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Cassidy joins STARK Building Materials UK as company secretary and general counsel

STARK Building Materials UK, one of the nation’s leading builders’ merchants providing building and construction materials and services to professional tradespeople, has appointed Nim Cassidy as its new company secretary and general counsel.

Cassidy brings nearly 25 years of experience in the legal field to the organisation, which is going through a transformational period following the merger acquisition by STARK Group, which completed in March 2023.

She began her career as a trainee solicitor with Hammond Suddards Edge – now Squire Patton Boggs – in 1999, before moving to Addleshaw Goddard. Over the course of 10 years, she progressed to the role of managing associate before joining Elior UK – the UK subsidiary of French listed company Elior SA – as a senior solicitor. 

Six years later Cassidy was appointed as group legal director at Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC, a FTSE250 specialist veterinary pharmaceuticals business, which she supported through several mergers and acquisitions until it entered the FTSE100. 

In 2022, she moved to JD Sports Fashion PLC, a FTSE50 retailer, as general counsel and company secretary and a member of the executive team. There, she significantly grew the company’s legal and compliance division and improved the corporate governance structure during a period of transformational change. 

Now, as a member of the STARK Building Materials UK Executive Team, Cassidy will lead the organisation’s legal, compliance and secretarial function, supporting key stakeholders across the business brand portfolio that makes up the STARK UK family, including Jewson, Northern Ireland based merchant JP Corry, Jersey based merchant Normans and specialist brands such as Jewson Civils Frazer and Minster.

Fantastic opportunity

Cassidy said: “To be joining STARK Building Materials UK at such a landmark time for the organisation is a fantastic opportunity. My role is about supporting business growth and transformation and ensuring the business does everything it needs to remain compliant and a respected organisation.

“I’m also keen to look at the ways we can support new talent to enter the legal field – particularly women, ethnic minorities, and other under-represented members of society. 

“Construction brings with it its own set of opportunities and I’m looking forward to seeing how we tackle them. Under the leadership of John Carter – a household name in the field, and someone who’s put together a hand-picked executive team – we have an exciting journey ahead of us to inject new life into all the UK brands functioning under the STARK UK umbrella. We are all working closely together to achieve that shared goal, with a strong focus on inspiring and energising our people and making them extremely proud to be part of the STARK Group.”

John Carter, CEO of STARK Building Materials UK, said: “Nim is a true asset to our organisation. Her experience speaks for itself, and we know the variety of roles and responsibilities she’s held previously will provide us with fresh perspectives and new ways of working that will position us firmly as leaders in our field. We’re delighted to have her on board and know our future will be brighter with her as part of our team.”

Major Upgrade Announced for Genie AI’s SuperDrafter Editor

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Genie AI, a London-based legaltech firm renowned for its AI-driven document drafting, review, and negotiation tools, has recently upgraded its SuperDrafter software. This enhancement aims to refine the process of editing legal documents.

A significant number of legal professionals, estimated at 90%, utilise Microsoft Word, a software first introduced in 1983. With an increasing shift of lawyers from Microsoft to Apple systems, there’s a growing demand for Microsoft Word alternatives that:

  • Are compatible with .docx files
  • Operate securely in a web browser
  • Facilitate real-time collaboration with clients

SuperDrafter not only fulfills these requirements but also includes an AI legal assistant and an extensive library of contracts and clauses. Unlike AI add-ons for Microsoft Word, which lack a comprehensive workflow due to not controlling the base software, SuperDrafter offers a seamless and dependable end-to-end solution, having been developed from the ground up. The latest ‘Track Changes’ feature in SuperDrafter allows for contextual comments on alterations, facilitating collaborative discussions for consensus. Changes can be swiftly approved or dismissed, keeping document-related communications out of your inbox. Recognising lawyers’ preference for familiar styling, SuperDrafter now adeptly imports and allows for easy editing of the original styles from Microsoft Word documents.

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Rafie Faruq, CEO and co-founder of Genie AI, remarked: “SuperDrafter is Genie’s flagship product – goodbye typewriter, hello intelligent drafting! Many companies continue to work on clunky Microsoft Word plugins, but we’re able to re-design the drafting and document review process specifically for legal needs – SuperDrafter is fully docx compatible and real-time collaborative.”

With more than 40,000 users adopting SuperDrafter for their legal contract drafting, editing, reviewing, and negotiating, since its launch two years ago, Genie AI has also been developing the world’s most advanced AI legal assistant and the largest open source legal library.

Learn More: For detailed information about SuperDrafter, visit the full blog on Genie AI’s website.

Try the Latest Version: Experience Genie AI’s SuperDrafter and the AI Legal Assistant for free during its beta phase at https://app.genieai.co/signup or import a document at https://genie.new.

Wenup’s Innovative Approach to British Prenuptial Agreements: Learning from Legal Precedents

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In her thorough examination of High Court and Court of Appeal judgements post-2010 concerning nuptial agreements in England and Wales, Wenup’s co-founder and Lead Barrister, Maria Scotland, has revealed key insights into the drafting of such agreements. The review of 29 cases showed that only 9 were upheld in court, underscoring the necessity for meticulous preparation in crafting these agreements.

The analysis points to the essential need for adaptability in PNAs. Many agreements failed due to their inability to reflect changes over time, lacking necessary updates. Wenup has innovatively addressed this issue by incorporating mechanisms for regular review and updates, thus maintaining the relevance and effectiveness of their PNAs over time.

A critical determinant in the success of PNAs is how “needs” are defined. Maria Scotland’s study stresses the importance of tailoring needs to the unique circumstances of each couple, considering various factors like age, health, and financial capacity. Wenup’s strategy avoids setting rigid lump sum payments, opting for a more flexible approach that considers the evolving nature of individual needs, thereby ensuring the reliability of their agreements at the end of relationships.

Wenup’s philosophy in creating PNAs is to provide customised solutions rather than a universal template, recognising that each couple’s situation is unique.

Furthermore, Wenup stands out by avoiding assumptions about future events in their PNAs. Prospective developments such as having children or acquiring new assets are intentionally excluded to prevent potential imbalances in the agreement. Instead, Wenup encourages couples to update their agreements following significant life changes, offering an affordable and straightforward process for doing so.

Overall, Wenup’s approach to nuptial agreements is based on flexibility, specificity, and a dedication to fulfilling the genuine needs of both parties involved. By drawing on past legal cases and integrating these learnings into their methodology, Wenup seeks to offer couples robust, adaptable agreements that are equipped to withstand legal scrutiny and evolve alongside the dynamics of marriage.

The Guava Kitchen’s Unique Vegan Bottomless Brunch Marks Veganuary in London

In response to the annual Veganuary celebration, The Guava Kitchen in Forest Hill, London, is hosting an exceptional Vegan Bottomless Brunch on Sunday, 21st January, from 12pm to 3pm.

NielsenIQ research shows that veganism and vegetarianism are on the rise in the UK, with 2.7 million households housing a vegan or vegetarian and a remarkable 10.5 million households incorporating meat-free options weekly (Source: Vegansociety.com, November 2021). Veganuary, which has been endorsed by renowned personalities such as Joaquin Phoenix, Billie Eilish, and Paul McCartney (Source: Veganuary.com), has seen significant growth since its 2014 launch. Capitalising on this momentum, The Guava Kitchen is set to offer a distinguished dining experience for Veganuary 2024.

Renowned for its lively tropical atmosphere and commitment to homemade vegan cuisine, The Guava Kitchen is extending an invitation to its exclusive Vegan Bottomless Brunch. Guests can enjoy unlimited rum punch cocktails and a range of delectable dishes, including waffles with sorrel* compote and rum & raisin double cream, Voxtail (vegan oxtail stew), and plantain balls, all gluten-free and irresistibly tasty.

The event’s unique offering includes karaoke and a DJ, providing a vibrant environment for enjoyment. For a mere £35, guests can book a 90-minute slot via Eventbrite or email at [email protected], to relish a two-course meal and endless rum punch.

Client praises such as “What a beautiful oasis in the middle of Forest Hill SE23”, “All I can say is WOW” and “Absolutely AMAZING!” showcase The Guava Kitchen’s excellence in culinary experiences.

Experience the essence of Veganuary at The Guava Kitchen’s Vegan Bottomless Brunch, where exotic flavours and festive spirits merge for an unparalleled journey in vegan cuisine.

*Sorrel, a Caribbean hibiscus flower, is celebrated for its delightful taste and healthful properties, including a wealth of antioxidants and micronutrients.

Timeline Achieves £4 Billion AUM, Doubling Adviser Firm Partnerships

British fintech powerhouse Timeline has announced reaching a significant £4 billion in client Assets Under Management (AUM) as it enters 2024, having doubled its adviser firm partnerships and AUM in the previous year.

Leading the Way in Financial Advisory

Launched just six years ago by CEO Abraham Okusanya, Timeline has quickly become a leading force in the financial advice market, which encompasses over £1 trillion in client assets. The company provides Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) with advanced technological tools, enhancing workflows, client interactions, and overall financial outcomes in the UK.

Record Growth and Market Recognition

In 2023, Timeline continued its remarkable growth, retaining its title as “the UK’s fastest-growing discretionary fund manager” from 2021 and 2022 and breaking into the top-10 Model Portfolio Services (MPS) as per Nextwealth. Defaqto acknowledged Timeline as the ‘most recommended MPS by Advisers’ in 2023, highlighting its significant new business generation.

Digital Excellence for IFAs

Timeline’s superior financial planning software, which includes a suite of tools for client engagement, risk profiling, cashflow analysis, and investment insights, alongside the Timeline Portfolios, remains highly attractive to IFAs. Its integrated system offers a streamlined, cost-effective digital solution for UK IFAs.

Abraham Okusanya, founder and CEO of Timeline, remarked:

“ I’m truly delighted that our mission has resonated so deeply with financial advisers. Starting the year with over £4 billion of clients assets invested in better, lower cost portfolios, aligned with their goals, is ultimately reflected in the tens of thousands of end clients and their families who are now facing a better financial future.

The UK’s financial advice market represents a staggering £1 trillion in client assets. Everybody in the industry now recognises Timeline as the unstoppable rocket ship on a mission to make financial life and retirement better for millions of people. We aspire to be the Number One provider of technology-powered Model Portfolio Services for IFAs within the next three years.”

The Adviser 3.0 conference, initiated by Timeline in 2023 and featuring prominent figures like Baroness Karren Brady and Seth Godin, will continue in 2024 with business luminary Deborah Meaden and hundreds of advisers in May.

Zebel Opens a New Era of Tailoring in Soho with its Latest Store

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Zebel broadens its reach with a new ‘made to measure’ store on Berwick St, Soho.

Celebrating the start of the new year, Zebel, the acclaimed Made to Measure suit retailer, is unveiling its latest store on Berwick Street in Soho, reiterating its dedication to providing accessible, bespoke elegance.

Choosing the lively and trendsetting Soho, particularly Berwick St, for its new location, Zebel embraces the area’s rich cultural and fashion-forward heritage. This strategic choice reflects Zebel’s progressive vision for the future.

“Berwick Street Soho is a perfect location for our new store; a vibrant and inclusive community at the heart of London’s creative hub, it perfectly encapsulates our ethos of inclusivity and democratisation of suiting whilst maintaining our traditionally high standard of garment,” commented Mohammed Hussain, the store manager and director. “If you have a particular event coming up and want to look your finest, come in, and let’s get started. We can advise you on everything from selecting the right style and fabric to choosing the perfect accessories, all tailored to your figure and budget.”

Zebel’s approach to bespoke tailoring aims to revolutionise the traditional experience, ensuring a hassle-free process and a well-fitting suit. Serving both the seasoned businessman and the up-and-coming professional, Zebel combines expertise, craftsmanship, and exceptional service to create sought-after occasion wear.

More Than Tailoring: A Unique Experience

Zebel’s showrooms guide clients through a wide range of seasonal collections, boasting over 17,000 British and Italian fabrics to accommodate any budget and event. Zebel offers an immersive tailoring experience, where tailors and style consultants work collaboratively with clients to realize their fashion aspirations. Alongside, Zebel also provides a handpicked selection of the finest British and Italian ready-to-wear suits, accessories, and custom garments, ensuring clients are elegantly prepared for any event.

Bespoke Fashion at Affordable Prices

Zebel takes pride in offering perfectly fitted, long-lasting suits. Their made-to-measure services include shirts, business suits, jackets, wedding suits, evening wear, shoes, and more. Clients are encouraged to actively participate in the design process, ensuring a personalised touch from the initial concept to the final product.

“We aim to provide our customers with an exceptionally fitting suit without an exorbitant price tag. This, however, does not mean we compromise on quality,” stated Keyvan Nosrati, Zebel’s co-director and manager of the Exeter store.

Emphasising quality, Zebel uses Savile Row quality fabrics, providing superior options for every budget and occasion, while maintaining affordability.

Satisfied customers echo this sentiment.

Alkesh Chavda, Senior Manager at DSP Global, expressed in a five-star review, “I have been buying tailored suits for a number of years; however, I don’t think I fully appreciated a genuine tailored suit and service until I met Mo and Tim from Zebel.”

Zebel invites all to experience bespoke tailoring at its new Soho store at 46 Berwick St, starting January 4, 2024.

For more information, please contact [email protected] or visit www.Zebel.co.uk.

Bluewater Sets 2024 Goal for Transformative Water Purification, Benefiting Health and Environment

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Increasing evidence of climate change impacts has heightened global concern about drinking water quality and availability. A 2023 Gallup poll reported 55 percent of Americans are highly worried about polluted drinking water, paralleling a GlobeScan public opinion survey where 58 percent of participants from 31 countries viewed freshwater scarcity as a critical issue.

“Both surveys point to escalating global anxieties about water quality, freshwater availability, and safety, which is why, as a company with a planet plan rather than a business plan, we pledge heading into 2024 to keep innovating water purification and beverage solutions that will keep present and future generations safe,” declared Bengt Rittri, Swedish environmental entrepreneur and the founder and C.E.O. of Bluewater, a global leader in sustainable water purification and beverage solutions. In just ten years, Bluewater has positioned itself at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge purification and beverage solutions for a range of applications.

“We believe it’s everyone’s right to access clean, safe drinking water that is free of all the contaminants that are making their way into the water due to climate change, industrial and other pollution, contamination of freshwater reserves, and lack of investment in municipal water infrastructures,” Rittri stated.

Rittri pointed out the significant issue of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chemicals widely used and now commonly found in the environment, which are linked to serious health risks.

Bluewater’s purifiers, capable of removing up to 99 percent of all known water contaminants including PFAS and microplastics, have been independently validated for their efficiency. The company’s SuperiorOsmosis™ technology in its high-performance Spirit and Pro under-sink water purifiers is an advancement in reverse osmosis, considerably reducing the water waste associated with traditional systems and promoting more sustainable, purer drinking water solutions.

“Water is life’s essential ingredient, and safeguarding its purity is our primary concern,” Rittri emphasised. He added, “As we head into 2024, our state-of-the-art water purifiers offer consumers and businesses a practical, potent solution to the escalating issue of chemical contaminants in tap water. We’re not merely providing a product but delivering peace of mind and contributing to a more sustainable future.”

Rittri’s ambition includes expanding Bluewater’s market reach and product line, as evidenced by the 2023 acquisition of Tappwater and a merger with Indonesian company P.I.P.A.

“We will continue our efforts to heighten awareness about the significance of clean water, hydration health, and sustainability among consumers, businesses, public authorities, and governments around the planet,” Rittri remarked.

Bluewater, challenging the global bottled water market, offers products like stainless steel refillable bottles and natural mineral concoctions in major markets worldwide. The company is committed to promoting ‘Hydration 2.0’, a healthier approach to hydration that also reduces reliance on single-use plastic bottles.

“Water protects our bodies in many ways, lubricating our joints, carrying nutrients and oxygen to our cells, regulating body temperature, and keeping our brain functioning. Thanks to our proprietary, innovative, and planet-friendly technology that tackles sub-standard chemical-riddled tap water, our resolution and pledge for 2024 is to make safer, great-tasting drinking water accessible to ever wider home, hotel, and restaurant businesses and on-the-go public audiences and slash the need for single-use plastic bottles”, Rittri asserted.

“Get Paid. Pay back. Share.” – Revolutionising Payment Sharing in the UK with TABBit

TABBx Ltd, a trailblazer in the realm of financial technology, is thrilled to unveil TABBit, a groundbreaking app designed to facilitate the sharing of payment requests among friends and family in the UK. Embodying its motto “Get Paid. Pay back. Share.”, TABBit’s aim is to render financial exchanges among acquaintances both effortless and secure.

Boy-Anthony Kuhne, the CEO of TABBit and former Vice President at Mastercard, underscores the app’s unique qualities: “TABBit is not just about splitting bills or managing group expenses. It’s about eliminating the hassle of exchanging bank details or installing multiple apps. Our app ensures secure transactions directly through users’ banking apps, powered in a secure and safe way by Open Banking.”

A key aspect of TABBit is its ease of use and security. It enables users to issue payment requests without requiring the recipient to divulge sensitive details or download an identical app. Payments are executed rapidly and securely through the users’ respective banking apps.

Designed for compatibility with a broad spectrum of UK banks, TABBit provides a seamless interface for cost-sharing tasks such as rent, utilities, dinners, and outings. “Gone are the days of tedious financial chores. With TABBit, settling up is a breeze,” Kuhne remarks.

Now available for download, TABBit signals a new era in financial interactions, making payment sharing as straightforward as sending a chat message. “Get Paid. Pay back. Share.” – TABBit redefines financial interactions among peers, emphasising simplicity, security, and quickness.

For further details on TABBit’s impact on the payment request sharing landscape, visit www.tabbit.uk.

ROARLABS Unveils New Vaping Innovations with Support from Selecta JJ and Mercston

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ROARLABS, a trailblazing urban lifestyle services company dedicated to revolutionising smoking cessation, is thrilled to announce its launch party on January 6th, 2024, taking place at 1-3 Mare Street, London from 12pm onwards.

The event promises an exciting lineup with Selecta JJ performing as DJ and Mercston providing live entertainment. This event marks the culmination of ROARLABS’ journey to develop responsible and innovative solutions for combating smoking and smokeless tobacco use.

Attendees will experience an end-user innovation stand for feedback, a carbon monoxide smoking status booth, flavour testing stations, and product sampling.

Founded in East London, ROARLABS was created with the goal of enabling a health-conscious lifestyle that is both socially enjoyable and environmentally responsible.

The event will be led by Co-Founders Beau Keefe, also known as Beau the Beard, and Rob Harvey, a prominent figure in the scientific lifestyle services industry.

Rob Harvey, CEO and Co-Founder, stated, “We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to lead healthier, tobacco-free lives. Our consistent goal as we expand is to empower people towards healthier, tobacco-free living, while championing equality and inclusivity.”

ROARLABS is addressing health inequality with a vision of a world where lifestyle choices contribute to a lasting life. Recognising the challenges in accessing support, the company is dedicated to educating and providing safer alternatives to the community.

ROARLABS introduces an innovative modular cardboard pod system with a removable battery. This pioneering technology is a sustainable solution for individuals quitting combustible and smokeless tobacco. The product is environmentally friendly, being the first carbon footprint labelled, fully recyclable device with a cardboard casing and food-grade silicone components.

Dedicated to tobacco and betel nut cessation, ROARLABS focuses on making a positive local and global impact.

Celebrate the launch of ROARLABS on January 6th, 2024, at 1 Mare Street, London, and join in fostering a healthier, more inclusive community.

For more information about ROARLABS, please visit www.roarlabs.co.uk.

Click2Pharmacy Unveils Comprehensive 2023 Report on Emergency Contraception Trends in the UK

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Click2Pharmacy, a prominent online pharmacy in the UK, has recently published an enlightening report on the trends in emergency contraception use during 2023. This report, drawing from a variety of reliable sources including NHS statistics and OpenPrescribing data, unveils significant patterns in emergency contraception usage throughout England.

Key Highlights of the 2023 Emergency Contraceptive Usage Report

  1. Predominance of Oral Contraceptives: The  emergency contraceptive statistics 2023 report underscores a notable preference for emergency contraceptive pills. Oral contraceptives have been the leading choice, constituting 90% of all emergency contraception prescriptions.
  2. Most Popular Emergency Contraceptives: In 2023, Ulipristal, marketed as ellaOne, surfaced as the top choice for emergency contraception, followed closely by Levonorgestrel.

The COVID-19 Pandemic’s Impact

The study also sheds light on the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency contraception trends. A marked decline in prescriptions during the pandemic is linked to social distancing and lockdown measures, rather than decreased access to services.

Demographic Insights and Contraceptive Trends

  • The data reveals women aged 25-34 as the primary demographic engaging with Sexual Reproductive Health services for emergency contraceptives, yet they are comparatively less likely to be prescribed these medications.
  • There has been a consistent decrease in emergency contraceptive prescriptions since 2004, suggesting shifts in contraceptive preferences and accessibility.

Societal Stigma and Online Searches

The report further explores the societal stigma attached to emergency contraception. This is evident from the high volume of online searches for emergency contraceptive pills, reflecting a societal preference for privacy when acquiring these medications.

Click2Pharmacy’s Role in Sexual Health Education

Sakib Mohammed, Pharmacist at Click2Pharmacy, affirms, “At Click2Pharmacy, we are committed to encouraging open discussions about sexual health and providing reliable information.”

For an in-depth understanding, Click2Pharmacy’s complete findings on Emergency Contraceptive Statistics 2023 can be accessed on their website.