North West Business Insider.
August 2006
 
Starting your own business feature.
 
“…With the right measures in place, there’s no reason why a change in circumstances between partners should have an undue impact on the business. Without a formal structure, however, a fall-out between friends can easily take the business with it.

“You often hear: ‘Oh we’re the best of mates, I’d trust him with my life.’  But my response is simple: nobody knows the future. Your partner may drop down dead. What happens to his shares? Or what is you have a disagreement and the other partners vote to downgrade your shares? It’s much better to sort out these issues at the beginning, than later on when real money may be involved, “ says Terry Osborn, a partner at nexus solicitors.

Nexus Recommended in Legal 500.
2006 edition

Recommended – Corporate and Commercial
nexus Solicitors continues to impress in the local owner-managed business sector, with department head Jamie Lloyd active on acquisitions and disposals. Commercial work in media and sports continues to flow into the office, and the firm's stated intention of partner-led, one-to-one service is a hit with clients. The arrival of highly rated Melanie Yeomans from Keoghs was a further boost.
 
Recommended – Commercial Property
Desmond O'Driscoll leads an increasingly active real estate practice at nexus Solicitors, which is expanding into the leisure and retail sectors with some high-profile clients, in transactional matters as well as in landlord and tenant work.
 
Recommended – Sport
Tony Brook's group at nexus Solicitors has advised SMG in relation to various stadia and arena projects. The team was also instructed by the organisers of the Tsunami Soccer Aid event held at Liverpool Football Club.

New Partner at Nexus.
August 2006

Manchester based nexus has strengthened its corporate and commercial team with the appointment of Melanie Yeomans as a partner. 

Melanie specialises in corporate finance, M&A work, shareholder issues, partnership matters and corporate governance advice.  She will work alongside partner Jamie Lloyd to develop the department and her appointment brings the number of partners at nexus to eight.

Commenting on her decision to join nexus she said, “nexus is a young and dynamic team with an excellent reputation and a fantastic corporate client list and I am very excited to be joining them.”

Melanie, 35, joins from Keoghs and prior to that she headed up the UK corporate desk of the Clifford Chance Paris office.

Partner Jamie Lloyd said, “Attracting someone of Melanie’s calibre is a real coup.  The knowledge and skills she brings with her complements our existing team while adding additional abilities that will help our current plans for development and growth”

nexus, which celebrates its sixth anniversary this summer, has experienced significant growth in the last 12 months, with three new partners joining already this year, and a number of strategic internal promotions.

Nexus Deals.
August 2006

Manchester solicitor Jamie Lloyd, partner at nexus, in conjunction Stephen Frazer at corporate finance advisers Bentley Jennison, recently advised the shareholders of Global Maritime Holdings Limited on the sale of their shares to the management team for an undisclosed sum.

Global Maritime is a London based consultancy firm that provides clients across the world with specialist engineering and marine expertise.

New Head of Employment.

Nexus solicitors has appointed Carl Moran as a partner and Head of Employment. Carl, who joins from Eversheds, will be responsible for developing the department which works with commercial clients ranging from owner -managed businesses to major corporates.

Commenting on the appointment Carl said, “I was attracted to nexus because they are a young dynamic firm where the partners are very hands-on with clients. I'm looking forward to joining the team and helping to continue the development of the business.”

Nexus celebrates its sixth anniversary this year and has reported record year-end figures. Plans for the immediate future include recruitment in core areas, investing in new departments for the firm, and securing additional office space.

Copy Matters.
Adline magazine March 2006

Like most businesses, creative agencies probably feel that the fewer times they have to step into a solicitor's office the better. Quite rightly, the time of those in the advertising, marketing and PR industries is better spent doing what they do best; creating, designing and innovating.
Unfortunately however, the creative industries can attract a great deal of (unwelcome) legal attention, much of which could be easily avoided if agencies were better informed about the legalities surrounding their respective professions. More often than not the problems that arise are related to copyright or brand protection issues, such as use of trade marks in campaigns or comparative advertising for example.

A case that might ring a bell involved the ownership of the copyright of a logo designed for the UK manufacturer of Dr. Marten's footwear. An advertising agency had been commissioned to design a logo for the advertising campaign and it, in turn, commissioned a freelancer to fulfil that part of its brief.

The freelancer, as designer of the logo (copyright works include logos, designs, copy etc) was the first owner of the copyright. The case sounds a warning note here to all agencies that commission freelance work - you may find your right to use and reproduce the work is restricted or only available at additional cost, even if the freelancer has been paid! (The law relating to employees is different, with work done in the course of employment belonging to the employer.)
Now the fact is that the freelancer in the Dr Marten's case lost. But, and this is the point, the case went all the way to the Court of Appeal, no doubt at considerable legal cost; uncertainty and risk of losing; inconvenience and devotion of management time.

It all could have been so simple. A written engagement, in letter form, could have confirmed who owned copyright and no one need have ended up in court. As an aside it would be interesting to know if the advertising agency kept the client….

For marketers, regulation is quickly becoming a minefield, not least because data is often collected by others. All agencies should ask themselves a few straightforward questions such as are we up to date on best practice as regards data protection? Have we even notified our business to the Information Commissioner (who used to be called the Data Protection Registrar)? For £35 you can avoid both a criminal offence and the potentially serious and costly consequences.Those working in digital media should be aware of how unsolicited direct marketing by e-mail has been affected by The Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations of 2003. The ASA also takes a keen interest in database practice. Did you know you cannot market by e-mail unless you have the consent of the recipient; you or your client is already dealing with that person; the mailshot is for similar products or services to those already being dealt in and there has not been an opt out? Has the division of responsibility for compliance been agreed between agency and client?

Law and regulation doesn't go away and, to return to my opening statement, the less time you have to spend in a solicitor's office the better. So while you're busy creating award-winning campaigns, spare a thought in advance for some of the detail - and save yourself a heap of time and money in the process.

Terry Osborn, Partner, nexus solicitors

New Partner at nexus.
10th Jan 2006

The New Year has got off to a flying start for Manchester based nexus solicitors, with the announcement that Phil Turner, founder and former partner at Turner Parkinson, has joined the firm. Phil, who set up Turner Parkinson in 1995, specialises in contentious IP and chancery litigation.

Phil has joined as a partner in the firms IP department, where he will work alongside nexus partner Terry Osborn, who specialises in non-contentious IP.

Commenting on his move to nexus Phil said, “nexus is a dynamic, people focused firm and I have always been impressed with what I've seen and heard about the way the partners are so directly involved with the clients. They have a very refreshing approach to business and I am looking forward to being part of such a forward thinking firm.”

nexus founding partner Chris Pugh said, “Phil joins us at an exciting time in the firm's development. We are investing heavily in producing a team of specialists able to advise on all aspects of IP exploitation and protection, and that is able to service, in particular, our expanding retail, leisure and creative industries client base. Phil's skills will complement those of our existing team and he brings a wealth of experience and know-how with him”.

Debbie Dunroamin'
10th Jan 2006

Debbie Illsley (formerly an associate partner) is returning to nexus solicitors having taken a sabbatical year teaching English to children in Tanzania, including two months spent travelling around Uganda and Ethiopia. Debbie worked for the Village Education Project, a charity aimed at improving children's education, and lived and worked in a small village in the foothills of Kilimanjaro.

Debbie will return to her position at nexus as an associate partner, where she specialises in litigation with an emphasis on property litigation. She said “My year in Africa was a fantastic experience working for a charity that makes a huge difference to children's lives. I intend to continue fundraising for them now I am back in the UK but I'm also pleased to be returning to nexus and focusing on my legal career.”

nexus founding partner Chris Pugh said, “It will be great to see Debbie back. She is a real asset to the firm and rejoins us at an exciting time in the firm's development; last year was our busiest yet and our projections suggest this will continue in 2006”.

For further information on the Village Education Project please visit www.kiliproject.org

Manchester Evening News
23rd August 2005

Nexus solicitors is seeking larger premises as it targets 40 per cent growth over the next three years.

The firm, which is currently based in Albert Square, Manchester, is looking to double the size of its offices to cater for its ambitious expansion plans.

Nexus celebrates its fifth anniversary this month after a record year in which turnover increased by 28 per cent, from £1.9m to £2.44m.  Staff Numbers are up to 41.

It currently covers commercial property, corporate finance, commercial, dispute resolution, employment, sports and media work but is looking to expand into areas such as insolvency and is recruiting.

Clients include sandwich chain Subway and Swinton Insurance.

Legal500
Nexus Recommended in Legal 500, 2005 edition

Corporate & Commercial
 
“Five-partner firm nexus Solicitors was initially established as a commercial boutique focusing on a local OMB client base, but has branched out into the media and sports world on the back of clients from those sectors. Clients are impressed with the accessible, 'first-rate' one-to-one service of Tony Brook.”

Commercial Property

“Under Desmond O'Driscoll, nexus Solicitors has established a thriving real estate practice that focuses on landlord and tenant matters within the retail sector.”

Liverpool and Manchester Design Initiative
24th August 2005

IP expert and nexus partner, Terry Osborn is giving a presentation on copyright and IP, to the Liverpool and Manchester Design Initiative, a charity funded to provide practical advice and specialist information to producers, purchasers and commissioners of design, craft and visual arts.

The seminar will take place on August 24th at Arts Council of England,
Manchester House, 22 Bridge Street. For further information please contact 0845 300 6200.

Manchester Evening News
17th May 2005

It's been a good year for business- Annual Law Review

"Turnover at nexus rocketed by 28 per cent……... The firm reported turnover up from £1.9m to £2.44m"

Manchester Evening News
12th April 2005

Keeping on top of the bullies

Employers need to tread with increasing care in respect of bullying and harassment claims, experts are warning. A new case reported in the Court of Appeal last month (Majrowski v Guy's & St Thomas's NHS Trust) could have a big impact on harassment cases

The Court of Appeal held by a majority, that there was nothing in the wording or policy of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 that prevented an employer being vicariously liable for harassment by its employees, as long as there was a sufficiently close connection with employment.

This decision means that an employee can sue an employer for damages for harassment by a co-worker. 'Harassment' is not clearly defined in the Act, but probably includes workplace bullying or a series of unreasonable instructions. The employee now has a cause of action against the employer which s/he might not previously have had as claimants are expressly permitted to recover damages for anxiety caused by the harassment under the 1997 Act.

Commenting on the case Helen Morley, Head of Employment Law at nexus solicitors said, "Communication is the key to good employee relations and one of the best defences against workplace bullying. If staff know what is going on and are kept informed they can adapt to new circumstances, so often the cause of bullying and harassment claims and feel part of what's going on rather than alienated from it. Employers should also have a specific Dignity at Work Policy and regular staff training, to show that they take these issues seriously."

North West Business Insider
February 2005

Deals - 2004 Review
Partner, Jamie Lloyd

How was 2004 for you and your firm?
Our busiest year yet. We certainly benefited from another year in the market with introductions increasingly coming from banks and other institutions.

What themes emerged in 2004?
There is still no shortage of deals in the mid-market - just bigger firms trying to muscle back in to a market they previously walked away from.

How is 2005 going to shape up (what themes will emerge etc)?
There are a growing number of niche legal, corporate finance, accounting and PR practices in the North West, many of which have been set up fairly recently by young entrepreneurial teams. These businesses are showing an increasing enthusiasm to work together and develop a network of likeminded individuals who will, in time, challenge the establishment

What deal do you wish you'd done?
I don't covet my neighbour's ox. I'm very happy with my own.

Manchester Evening News
February 8th 2005

Charity goal for law firm

"A Manchester law firm is providing free advice to organizers of a soccer match which aims to raise £1m for tsunami victims. Solicitors at nexus have been enlisted to help on matters ranging from TV rights to merchandising.

The game between a team of Liverpool Legends and a Celebrity XI will take place at Liverpool's Anfield stadium on Easter Sunday, March 27. It will kick-off at 4pm and will feature pre-match and half-time entertainment, with prizes.

Some of Liverpool's most famous players will be turning out in the club's famous red strip, including Kevin Keegan, striker Robbie Fowler and Kenny Dalglish. The squad will be managed by ex-Reds boss Roy Evans. Nexus has been appointed as office solicitors to Tsunami SoccerAid, the vehicle for the match.

Partner Terry Osborn, who is leading the nexus team said: "This looks set to be a memorable event and simply couldn't be for a better cause. We are pleased to be involved and didn't hesitate for a second when we were asked.

"The idea for the game came from former Liverpool and Bolton player Jason McAteer, who watched a TV documentary on the disaster and was spurred to do something to help.

"He is at Tranmere now but while he was at Liverpool, he went to the Far East as an ambassador for the club, setting up soccer schools. Jason spoke to his agent, Dave Lockwood, a long-standing client of ours, about the idea. Dave took it up with us and we were happy to become involved on a pro-bono basis."

Intellectual property partner Terry, 44, who lives in Whalley Range, added: "We are looking after everything legal that needs to be done.

"We have set up a company called Tsunami Soccer Aid which is limited by guarantee. We are also looking at contracts, merchandising, negotiating over media rights, programmes, insurance and so on."

Accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth, which acts fro Jason McAteer and Dave Lockwood is also providing services on a pro bono basis. Its tam includes Paul Booth from the Manchester office.

Manchester Evening News
January 11th 2005

Property Preview 2005

"Changes in the law on leases, which could mean that upwards only rent reviews would become less frequent might provide some drama warns Des O'Driscoll, head of property at nexus solicitors.

"It will be interesting to observe developments in 2005 in the ongoing attempt by retailers to derail the current upwards-only rent review system, whereby rents can only move upwards or sideways during the period of a lease. Tenants see this system as inherently iniquitous and an affront to a true open marketplace. Landlords will argue that such a ban would impact on funding for new developments. This squabble will run and run."

Manchester Evening News
November 16th 2004

Employment Law feature

"…Helen Morley, associate partner at Manchester law firm Nexus says that too many employers still don't know the law. "Despite the publicity surrounding unfair dismissal and the wealth of information available to employers from sources such as the DTI and ACAS employers still seem to keep getting dismissals wrong," she said. But, she says, even when they do know the rules they often do not more than comply with the minimum requirements and that could lead to more problems.
"From October 1, controversial new employment legislation came into force which attempts to improve the resolution of disputes in the workplace. These rules will have a fundamental impact on businesses and significantly change the future of employment law. The consequences of non-compliance with the set procedures are serious.

"From my own experience since these new rules came into force a number of employers think that all they now have to do is follow the three step procedure for dismissing an employee. If they only follow this limited procedure they will still face claims of unfair dismissal."

North West Business Insider
October 2004

Employment law feature - Harassment

…."The new ruling should certainly help stem the flood of false claims, where people effectively walk out of a job and then put in a claim of harassment just to try their luck," argues Helen Morley, head of employment, Nexus solicitors, Manchester, "Employees like this know that employers will more often than not settle out of court just to save themselves the hassle of the tribunal process, so they'll probably get £500 or so out of it. But now that option won't be open."
Morley maintains that communication is the key to good employee relations and the best defence against workplace bullying. "If staff know what's going on and are kept informed they can adapt to new circumstances - which are so often the cause of bullying and harassment claims - and feel part of what's going on rather than alienated from it."

She also believes that more publicity on the issue of bullying and harassment would be helpful. "There's a risk of the workplace becoming like a school playground if people aren't given clear guidelines. Employers need to be made aware there's a risk because they are liable for employee's behaviour."

Manchester Evening News
October 26th 2004

John Jones, Iain Round, Lee Rogers, Paul Shaw and Philip Walmsley of Manchester accountants Beever and Struthers advised entrepreneur Andrew Dowd on his £4m acquisition of MGM Precision Engineering, of Newcastle, Nick Marshall and Jamie Lloyd, of Nexus, were legal advisers.

Manchester Evening News
July 27th 2004

Nexus solicitors of Manchester has a new retail services unit, offering advice on property, commercial, dispute resolution and employment matters to clients such as Moben Kitchens and Dolphin Bathrooms.

Manchester Evening News
May 18th 2004

Law Review League Table

Nexus appeared 18th in the turnover league table and reported one of the largest percentage increases at 18.8%

…."At Nexus an innovative Manchester law firm established less than four years ago, jeans and casual shirts are the order of the day. The dress code aims to reflect the needs of its largely owner-manager clients. Dr Martens boots-clad partner Jamie Lloyd says dressing down is a step towards demystifying the legal system. "At the end of the day wearing a pinstriped suit and a spotty tie doesn't make you a better lawyer. We're just another service provider and we're here to provide a service to our clients in the best way we possibly can, " proclaims the plain-speaking Lloyd. "We're no different from plumbers, electricians: we have a particular skill in a particular area. It's as simple as that." Nexus's egalitarian approach is at odds with a profession that still believes in a formal dress code as a way of life. "We're just as professional as a more traditional practice that insists on their staff wearing suits and shirts and ties, " says Lloyd. "Generally speaking the legal profession is over-stuffy, over-conceited, over-full of its own importance and tradition."

Nexus imposes no dress rules on its staff but the office's relaxed atmosphere has never led to reprimands for inappropriate attire. "If you give people the responsibility to decide for themselves what to wear they will be sensible and intelligent about it," explains Lloyd. "We're not going to tell people, for example that they must wear a pair of chinos with deck shoes and a polo shirt, which is just another uniform that far too many people wear and it just looks completely naff and 1980s."

A major benefit of the firms jeans and comfy shoes approach is that staff feel comfortable at work, especially in the summer when hot weather makes tie-wearing a form of corporate torture. "It suits the type of firm we are," concludes Lloyd, "We're all young-ish and casual clothes reflect the way we work with our clients. A lot of people think unless they're putting a suit on they're not in a work mode. But if you can't motivate yourself to work any other way than by putting on a suit then it's a fairly sad state of affairs."

Manchester Evening News
19th March

Nexus solicitors has advised sports goods retailer Streetwise Sports on its technical sponsorship deal with Oldham Athletic. The deal, which covers the 2004/05 season, includes supplying playing and replica kit under its Carlotti brand and other branding and promotional rights.

Oldham Athletic was recently taken over by a group of US investors and has appointed Brian Talbot, formerly of Rushden and Diamonds, as its new manager following Ian Dowie's departure for Crystal Palace.

Entrepreneur, RED TAPE section
February 2004

"The Equal Opportunities Commission is set to crack down on bosses who unfairly pay a better wage to men doing the same job as their female counterparts.

The Commission revised its Code of Practice last December after it was found that women working full-time earn on average 18 per cent less than male counterparts, while women working part-time earn 40 per cent less an hour than full-time male employees.

Employers now have an obligation to check they are complying with the legislation and that their pay system is fair. The Commission has an equal pay questionnaire which, if served on an employer, must be completed in eight weeks. Failure to do so would not be looked upon favourably by employment tribunals should any failure claim arise.

Employers are being urged to review their pay systems to make sure they reward performance and competence rather than gender."

Helen Morley, nexus solicitors

Legal 500 Regional Review - NW
(www.legal500.com)

Nexus Solicitors opened in Manchester in August 2000. The snappily branded firm comprises a number of impressive individuals under a determinedly progressive banner. The firm wins plaudits for its attention to detail, expertise and speed of response.

Recommended in Corporate & Commercial

The practice is owner-managed-focused and acts on transactions typically around the £4m mark. The team also manages tax support and general commercial work. Clients include Orapi SA, Streetwise Sports Company Ltd and MKD Holdings.

Manchester Evening News
23rd September

Like litigation, employment law is to an extent recession-proof and it has been a growth area for the region's law firms over the past 12 months. Indeed, as firms seek to cut costs with redundancies and changes to working patterns, it often leads to more work for employers. "Employers and employees will always need advice on matters like contracts or disputes no matter what the prevailing economic circumstances. Our employment department as been particularly busy this year and indications are that this will be a growth area in 2003" says Nick Marshall, a partner at Nexus Solicitors.

nexus has sponsored Alan Robinson, Financial Director of nexus client SMG Europe, as he races his AHS Challenger in the Formula Vee Championships. Formula Vee is an amateur racing sport using single-seater cars that can reach speeds of up to 140 mph on the racetrack. Alan has been racing for 8 years and last year he won the 'B Championship'. This year, with support from all at nexus, he will be aiming his sights on the 'A Championship'

Entrepreneur
September 2003

How To... Form a Relationship With a Competitor

There are rare occasions when co-operation with a competitor is better than co-existence. Nick Marshall from law firm nexus explains how to reach a suitable agreement.

If you are both working on similar projects, a pooling of resources may expose each to less risk and accelerate the timetable. Or you might both be considering entering a new market and a co-ordinated approach may make it happen quicker and at shared expense.

· If you don't already know, find out who your opposite number is within your competitor's business and arrange to meet them for exploratory talks.

· If matters progress, you'll need to take advice to determine the structure of the relationship be it a loose form of collaboration or a more joint venture. The former is often popular among hi-tech firms working on a new invention or development, whereas the latter is favoured by companies looking to exploit a new market or territory - if the partner is in a different country a formal structure can help avoid misunderstandings.

· Whatever the arrangement, be wary of anti-competition laws. Make sure that your agreement does not amount to an anti-competitive practice such as price fixing or the establishment of a cartel.

Manchester Evening News
11th March 2003

Designs on United Star

Nick Marshall, a partner at Manchester law firm, nexus, acted for Manchester United and England star Rio Ferdinand over his 3 year, 6 figure contract to become the new face of Fashion Giant Ben Sherman.

Ferdinand will front an add campaign to coincide with the designer's 40th birthday.

Entrepreneur
October 2002

The Venture Capitalist and The Lawyer Richard Lewis of North West Equity Fund and Nick Marshall of Nexus offer an opinion on a business proposal by Wei Li Corporate Services to market Chinese versions of traditional board games such as Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit.

Legal 500 (www.legal500.com)
October 2002

nexus Solicitors commercial department which includes highly rated Stephen Isherwood, enjoys a growing reputation in the local market.

Manchester Evening News
September 10th

Carrwood merges with Barker Pensions
Carrwood Financial Planning, part of the Ford Campbell chartered accountancy group, has merged with south Manchester firm Barker Pensions and Investments to create a 28-strong outfit based in the city.

The new business, Carrwood Barker, advises individuals and firms on investment, mortgage, healthcare, insurance and pensions issues.

Addleshaw Booth and Nexus Solicitors provided legal advice.

North West Business Insider
September 2002

Frederick's Dairies, the world's largest manufacturer of choc ices and sole UK manufacturer of Cadbury's ice-creams, has appointed Manchester-based law firm Nexus as a legal adviser.

The solicitors will be carrying out commercial work on behalf of the Skelmersdale company.

North West Business Insider
August 2002

There's still room for small firms to excel, especially those committed to a partner-focused approach. Manchester's Nexus Solicitors is less than two years old and already has more than 1,600 clients. Partner Des O'Driscoll is enjoying the status as a respected niche practice: "When clients pick up the phone they know they'll not be put through to an office junior. We're all from established city firms and can offer the same experience at better value for money".

Entrepreneur
Aug/Sept 2002

Getting a trademark registered takes about eight months in the UK alone, says Nick Marshall, IP Partner at Nexus in Manchester, and up to three years around the world; there is no universal registration- the process must be gone through in every country.

Entrepreneur
Aug/Sept 2002

Manchester solicitor Nexus has been appointed as a legal advisor to Frederick's Dairies, the world's largest manufacturer of choc-ices and exclusive UK manufacturer of Cadbury's ice-creams

Manchester Evening News
August 20th

Ice 'n' easy does it...
Nexus Solicitors licked its rivals to win the role as legal adviser to choc-ice and Cadbury's ice-cream supplier maker Frederick's Dairies, of Skelmersdale. The practice, based in Carlton House, Albert Square, Manchester, will carry out commercial work.

Manchester Evening News
July 23rd

Nexus aids smooth running of Sportcity
All eyes are on Manchester for the next Commonwealth Games... and Nexus Solicitors has played its part to help ensure the event runs smoothly.

The Manchester firm advised venue management group SMG Europe on the licensing and operations contracts for the Sportcity complex, at Eastlands, which includes the Games Stadium.

North West Business Insider
Extract from an article on Intellectual Property, June 2002.

For celebrities, whether in the sports or entertainment field, the issue of image or personality rights is of growing importance and Beckham's is likely to be the first in a long line of similar deals. It's a far from straight forward area however, made even more murky by the fact that UK law does not specifically recognise the right of people to protect their image. Nick Marshall, a partner at law firm Nexus, says: "Practically, it is quite difficult to do here and the UK is pretty much out on its own in terms of not really giving celebrities sufficient protection for their image rights. Continental Europe protects people, the United States protects people, but the UK has lagged behind in this respect."

In the absence of specific image protection, he explains that in order to protect one's image it is necessary to have recourse to a bundle of other rights which can in some circumstances offer protection, such as libel, slander, malicious falsehood, registration of trademarks, use of the Advertising Standards Authority regulations and passing off. It is the use of trade marks and the law of passing off which has commonly been used by celebrities attempting to assert some degree of control over how their image is used, but it has traditionally been a hard case to prove.

The codified nature of the legal system of many other European states explicitly includes the right to protect one's image. The German constitution, for example, says that everybody has the right to the free development of their personality and that others should not do anything to harm it, which is interpreted as meaning that you can't use someone else's image without their permission. A recent case in the UK involving Formula One driver Eddy Irvine is perhaps the first step in a recognition by the English courts that specific image rights do exist and merit protection. Irvine brought a case against TalkSport radio, claiming that by using a doctored photograph of him listening to TalkSport radio, the company was passing it off as an endorsement of its service by Irvine. To the surprise of many, the judge found in Irvine's favour, concluding that he did have the right to protect his goodwill and prevent unlicensed appropriation of his image. "It was a landmark decision," says Marshall. "It's the first time that the courts have recognised that sports stars and celebrities have what we term image rights and have been willing to afford them some protection using the laws of passing off."

Manchester Evening News
2 April 2002

Jet-set Lawyer Stephen Isherwood is clocking up thousands of miles advising on deals across the globe. Nexus… completed 26 deals last year. So far in 2002, a total of four have been completed and seven are pending.

North West Business Insider
February 2002

The year was a positive one for newcomers Nexus solicitors. "This was our first full year of trading. It was the completion of 26 corporate transactions, the majority of these being buyouts with a mix of private funding and debt finance," says corporate and commercial partner Stephen Isherwood.

In Brief
January 2002

Jamie Lloyd, corporate partner at Nexus, one of the largest new firms to open in Manchester in the last eighteen months, agrees Manchester need not be a wallflower. He believes that 'there isn't very much that couldn't be serviced in Manchester these days.'

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