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Issue 1 Spring 2021
MSB Solicitors presents
Highlight Business in the
community of Liverpool
Communities in action Home is where the heart is Spotlight
Showcasing the charities across our city The vibrant independent culture Discussing the impact of mental
region doing incredible things in their making our city what it is. health in the workplace
communities. with business leaders.
Issue 1 Spring 2021
Contents
04 07
Welcome Making waves
Emma Carey, Managing An interview with Jordan
Partner at MSB Solicitors Wright, Managing Director at
Little League Sports
10 14
Communities in action Delivering excellence
Showcasing the Anthony The impact of Brexit on
Walker Foundation Family Law
16 22
Home is where the heart is Kickstarting careers and
The vibrant independent culture helping businesses recover
making our city what it is
Boosting employment prospects during
the challenges of a pandemic
24 26
Buying a house needs a Spotlight on...
bespoke service Mental health in the
workplace
Providing safe places during
uncertain times
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MSB Solicitors - Highlight Issue 1 Spring 2021
Welcome...
‘‘It has been humbling
and heart-warming to
see communities coming
together to support one
another.’’
To the first edition of Highlight – a magazine created
to showcase the very best of our communities.
As we started this year, it’s safe to Highlight has been designed to
say we have all been hoping for a provide our city region’s individuals
better one. The past 12 months have and businesses who have done just
brought with them challenges that that with a platform to showcase
none of us could have predicted the fantastic work they are
and lives have been impacted in doing, and to shine a light on the
ways that we could never have incredible things happening on our
imagined. doorstep.
Despite facing unprecedented We’ll hear from businesses large
adversity, so many have proven and small across a whole host
themselves to be unbelievably of sectors, as well as amazing
resilient, adapting wherever charities that do so much for their
possible and coming out of the communities and have been so
other side stronger than ever. It has pivotal not just over the past year,
been humbling and heart-warming but always.
to see communities coming together
to support one another, whether We hope you enjoy the first edition
through lending a hand to a of Highlight magazine. If you want
neighbour, choosing to shop locally, to find out more about anything
signing petitions or supporting featured in this edition, or if you’d
independent businesses. like to be part of the next one,
please get in touch. We would love
to hear from you.
Thank you.
Emma Carey,
Managing Partner
MSB Solicitors
4 5
Issue 1 Spring 2021
Making waves
An Interview with Jordan Wright
We’re fortunate to have a huge number of incredible The pair started with one coaching class with 30
people in our city region, who are having a significant children, and soon became a market leading sixth form
impact on their communities and are making a education provider.
difference.
Over the past twelve years, LLS had an impact on
Jordan Wright is one of these people. The 33-year-old thousands of young people, many whom have gone on
has built an incredible career as Managing Director at to have incredibly successful careers.
Little League Sports (LLS) and Your Tour, Director of the
Steven Gerrard Academy and Fellow of Liverpool Hope We spoke to Jordan about his journey so far and what is
University Business School. next for LLS...
It all started in 2008, when Jordan and his school friend,
Joe Mulhearn invested their student loans into making
their dream of creating a sports coaching company a
reality.
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MSB Solicitors - Highlight Issue 1 Spring 2021
What is your background? What is your role at LLS? What are some of your most
significant milestones?
I graduated from Liverpool Hope As Managing Director and co-
University in 2009 with a degree founder I’m in charge of overseeing Collaborating with LFC Foundation
in Childhood, Youth & Education certain LLS programmes and in 2012 was a big step for us as it
and was very proud to be made an constantly try to add value to allowed us to expand to over 100
Honorary Fellow of the university’s different parts of the business. primary schools in the region.
Business School in 2018. I’ve always It is important to be innovative
been really passionate about and that is exactly what we are as In 2015, we were named Business
sport and business and enjoy a team. This has been especially of the Year at the Liverpool Echo
supporting the next generation of important throughout the pandemic Regional Awards, which was a proud
entrepreneurs. to keep our students and the team moment for the team. In 2016, we
motivated – we’ve needed to be created Your Tour, the dynamic
fully focused. I spend every day tourism arm of the business
What does LLS do? speaking to the teams across the which organises trips for sports
country, catching up with students teams across the world and so far,
LLS trains the next generation of and working closely with the senior we’ve welcomed over 180 tours to
sports industry professionals – team members who lead their areas. Liverpool.
global coaches, physiotherapists,
teachers and sports analysts to In the same year we launched LLS in
name a few. Through its sixth What has the organisation’s Qatar and have grown considerably How has the pandemic Do you feel positive about the What’s next for LLS?
form courses, young people learn journey been like so far? across the UK and Northern Ireland impacted LLS? future?
everything they need to know about since then. We have many exciting plans for
the industry, and at the end of the Our journey so far has been an The pandemic was a big challenge 2020 was a hugely challenging year 2021 including the launch of our
two-year course, students are able exciting and adventurous one: our and had an instant impact on us. for most, but it’s made us more first site in the capital, which will
to choose between continuing their staff and graduates have taught As schools closed and travel was determined and optimistic than see our sixth form programme start
education at university, entering full children around the world, we discouraged, our sixth form courses ever. We feel reenergised and ready in schools in London. We also can’t
time employment or becoming a became Guinness World Record moved to online, and our Your Tour to enter 2021 with a clear direction wait to get our tours back running in
coach in one of the LLS destinations holders for the longest ever non- tourism branch came to an abrupt of where we’re heading and what we 2021, bigger and better than before.
across the world. stop football match, our services halt. Despite the challenges though, want to achieve.
have been utilised by Premier we took the opportunity to pause As a team, we constantly want to
League Football Clubs and we now and reflect on our work and use the Joe has grown the sixth form improve all student experiences
deliver our sixth form courses time to make our programmes even education programme throughout and we are passionate about
across England, Wales, Northern stronger for the future. We’re really the whole of Wales, and we have making our programmes and their
Ireland, Tenerife and Qatar. proud of the spirit and leadership of gained more education partners destinations very successful. There’s
our team throughout the pandemic. across England and Northern nothing better than seeing students
Joe and I have built an incredible Ireland during the pandemic. grow and develop into successful
team of over 40 likeminded staff. We also joined forces with the employment or university-ready
We have created a positive work Steven Gerrard Academy and have Schools and communities young adults.
environment and a culture of hard already grown and developed nationwide need these courses
work and professionalism. We’re programmes with them on for young people, and we won’t We have lots of incredible alumni
really proud of everything we’ve a national and international let anything get in the way of our working in all corners of the world
achieved so far. scale. Watch this space for more development which is so beneficial who represent us and themselves
developments! to participants. We currently have incredibly well. We are looking
over 600 full time students and will forward to moving forward and will
grow to over 1,000 students in the continue to help shape the sports
next 18 months. industry professionals of the future.
To find out more about LLS, visit:
www.llsonline.uk
8 9
MSB Solicitors - Highlight Issue 1 Spring 2021
Communities in action
In this feature, we showcase the charities across our
How do you engage with local
city region who are doing incredible things in their communities to spread the
communities. message and educate people?
For our first edition, we are focusing on the Anthony Walker Foundation, The Foundation delivers a number
an incredible organisation which tackles racism, hate crime and of activities to spread the message.
discrimination by providing educational opportunities, victim support We deliver a lot of educational
services and by promoting equity and inclusion for all. programmes in schools and
colleges. In 2019 we engaged with
We recently spoke to Ben Osu, the Anthony Walker Foundation’s Strategy & around 10,000 young people in
Communications Lead, about the Foundation’s ambitions and how the past schools and colleges delivering
year’s events have impacted their work. education programmes around anti-
racism, hate crime awareness and
diversity and inclusion. We support
The year 2020 marked the 15th those who have experienced hate
Ben Osu, How did the Anthony Walker anniversary of Anthony’s murder crime through a dedicated helpline/
Strategic & Foundation come to be and and our work is as important now support service.
Communications Lead, what is its ambition? as it’s ever been. Last year, the BBC We have a focus on race and
in partnership with local production religious based hate crimes but
Anthony Walker The Anthony Walker Foundation company, LA Productions, produced work with partners who specialise in
Foundation was established after the racially and aired a primetime drama called offering support to those from the
motivated murder of Anthony ‘Anthony’, which looked at the life LGBT+ community and those who
Walker in Huyton, 2005. The family he could’ve had – marriage, kids, experience hate crimes because of
didn’t want Anthony’s murder to be career success – in a bid to show a disability.
just another statistic or for anyone the real harms of hate.
else or another family to go through Anthony had ambitions of being a We are also currently working in
what they have been through, so set lawyer and wanted to go to the US partnership with social enterprise
up the Foundation to help tackle and work in human rights law. Agent Academy to develop and
racism, support those who have The Foundation, in partnership with launch a digital hate crime
experienced hate crimes and work LJMU and the Crown Prosecution reporting system and create a
with young people and communities Service, set up the Anthony Walker youth-led hate crime awareness
on a number of education Law Bursary to support those campaign. The digital platform will
initiatives. from Black and minority ethnic allow us to understand the needs
communities who wanted to enter of the community and give us a
the profession. Currently, only real time look at the situation with
around 14% of the legal profession regards to hate crime and allow us
are made up of people from Black to provide effective interventions.
or minority ethnic communities.
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MSB Solicitors - Highlight Issue 1 Spring 2021
from the BAME, LGBT+ or gender We have some new projects that
‘‘If you witness racism How has the Black Lives How do you hope to keep this What can businesses and spectrum communities? Could we’ll be onboarding in the next year
or any other type of Matter (BLM) movement momentum going? individuals in be doing to you be doing more to increase or so and have the ambition to help
injustice, call it out. impacted the Foundation? make sure our city region is representation in your organisation? us have an impact and change lives.
Let people know it’s not We plan to keep our name in inclusive as possible? If your organisation supports local
BLM has shone a new light on the the spotlight and on the tip of charities, maybe look to support To find out more about the
acceptable and is not work we do at the Foundation and people’s tongues by creating We all have a responsibility to charity that works in the equalities Anthony Walker Foundation,
something that will be brought a new wave of interest. effective and impactful partnerships make sure that our city region is space. its work and how you can show
tolerated in our city For a long time, we felt like it was with businesses and employers an inclusive and safe place to live, your support, visit:
struggle to get our voice heard and across the region. Our work with work and play. Individuals can do
region.’’ I know others who work in the same businesses like MSB is vital to more by standing up and speaking What does the future look like
field did too. keeping Anthony’s legacy alive and out. If you witness racism or any for AWF?
ensuring our message reaches a other type of injustice, call it out.
BLM, as a movement, has made wider audience. We’re also looking Let people know it’s not acceptable The future for the Anthony
me feel like we’re not out there on into developing some key insight and is not something that will be Walker Foundation is very bright.
our own anymore. I feel like there and engagement projects which tolerated in our city region. Reading We’re going from strength to
is now an army of people from will enable us to get out into more and understanding other strength and the opportunities
all backgrounds calling for action communities to understand what is cultures is key – pick up a book and and possibilities ahead of us are
against racism. There has been a going on and let people know we’re explore opinions and cultures that very exciting.
tremendous amount of interest in here to support them if they are different to your own.
our Corporate Partnership work need it.
which has opened doors to us Businesses can play their part
working with employers to help by ensuring their teams are
create safer and more supportive representative of society. Take
workplaces and more and more a step back and look at your
schools are contacting us to run business; are you lacking people
educational programmes.
12 13
MSB Solicitors - Highlight Issue 1 Spring 2021
Delivering excellence
The impact of Brexit on Family Law
The world of Family Law is sensitive In all areas of family law, EU law has with which other place you have Just like divorce, the actual law
and often complex. No more so made the greatest difference in the significant connections. Following on how financial settlements are
have we seen these complexities area of jurisdiction. That is, setting Brexit, the main change is the determined has been a matter for
come to the forefront and multiply the grounds on which a particular promotion of sole domicile from a individual member states. Again,
than during the past year, with the country’s courts have power to deal ground of jurisdiction available only just like divorce, EU member
impact of the Covid-19 pandemic with a dispute. For cases about when no other court of a member states, including the UK, agreed
and Brexit causing a huge amount the upbringing of children, the key state has jurisdiction. Domicile a common framework for dealing
of change, for people personally concept is habitual residence. This is a technical term referring to with jurisdiction to decide and
and in legislation. means that the courts in the place an individual’s connection to a enforce “maintenance”, or financial
where the child has their current particular legal system. Even if you provision.
Brexit is already having an impact home will usually settle questions live and work overseas, a person
on people with multinational and relating to that child’s upbringing. born in England and Wales may For the last nine years, we have
multi-jurisdictional lifestyles, retain their domicile here until used a piece of EU legislation
business, family and property In most cases, deciding on a they can be considered to be known as the Maintenance
Emma Palmer, interests and with around 3.8 child’s habitual residence is permanently living in a new country. Regulation to establish jurisdiction
Partner and million EU citizens living in the UK, straightforward. However, for Before Brexit, starting divorce and handle mutual recognition and
family law and in particular divorces those families who split their proceedings on the basis of one enforcement of orders made in each
Emma Carey, and child arrangement issues, are time between different locations party’s domicile alone could carry member state (except Denmark).
Managing Partner at impacted significantly. internationally or are in the process significant disadvantages for the Now, this is no longer a part of
MSB Solicitors of relocating, it can be more financial settlement they are able UK law.
From divorce and separation with complicated. This is no more the to secure. Now, these disadvantages
regards to financial settlements, case than when a parent has taken are reduced. The changes will make financial
to the movement of children upon a child across an international orders made in the UK more
separation, Brexit has affected it all. boarder against the wishes of or In some cases, both parties who complex to enforce and there may
without permission from the other. are eligible to get divorced in be particular local issues around
Before Brexit, the international This is known as international different EU member states may recognition of divorces.
agreements that were in place abduction. decide to start proceedings in a
to carry out divorces or child different country. This can cause What is clear is that both Brexit and
arrangements were much more Up until the end of the Brexit complications and can lead to a the resulting effects of the Covid-19
co-operative. Now, working with transition period, EU law largely jurisdiction “race”. Prior to Brexit pandemic are causing significant
legislation in other countries has made its presence felt in the area whoever submitted their application changes across all aspects of
become more complex. of jurisdiction. EU member states first ‘wins’, and the divorce life, and the law is no exception.
including the UK, decided on a proceedings are carried out in that Regardless of the changes that will
However, although the trade common framework for deciding country, post-Brexit it is no longer come next, Family Law matters are,
agreement went right down to the which territories’ court should this simple and divorce proceedings for some people, the hardest time
wire, the family law implications handle certain cases. can potentially take place in both of their lives. Whatever happens,
were worked out further in advance countries with a race to the we’ll be here to offer guidance and
and the shape of things to come When it comes to divorce, that finish line. support for those who need it.
had been known for a few months. decision would frequently be based
on where you live and, sometimes,
14 15
MSB Solicitors - Highlight Issue 1 Spring 2021
Home is where the Alpha Cars
Alpha Cars Liverpool Ltd, launched in the 1980’s, is a private hire and
taxi operator based across Merseyside. The firm has recently expanded
Do you feel positive about
the future?
heart is into the delivery market, partnering with other local businesses through
its new app, Alpha Grab.
We spoke to Operations Manager, Anthony Bradley.
Honestly, yes, we feel we have
likely been through the worst now
with vaccine announcements and
improving hospital treatments. We
have been able to stay active and
even make improvements to our
We were able to set up all the call platform during a difficult time and
Liverpool is a city that is incredibly proud of its How has the pandemic centre staff with no associated have not sat idle or accepted defeat.
vibrant culture, with independent businesses, shops, impacted your business and downtime even before the Our customer app for example
how have you adapted? restrictions took effect so that was competitive enough to leave
cafes, restaurants, florists and everything in between services could flow as normal, in as it was, but rather than cut back
making our city what it is. It has been significant, but not hindsight this was a particular we’ve invested in it further, allowing
insurmountable, both during and comfort to our customers who customers to select screen fitted
between lockdowns. The lockdown are not confident with technology vehicles for example and made it
The past year has been incredibly difficult for so many businesses which periods restricted movement to or prefer human interaction as more card friendly with estimate
have been severely impacted by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. essential travel only and the other they did not need to change their fares. We have renewed confidence
We have seen some of our favourite local small businesses invest in health restrictions during non-lockdown behaviour when booking. In fact, it’s that we can push on stronger – not
and safety equipment, carry out risk assessments and put social distancing phases certainly changed the nature fair to say we have made an extra only is our customer base is larger
measures in place, only to be forced to close a mere few weeks later, in of business for the majority of 2020. effort this year to not miss a call. than ever we are now better suited
many cases resulting in job losses and tragically, permanent closure. to meet their requirements.
We planned an initial response in The other adaptation we have
More than ever, we need to be supporting the businesses and the people early February once it became clear utilised well has been with regular
who continue to make us proud of the city region we call home. Here, the virus was easily spread. This communication. A particular What’s next for your business?
we share just a few businesses who have adapted during this initial plan involved reducing driver area of success was with the
challenging time… fees to provide financial assistance, implementation of a web-based We can’t say too much just now as
acquiring masks, sanitisers and driver portal, allowing drivers to we don’t want to jinx what we have
temporary screens. Other areas of engage with the driver liaison in store! We certainly don’t plan to
successful adaptations were with team from the safety of their own stay quiet. The past has allowed
utilising our cloud-based dispatch home. We have to mention MSB’s us to analyse each layer of the
system and keeping communication support here as well, as we have business and we’ve made notable
regular and coherent. We invested taken up their advisory retainer improvements. We always plan to
heavily in the past in remote model, meaning we have a mutually improve and expand our service.
capabilities as a possible crisis beneficial relationship. Chris Hayes
management tool, hoping it would and his team have been a steady
never be needed to a great extent source of knowledge and have
but thankfully when we needed it helped us to adapt even when the
the system was ready to go. rules seemed to be evolving daily at
times. Having a communicative and
knowledgeable partner in the MSB
team has been invaluable.
16 17
MSB Solicitors - Highlight Issue 1 Spring 2021
‘‘Appreciating this year
has been catastrophic for
some businesses, we are
grateful our customers have
remained loyal to us.’’
We introduced conference calls
Empire Retail Group How has the pandemic for the Store Managers twice Do you feel positive about the What’s next for your business?
Established in 2005, Empire impacted your business and weekly initially, so that we could future?
Retail Group has grown to over how have you adapted? communicate swiftly with them We will continue to stay focused
40 stores across the North on any changes to our working The wider context of “the future” on ensuring a safe working and
West and the East of the UK. The pandemic has had a significant practices, the Government’s latest is starting to become somewhat shopping environment as we move
The organisation is comprised impact on our business. In advice and the impact it would have easier to think about as more forward. We are pleased to share
of Bargain Booze off licences, anticipation, we started to plan on us, and also, so we could keep is understood about the virus that we are opening two new stores
Select Convenience stores in January 2020 for the potential them up to date with what we as a and we are seeing positive news in early 2021 and moving to new
and a Winerack bar and store, impact of staying open and trading company were doing to keep them about vaccines. We do feel very office premises to support the
providing affordable necessities through, and so as we entered and our customers safe. To-date, we positive about the future of Empire growth and expansion of the group.
to the local community 365 days March and the imminent lockdown, have spent over £100,000 on PPE to Retail Group. We have performed We have also been working in the
a year. We heard from People we had already carried out risk protect our teams and customers. well despite the unprecedented background on a new business
Director, Emma Sheridan assessments on all our stores We have also sent home face masks adversity faced, and this is down venture and our new brand will
and established Covid-19 secure and sanitiser to our teams’ families to the amazing team we have who launch online early next year.
practices that included mandatory in the early phase of the pandemic showed up for us when we and our
wearing of face masks or visors. In (when it was difficult to source customers needed them to.
the early stages of the pandemic, these items as they were out of
we closed two of our more at-risk stock), to support them maintaining
stores for a period of time, whilst a safe environment for their
we learnt to manage the risk before families too.
re-opening both in the summer.
Appreciating this year has been
catastrophic for some businesses,
we are grateful our customers have
remained loyal to us, with new
customers being established as
shopping locally in the community
has increased, which has helped
our business stay afloat and
perform well.
18 19MSB Solicitors - Highlight Issue 1 Spring 2021
How has the pandemic As well as having more time to
impacted your business and reflect, I have also increased my
how have you adapted? voluntary work. I’ve re-engaged with
the Princes Trust, am mentoring
The business is split between businesses and have joined the
training, consulting and reporting. Liverpool City Region Combined
All of our training is done face-to- Authority Race Equality Board. That
face in a training room environment, has been a really positive outcome
so when the pandemic hit, it was from the past year. While I’m
the first side of the business to be experiencing a quieter time, it gives
impacted. Unfortunately, I lost 40- me more opportunity to use my
50% of my business straight away. experience to help others to achieve
Following that, many of my clients their business aspirations and share
Laura’s Little Bakery Maximum Impact were impacted, which meant that I my experiences.
lost a further large amount of the
Founded in 2010, Laura’s Little Solutions
Bakery is a cake maker and business that was left.
Julia Emelogu founded her IT
decorator service based in South Do you feel positive about the
consultancy, Maximum Impact
Liverpool, supplying cakes, I modified my website to explain future?
Solutions in 2001. Specialising in
cupcakes and baked goodies for that while I wasn’t able to offer
business intelligence and based
corporates, cafes, restaurants, the face-to-face training, I could The business has been going for
in Liverpool, Maximum Impact
weddings, birthdays and every still offer the report writing and almost 20 years and I’m used to it
Solutions helps businesses to
other event imaginable. consultancy services. Fortunately, running in peaks and troughs. As
understand and utilise their
I was able to secure a new client a freelancer it can change day to
data, provides software training,
We spoke to Founder, Laura which made a huge difference to day – when I work, I work hard, and
report development and
Worthington. the survival of the business. when it’s quiet I’m able to do other
consultancy to its clients across
things. I don’t worry about where
the voluntary, private and
As a freelancer, I have always put my next job is because that is the
public sectors.
money aside as a cushion as it can nature of my business.
be unpredictable and uncertain at
How has the pandemic What’s next for your business? Do you feel positive about the the best of times. This meant that I tend to take time off at the end of
impacted your business and future? there was enough money in the each year to make plans and reflect.
how have you adapted? I think during these very business to remain sustainable. This year, I’ve taken the decision
unpredictable times it’s difficult to I do feel very positive, I’m very Having that contingency was a that it will be a year of self-care and
Thankfully, the pandemic has in plan anything really, but honestly, passionate about my business and lifeline. I will be focusing on my health, both
many ways had a positive impact I’m happy just to evolve organically that’s the best driving force to have! mental and physical. There are too
on the business. I have never been for the time being and to carry on many unknown parameters that are
busier, partly because I ensured creating delicious cakes. What’s next for your business? out of my control at the moment,
the business remained accessible so it’s a good time to take my foot
by keeping payments contactless, Here’s to another year of supporting I’m hitting a huge milestone this off the gas. I also know that it isn’t
creating a delivery service and Liverpool’s brilliant independent year so it’s important to reflect on realistic to make long term plans, so
keeping prices affordable. businesses. that. I think that it will be a matter I’m not planning further than three
of being patient this year to see months ahead.
what happens in the future. I am
still planning to add additional
software to my training offer, but
I’m not looking too far ahead at
this stage.
20 21MSB Solicitors - Highlight Issue 1 Spring 2021
Kickstarting careers and helping businesses recover
With Kickstart, the Government We are working closely with all Kickstart has the potential to If you would like to find out how
Elaine Bowker, will subsidise new placement employers who sign up to develop launch the careers of hundreds of your business could benefit from
Principal and Chief employees’ wages for up to six and deliver a pre-employment thousands of young people. While partnering with The City of Liverpool
Executive at The City of months, as well as awarding a £1,500 training plan, ensuring that the future youth labour market will College and take advantage of
incentive payment to employers for candidates joining you via the undoubtedly be very different to the Kickstart Scheme, contact
Liverpool College
each Kickstart employee taken on. Kickstart scheme are equipped with what we are used to, if Kickstart can workforceskills@liv-coll.ac.uk.
the skills required by your business give young people the opportunities
Never before has it been so These work placements will give from day one. Following completion and skills to adapt and thrive,
important for businesses and young people (16-24) – who are of the Kickstart programme, business and the economy will
educational providers to come in receipt of Universal credit, individuals will be perfectly placed benefit from the unique talent,
together to boost employment with many working in sectors to progress onto an Apprenticeship energy and creativity that young
prospects and bridge the skills disproportionately hit by the or full-time employment. people bring.
gap, as we face the challenges pandemic – the opportunity to build
brought about by the COVID-19 their skills in the workplace and to By working closely with the Never before has it been so
pandemic. Last year, to combat gain experience to improve their employers involved, we can ensure important for businesses and
these challenges, the Government chances of finding long-term work. businesses attract and retain the educational providers to come
launched the Kickstart Scheme, individuals with the skills and together to boost employment
which aims to help people who In short, the scheme is designed expertise that are most relevant prospects and bridge the skills gap.
have lost their jobs to retrain and to help unemployed people gain to them, ultimately helping Now is the time for us to join forces.
upskill in order to re-enter the experience and gives businesses the organisations to thrive.
workforce. means to rebuild their workforce
without causing financial hardship.
The announcement came as
unemployment levels hit a At The City of Liverpool College,
three-year high. The headline UK we want to help businesses and
unemployment rate increased to young people access Kickstart. We
4.5% in the three months leading know that some businesses can’t
up to August 2020 – representing meet the minimum number of 30
1.5 million people out of work – up placements on their own, so we’ve
from 4.1% in July. come up with a way to help.
What’s more, The Resolution By bringing together groups of
Foundation has recently warned small businesses looking to take
that youth unemployment could on one or more Kickstart candidate,
rise to around 17%, the same we will facilitate the recruitment
level as the early 1980s peak. We and onboarding of new team
therefore urgently need to do more members, taking away the logistics
to help young people. and overcoming the obstacle of
minimum numbers.
22 23MSB Solicitors - Highlight Issue 1 Spring 2021
Buying a house needs a bespoke service
Property transactions can often It is our aim to guide you through
‘‘Never before have our
be stressful, and the conveyancing the process and make it as trouble-
process can seem somewhat free as possible by providing a homes felt more important,
bewildering and daunting to anyone high quality, bespoke, personal providing us with a safe
who is unfamiliar with it. Your and friendly service dealing with place during these
solicitor’s job is to ensure that any issues in a manner you can
both your purchase and your sale understand rather than legal jargon.
uncertain times.’’
is fully legal and that there are no
nasty surprises for you – such as So, whether you’re buying now
finding that your new property is on to take advantage of the Stamp
a short lease, or that your buyers Duty holiday, or you’re considering
are complaining that you misled or making a move, get in touch to find
deceived them somehow. out how we can make the process a
smooth one.
Tracey Quirk, That’s why, at MSB, we work closely
Partner and Head of Residential Conveyancing at MSB Solicitors with our clients to guide them
through the process and ensure a
smooth and efficient transaction.
Has your vision of your ideal home changed since As a result, Rightmove reports it’s been the busiest time Our expert residential conveyancing
the pandemic started? You’re not alone. According to for sales in 10 years, with home movers putting more team provides sector-leading
research by Your Money, Covid-19 has brought about property on the market and saying ‘yes’ to more sales. services and advice, guiding our
significant changes in the areas and types of properties clients through the very best
people are looking to buy. Nearly a fifth (18%) of buyers Homes are also selling quickly. Property site Zoopla said solutions for their ventures. It’s
are now planning to purchase homes in more rural in mid-August 2020, three-bedroom homes were selling often the biggest single transaction
areas than before the crisis, with another 17% intending in 24 days on average, which is 12 days faster than the people will make, so it’s important
to buy further away from their place of work. same period last year. to get it right.
While there’s normally a seasonal slowdown in Many people appear to be reprioritising where they live, Every transaction is different, and
housing market activity over the summer months, the with some recognising that if they can work from home the timescale can depend on a
coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown meant for such long periods, they no longer need to live in number of factors, such as the time
the market experienced a mini-boom as restrictions crowded and expensive cities and can take advantage taken to obtain mortgage offers,
eased and people reassessed their priorities in life. of a more laid-back lifestyle in or beyond the commuter conveyancing searches, and if the
belts or nearer national parks or the coast. Never before lender has any special conditions in
Not forgetting the stamp duty relief, which has given have our homes felt more important, providing us with the mortgage offer which need to be
plenty of people the impetus to crack on and move. The a safe place during these uncertain times. So, taking dealt with. For this reason, we work
stamp duty holiday, which lasts until the end of March, the next step on the ladder can feel like a daunting with our clients on a case-by-case
means it’s obviously cheaper to move now rather than decision. basis, taking the pressure off them
in a year’s time – it could mean savings of up to £15,000 to complete the transaction quickly
on properties worth up to £500,000 in England and Whichever route you’re thinking of taking, this really is and effectively.
Northern Ireland, and £250,000 in Wales and Scotland. the moment to seek out professional advice if you’re
planning on stepping onto or up the housing ladder.
24 25MSB Solicitors - Highlight Issue 1 Spring 2021
Spotlight on... Asif Hamid, Chair of Liverpool’s Local Enterprise
Partnership
Asif says his business had to quickly “In the first lockdown, we found that
adapt to the changes brought about many people weren’t able to work
Mental health in the workplace by the pandemic: “Mental health from home or simply worked better
and wellbeing is one of our driving in an office environment, so we
factors. We deal in call centre prioritised making this accessible,
Not in recent years has With millions of UK workers forced This is in addition to the country’s environments so recognise that our by securing the office and putting
the nation collectively to work from home due to the mental health “explosion” which, teams need support, which we’ve social distancing measures in place.
restrictions put in place by the according to ONS data, saw people always provided. Pre-pandemic, We’ve now moved to a flexible
experienced the Government, employers have faced experiencing a form of depression we had a number of initiatives working model, allowing people
challenges to mental many unique challenges that come double from March to June 2020, already in place such as Wellbeing to work from home – investing in
health and wellbeing with managing remote workforces. as the impact of the first national Champions for people to talk to, technology for them do to so – or
lockdown was felt. a helpline and an intranet with to come into the office, depending
brought about by the Despite the unplanned nature resources for people to access. on what works best for them. It
current pandemic. of this transition, businesses Now that the aftershocks of has worked really well for us and is
adapted quickly to the change, lockdown, furlough and remote something we’ll take forward, but it
with some indictors suggesting the working will continue to be felt is very different for each business.”
transition was, initially at least, in the workplace, there is a need
more successful than could have more than ever for those at the very
Paul Corcoran, CEO of Agent
previously been anticipated. top to shape and lead on mental
wellbeing within their organisations.
However, emerging from a Paul has always put a focus It isn’t just about adding to the list
tumultuous year, research by We spoke to some of our city on the wellbeing of his team: of corporate social responsibility
Hiscox suggests that businesses region’s most influential leaders, “Mental health has been a major initiatives, it’s about doing what you
are concerned about the toll 2020 about how they have supported cornerstone at Agent for around can to support each other, in any
has had on their workforce, where their employees through the 10 years, in terms of the initiatives way possible.
remote working, concerns about pandemic and just why taking we’ve had in place. We’ve always
livelihoods, and juggling work and care of our mental health is placed a focus on workplace “In 2020, we offered more regular
parenting has affected the majority so important. wellbeing, with regular “keep check ins as teams as we haven’t
of the UK. in touch” meetings as well as been able to have that physical,
mindfulness training, monthly face-to-face contact. My message
massages, and yoga for people to to the senior leadership team has
take part in. They’ve been good been to be really aware and look
ways of providing breaks and out for signs that someone might
opportunities for people to step need additional support or might
away and have a moment of calm. be struggling. We’ve had regular
briefings with the team to make
“Our culture is also really important sure we’re communicating as much
to us. We have a really open and as possible and have brought in
honest environment which in turn Counsellors for those who wanted
means people are able to share to talk to someone outside of the
their challenges. Over the years organisation. Sometimes you just
it’s been amazing how much the need someone to listen, objectively.”
business has been able to step in to
support our team, in ways you might
not expect.
26 27MSB Solicitors - Highlight Issue 1 Spring 2021
“Three of our staff networks – our “You can get into a position where
Emma Degg, CEO of the North West Business
Mental Health Network, Women’s you log on at 7am and don’t look
Leadership Team (NWBLT) Network and LGBTQ Network – away from your screen until 7pm.
were also in the early stages when It’s important to step away and
Emma says mental health is now “All good businesses are now lockdown began. They have really take a break, whatever level you’re
an essential part of every business: seeing taking care of their developed and helped us shape the at. Personal contact as a leader is
“Pre-pandemic, mental health was employees’ mental health as support we offer. We’ve continued so important, so it’s an incredibly
an issue that I was aware of and a mandatory part of a manager’s with our plans to grow our networks difficult transition for anyone,
as a team, we talked about it from job. Mental health is now the and recently launched a Disability especially when you run a business
time to time. Now, taking care of number one issue people are network and a Race Equality that deals with people.”
ourselves and the people who talking about, not just in terms Network.
work for us is an essential part of of looking after people, but about
running any business. I don’t have keeping productivity and innovation “Since the pandemic, we have Emma, added: “Yes looking after
a conversation with employees that high. As much as it’s about taking Kim Healey, Director looked at new ways to communicate employees’ mental health is
doesn’t include at some point, just care of people, it’s also a business of People, Culture and and introduced activities that give really important, but quite often
the question “how are you doing?” issue.” people opportunities to socialise business leaders forget to look
Workplace Wellbeing at
and connect aside from the working after themselves and each other.
Everton Football Club day, as part of our staff-led Everton We know that so much of our
Connect initiative which began at productivity is about leadership,
the start of the first lockdown. We so that’s a critical business
For Anne, mental health has “Since the pandemic struck, we Before the pandemic Kim had have offered yoga and exercise issue, too.
always been high on the agenda, have communicated our Covid-19 just begun implementing a new sessions, virtual lunchrooms, and
but she has had to find ways to protocols and given staff clear wellbeing strategy across the home-schooling advice.” “I’ve never in the past been very
adapt: “As a women’s organisation, guidance, so there are no unknowns, Club and its charity, Everton in good at taking the time for self-
supporting mental health has been ensuring we could remove any the Community. Kim said: “We’re The focus around mental health care. Particularly during the most
a constant focus for us as locally anxiety when they were coming passionate about promoting is mostly placed on the wellbeing recent lockdown, it has become a
and nationally there are higher into work. We have also scaled positive mental health, and it is of employees and what their necessity, not a nice to have. I’ve got
instances of women being affected. up our offer to providing staff, also a big focus for Everton in the employers are doing to support a dog, so I make sure I get outside
Pre-pandemic, we had a number of learners and clients with regular Community – which is currently them, and rightly so. But it’s at least a couple of times a day
initiatives available to staff such as wellness check-ins and weekly fundraising for The People’s Place, a also important for business to walk her and I’m much stricter
trained Mental Health First Aiders, newsletters highlighting wellness new facility in L4 that will promote leaders to take care of their own about what I say yes to because it’s
offering yoga and wellness activities techniques and to advertise our positive mental health and offer mental health. This can often easy to be on a computer screen for
for staff, as well as a having a initiatives. We’ve also scaled up our support to the public. be a challenge. Asif said: “We 12 hours a day and not stand up.
Counsellor available. We had also counselling and wellness provision. often neglect the leaders in Now, things I’ve tried to do in the
introduced ‘Wellbeing Wednesdays’, “In pre-Covid-19 scenario planning, business because we assume they past, I’m quite religious about.
which offered guided mindfulness ‘‘We now have a team of Counsellors we identified that supporting our will be okay. It doesn’t matter
sessions before work and also and Wellness Practitioners that people’s mental health would be whether you’re the CEO of a large
encouraged group lunchtime offer 1-2-1 counselling, group more important than ever. We corporation and employ thousands
walks to encourage staff and their sessions and wellness sessions. looked at the best way to deliver of people, or if you’re a mid-level
connection to the outdoors. We also have Zoom ‘coffee and and adapt our strategy, and what manager – you’ve got to give the
Anne McColl, CEO of chats’ each week, so staff can we could prioritise – for example, stability and support to everyone at
Blackburne House dial in and see and speak to their we accelerated our plans to train all levels.
friends and colleagues. This is not and introduce staff Mental Health
about work, it’s about that human Ambassadors, and increased
connection.” communication around free staff
counselling and wellbeing and
health benefits.
28 29MSB Solicitors - Highlight Issue 1 Spring 2021
“Employees need to see their “For me, routine is very important, Blackburne House is an example
leaders walking the walk. If you’re as is exercise. I do online gym of a business that has provided
not taking the time to look after sessions three mornings a week flexibility for its employees.
your own mental health and before work, and I also have a Anne said: “We ask our team
wellbeing, then they won’t believe walking treadmill that I use – members what they need and
you when you say that you want people have got used to me walking react accordingly. We offer flexible
them to act differently. We really are and talking at meetings!” hours if parents are having to home
all in this together.” school and we support with activity
For some, working from home packs from our Nursery for staff and
Paul says he has been having more works, but for others, it can be their children and offer mindfulness
open and honest conversations incredibly challenging and adds a provision. The key is communication
with his peers than ever before: huge amount of stress. Emma said: and actually listening to staff and
“Leadership fatigue is hard. “We have a group of brilliant women what they need. We have increased
Everyone comes to you for the called our ‘Rising Stars’, who are the levels of communications so we can
answers and when you’re in the leaders of the future. Many of them all support each other.”
middle of the wilderness not are juggling senior jobs with home
knowing what’s going on, it can be schooling and the overwhelming For Paul, working from home is a
really challenging. majority of caring responsibilities challenge for the creative industry:
for their homes and families. Good “We’re used to having noisy working
“I’ve had more vulnerable employers are seeking to be as sessions and sharing ideas, people
conversations this year than flexible as possible because there coming into the office, learners
probably ever before, both with simply aren’t enough hours in the coming in for Agent Academy. It’s
people who have been in my day for people to look after their an energetic place to be. We know
network for a long time and mental health alongside those that we can work from home, but
those who are relatively new. responsibilities. I’m very worried building relationships, camaraderie “We understand that flexibility is the When it comes to sharing advice “In that same spirit of family, it is
Organisations like NWBLT have been that we will see certain groups and creativity is just different. That key, and we’ll be looking at how we with other business leaders around important to listen to your people,
a lifeline. Talking to other senior exiting the workforce because they is the really important stuff, and support people’s mental wellbeing supporting the mental health and really find out what you can do as
leaders about what they are going simply – and quite understandably it can’t be replicated over a Zoom throughout that transition, as we wellbeing of employees, Asif said: a business to support them, and
through and feeling like you’re in a – can’t cope with those challenges. call.” understand that people will have “It’s the little changes that make a create a culture of openness, where
safe space and you’re not alone has different thoughts about returning. big difference. Real leadership is everyone knows where to go with
been really valuable.” “Everyone has different needs Kim says that supporting team We will be engaging with staff about about listening, as well as speaking. any ideas, comments or concerns.
and are experiencing different members during the transition back the return, acknowledging people’s It’s so important to engage with It is also vital that you equip
For Kim, she recognises that it’s challenges. We’re in the same storm into the working environment will different circumstances, and we will your employees, as well as having managers with the tools to support
okay not to be okay. She said: “I but not necessarily in the same be really important: “We’ll be using be ensuring everybody has a chance conversations with other leaders. their staff, as they are often the first
am a trained Counsellor, which boat, and as a business community what we have learned over the past to have their say. It’s a difficult time period, so it’s port of call.”
has been invaluable to me in we need to be really serious about year to inform the transition back to important to consider what you
my role, and has given me a that. We aren’t so much working more site-based working, when that “Through this experience, I have have done differently to make a Anne added: “Protect time to
real understanding of why it is from home, as living at work at time comes. learned just how resilient our difference to your business. focus on the wellbeing of your
so important to talk to others. the moment. It’s a pressure for people are, and how eager they are team, create safe spaces for
Understanding that it’s okay not to everyone. Flexible working with to help support each other and use Kim agrees that listening to people to share how they are
be okay helps me with me with my an element of working from home their talents to promote wellbeing, employees is incredibly important: feeling. Ask if the available
own wellbeing. is certainly going to be part of which will help inform our wellbeing “We spend seven hours a day or support is helpful and if there is
the future, but in very different strategy going forward.” more at work, so it is vital that any additional support for you to
circumstances than those we’re people are happy, and, even better, consider. Be mindful to reach out
in now.” that they see their organisation as to team members working remotely,
a family. particularly those who don’t engage
or stay connected in this current
environment, as they may be
quietly finding this tough.”
30 31MSB Solicitors - Highlight
For Paul, it comes down to trust. As a result, we’ve seen a lot of
He said: “It needs to come from presenteeism. Most managers will
a place of trust, for both parties. say that they don’t expect that and
It’s important to ask yourself: are don’t value people according to
you a trusted leader? Does your time spent but if those managers
team trust you to make the right and leaders are routinely putting
decisions and do the right thing by in incredibly long hours, with
them? If yes, then have open and emails flying in all of the time, then
honest conversations, sensitively. employees won’t believe them that
it’s okay to look after themselves
“If not, why not? Unpick and re-sew as well.
those relationships and be aware
of the challenges everyone might “We could write down what the
be facing. This situation impacts tips are for working on your
everyone differently; people losing mental health, but it doesn’t mean
loved ones, new parents, childcare, anything if you don’t practice it and
being away from families. It’s so demonstrate it. We believe what we
important to be sensitive to that see other people do.
and do everything in your power to
support your team.” “This is a marathon and we’re going
to be dealing with these issues for a
Emma believes business leaders long time to come. If we don’t take
should practice what they preach. the time to make sure we’re all as fit
She said: “People are worried about as we possibly can be for when we
the security of their jobs and their can really row behind the recovery,
families. They’re worried if they’re then it’s not going to work. This isn’t
not seen to be online all day every just hanging on until it stops. We’ve
day, then that will in some way got to make sure we’re match fit.”
count against them.
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