WM Digital Academy
Welcome to our library of digital content including webinars, our bite-sized video nuggets and podcasts.
Visit our events page to see our full list of upcoming events.
For any queries about our client events or to be added to our mailing list for seminars please contact events@walkermorris.co.uk

Webinar Recording: Working and recruiting from anywhere: Immigration,[...]
Walker Morris Employment experts recently held a webinar alongside tax specialists from BDO, Working and […]
Walker Morris Employment experts recently held a webinar alongside tax specialists from BDO, Working and recruiting from anywhere: Immigration, Tax and Global Mobility, discussing the various topics that arise when people are working and recruiting from anywhere.
Whether that be:
- Filling the skills gap (due to lack of the right skills in the UK)
- Retaining the best people (people wanting to work flexibly)
- Attracting the top talent (for those key roles)
You can now rewatch our webinar: Working and recruiting from anywhere: Immigration, Tax and Global Mobility, below.
The world of work and the way in which employees are recruited has changed significantly, from the introduction of new regulations through to changes in employee behaviour and needs, the last 12 months has seen the landscape shift immensely.
Hybrid and remote working opened up new ways to work and new recruitment channels, providing opportunities and access to new talent pools, while changes in regulations have opened up opportunities for immigration and overseas recruitment, with the focus on filling the UK skills gaps.
For further information on employment and recruiting, please do not hesitate to contact one of our expert speakers.
Speakers
- Andrew Rayment, Partner, Employment, Walker Morris
- Shabana Muneer, Director, Employment, Walker Morris
- Ben Tarry, Partner, BDO
- Laura Burton, Chartered Tax Advisor and a Director, BDO
More from Walker Morris.
- Want to watch a previous webinar? Visit our digital academy, home to a library of digital content including webinars, our bite-sized video nuggets and podcasts.
- How do you make sure you never miss an event again? Subscribe today and keep up to date with the latest legal developments, advice and events from Walker Morris
- Want to learn more about recruitment? Lucy Gordon & Shabana Muneer, directors in our Employment team, discuss the recent recruitment crisis in the care sector and how recent Government developments may provide good news for employers.

What is a blockchain?
The tech world is excited about blockchain, NFTs and cryptocurrencies, with these terms being heard […]
The tech world is excited about blockchain, NFTs and cryptocurrencies, with these terms being heard more and more often, making their way into workplace discussions and mainstream conversations, but what do they actually mean? And how can they benefit you, your work or your company?
In the first video in our series, Luke Jackson, Senior Associate in the Technology & Digital Group, sits down and discusses what a blockchain is and its associated benefits.
Want to learn more from our Technology & Digital experts and be the first to receive important updates, developments and events from the team? Then sign up for our newsletter, the Technology & Digital round-up here.
This video forms part of our #WMTechTalk, a series of content tackling some of the crucial tech and legal issues our clients encounter in relation to the development, implementation and operation of technically innovative services and products.
Visit our #WMTechTalk homepage to learn more.
For more information, please speak to NFT and blockchain experts, Luke Jackson or Sally Mewies.
More from Walker Morris
- Specialists from our Technology & Digital Group recently gave a flavour of developments to look out for in 2022. Read “What to look out for in 2022” and learn about key developments in smart contracts and NFTs, data protection and e-privacy reform, increased scrutiny of Big Tech, the digital supply chain, and much more.
- Interested in events from Walker Morris? Visit our events page to see our full list of upcoming events.
- Want to watch a previous webinar? Visit our digital academy, home to a library of digital content including webinars, our bite-sized video nuggets and podcasts.

What is an NFT?
The popularity of NFTs, blockchain and cryptocurrencies continues to grow, with these terms being used […]
The popularity of NFTs, blockchain and cryptocurrencies continues to grow, with these terms being used more and more, making their way into boardroom discussions and professional conversations, but what do they actually mean? And how can they benefit you, your work or your company?
In the second video in our series, Luke Jackson, Senior Associate in the Technology & Digital Group, explains what is an NFT, how an NFT works and the benefits of using the technology. If you aren’t sure on terms such as non-fungible token, digital asset and blockchain technology, then this video is for you.
Want to learn more from our Technology & Digital experts and be the first to receive important updates, developments and events from the team? Then sign up for our newsletter, the Technology & Digital round-up here.
This video forms part of our #WMTechTalk, a series of content tackling some of the crucial tech and legal issues our clients encounter in relation to the development, implementation and operation of technically innovative services and products.
Visit our #WMTechTalk homepage to learn more.
For more information, please speak to NFT and blockchain experts, Luke Jackson or Sally Mewies.
More from Walker Morris
- What is a blockchain? In the first video of the series, Luke Jackson explains what blockchain actually is, the associated benefits and its role with NFTs.
- Want to know the most recent developments from the team? Check out our latest round-up covering recent advertising standards activity, electronic execution of documents, smart contracts, crypto scams, and much more.
- Specialists from our Technology & Digital Group recently gave a flavour of developments to look out for in 2022. Read “What to look out for in 2022” and learn about key developments in smart contracts and NFTs, data protection and e-privacy reform, increased scrutiny of Big Tech, the digital supply chain, and much more.

Video: Potential routes to ease the recruitment crisis[...]
Lucy Gordon & Shabana Muneer, directors in our Employment team, sit down to discuss the […]
Lucy Gordon & Shabana Muneer, directors in our Employment team, sit down to discuss the recent recruitment crisis in the care sector and how recent Government developments may provide good news for employers.
Shabana explains more about the Government’s recent announcement to expand the Health and Care Worker visa and how it could ease the recruitment crisis in the care sector in her latest article, Health and Care Worker visa to be extended to key care workers for 12 months.
Read our previous article on mandatory vaccination policies here, where we discuss the the latest position following developments in the US.
Please contact our Head of Business Immigration, Shabana Muneer if you would like to discuss how your business can take advantage of the Government’s immigration offering to the care sector, or if you have any other queries regarding UK immigration law.
For any further queries regarding other employment issues, please contact Employment Director, Lucy Gordon .
More from Walker Morris
- Want to watch a previous video? Visit our digital academy, home to a library of digital content including webinars, our bite-sized video nuggets and podcasts.
- How do you make sure you never miss an event again? Subscribe today and keep up to date with the latest legal developments, advice and events from Walker Morris

Webinar recording: How do you make a resilient[...]
Walker Morris’ International Trade specialists recently held a webinar exploring how to create a resilient […]
Walker Morris’ International Trade specialists recently held a webinar exploring how to create a resilient supply chain, and discuss recent trends in supply chain disputes.
Watch the video here:
This webinar covered:
- How to make a resilient supply chain
- Structural resilience and key themes
- Recent trends in supply chain disputes and early preventative measures
- Cutting through the complexity of business immigration post Brexit
Manufacturers on both sides of the Atlantic are facing supply challenges. Barely a week goes by without news of the latest supply chain issue. Be that uncertainty of supply, or increased prices, or shortages of skills.
Yet despite these challenges, many companies remain positive about the opportunities for international trade. In our recent survey of 200 senior managers at US and UK manufacturing business, 93% saw an opportunity for increased US-UK trade and 65% said that bilateral trade would unlock access to more advanced production facilities.
We explore this and more in our latest report, Made for Trade. We take a look at the commonalities between UK and US manufacturers, explore the challenges and opportunities they face and investigate how sharing knowledge can help drive further growth. Download our report here.

Webinar recording: Made for Trade – Untangling the[...]
Walker Morris’ International Trade specialists recently held a webinar helping to unpick some of the […]
Walker Morris’ International Trade specialists recently held a webinar helping to unpick some of the regulatory hurdles with International Trade and offer advice on how to overcome them.
In our recent survey of manufacturers, 93% saw opportunities for increased trade however 87% experienced red tape challenges. Our specialists offered practical tips on making sure the right building blocks are in place and what you should do when it doesn’t go to plan.
Watch the video here:
We explore this and more in our latest report, Made for Trade. We take a look at the commonalities between UK and US manufacturers, explore the challenges and opportunities they face and investigate how sharing knowledge can help drive further growth. Download our report here.
Register for our upcoming webinar “How do you make a resilient supply chain?” here.

Webinar recording: FWOW – The need to connect[...]
Walker Morris’ Employment team recently held a webinar examining the difficult interplay between the obvious […]
Walker Morris’ Employment team recently held a webinar examining the difficult interplay between the obvious desire to secure employee mental health and the sometimes competing business demands.
With a new Employment Bill expected later this year, some unions are trying to ensure a “right to disconnect” is included – a legal right for employees to switch off from work (and related devices) to aid mental health. In this webinar we discussed whether such a system could also be counter-productive to flexible working.
We were joined by Catherine O’Flynn, Partner, from William Fry LLP in Dublin, who shares some experiences following the introduction of similar laws in Ireland in April of this year.
Watch the video here:
Visit our Future world of work hub and WM Digital Academy hub for more resources.

Podcast: She has no limits – Hayley Hayes
In this podcast, the She Has No Limits award winner, Hayley Hayes, describes her incredible […]
In this podcast, the She Has No Limits award winner, Hayley Hayes, describes her incredible journey to get to where she is today: a Director in the Construction & Engineering Team at Walker Morris, and a happy mother and wife.
Her inspirational story has seen her battle neglect, emotional abuse, rejection, homelessness and poverty.
In 2020 Hayley won the She Has No Limits’ Phoenix Award that celebrates women who have endured and risen from the ashes of hardship, and who have bounced back to achieve their career goals, against all odds. And, as a result, the Phoenix inspires others around her to be courageous and to never give up.
In this moving podcast we find out why Hayley Hayes is a true Phoenix.

Webinar recording: Immigration and workforce management in an[...]
Walker Morris’ Business Immigration team recently held a webinar providing practical advice on recent and […]
Walker Morris’ Business Immigration team recently held a webinar providing practical advice on recent and upcoming changes to UK immigration requirements, many of which are significant when it comes to the employment of EU nationals post-Brexit. The webinar was of interest to HR managers, those interested in recruiting overseas workers and anyone dealing with the management of remote workers.
Watch the webinar here:
The webinar covered:
- EU Settlement Scheme application deadline has now passed – how to deal with missed applications?
- Current position on right to work checks – Covid concessions and new checks for EU nationals from 1 July 2021.
- How can EU and non-EU workers come to the UK to work?
- Workforce management for remote working, including from overseas.

Webinar recording: Insolvencies likely to rise? How to[...]
Walker Morris’ Insolvency & Restructuring Team recently held a webinar designed to provide in house […]
Walker Morris’ Insolvency & Restructuring Team recently held a webinar designed to provide in house counsel with an overview of key legal issues and to help them deal with the challenges which may arise if insolvencies increase over the coming months.
Watch the webinar here:
The webinar covered matters such as:
- Identifying companies in financial difficulties
- How to proactively manage risk and protect your business
- Considering the contractual position and commercial leverage
- The risk that transactions may be challenged
- What to do if there is a formal insolvency
- Potential opportunities arising out of insolvencies.

Webinar recording: Changing face of the city centre[...]
The Real Estate Litigation and Planning Teams at Walker Morris recently held a webinar focusing […]
The Real Estate Litigation and Planning Teams at Walker Morris recently held a webinar focusing on the impact of Covid-19 on City Centres and how property owners and developers can seek to unblock impediments to redevelopment in order to meet the changing landscape.
Watch the webinar here:
The session considered restrictive covenants, easements (including rights to light) and the planning changes to the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) and the Use Classes Order (UCO).

Webinar: Immigration and workforce management in an increasingly[...]
15 July 2021, 9.00 – 10.00am Webinar (free) In an increasingly remote and globalised world […]
15 July 2021, 9.00 – 10.00am
Webinar (free)
In an increasingly remote and globalised world of work, being on top of latest immigration requirements and issues that can arise from remote working is a business imperative. Is your business up to speed?
Our webinar will provide practical advice on recent and upcoming changes to UK immigration requirements, many of which are significant when it comes to the employment of EU nationals post-Brexit. It will be of interest to HR managers, those interested in recruiting overseas workers and anyone dealing with the management of remote workers, and will cover:
- EU Settlement Scheme application deadline has now passed – how to deal with missed applications?
- Current position on right to work checks – Covid concessions and new checks for EU nationals from 1 July 2021.
- How can EU and non-EU workers come to the UK to work?
- Workforce management for remote working, including from overseas.

Webinar recording: Employee welfare and motivation in the[...]
As part of our future world of work series we recently held a webinar discussion […]
As part of our future world of work series we recently held a webinar discussion regarding employee welfare and motivation in the new world of work.
Watch the webinar here:
The webinar looked at:
- how to deal with new challenges around mental health, increased flexible working and diversity issues – training and systems to put in place
- are employee benefits still suitable for the new world of work?
- what can employers do to retain and motivate employees in a new working culture – how do employers become a modern employer of choice? Looking at green benefits, sustainability, diversity, etc.

Webinar recording: #WMTechTalk Avoiding/Managing disputes in tech contracts
All disputes can be challenging and disruptive for businesses, but disputes in Tech contracts can […]
All disputes can be challenging and disruptive for businesses, but disputes in Tech contracts can be particularly problematic for both the supplier and customer. There are many reasons for this, but a misunderstanding around functionality of the technology product is a key cause. Customers are often buying solutions that either have too much or too little functionality for their needs. Licensing models and metrics for large solutions are often complicated and hard to understand. It is very common for businesses to find themselves under licensed on key systems and this may only be picked up on an audit after many years of use.
Our Technology & Digital Team recently held a webinar discussion looking at key clauses in technology contracts that are important both to avoid a dispute and if a dispute arises. They discussed the best ways to protect a party’s position in the event of a dispute, and gave some guidance for under licensing claims with top tips for avoiding and managing disputes effectively.
Watch the webinar here:

WM Video: #WMTechTalk: e-Signatures: a short guide
Our Walker Morris Technology & Digital team have a focus on cutting edge Technologies, both […]
Our Walker Morris Technology & Digital team have a focus on cutting edge Technologies, both for our clients and as a business, embracing the new Digital World around us. In this video Louise Norbury-Robinson, a Senior Associate in our Commercial Dispute Resolution Team, talks about electronic signatures, and gives you some useful and practical tips that you can put to use in an era where traditional “wet ink” signatures may be a thing of the past and the use of e-signatures are ever more prevalent and useful.
Register for the next webinar in our #WMTechTalk series ‘Avoiding/Managing disputes in tech contracts’ where the Walker Morris Technology and Digital team will look at key clauses in technology contracts that are important both to avoid a dispute and if a dispute arises.

Webinar recording: Managing your workforce in a world[...]
As part of our future world of work series we recently held a webinar discussion […]
As part of our future world of work series we recently held a webinar discussion exploring some practical examples and case studies to assist you in managing your workforce in this new world of work.
Watch the webinar here:
The webinar looks at:
- Mandatory vaccination policies – can employers lawfully implement a “no jab, no job” policy?
- Rapid lateral testing – what are the legal implications?
- Face masks and other Covid policies – what is a fair and reasonable management instruction and can an employee be dismissed for refusing to comply?
- Returning to work – how should employers manage requests to return to work in the context of the roadmap and gradual easing of lockdown?
- Work from anywhere – what are the legal implications of longer-term flexible working, home working, and working remotely from overseas?
Visit our Future World of Work hub for more articles on this topic.

Webinar recording: Maximising value from your commercial property
Future World of Work – Designing for change As part of our Future World of […]
Future World of Work – Designing for change
As part of our Future World of Work series, we’ll recently held a webinar panel discussion exploring how changes to the way we work are opening up opportunities for commercial property development and explaining how planning consent for such development may be easier than you think.
Watch the webinar here:
Our panel, chaired by Chris Woodthorpe, Walker Morris, compromised of external guest speakers who covered:
- Afshan Iqbal, Leeds University Business School – provided an overview of the key findings from their research and implications for home/office working
- Caroline Paradise, Head of Design Research, Atkins – looked at the key implications for the commercial property market and design of office spaces / how we use office spaces
- David Hodgson, Head of Strategic Development, CEG – discussed trends in commercial property particularly the conversion and redevelopment of old offices and redundant office and retail spaces
- Graham Whiteford, provided practical advice on planning law.
Visit our Future World of Work hub for more articles on this topic.

Webinar recording: Stopping departing employees taking confidential information[...]
Walker Morris recently presented a webinar discussing how an employer can prevent or at least […]
Walker Morris recently presented a webinar discussing how an employer can prevent or at least deter its employees from taking confidential information when they leave an organisation. The webinar was held by members of our Commercial Dispute Resolution and Employment teams. They discussed post termination restrictions, confidential information, restrictive covenants and employer injunctions.
Watch the webinar here:
The webinar covered topics such as:
- Are your employment contracts robust enough?
- In what situations is it appropriate to consider using an injunction?
- When and how can they be used?
- Do they work and what are the likely outcomes?
If you would like a copy of our ‘Post termination restrictions – checklist for employers’, please contact one of our specialists below.

Webinar recording: #WMTechTalk International Data Transfers Post Schrems[...]
Our #WMTechTalk series, hosted by our Technology & Digital Team, and Partner Sally Mewies, recently […]
Our #WMTechTalk series, hosted by our Technology & Digital Team, and Partner Sally Mewies, recently held a webinar with Associate Cristian Brundell which gave an overview of the developments in International Data Transfers in the last six months and provide some practical guidelines and tips on how to navigate the complexity.

FDF webinar: How will Net Zero reshape your[...]
Net Zero for the Food & Drink Industry The business and regulatory landscape is rapidly […]
Net Zero for the Food & Drink Industry
The business and regulatory landscape is rapidly changing in response to climate change. Delivering the UK’s binding commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 requires far-reaching changes in how we live, consume, make things and do business.
The road to Net Zero presents a wide range of challenges and opportunities for the food and drink industry, from farmers, producers, manufacturers and their supply chains through to retailers and consumers. Carbon reduction and energy efficiency are increasingly important issues for the sector.
Watch the webinar here:
In this webinar held by FDF, we covered:
- why net zero and energy efficiency is an opportunity for food and drink manufacturers
- examples of the types of measures, technologies and projects being implemented
- challenges to energy efficient projects
- funding models and requirements for funders – what ‘fundable’ looks like
- where to start
Read more about Net Zero and our e-book, ‘The Power of Zero’ which serves as a guide for business leaders. Download your free copy here.
Presenters
Ben Sheppard – Walker Morris LLP
Ben is a partner in the Infrastructure & Energy Group with nearly twenty years’ experience advising on energy and infrastructure projects including energy-from-waste, anaerobic digestion, effluent treatment, CHP, renewables and low carbon energy.
Leah Waterhouse – Lombard
Leah is a Director at Lombard who works to support both new and existing Lombard customers looking to become more sustainable and transition towards the lower carbon economy. This includes new lending for renewable assets as well as looking holistically at how the business can become more sustainable through behavioural and cultural change. She has a real passion for the renewables sector with the sector being a common thread throughout her career.
Dave Worthington – Verco
Dave is Verco’s Managing Director with over twenty years’ experience advising large global companies and governments on the transition to net zero carbon. This includes strategic target setting and net zero pathway development as well as energy efficiency and renewable energy project delivery.

Webinar recording: #WMTechTalk: Blockchain: Smart contracts – will[...]
Our #WMTechTalk series is hosted by our Technology & Digital Team, and Partner Sally Mewies […]
Our #WMTechTalk series is hosted by our Technology & Digital Team, and Partner Sally Mewies recently held a webinar discussion with Senior Associate Luke Jackson covering blockchain technologies and all the potential they have in the financial services sector and supply chain. The webinar went back to basics on Blockchain and how it works, and looked at the concept of a Smart Contract and considered how Smart Contracts may affect the work of lawyers and contract managers.
Watch the webinar here:

Webinar recording: Developers – it’s time to take[...]
Walker Morris’ Planning & Environment team recently held a joint webinar with Carney Sweeney on […]
Walker Morris’ Planning & Environment team recently held a joint webinar with Carney Sweeney on the introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain and the changes it will lead to in the planning system. They considered what Biodiversity Net Gain is, how it is already affecting developments (including impacts on highly constrained city centre sites), and how it will affect developments in the future, discussing the practical steps developers can take today to ensure they are ready for Biodiversity Net Gain.
Watch the webinar here:
It covered:
- What is biodiversity net gain? Including the changes introduced in the Environment Bill
- How will this impact on your current and future development plans?
- What can you do to ensure you are ready for Biodiversity Net Gain requirements?

Webinar recording: #WMTechTalk: Avoiding risk in the cloud
Our #WMTechTalk is hosted by our Technology & Digital Team, and Partner Sally Mewies recently […]
Our #WMTechTalk is hosted by our Technology & Digital Team, and Partner Sally Mewies recently held a webinar discussion with Director Lee Crook covering the increase in businesses turning to Cloud based solutions and how they are an important part of many businesses’ technology and digital strategies. Their importance has only increased as a result of the role they play in artificial intelligence solutions. Buying these services involves balancing risk and cost effectiveness. Protecting data and ensuring security is a key concern for all businesses. This webinar will guide you through some of the risks of buying Cloud and how to mitigate them.
Watch the webinar here:
Register for other webinars in our WM Tech Talk series here.

Webinar recording: Brexit – One month to go[...]
Our Business Immigration team recently held a webinar discussing the long-awaited guidance published by the […]
Our Business Immigration team recently held a webinar discussing the long-awaited guidance published by the Government covering changes to the immigration system and what steps you should be taking now.
Watch the webinar here:
The webinar covered:
- If your business doesn’t already have a sponsor licence, does it need to apply for one now in order to continue recruiting from outside the UK?
- If your business has a sponsor licence, what will change? We will look at the new “Worker” and “Temporary Worker” routes that will replace the existing Tiers 2 and 5, and consider how the requirements of the new routes differ.
- Does your business need to take any action now to ensure its current sponsor licence is fit for purpose?
- How will the changes impact on the transfer of staff between international group companies?
- How will existing EU staff be impacted, and will your recruitment processes for EU nationals need to be updated?
- What practical steps should you be taking now to ensure your business is ready?
- What are the risks of getting things wrong?

Webinar recording: WM Tech Talk: Intellectual property rights[...]
Our #WMTechTalk is hosted by our Technology & Digital Team, and Partner Sally Mewies recently […]
Our #WMTechTalk is hosted by our Technology & Digital Team, and Partner Sally Mewies recently chaired a webinar discussion with Alan Harper and Matt Lingard covering the state of play in relation to IP rights in AI tools and data and discuss what the future may hold – using their own intellect not an artificial one! They discussed how as more of these AI tools evolve and are deployed it is vital that businesses understand the IP risks and issues in using these tools, particularly in relation to the ownership of what they generate including data which may be commercially sensitive or critical for a business maintaining its competitive advantage.
Watch the webinar here:
Register for other webinars in our WM Tech Talk series here.

Webinar recording: Technology, automation & people
Sally Mewies, Alan Harper and Charlotte Smith presented a webinar discussing investing in technology, automating […]
Sally Mewies, Alan Harper and Charlotte Smith presented a webinar discussing investing in technology, automating processes and digitalisation. They discussed how automation and technology can lead to greater capacity, greater monitoring and data collection, and less room for error. However it may also require up-skilling the workforce and recruiting those who have the skills needed to create this technology, operate and analyse new technology. Such advances may allow even more roles to be carried out remotely (including those which no-one would have previously considered capable of being carried out remotely, such as production line operators).
Watch the webinar here:
It covered:
- What will the factory of the future look like?
- How will this impact manufacturing companies?
- What does it mean in terms of workforce planning, skills, IP, technology and commercial arrangements?

Webinar recording: WM Tech Talk – Monitoring employees[...]
Our #WMTechTalk is hosted by our Technology & Digital Team, and began with a recent […]
Our #WMTechTalk is hosted by our Technology & Digital Team, and began with a recent webinar on ‘Monitoring employees at home’. The webinar was chaired by Sally Mewies, Head of Technology & Digital, and she was joined by panelists Charlotte Smith, Senior Associate in our Employment team and Christian Brundell, Associate in our Regulatory team.
The team discussed topics such as “what are my responsibilities for employees whilst working from home from a health and safety perspective?”, “Can I monitor their working practices whilst at home?” and “Can I force them to come into the office for certain meetings or on certain days?”.
Watch the webinar here:
Visit our Future World of Work hub here.

Webinar recording: Out with the old and in[...]
Walker Morris’ Employment team recently held a webinar panel discussion to share their thoughts and […]
Walker Morris’ Employment team recently held a webinar panel discussion to share their thoughts and opinions on the practical effects of the end of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and what we know so far about the Job Support Scheme.
The team discussed the Job Retention Bonus as well as commonly asked Covid-19 related questions to help employers to keep up to date with the rapidly changing legal landscape.
Watch the webinar here:

Webinar recording: Natural capital virtual panel debate with[...]
Walker Morris’ Planning & Environment Partner Alison Ogley recently held a a virtual panel debate […]
Walker Morris’ Planning & Environment Partner Alison Ogley recently held a a virtual panel debate with SLR Consulting on setting the scene on Natural Capital and environmental legislative breaches and the financial consequences.
The panel included Alison Ogley, partner at Walker Morris, Stewart Lenton, Operations Manager and Sue Swain, Head of Client Management for SLR Consulting.
The webinar covered topics such as:
- What is Natural Capital and why is it increasing in prominence?
- What are the benefits of adopting a Natural Capital approach?
- How businesses struggle with identifying the wide range of environmental risks and associated financial consequences of legislation breaches
- How to ensure the issue isn’t seen as a ‘box ticking exercise’, but one that manages to prevent and minimise compliance breaches
Watch the webinar here:

Webinar recording: Dilapidations and Disrepair in Commercial Leases
Walker Morris’ Real Estate Litigation team and Radius Consulting presented a webinar on Dilapidations and […]
Walker Morris’ Real Estate Litigation team and Radius Consulting presented a webinar on Dilapidations and Disrepair in Commercial Leases.
The webinar considered legal and valuation topics such as:
- effectively managing lease end dilapidations
- common areas of dispute
- how much should a tenant be obliged to pay for disrepair at the end of the lease?
- what is the Dilapidations Protocol?
Watch the webinar here:

WM Video: Keeping Trade Moving Revisited
Last October our in-house lawyer training day sought to address the question of how can […]
Last October our in-house lawyer training day sought to address the question of how can we keep trade moving? We looked at issues such as: the speed of change, Brexit, collaboration and the changing customer.
However, a lot has happened in the last 12 months! Whilst many issues are still relevant, we have re-run the interviews with our panel from the day to talk about what are the current biggest risks to business and international trade.
In this first interview Stuart Wallace, Chief Operating Office at Forth Ports Ltd talks to Sally Mewies, Head of Tech & Digital at Walker Morris.
“Get close to your supply chain partners. Understand what needs to be done around your documentation, paperwork, procedures to ensure your goods keep moving. Get yourself up to speed with the current guidance from the government and really question and think about how your supply chain is undertaken. Do you have to rely on how it’s always been done?” Stuart Wallace, Chief Operating Officer at Forth Ports.
Learn more on our supply chain disputes health check services here.

Webinar recording: The impact of COVID-19 and Brexit[...]
James Crayton, Gwendoline Davies and Nick Lees presented a webinar discussing trends in contracting and the […]
James Crayton, Gwendoline Davies and Nick Lees presented a webinar discussing trends in contracting and the global supply chain, offering practical tips on assessing contract risk and advising on the steps needed to protect organisations.
Read about our Supply Chain Contracts Health Check here.
Watch the webinar here:
It covered:
- How do we balance supply chain efficiency with supply chain robustness?
- What are the knock-on effects of COVID-19 on contractual relationships/logistics/warehousing going forward?
- How should we set up our supply chain differently to ensure our business is robust and prepared, moving from just in time to just in case/ What are the key terms we have to renegotiate?
- How do we deal with management of contracts (frustration, force majeure) in the context of COVID-19 and Brexit
To learn more about our Supply Chain Disputes services please click here.

WM Video Nugget: Force Majeure & Frustration how[...]
Click here to register for our webinar on this topic. Also read our related article […]
Click here to register for our webinar on this topic.
Also read our related article here.
Businesses worldwide are facing an array of supply chain disruption and complexities. Nick Lees, Commercial Litigation Partner at Walker Morris defines ‘force majeure’ & ‘frustration’ and discusses how force majeure & Frustration can be of assistance when managing contracts in a supply chain in this short video.

Webinar Recording: Managing your property portfolio in the[...]
David Manda and Lewis Couth (both Real Estate Litigation) presented a live webinar on ‘Managing […]
David Manda and Lewis Couth (both Real Estate Litigation) presented a live webinar on ‘Managing your property portfolio in the pandemic and beyond’ for landlords and tenants on how to tackle the property portfolio management challenges caused by Coronavirus/COVID-19.
The webinar offered practical advice and tips on how to maximise the value in your property and how to tackle some of the common real estate dispute issues organisations are currently facing.
It covered:
- The impact of COVID-19 on the payment of rent – is insurance a solution?
- The enforceability of tenant covenants and guarantors.
- The changing face of the high street – unlocking value in your portfolio through alternative uses.

Webinar Recording: Employee engagement and future HR trends[...]
Andrew Rayment and Charlotte Smith (both Employment) presented a live Q&A webinar discussion on ‘Employee […]
Andrew Rayment and Charlotte Smith (both Employment) presented a live Q&A webinar discussion on ‘Employee engagement and future HR trends’. Walker Morris employment lawyers were joined by Lisa Rowlinson-Brown, People Director at Symington’s, Steve Joyce, HR Director at Airedale International Air Conditioning and Catherine de la Poer, Leadership Developer at Halcyon Coaching.
The webinar included discussions around topics such as:
- Agile and flexible working
- The use of technology and its impact on the workforce
- Mental health and well-being
- Employee engagement and representation
- Equality and diversity
- Incentivising and retaining employees
You can also find a one page downloadable summary of the webinar here.

WM Video Nuggets: EU–US Privacy Shield invalidated by[...]
Click here to read our article on this topic. The Court of Justice of the […]
Click here to read our article on this topic.
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has hit the final nail in the coffin of the beleaguered EU-US Privacy Shield. Andrew Northage, one of our data protection and privacy experts, summarises the judgment and what this means for transfers to the USA, as well as the potential implications for post-Brexit Britain, in this short video nugget.

WM video nuggets: Preparing for Brexit: Business Immigration
We recently held a live webinar “Preparing for Brexit: Business Immigration” covering the forthcoming changes […]
We recently held a live webinar “Preparing for Brexit: Business Immigration” covering the forthcoming changes to the UK immigration system and how organisations should prepare.
Below are a range of bitesize videos taken from the Q&A section of the webinar covering some very important questions.
- Will the removal of the resident labour market test and expansion of the SOC code be relevant to all?
- What’s the process for a sponsor application for a group of companies, by head office or PAYE No.?
- If an employee has expired ID, but was hired when it was still valid, after 2021 can we require new valid ID following proof of settlement document being received?
- The timescales for processing and making applications etc, are obviously quite long. Are there any fast track options available?
- Is there any chance at all that the new system is going to be delayed by the pandemic?
- Is it possible for sponsored employees to be furloughed and have their wages reduced under the Job Retention Scheme?
- Will the Immigration Health Surcharge still apply under the new system?
Click here to watch our full webinar recording.
Will the removal of the resident labour market test and expansion of the SOC code be relevant to all?
What’s the process for a sponsor application for a group of companies, by head office or PAYE No.?
If an employee has expired ID, but was hired when it was still valid, after 2021 can we require new valid ID following proof of settlement document being received?
The timescales for processing and making applications etc, are obviously quite long. Are there any fast track options available?
Is there any chance at all that the new system is going to be delayed by the pandemic?
Is it possible for sponsored employees to be furloughed and have their wages reduced under the Job Retention Scheme?
Will the Immigration Health Surcharge still apply under the new system?

Webinar Recording: Preparing for Brexit – Business Immigration
Visit our Business Immigration Hub here. Shabana Muneer (Employment) presented a live webinar on ‘Preparing […]
Visit our Business Immigration Hub here.
Shabana Muneer (Employment) presented a live webinar on ‘Preparing for Brexit: Business Immigration’.
The webinar covered the forthcoming changes to the UK immigration system and how organisations should prepare, along with other issues including:
- the impact of Brexit and the end of freedom of movement on the recruitment of EU nationals from January 2021 onwards
- a brief overview of the UK’s current immigration system
- what the new points based immigration system will look like, including changes existing sponsor licence holders need to be aware of
- practical steps organisations can be taking now to make sure they are ready for the new regime:
– the importance of early sponsor licence applications where one is not already in place and training staff on sponsor obligations;
– workforce planning for January 2021 onwards
– ensuring right to work policies are up-to-date and compliant with the new regime
– plugging the skills gap – investment in technology and automation
– dealing with increased recruitment costs - impact of Covid-19 on migrant workers:
– automatic visa extensions
– changes to some application processes
– specific considerations for laying off / salary reductions / redundancy
– temporary right to work checks.
They also looked answered attendee questions in a Q&A session.

Business immigration series
Employment Team help businesses prepare for changes to UK business immigration system The Walker Morris […]
Employment Team help businesses prepare for changes to UK business immigration system
The Walker Morris Employment Team is helping organisations to prepare for the forthcoming changes to the UK business immigration system by launching a series of videos and webinars.
View the video series on our Business Immigration hub here, or you can watch all 15 videos below.
Despite speculation that proposed changes to the immigration system might be delayed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government is still currently committed to ending free movement for EU nationals when the Brexit transition period ends on 31 December 2020.
As such, employers of EU and Non-EU nationals need to prepare for these changes.
The Government is now actively encouraging employers who do not currently have a sponsor licence, but who may need to recruit from outside the UK in the future, to apply for one as soon as possible.
Register for our webinar to learn more and find out what practical steps organisations can be taking now to make sure they are ready for the new regime. Register here.
Visit the rest of our digital academy here.

WM Video Nuggets: Employment law considerations for homeworking[...]
Click here to read our article on this topic. In the wake of the […]
Click here to read our article on this topic.
In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, employers are now having to consider a wide-range of alternative working arrangements and think more creatively about how their businesses operate. Whilst a full scale return to work will be on the cards at some point in the future, a return to work environments as they were previously known is unlikely to be possible at this stage. In practical terms, employers have been forced to consider how measures can be implemented to reduce the risk of infection in the work-place meaning that, on any given day, a large proportion of their workforce may be working from home. Shabana Muneer from our Employment team summarises the issues faced in this short video nugget.
Learn more on our Future World of Work hub here.

WM Video Nuggets: Dividends – key considerations for[...]
Should we pay at company dividends? In these three mini videos Walker Morris Corporate Partner […]
Should we pay at company dividends? In these three mini videos Walker Morris Corporate Partner Richard Naish provides a quick summary of the key issues for Directors to consider when paying dividends; the difference between interim and final dividends; and what they need to consider if they no longer want to pay dividends.

WM video nuggets: The Future World of Work:[...]
We recently held a live webinar ‘The Future World of Work: Life After Lockdown’ covering […]
We recently held a live webinar ‘The Future World of Work: Life After Lockdown’ covering the key health and safety and employment considerations for employers as the lock-down eases.
Below are a range of bitesize videos taken from the Q&A section of the webinar covering some very important questions.
- Will employers be expected to pickup some of the cost of furloughed employees after August?
- Is anxiety about using public transport a valid reason not to return to the workplace?
- Can employees be forced to take holidays?
- Can I tell employees if a co-worker has tested positive for Covid19?
- People who find it difficult to work at home all of the time but they’re coming into work some of the time, can they argue that this is consistent with the guidance?
- Do we need evidence of health issues?
- Should we consider obtaining consent from employees on their return to work?
- Does the Health and Safety Representative have to be nominated by the employees?
- If over 70’s return to the workplace, of their own choice does the business face a great liability if they get covid19, even if they’ve done everything possible, including providing PPE?
- What happens when employees raise concerns about safety in their workplace and they’re not satisfied with the outcome?
- Can we require employees to have their temperature checked each day before entering the workplace?
Click here to watch our full webinar recording.
Will employers be expected to pickup some of the cost of furloughed employees after August?
Is anxiety about using public transport a valid reason not to return to the workplace?
Can employees be forced to take holidays?
Can I tell employees if a co-worker has tested positive for Covid19?
People who find it difficult to work at home all of the time but they’re coming into work some of the time, can they argue that this is consistent with the guidance?
Do we need evidence of health issues?
Should we consider obtaining consent from employees on their return to work?
Does the Health and Safety Representative have to be nominated by the employees?
If over 70’s return to the workplace, of their own choice does the business face a great liability if they get covid19, even if they’ve done everything possible, including providing PPE?
What happens when employees raise concerns about safety in their workplace and they’re not satisfied with the outcome?
Can we require employees to have their temperature checked each day before entering the workplace?
Learn more on our Future World of Work hub here.

WM Video Nugget: Stadium Lockdown: a look at[...]
Click here to read our article on this topic. With a potential return of Premier […]
Click here to read our article on this topic.
With a potential return of Premier League football across the country edging closer, there are many practical and commercial issues which all Clubs will need to consider in relation to hosting matches without fans being in physical attendance. Our Sports Commercial Team summarises the key commercial issues in staging Premier League matches behind closed doors in this short video nugget.

Webinar Recording: The Future World of Work: Life[...]
Claire Burrows (Regulatory) and Charlotte Smith (Employment) presented a live webinar on ‘The Future World of Work: […]
Claire Burrows (Regulatory) and Charlotte Smith (Employment) presented a live webinar on ‘The Future World of Work: Life After Lockdown’.
The webinar covered practical advice for businesses as the lock-down eases, including:
- Coronavirus risk assessments
- social distancing in the workplace
- dealing with employee concerns
- post-furlough workforce planning
- what we can learn from the home-working experiment.
They also looked at the key health and safety and employment considerations for employers, answering attendee questions in a Q&A session.
You can also download our “Road Out of Lockdown Checklists” for help to get your company COVID-19 secure here.
Visit our Future World of Work hub here.

WM video nuggets: What should we learn from[...]
There’s lots of talk at the moment about the potential return to the office, what […]
There’s lots of talk at the moment about the potential return to the office, what that will look like and how it will be implemented. But businesses should also consider what they’ve learned from this huge homeworking experiment.
Charlotte Smith, Senior Associate in the Employment Team at Walker Morris offers three key considerations in a bite-sized video.
Watch our webinar recording on “The Future World of Work: Life after Lockdown” here.
Learn more on our Future World of Work hub here.

WM podcasts: What should we learn from the[...]
There’s lots of talk at the moment about the potential return to the office, what […]
There’s lots of talk at the moment about the potential return to the office, what that will look like and how it will be implemented. But businesses should also consider what they’ve learned from this huge homeworking experiment.
Charlotte Smith, Senior Associate in the Employment Team at Walker Morris offers three key considerations in this podcast.
Find out more about:
“The Future World of Work: Life after Lockdown” in our webinar on Thursday 14 May 2020. Further details here.