A Claim Work?

When entering a ‘no win no fee’ agreement with your solicitor, they will take out an insurance policy on your behalf to cover any costs incurred during the compensation claim; a solicitor will do this before they begin working on your case. Many of these costs include medical reports, court fees and other expenses your legal representation need to pay during the course of your claim. When you make a claim, you will not incur any hidden charges or fees that may occur during the compensation process.

 

Unsuccessful Claims

Most solicitors can advise you before you begin a claim if they think you have a good case with a high chance of success, but in the event that your case is unsuccessful, it is important to know what the next steps are. In most instances, when a claim is unsuccessful, the solicitor closes the case, and there is nothing to pay as the insurance taken out at the beginning of the claim cover the legal fees. However, there are some exceptions if the claim is found to be dishonest or fraudulent; in these cases, the court can order the claimant to pay the defendant’s legal expenses.

There are some risks of being unsuccessful in court. You may be made an offer outside of court; however, a good solicitor like Spencers Solicitors will advise you carefully regarding any offers you are made to ensure you are protected at all times.

 

Successful Claims

You might be concerned about what happens when a claim is successful and whether the compensation you receive will be used to pay all of your legal fees. However, in most ‘no win no fee’ claims, the majority of the legal costs incurred during the process of the case, such as court fees and basic fees, will be recovered from your employer as they are responsible for why you needed to make a claim in the first place; whether that’s because of poor health and safety causing you and injury, discrimination or any other reason.

There are other costs that will require payment and are taken at the end of a claim process, which are called ‘success fees’, and they are recovered from the client, which in this case is you. Don’t worry though, these fees won’t amount to all your compensation, and most solicitors only take a small percentage to pay for these costs.

News

British software engineer continues to champion digital literacy

London-based software engineer Zaira Rasool has stepped up her mission to fund digital education in The Gambia after being awarded a £5,000 grant by cross-border digital payments service, WorldRemit. The Catherine Wines bursary was created in memory of the late co-founder of the fintech company. 

Over half (56%) of The Gambia’s population is under 25 years of age1, with limited access to a fixed broadband connection and the impact of COVID-19, young people face significant challenges to their employment and educational ambitions.   

With this in mind, Zaira launched Coderoots in partnership with Odiri Ighamre, Co-Founder & CEO of Kori Youth Charity (UK) and Co-Founder & Director of Daughters of Africa NGO (Gambia). Coderoots is dedicated to creating sustainable solutions to digital access and tech education for young talent in Africa.  

Coderoots mentors NGOs to set up digital education spaces, focussing on regions with the least access to basic technology. The initial pilot programme is Abuko Digital Hub in The Gambia, which provides a space for young people to use computers, as well as virtual mentoring provided by experts from all over the world.  

Along with plenty of international travel under her belt, Zaira has 10 years’ experience working within grassroots organisations. Coderoots was formed after she ran a series of workshops in Gambia to train micro-businesses in Enterprise and met highly-motivated  people. Having launched the initial crowdfunder in February 2020 and raising £4,000, Coderoots has gone from strength to strength ever since.  

 The project would not function without the leadership of Odiri Ighamre, who oversees the Gambia-based NGOs activities and has over 30 years’ of experience in the third-sector. So far, the initiative has run nine courses in accounting, law, art and design, coding, drama, architecture and more. Additionally, the partnership has completed 45 mentoring sessions in architecture, teacher training, media, marketing and more. The duo’s initiative has also established partnerships with the University of West England and Coding Black Females. 

 Zaira Rasool, software engineer at WorldRemit and founder of Coderoots, commented: “Coderoots is a team of experts from across the technology sector that have a vision to create opportunities and develop technology in the places that have least access to basic technology.   

 “What I found when I visited The Gambia is that there is a population of people that are really motivated and really driven to learn, but just don’t have the resources. Currently, initiatives that try to resolve the growing global tech divide are often short term, and mainly invest where some infrastructure already exists. Our vision is to create long term change by working from the grassroots – creating community-driven hubs in these areas, which find financial stability over time by supporting young people and helping them start their own business or find employment. 

 “We welcome any partnerships that can join us to grow this vision, so thank you WorldRemit for being the first one!” 

Arnaud Loiseau, CEO (International) at WorldRemit, said: “Zaira’s ambitions for Coderoots are clearly aligned with those of WorldRemit, as she spoke passionately about ‘closing the gap’ in a country where opportunities to access technology and education are not so readily available. We’re delighted to be able to support the initiative through our Catherine Wines bursary. 

“With WorldRemit’s support to drive economic development, enhance skills and create jobs, whilst extending the project to various countries lacking technology and broadband access, there’s a bright future ahead for the Coderoots initiative.”  

To find out more about Coderoots or donate to the mission, please visit: https://www.coderoots.io/donate or to find out more about WorldRemit, visit:  https://www.worldremit.com/en/gb.  

News

Homelike bolsters property acquisition team as mid-term rental given Covid boost

Europe’s leading mid-term rental platform expands team with two new appointments

Homelike, Europe’s leading online platform for mid- to long-stay accommodation, has expanded its team in response to the boost in mid-term rentals as home moves continue to dominate the property market and travellers seek longer rents. 

The company, which launched in 2015, has experienced steady growth throughout the pandemic and currently has one of the largest collections of world-class furnished apartments for business and leisure travellers, as well as those simply taking a flexible approach to renting.

Homelike has invested in its property acquisition team to enable more property owners to access the mid-term rental market, bookings of more than one-month, with two new recruits as the business continues to grow and expand. In the past 12 months the business has increased its European portfolio by over 25,000 properties.

Louis Mann has joined Homelike as a senior key account manager for the UK and Ireland to develop and strengthen high-value property management partnerships. He brings a strong background in business development, marketing and sales to the mid-term rental platform.  Having worked across both B2B and B2C environments at companies including VRBO (Expedia Group), UnderTheDoormat and Homes4Media, Louis has established himself within the property and travel sectors in which Homelike operates. As a bilingual speaker, Louis is a valuable addition to the team in a business which operates in multiple countries, throughout Europe and beyond.

Commenting on his appointment, Louis said: “I thrive in busy start-up businesses and Homelike is just that, while still relatively young it is fast growing in a part of the property rental market that has massive growth opportunity.  I’m excited to be part of a young and dynamic global team that will open up the mid-term rental sector while offering a wider variety of choices for people looking for longer-stay rental accommodation.”

Also joining the team is Freya Pound as Sales Manager Supply, UK. She is responsible for the entire acquisition and onboarding process for all new key suppliers in the UK market, crunching data to identify  ‘in demand’ cities primed for market development.

Freya joins Homelike from SilverDoor where she had been responsible for sourcing accommodation for the businesses wide-ranging clients. Freya brings with her over a decade of  experience in client-facing roles having worked with glh hotels and Citybase Apartments.

Freya said of her role: “Working for Homelike is an exciting new opportunity in my career.  The business is growing rapidly and I look forward to being a part of that and working alongside an ambitious and creative team.  It’ll be great to utilise my sales skills to secure more properties to increase the portfolio of options for our customers.”

Homelike is going through a strong period of growth with the business expecting to see a supply base in excess of 85,000 properties across Europe by the end of 2021.  All Homelike apartments and landlords are tested and vetted to ensure they meet the highest standards of quality and functionality.  All properties offer WiFi, along with other amenities such as a desk space, kitchen or kitchenette and washing machine or laundry services.  Users of Homelike can save on average 40%, compared to local hotel rates.

For more information visit: www.thehomelike.com 

News

Scottish law firm launches five-star incentive for fans returning to home stadiums

Edinburgh-based Watermans Solicitors have announced a ‘Home Advantage’ campaign to welcome loyal fans back into their home stadiums in style.

As the official legal and estate agency partner for both Hibs and Hearts, Watermans are giving Hibees and Jambos season ticket holders the chance to upgrade their matchday experience with free entrance to the clubs’ respective Capital Lounge and Strongbow Legends’ Lounge.

With every Cinch Premiership game this season, a lucky fan can win a pair of tickets to their teams’ stylish lounge at either Tynecastle or Easter Road.

Winners have the chance to watch the match from an executive seat after a pre-game meal and can continue to enjoy the game with half-time refreshments and post-match entertainment.

Scott Whyte, managing director at Watermans, said: “We have a long-standing relationship with both clubs and wanted to thank both sets of fans for their continued support. The Home Advantage campaign not only offers supporters a great football incentive, but a range of deals and discounts on our services.”

Whyte continues: “The firm is now into its third year of partnership with Hibs, and we began work with Hearts last season. We’ve a good mix of Hibees and Jambos here in the office, so what a better way to shine a light on both clubs and enjoy their successes.”

Fans can take the Home Advantage by entering at: www.watermanslegal.co.uk/Hibs www.watermanslegal.co.uk/Hearts

This isn’t the first time Waterman’s has rewarded season ticket holders at both Easter Road and Tynecastle. Scott Whyte added: “In the summer’s season ticket renewal window, Watermans offered to pay for the season tickets of all Hibs and Hearts fans who chose to sell their home through their organisation. It’s just one of a number of incentives we offer to loyal fans of both Edinburgh clubs.”

Watermans provide a wide range of legal services to both individuals and businesses across Scotland, expertly delivered by a dedicated team of professionals. The firm has particular expertise in personal injury litigation, estate agency, residential property law, commercial property purchase, sales and letting, family law and wills and executrices. Find out more here: www.watermans.co.uk

News

Companies drop responsibility in favour of promoting how sustainable they are

Companies are leaning towards promoting sustainability rather than responsibility, according to new research by the Vienna University of Economics and Business.

The study, conducted by Dr. Pilar Pérez Cañizares, looked into how leading companies in Spain and Latin America communicate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability on their web pages.

Dr. Pérez Cañizares found a trend towards both ‘sustainability’ and ‘CSR’ gaining prominence on companies’ websites, and ‘responsibility’ terms being gradually replaced over time.

In fact, the research revealed that ‘responsibility’ terms are now practically non-existent in Latin American sites as many companies jumped on the “sustainability bandwagon” initiated by a small number of companies.

The researcher analysed the websites of 68 companies and discovered that the importance of CSR communications is growing rapidly, with the vast majority now presenting their CSR and sustainability content on the first page of their websites.

Dr. Pérez Cañizares explains that this could be for two reasons, the first is as a result of a trend towards greater uniformity in reporting, which is designed to allow comparability of both communication and performance; the second is that it’s a mere imitation of competitors.

“The changes in terminology have reflected changes in underlying ideas or strategy for some companies. One example is Inditex, Spain’s most valuable company, who have made changes in heading terminology as well as a redesign of the homepage. This kind of change hints at the adoption of a new communication strategy in the way Inditex presents itself and its activities to its stakeholders,” says Dr. Pérez Cañizares.

However, the researcher does add that a third of companies in the service sector, such as banks, still use the term ‘responsibility’ because they have relatively little impact on the environment.

The research paper was published in the Journal Business and Professional Communication Quarterly.

Law, News

The University of Law announces exclusive new partnership with Taylor Wessing

The University of Law (ULaw) has secured a new and exclusive partnership to deliver its postgraduate courses with leading international law firm, Taylor Wessing. 

As a result of this partnership, Taylor Wessing’s future trainees will study ULaw’s SQE Masters in Legal Practice and the Postgraduate Diploma from 2022. ULaw was awarded the contract following a competitive tender process. 

Sharing Taylor Wessing’s vision for the development of their future lawyers, ULaw’s SQE programme focuses not only on excellent technical skills but also on enhancing those commercial and personal skills and behaviours needed to equip junior lawyers for the world of work in a commercial law firm with a network of international clients and connections.   

Wendy Tomlinson, Talent Director at Taylor Wessing, said: ”We were looking for a partner who shared our sense of purpose and approach. Our new trainees will join Taylor Wessing not only fully trained in legal matters but also commercially aware and business ready. We continually strive to achieve success for our clients and people through creativity, teamwork and technology, enabling ideas and aspirations to thrive and prosper. Together with ULaw, we look forward to challenging expectations and creating extraordinary results.”  

Peter Crisp, Pro Vice Chancellor External at The University of Law, said: “Students are at the heart of all that we do. We share Taylor Wessing’s core values of excellence, creativity, responsibility, teamwork, integrity and respect. We are delighted to help shape the future generation of Taylor Wessing lawyers to serve some of the world’s most innovative people and businesses”.  

From 2023, Taylor Wessing’s future trainees will study ULaw’s focused SQE 1 & 2 preparation courses embedding innovative learning technology and analytics and an exclusive Taylor Wessing SQE Plus programme, including a firm-specific project. Through this partnership with ULaw, Taylor Wessing’s trainees will start their individual journeys to becoming technically excellent lawyers and feel equipped with the mindset, attitudes, values, skills and behaviours to support working in a modern, diverse law firm with an impressive and innovative client base.  

Peter Crisp commented: “We are delighted to be working with Taylor Wessing. We will encourage, develop and support Taylor Wessing’s trainees throughout their personal learning journey with exceptional pastoral care and support and create an inclusive learning environment for all.” 

For more information about ULaw, please visit https://www.law.ac.uk/about/