News in Brief
Share your news! If you’ve got some news, we’d like to hear it, so it can be included in a future issue of Centrum. Please send words and, if appropriate, images to: gail.jaffa@psmg.co.uk. Our next deadline is August 31, 2023.
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Fred Banning – “a true mate to the very end”
One of the legal sector’s most popular and well-connected communications professionals, Fred Banning, died in May at the age of 40 leaving behind his wife Lesley and sons Ollie and Charlie. Fred was also the founder of Fifth Day. Karen Snell pays tribute to her former colleague and long-time friend here.
Bold Ambitions? But small law firms temper growth ambitions
LexisNexis has released its latest Bellwether report revealing that, whilst there is a desire for growth, the industry is less bullish than it was in 2021, with 81% saying attracting new business is going to be one of their top challenges.
Leading the way in fighting global disinformation
According to the latest report from iResearch Services, thought leadership has a critical role to play in the global fight against misinformation. The report, Leading Lights: harnessing thought leadership superpowers for commercial and cultural success, canvassed 4000 business leaders across 22 countries.
Hat trick of nominations for Weightmans
Weightmans has secured three nominations at the Legal Innovation Awards and Managing Partner’s Forum Management Excellence Awards in the categories Disruptive Technology, Knowledge Management, and Best Use of Technology.
Partner role for Clare Quinn-Waters
Congratulations to Clare Quinn-Waters who has been promoted to partner and business development director at FRP Advisory.
Success for Trowers at People in Law Awards 2023
Trowers & Hamlins has scored success in two categories at the People in Law Awards - Best Health and Wellbeing Initiative (for firms of over 750 employees) for its partner wellbeing programme and Best Internal Engagement Campaign for its culture and values project.
Encouraging staff back to the office
As debates around hybrid working proliferate, Google has said it will now factor office attendance into staff performance reviews. Shoosmiths’ Emma Grossmith and Robert Forsyth look at Google’s latest position here.
Herbert Smith Freehills launches UK public holiday swap initiative
Herbert Smith Freehills’ new “public holiday swap” initiative gives all UK employees the choice of taking up to three public holidays at another time in the same calendar year. The holidays can be swapped are New Year's Day and the two bank holiday Mondays in May.
The role of the law firm CMO in a crisis…and beyond
The role of the chief marketing officer in the global pandemic has, like much else, been required to adapt, be nimble and think more creatively than ever. In a fascinating podcast Patrick Dransfield of In-House Community looks at the threats, the opportunities, the need to step-up and listen carefully to all stakeholders, and to demonstrate true leadership.