"Tax advisers and accountancy firms have been fined £98,870 for breaches of anti money laundering (AML) regulations with just one company appealing the fine"

"A former Chinese takeaway worker was convicted at Southwark Crown Court for her part in converting ‘significant amounts’ of bitcoin into cash and other assets on behalf of another. "

"Financial crime compliance has become all the more important amid geopolitical upheaval caused by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts. This has led to increased worries and speculation about the rise of money laundering rings and other financial crime rackets used to fund these wars."

"On Thursday [18th January 2024], MEPs finalised a deal with the Council on new measures to beef up an EU toolkit to fight money laundering, terrorist financing and sanctions evasion."

"Chambers need to have “mechanisms and guidance in place” to ensure their barristers are complying with UK sanctions, the Bar Standards Board (BSB) has said."

"The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) yesterday published the Arbitration Bill, including a new statutory duty on arbitrators..."

"Work to build a brand new Overground railway line that will connect north and west London is progressing well”.

"A Court of Appeal judgment ruling it lawful for judges to stay proceedings for dispute resolutions has been described as a welcome development"

"As regulators ramp up anti-money laundering supervision, what does this mean for accountancy firms, and how severe are the consequences for non-compliance?"

"London is still the most attractive centre for commercial litigation and international arbitration, outperforming other global dispute resolution hubs, the Law Society confirms in a new report published today" [30th October 2023].

On the 1st October 2023, "Japan deposited the instrument of accession to the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements."

"In April to June 2023, it took an average of 52.3 weeks between a small claim being issued and the claim going to trial, one week longer than the same period in 2022."

"Businesses in Harrow are eagerly anticipating Harrow Means Business 2023, a flagship event tailored for established enterprises and aspiring entrepreneurs across the borough."

"Harrow Crown Court is temporarily closed after Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) was found during improvement works. "

"With the requirement of mandatory mediation for rental disputes coming into force as of Sept. 1, the first day has witnessed a whopping 494 applications, as rental disputes take the top spot among the cases referred to mediation."

"Ne-Yo has been ordered into mediation with his ex-girlfriend Sade Bagnerise as the former couple’s child support war continues."

The owner of a new bar agrees to reduce hours when alcohol can be served after police mediation

"Self-employed drivers will be able to claim tax relief on the daily Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge. "

"A scaffolder has won a legal ruling that signs for London's Low Emission Zone - the sister scheme of Sadiq Khan's hated ULEZ - are not lawful."

Having the authority to settle in mediation is vital for the process to be effective and successful. It creates a sense of finality, enhances negotiation power, and ultimately increases the likelihood of reaching mutually satisfying agreements. By understanding the significance of authority in mediation, parties can approach the process with confidence, knowing that they have the capacity to make decisions that will lead to resolution.

Shareholder and partnership disputes can arise in businesses of any size and structure, causing significant disruptions, financial losses, and even the dissolution of companies or the partnership. Mediation provides a neutral space for shareholders or partners to work toward a mutually satisfactory resolution.

Abraham Lincoln, one of the most influential leaders in American history, spoke wisely about the importance of avoiding unnecessary litigation and seeking compromise whenever possible. His profound words, "Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbours to compromise whenever you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser in fees, expenses, and waste of time,"

The FSB research identified that there was a knowledge gap among small business owners about Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and how this can help them to resolve their disputes.

"Gemini Earn - the Winklevoss-owned crypto exchange's digital asset lending arm - announced on Sunday that it had agreed with Barry Silbert's Digital Currency Group (DCG) on a mediation process to bring their bankruptcy dispute to a close."

Following a consultation launched last year, the Government is committed to integrating mediation into the court system for small civil claims valued up to £10,000. This is the Government’s first step to simplifying the process for civil cases.

The group has asked to terminate its exclusive contract with its Music Label on “the grounds that the agency violated it. Such allegations could have serious implications for the [Music Label] and potentially lead to significant changes in how K-pop agencies operate.”

Getting the deal done is an art, not a science. Mediation can support parties to come to a mutual resolution of their dispute, where the parties move on from a ‘win/lose’ dichotomy to a ‘win/win’ outcome through compromise.

TMZ states that both parties have been “checking the box indicating a willingness to go to mediation for a long time…. Brad and Angelina have agreed to mediation as a means to settle their dispute over a French vineyard.”

When it comes to resolving workplace conflicts, there are two main approaches to consider - rehiring and mediation - with each option carrying its own set of costs.

"The bill has been conceived as a help for unclogging courts reeling under massive pendency of cases by providing an institutional mechanism to promote mediation before a dispute is taken to the court. It will help in resolution of both civil and commercial cases."

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to not have to deal with arguments and fights in court?

Did you know that mediation is a widely utilised practice in the business world? It serves as a valuable tool for resolving conflicts and disputes in a harmonious and amicable manner.

The Supreme Court has dismissed a wife's appeal for financial relief against her late husbands estate after he died before the final hearing.

Mediation, as a form of alternative dispute resolution, offers a valuable approach to resolving conflicts and finding mutually agreeable solutions.

In today's dynamic workplace, conflicts and disputes are inevitable. As a result, Human Resources (HR) departments play a crucial role in managing and resolving these issues, ensuring a harmonious and productive work environment. One approach that has gained significant recognition in recent years is mediation. Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process in which a neutral third party facilitates communication, understanding, and resolution between conflicting parties. In the context of HR departments, mediation serves as a valuable tool for resolving conflicts, improving employee relations, and fostering a positive organisational culture. This article explores the usefulness of mediation in HR departments, delving into its benefits, challenges, implementation steps, and future opportunities. By understanding the role of mediation, HR professionals can harness its potential to effectively address workplace conflicts and achieve sustainable resolutions.

The repatriation of 5,000 manuscripts and pieces of papyrus from the United States to Egypt marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to reclaim and preserve the country's rich cultural heritage. This article delves into the background of the manuscript repatriation effort, providing insights into the historical significance and previous ownership of the manuscripts. It explores the journey of these valuable artifacts from the USA to Egypt, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the two countries. Additionally, the article discusses the importance and significance of this repatriation, both in terms of cultural heritage and its impact on research and scholarship. Furthermore, it examines the preservation and restoration measures undertaken to ensure the manuscripts' longevity and explores the future plans for the collection. Overall, this article sheds light on the remarkable return of these manuscripts to their rightful home and the implications it holds for Egypt's cultural landscape.

A former couple decided to end their marriage. Previously one party would have moved in to a newly purchased or rented home. But with today's soaring cost of living, couples are forced to continue living together but separately.

In any organisation, employee grievances are inevitable. Disputes, conflicts, and dissatisfaction can arise due to a variety of reasons, including work-related issues, interpersonal conflicts, or unfair treatment. However, it is crucial for employers to address these grievances promptly and effectively to maintain a positive work environment and prevent further escalation. This is where mediation plays a vital role. Mediation offers a structured and impartial process to resolve conflicts, allowing parties involved to find mutually agreeable solutions. In this article, we will explore the significance of employee grievances and delve into the benefits and best practices of implementing mediation in the workplace. By understanding and effectively managing employee grievances, organisations can foster a harmonious and productive work environment for their employees.

The resolution of employment disputes is a critical aspect for any business to consider, as the consequences of not addressing these issues adequately can be substantial. Traditional approaches, such as litigation, often come with significant financial burdens and time-consuming legal processes. However, an alternative approach gaining prominence is mediation.

If you have ever been involved in an employment dispute, you know that going to an employment tribunal can be expensive, time-consuming, and distracting. That's why more employers are turning to mediation as a better way to resolve disputes with their employees.

Mediation is a powerful and effective method of resolving conflicts, offering a win-win solution for all parties involved. Unlike traditional adversarial approaches, mediation promotes open communication, understanding, and collaboration to reach mutually beneficial agreements. This blog explores the benefits of mediation, the role of mediators in facilitating resolution, the mediation process, hypothetical case studies, challenges encountered, and the application of mediation in various contexts. By embracing mediation as a preferred conflict resolution tool, individuals and organisations can foster harmony, preserve relationships, and achieve sustainable outcomes.

"TfL confirmed that the London Euston to Watford Junction line would be getting a new name"

Disney, has recently made headlines by requesting mediation to address ongoing concerns and challenges in their operations. However, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has expressed opposition to the idea, suggesting that mediation would not yield productive results.

Mediation has gained significant recognition as an effective alternative dispute resolution method in both domestic and international contexts. In response to the growing need for a harmonised framework to facilitate the enforcement of mediated settlement agreements, the Singapore Convention on Mediation was adopted in 2019. Simultaneously, the European Union (EU) introduced the EU Mediation Directive, aiming to promote and regulate mediation within its member states. This article compares and contrasts the Singapore Convention and the EU Directive, providing an overview of their key provisions, objectives, similarities, and differences. By examining their implications and impact, we explore how these frameworks contribute to the development of mediation as a preferred method for resolving cross-border disputes and fostering international commerce.

The Singapore Convention on Mediation, signed by the UK Government on 3 May 2023, represents a significant milestone in the field of international dispute resolution. Mediation, as a voluntary and collaborative method of resolving conflicts, has gained traction worldwide for its efficiency and flexibility. The Singapore Convention aims to enhance the effectiveness and enforceability of mediated settlement agreements across borders, providing parties with greater certainty and confidence in the resolution of their disputes.

The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) is bracing itself for a significant increase in its mediation workload.

The Government has published information about their court-based mediation service - click image to read more.

The resolution of legal disputes is often a time-consuming and costly process. In a world where time is of the essence, finding efficient methods to settle conflicts is crucial. This article explores the concept of time savings in legal proceedings and highlights the benefits of choosing mediation over litigation. By delving into the process of mediation, comparing time frames, examining key factors influencing time efficiency, and presenting real-life case studies, we aim to shed light on how mediation can be a valuable alternative. Additionally, we will discuss the role of mediators in facilitating timely resolutions and highlight the additional advantages that mediation offers beyond time savings. Ultimately, this article aims to encourage the adoption of mediation as a time-saving solution for parties involved in legal disputes.

"Passengers travelling from Harrow using the Bakerloo Line and London Overground are advised to prepare for essential railway upgrades that will significantly impact their journeys during the upcoming school summer holidays."

The Mediate First Movement has emerged as a powerful and transformative approach to resolving conflicts and disputes.

Mediation is an effective method for resolving disputes because it allows both parties to express their thoughts and feelings in a safe and non-confrontational environment. It helps to foster open communication and encourages understanding between individuals involved in the conflict. Mediators act as neutral third parties who guide the discussion and ensure fairness, allowing for a balanced resolution that satisfies both parties.

"Mediation groups will target a case coming before the Court of Appeal later this year as a way of finally securing compulsory alternative dispute resolution."

"Divorcing couples should not be subject to mandatory mediation, as putting barriers in place to attending court is likely to deny access to justice, the Law Society of England and Wales said today in response to a government consultation."

Conflict is inevitable in the world of business. Whether it’s a disagreement over a project deadline or a legal dispute, commercial conflict can have a significant impact on companies and individuals alike. However, many approaches to resolving commercial conflict tend to dehumanise the parties involved, reducing them to mere figures on a balance sheet. To truly address commercial conflict, it's crucial to humanise the process and focus on the underlying emotions and motivations of those involved. In this article, we'll explore the importance of humanising commercial conflict, discuss the role of empathy, collaborative negotiation approaches, and strategies for promoting mutual understanding and respect. We'll also examine real-world examples of successful implementation of humanisation in commercial conflict resolution, and look at the future of conflict resolution in the business world.

"This year’s 1Eid Festival promises to be a memorable event for all attendees, with a range of special attractions to enjoy. The day will kick off with a joyful Eid prayer at 10:00am, bringing the community...As the sun sets, the festival will light up the night sky with a dazzling fireworks display scheduled for 9:30pm. Families can also enjoy a variety of funfair rides and inflatables..."

In the UK, a new qualification framework called T Levels has been introduced to provide young people with a high-quality technical education that equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to enter the workforce. Designed to be a technical alternative to A levels, T Levels will offer students a mixture of classroom learning and practical experience through industry placements. The legal services industry is one of the many sectors expected to benefit from this exciting new framework. In this article, we will explore what T Levels are, how they can benefit the legal services industry, and what employers need to know to prepare for their introduction. We will also examine the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing T Levels for legal services and discuss how T Levels are shaping the future of legal education.

Wealthy businesswoman "who is worth about £250 million, and [her husband] had been embroiled in a private family court dispute over money in London"

"Plans to build 172 flats in two apartment blocks have been given the go ahead despite claims they will block neighbours' light, invade their privacy and spoil the area."

"Harrow Town Centre is facing a possible major transformation over the coming years as the council considers a ‘Masterplan’ to revitalise the area."

"Findings things difficult? Feeling anxious, stressed low or alone? For FREE talking therapy visit." "Free, fast and easy. Confidential conversations with professionals."

"Her Honour ... has highlighted fundamental errors made in the preparation and presentation of a childcare case, in which a previous judgment given by the court was “completely ignored”.

"The father would ‘sexually intimidate’ the mother and once ‘coerced her into sex’ while their child was in the adjacent room"

"In an article for the Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law, the pair said private law proceedings were seen as potentially fraught situations with parents too “entrenched in their own protracted dispute” to prioritise the needs of their children....The problem was aggravated by the lack of enforceability of parenting plans and memorandums of agreement arising from mediation."

"Contrary to popular fiction, we divorce lawyers aren’t rubbing our hands in glee when presented with an acrimonious split. We’d far rather people remain happily hitched and, if they do come to us, a good lawyer will seek to settle the divorce as cost effectively and harmoniously as possible."

"A leading US divorce lawyer has lifted the lid on why he thinks many couples hit the rocks when they becoming working parents - saying men simply don't pull their weight when they're at home."

"Cafcass has today introduced practice quality standards for working with children and families in private law family court proceedings and updated its practice quality standards when working with children, families and partners in public law proceedings. "

"Residents in Outer London boroughs could be given the choice to say "yes or no" to Sadiq Khan's controversial expansion of the Ultra-low emission zone (Ulez). The pledge was made by a Tory politician as the race formally commences to choose the Conservative candidate for the 2024 Mayor of London election."

"Westminster Council receives daily complaints about dockless bikes being abandoned on the pavement across the city. "

"On Saturday 20 May, Watford residents will be able to collect free compost and wildflower seeds thanks to our environmental partner Veolia."

"To coincide with No Mow May and following the success of last year’s trial, Harrow Council is extending its approach to the way it manages grass cutting to benefit the natural environment. It means less mowing and more growing for selected green verges and park sites."

"The new leader of the City Hall Conservatives has pledged to continue challenging Sadiq Khan on his plans to expand the Ultra low emission zone (Ulez), as well as opposing rent controls and calling for improvements to London’s nightlife."

The report summarises "the findings of research into safeguarding processes in Child Contact Centres in England"

"Pinner will come alive tomorrow, Sunday, April 23rd, as thousands of people are expected to attend the annual St George’s Day Festival organised by the Pinner Rotary Club."

"Legal professionals are twice as likely to work on their days off compared to employees in other sectors, new research has found, with more than a third (37%) doing so in the past year. "

"South Harrow branch closes on Friday 14 July 2023 at 12:00pm"

"The 11-mile rail project from West to North West London would stop at Isleworth, Brentford, Acton, Harlesden, Neasden and Brent Cross"

"The Byron Road area parking issues review will look at any parking issues in the following roads (currently Zone CA) plus three roads currently not in any zone"

"Work is progressing well on the repair and renovation of Harrow’s 36 tennis courts across 13 parks."

A Form E is a financial statement. It forms an important part of financial disclosure in Financial Remedy Proceedings at the court.

When people are considering a divorce or a separation, they often feel that they are without choices.

"The intended parents of a child born to a surrogate mother should be able to get legal parenthood from the point of its birth, a government-commissioned review of the existing laws in Britain has concluded"

"The Superloop aims to cut journey times by using limited-stop express buses to connect some outer London locations"

"A pilot scheme is inviting journalists into England and Wales’s most private courtrooms."

"ULEZ cameras have been installed across Harrow ahead of the plan to make the charge London-wide from August....Transport for London (TfL) has defended the decision, stating that all necessary permitting processes had been followed..."

"Compulsory mediation could force the wrong people into a process at the wrong time with the wrong attitude, the Law Society has warned in response to government plans to get more family disputes resolved away from court..."

"HM Courts & Tribunals Service’s (HMCTS) update on its Reform Programme, which aims to redesign and simplify court services, indicates it has accepted stakeholders’ calls for transparency and timeliness. But there is still work to be done, the Law Society of England and Wales said today."

"The most effective way to get couples into mediation is to provide them with early legal advice, the Law Society of England and Wales said today as the government announces mandatory mediation proposals for divorcing couples."

MPs have said, "An urgent inquiry is needed into unregulated psychological experts ​being used in high-conflict disputes to ​​diagnose whether one parent has attempted to “alienate” ​their child ​from ​the other"

"Mediation could become compulsory for separating parents under plans unveiled by the government today to keep more family disputes away from court. The Ministry of Justice proposes to make mediation compulsory for all ‘suitable low-level’ family court cases. Cases involving allegations or a history of domestic abuse would be excluded."‍

"The Government is to review the 1973 Matrimonial Causes Act, which determines how financial assets are split after divorce in England and Wales"

Happy St Patrick's Day to everyone

"People travelling between London and Watford Underground were hit with an unusual status update for the Metropolitan Line this morning (March 13)...TFL said the closure, northbound between Harrow-on-the-Hill and Watford , would remain in place while we remove a gazebo from the track”.

"Despite being man’s best friend, dogs and other pets are treated as chattels under English family law. This means that your pet dog is afforded the same status as the fridge freezer, couch, and kitchen table you once shared with your partner."

"Vulnerable children across England and Wales will be better protected from the damaging impact of forced marriage as the legal age of marriage rises to 18 in England and Wales."

"The High Court has ruled in favour of a widow who, along with her daughters, had been excluded from the Will of her late husband..."

"Met Police have shared incredible footage taken from a body-worn camera showing officers and members of the public rescuing a woman from a burning building in Harrow."

"Reason for this unplanned power cut An underground electricity cable has faulted on our high voltage network, causing an area wide power cut."

"England’s most senior family court judge has advised there is a “need for rigour” and “clarity” when instructing psychologists to give expert evidence – but has stopped short of saying the family courts should never appoint those who are “unregulated”..."