Alternative Business Structures (ABSs)
New Law Solicitors licensed as an ABS
The Solicitors Regulatory Authority has confirmed that New Law Solicitors is the first Legal Disciplinary Partnership in the UK to be licensed as an Alternative Business Structure.
Online Exclusive: Tonks talks PI
Incoming Association of Personal Injury Lawyers president Karl Tonks speaks to Amy Ellis about his year in charge.
Co-op Insurance delivers £45m operating profit
Speaking to Post after the release of its results for the year end 2011, and following the announcement that Co-operative Legal Services has been granted Alternative Business Structure status, director of general insurance at Co-operative, David Neave,…
Personal injury firms feel pinch as pressure to consolidate intensifies
The sudden demise of Manchester-based personal injury law firm Donns, with ongoing cases sold on and all staff made redundant, has been hailed as a portent of market shake-up and consolidation, with other firms set to be swallowed up.
Editor's comment: Consolidation casualties coming?
The specifics of what went wrong at North West personal injury firm Donns - forcing it into administration at the cost of 42 jobs, while 2500 cases were still in progress - will remain the subject of speculation for some time.
Legal boss airs concern as first three ABSs are revealed
Spencers Solicitors director John Spencer has responded to the identity of the first three alternative business structures licensed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority by raising concerns over the impending referral fee ban.
Ageas board member and Outright founder Bright latest to join Quindell
Consultancy, software and outsourcing firm Quindell Portfolio has appointed Ageas UK board member Robert Bright to its strategy and integration advisory board.
Comment: Uncertainty is the only certainty
2012 could see a raft of changes to the insurance industry
A winning combination: interview with Paulino Fajardo and David Pollitt
Davies Arnold Cooper and Beachcroft merged in late 2011 under the DAC Beachcroft banner. Paulino Fajardo and David Pollitt discuss the tie-up and their plans for the future.
Journey through the dark: the effect of ABS on solicitors' professional indemnity business
The effect of the arrival of alternative business structures on solicitors' professional indemnity business remains unclear, with no indication of what's at the end of the tunnel.
Post magazine – 8 March 2012
The latest issue of Post magazine is now available to subscribers as a digital and interactive e-book.
Career development: BT Claims to add 20 in ABS push
BT Claims is set to recruit 20 new staff following is application to become an alternative business structure.
Market fears for unintended consequences as first ABS approval nears
The first alternative business structure could be greenlighted as early as next week.
Editor's comment: Speculation turns into action
The chatter around ‘Tesco Law’, alternative business structures and law firm consolidation appears to be getting louder each week as another eye-opening deal is unveiled to the media.
Private equity: Parabis secures Duke Street backing as links are made to prospective ABS bid
Duke Street takes a majority stake in the Parabis Group, opening the way to achieve ABS status
ABS applications to the SRA at 96 and counting
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has today revealed that the number of firms which have officially requested to be licensed as alternative business structures has almost reached the 100 mark.
Irwin Mitchell boosts ABS plans with NED appointment
Irwin Mitchell has stepped up its preparations to become an alternative business structure with the appointment of former KPMG partner Mel Egglenton as a non-executive director and chair of the law firm’s audit committee.
Broker focus - Personal lines: Survival tactics
Embattled personal lines brokers are facing a tough climate with falling incomes and business volumes, but those willing to adapt to the new environment can survive and prosper.
Quindell to add to Silverbeck ABS deal
Quindell is set to announce purchases and partnering arrangements to add to its alternative business structure deal with law firm Silverbeck Rymer.
SRA begins accepting ABS applications
The Solicitors Regulation Authority today begins accepting applications from organisations wanting to be licensed as Alternative Business Structures.
Motor insurers challenged to ditch mainstream methods for competitive advantage
Motor insurers must challenge mainstream thinking and draw from experiences in other industries if they are to truly gain competitive advantage over their peers according to a report out today.
Risk of conflict with ABS
The move by some legal expenses firms to develop alternative business structures under the Legal Services Act creates the risk of a conflict between the needs of underwriters and consumers, according to Arc Legal Assistance.
SRA announces January start date for ABS
The Solicitors Regulation Authority will start accepting licensing applications for alternative business structures from 3 January 2012.
Legal profession fears “Tesco law”
The new rules that allow non-lawyers to invest in and own legal businesses for the first time have come into force today – but have not been welcomed by everyone.