McCormicks

Christmas 2010

Coming of Age The 18th Yorkshire Young

Achievers Awards

Repent at Leisure Supreme Court’s ruling on

pre-nuptial agreements

“Frighteningly Good” What the legal guides say about us

Contents

Page 3

Top marks for McCormicks

Page 4

What the guides say about us

Page 5

The new Bribery Act

Page 6

Client profile

Foundation fundraisers

Page 7

Repent at leisure

Page 8

Coming of age

Page 12

Out of hours

Christmas marks the end ofanother exciting year forMcCormicks and you can readabout some of the reasons whyin this edition of the Briefing.

Two of the major highlights havebeen the excellent recommendationswe have received in the latest guidesto the legal profession (see pages 3and 4) which place our expertisefirmly in the national arena and thecreation of the Yorkshire YoungAchievers Foundation, a new charityestablished to provide direct fundingto children and young people, and toprojects benefiting them, across theregion.

As many of you know, we are veryproud of our Yorkshire roots and theformation of the Foundation reflects

McCormicks’ spring series ofseminars gets under way onMonday 28 February with thefirst of three events atHarrogate’s Hotel du Vin.

The seminar, organised by the firm’sCorporate Crime and Risk Unit, isentitled “How to avoid paying theprice” and will focus on some of thelegal pitfalls businesses can face.

The team, headed by partner GeoffRogers, will cover the new BriberyAct (see page 5); fraudulent trading,

THE ARTSMcCormicks was the mainsponsor for Kirkby OverblowDramatic Society’s latestproduction.

The Grouch, a modern take on theMisanthrope, was performed overthree nights earlier this month inthe village’s All Saints’ Church.

This was the first time the newly-refurbished church had hosted aproduction.

Christmas Greetings

Spring Seminars

this. It is, however, also necessary forany business to be able to cast itsnet wider, particularly in challengingtimes, and the fact that we are ranked nationally for four areas of law is not only gratifying but alsoreflects the determination of our

team to be the best.

As we look forward to theachievements and challenges that2011 will bring, we wish all of you ahappy and peaceful Christmas and avery successful New Year.

McCormicks partners Neil Goodrum, Peter McCormick and Geoff Rogers

private prosecutions such as tradingstandards and health and safetyissues, and civil fraud.

The event takes place from 6pm to8pm and is free but booking isessential.

For information please contact SoniaJones at McCormicks Solicitors on01423 537633 ors.jones@mccormicks-solicitors.com.

Other seminars will follow later in thespring – to register interest contactSonia as above.

SUPPORTING

The ever-popular McCormicksQuiz was once again fullysubscribed when the teamstackled questions on food anddrink at Hotel du Vin inSeptember.

Quizmaster Chris Garside donned hiswellies as part of his farmer costumefor the event which saw Park CourtChambers triumph for a second timethis year.

Competitors were challenged totaste and identify herbs and juicesand tested on their knowledge of allthings gastronomic.

The December quiz, which tookplace as we went to press, was alsofully booked, with teams on thewaiting list for the next event –watch this space!

Meet & Drink

The victorious Park Court Chambers team

Feather, Smailes and Scales test their knowledge Smith Smalley’s team

The Brewin Dolphin team

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Solicitor Chris Garside is aco-founder of the newly-launched Leeds InternationalStudent and BusinessNetwork, designed to helpbusinesses thrive overseas.

The Network links businesseswith international studentsstudying at Leeds MetropolitanUniversity to explore opportunitiesto build the reputation of regionalcompanies in overseas markets.

You know you are dealingwith a top law firm whenone of the leading guidesto the legal professiondescribes its lawyers as“frighteningly good”,“fantastically persistent”and “incredibly driven,with a clear determinationto succeed”.

Those were among thedescriptions of our solicitors inthe latest edition of ChambersUK, which has recommendedthe firm in nine areas of law,with individualrecommendations for all threepartners and Private Client andTax specialist Julia Rangecroft.

Chambers’ plaudits came justtwo months after McCormickshad been described as “aquality alternative to Leeds andYork firms” and recommendedin 12 areas of law by the UKLegal 500.

Chambers carries out researchwith clients and competitors toestablish its rankings for lawfirms and McCormicks hasbeen ranked nationally forDefamation/ReputationManagement, DisputeResolution: Mediators,Professional Discipline andSport. McCormicks is the topfirm and Peter McCormick isthe top lawyer in Yorkshire forSport; he is the only lawyer inYorkshire to be rankednationally for Defamation andReputation Management andthe top lawyer in Yorkshire forProfessional Discipline. NeilGoodrum is one of only twomediators in Yorkshire toachieve a national ranking.

The firm is ranked as one ofthe leading practices in

Yorkshire and the North East forCharities, Crime and PrivateClient and also winsrecommendation for its work onAgriculture and Rural Affairs andEmployment.

Peter McCormick isrecommended for his work infour areas of law, includingCharities and ProfessionalDiscipline.

Partner Neil Goodrum whospecialises in Employment Lawand Mediation winsrecommendations for bothareas, while Partner GeoffRogers, who heads the firm’sCorporate Crime and Risk Unit, isagain ranked top for Crime inYorkshire and the North East.

Solicitor Julia Rangecroft winspraise for her work onAgriculture and Rural Issues andis also recommended for herPrivate Client work.

The UK Legal 500 once againranks McCormicks equal first inYorkshire and the Humber for itscrime and fraud work following aseries of high-profile casesinvolving corporate crime, fraudand money laundering in 2009,with special mention for partnerGeoff Rogers.

Peter McCormick is recognisedas a Leading Individual in theYorkshire and Humber region forhis expertise in Technology,Media and Telecoms, a definition

“Frighteningly Good” Recommendations

which includes Media andEntertainment and Sport law.The firm is not only rankedequal first in Yorkshire and theHumber for its sport lawexpertise but is also one of onlytwo firms outside of the capitalto be ranked in the Londonlisting. McCormicks is alsoranked equal first in the regionfor Media and Entertainment law.

The firm’s work in Agricultureand Estates is also noted, withrecommendations for Peter

Julia Rangecroft

Chris Garside said: “Manybusinesses have aspirations tobuild up trade overseas. We havea fantastic resource in the citythat can help us understand theculture in overseas markets andhow to overcome barriers toentry. These students are decisionmakers of the future and theirfamilies and contacts are oftenexisting decision makers in seniorpositions. By linking up peopleinvolved or interested in particular

sectors we hope to reveal andunlock trading opportunities andraise the profile of our businesscommunity in overseas markets.”

Anyone who would like toknow more about theopportunities offered by theNetwork should contactSophie Ash at McCormickson 01423 530630 or ats.ash@mccormicks-solicitors.com.

INTERNATIONAL NETWORKING

Chris Garside

McCormick and JuliaRangecroft and a first-timemention for commercialproperty specialist ChrisGarside.

Its Charities team is describedas “exceptional” and the guidestates that the firm has “a solidreputation” for its work inFamily law. McCormicks’ seniorassociate, Julia Rangecroft, isdescribed as “highly regarded”for Personal Tax, Trusts andProbate matters.

Overall, McCormicks is theonly North Yorkshire firmrecommended for all 12 of thefollowing: Agriculture andEstates; Charities; CommercialLitigation; Corporate andCommercial; CommercialProperty; Crime and Fraud;Employment; Family; Mediaand Entertainment; PersonalTax, Trusts and Probate;Property Litigation and Sport.

Peter McCormick said: “Oursuperb recommendations inboth of these guides reflectthe hard work andcommitment of the wholeteam at McCormicks over asustained period. I amparticularly delighted that wehave achieved such greatrecognition nationally.”

Turn to page 4 to readwhat the guides say about us.

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What theGuides SayAbout Uspublicised kidnapping caseinvolving a well-known Yorkshirebarrister. It also has expertise inwhite-collar crime and fraudmatters, and its lawyers ‘guideclients and follow cases throughfrom A to Z.’’ Heading up thefirm's corporate crime and riskunit, Geoffrey Rogers ‘is alwayswell prepared and calm, and hasexcellent knowledge of thelaw’.” Chambers UK

“McCormicks’ Crime Departmentis led by Geoff Rogers, who ispraised for his ‘in-depthtechnical knowledge’. In 2009the practice was involved in anumber of high profile mattersinvolving Corporate Crime, Fraudand Money Laundering.” UK Legal 500

Defamation/ReputationManagement

Peter McCormick of McCormicksis well known in media anddefamation law. He acts forvarious sports bodies on aregular basis, including thePremier League, Leeds Unitedand the Isthmian FootballLeague. Chambers UK

Dispute Resolution: Mediators

“(Neil) Goodrum is anemployment expert who hasdeveloped a mediation practicethat encompasses high-valueemployment disputes and moregeneral contractual andcommercial matters. Observerscharacterise his approach as‘accommodating, enthusiasticand fantastically persistent’.”Chambers UK

Employment

“This group has vast experiencein handling tribunal matters,redundancies, senior employeesettlements and compromiseagreements. It is well regarded inthe sports sector, and acts for

the Premier League on allaspects of its employmentpolicy. Sources praise the groupfor its ‘great breadth ofknowledge, common-senseapproach and high-qualityadvice.’ Neil Goodrum impresseswith his work on sensitiveemployment issues; he is able to‘nip emotive issues in the budand get the client focused onwhat needs to be dealt with’.”Chambers UK

Family

“McCormicks has a solidreputation for advising privatelyand publicly funded clients onall aspects of family law.Geoffrey Rogers heads thegroup and the recruitment ofSenior Associate AmandaCuthbert, an accreditedcollaborative lawyer, hasdeepened the team’s resources”.UK Legal 500

Media and Entertainment

“McCormicks’ Peter McCormickhas an excellent reputation forcontentious and non-contentiouswork across broadcasting, IPrights, and sponsorship, and fordefamation complaints relatingto print and broadcast media”. UK Legal 500

Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate

“McCormicks Senior AssociateJulia Rangecroft is highlyregarded for advising on privateclient matters.” UK Legal 500

Private Client

“With a strong tax background,Julia Rangecroft of McCormicksis admired for her knowledge ofbusiness and agricultural relief.”Chambers UK

Professional Discipline

“McCormicks is best known forits expertise in sports regulatory

work, with the Premier Leagueand Leeds United just two of itshigh-profile clients. It also worksin the more traditional sectors,representing solicitors andaccountants, among others.Clients say the firm is ‘a veryprofessional outfit with excellentcredentials, contacts andknowledge’. Peter McCormick isknown for his experience insports law and has a reputationas being a powerful advocate ofhis client's case. Clients say he isa ‘very commercial, straight-talking lawyer’ who is ‘incrediblydriven, with a cleardetermination to succeed’."Chambers UK

Sport

“McCormicks continues topunch above its weight in themarket. It is a major player inthe football sector where it actsfor the Isthmian League, LeedsUnited FC and the PremierLeague. One client said: ‘Theyunderstand our needscompletely.’ Peter McCormick ishighly regarded for his advice tofootball clients. He has a bigpresence in the sector and sitsas chairman of the PremierLeague advisory group.”Chambers UK

“Peter McCormick atMcCormicks is Chairman of thePremier League Legal AdvisoryGroup and regularly advises theBoard and Premier LeagueFootball Clubs. The firm is highlyregarded in this area and recentlyadded Yorkshire County CricketClub and the Yorkshire CricketFoundation to its client roster.Harrogate-based McCormicksregularly advises Premier LeagueClubs with Practice HeadPeter McCormickhighly regarded in the field.” UK Legal 500

Agriculture and Rural Affairs

“This full service firm has agrowing presence in the regionfor its estate work. Theagricultural team has recentlyacted on diversification optionsto improve estate income. It hasalso advised on several shootsincluding the Ripley Castle Shootand the Hob Green Estate Shoot.It continues to advise RuddingPark Estate on a variety of estatemanagement issues.” Clients say:‘A small enough unit that itprovides a really personal servicewhich is not dissipated as itgoes down the line.’ JuliaRangecroft is ‘frighteninglygood; incredibly speedy andaccurate.’ She is a private clientand tax specialist.” Chambers UK

“McCormicks’ clients includeJohn Strutt and the BelperEstate. Practice Head PeterMcCormick, Private ClientSolicitor Julia Rangecroft andCommercial Property SpecialistChris Garside arerecommended.” UK Legal 500

Charities

“This respected local player isnoted for its knowledge of thesports and festivals sectors. Thesix-lawyer team enjoys a strongbond with The FootballFoundation, which deliverscommunity projects at thegrassroots level. Clients includeHarrogate International Festivals,National Media Museum and ThePrince’s Trust. Sources say: ‘They are so helpful and explainmatters in clear layman's terms.’Peter McCormick has an‘impressively commercialoverview of the sector,’according to sources. He is thefirm's senior partner and has abroad corporate/ commercialpractice.” Chambers UK

“McCormicks’ ‘exceptional’ teamadvises clients such as theFootball Foundation, thecountry’s largest sports charityand in 2009 it grew its clientbase further by attracting newclients including YorkshireCounty Cricket Club. PeterMcCormick is recommended.”UK Legal 500

Crime and fraud

“This firm has been involved insome of the region's mostsignificant criminal cases. Itrecently acted in a highly

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Joanna Jowitt is amember of our Corporateand Commercial teamand has extensiveexperience of advisingbusinesses in connectionwith their corporateneeds.

From preparing constitutionaldocumentation andshareholders’ agreements toleading due diligence anddisclosure exercises in multi-million pound share and assetdeals. She also has expertisein developing commercialarrangements, includingnegotiating and draftingcommercial contracts, andacting for private equityinvestors in connection withtheir portfolio companies.Her work with private equityinvestors has included thenegotiation of subscriptionagreements and thesyndication of debt andequity financing.

The Bribery Act of 2010heightens risks forbusinesses. Solicitor JoannaJowitt takes a look at theimplications.

The Bribery Act 2010 will comeinto force in April 2011. By thistime, every relevant commercialorganisation in the countryshould have examined, evaluatedand implemented procedures tocombat the risk of convictionfor a bribery offence.

Whilst the offences are allembracing in their bid to stampout corruption in business (bothhere and abroad), it is thecorporate offence contained insection 7 which represents themost heightened risk forbusinesses – the risk of criminalliability for the actions of thirdparties acting outside theorganisation’s knowledge andauthority. As part of thecampaign towards ever-greatercorporate social responsibility, itwill be a strict liability offencefor commercial organisations tofail to prevent personsassociated with them frombribing others in order to obtain(or retain) business. Associatedpersons are those who performservices for or on behalf of theorganisation. Whilst this wouldclearly include an organisation’semployees, also within thedefinition are other groupcompanies, joint venture andconsortia partners, downstreamsuppliers and intermediaries,such as agents and contractors.

Fines for companies areexpected to be substantial – aCrown Court having statedrecently that they should be inthe tens of millions of poundsor more. Individuals may also begaoled for up to ten yearsand/or receive an unlimited fine.

Moreover, for those businesseswhose operations involvecarrying out public contracts, aconviction for active corruptionwill leave them perpetuallydebarred from tenderparticipation under the PublicContracts Regulations 2006.Whether this will include acorporate conviction for failingto prevent bribery is, as yet,unclear but we can seeimmediately that this legislation

certainly isn’t light-touch. I’veheard it described as the mostdraconian anti-corruption law inthe world. Could I possiblydefend it? Well, the paternalistscertainly will and there is, afterall, a saving provision in section7(2) which all organisations willsee as something of atouchstone: the defence whichmay be raised in the face ofprosecution is to show to thejury that, on the balance ofprobabilities, the organisationhad in place adequateprocedures designed to preventbribery.

Although there is no definitionas to what constitutes an“adequate” procedure, the Actdoes require the Secretary ofState to publish appropriateguidance. Unfortunately, thedraft that has materialisedpursues the popular movetowards principle-basedregulation by setting out sixbroad principles that act as astarting point for organisationsto plan, implement, monitor andreview their bribery free businessregime.

One could easily argue that thisfalls short of the statutoryrequirement to provide guidanceas to the specific proceduresthose organisations shouldadopt. Indeed the breadth of thesix principles may be seen toassist the prosecuting authoritiesrather than the organisationsunder investigation. On theother hand, it is at least an overtrecognition that what isadequate for a smaller domesticbusiness operating in a low risksector may not be adequate fora multi-national company or oneoperating in higher risk sectorsor markets. Businesses in high-risk sectors (e.g. public works,construction, oil and gas) andwith operations in high-riskmarkets (e.g. India, Mexico,China) most likely already havein place anti-corruption policiesand procedures (and if theydon’t then the sirens should startsounding). We expect, therefore,that the guidance will be ofmost assistance to small andmedium-sized organisations.

Whether the ‘adequateprocedures’ guidance will be

redrawn to fulfil more accuratelythe obligation imposed on theSecretary of State will berevealed early in 2011 when it isformalised. It will then befollowed by a circular on the Actas a whole and guidance forprosecutors which will beprepared jointly by the Directorof Public Prosecutions and theSerious Fraud Office. This latterpiece will be of greatsignificance as it will provide aninsight into the views of thegovernment and prosecutorsconcerning the ambit of certainof the Act’s more contentiousprovisions.

But, the question on everyone’slips, especially at this time ofyear, is what of corporatehospitality? The governmentrejected the suggestion of adefence for reasonablecorporate hospitality and prefersto rely on prosecutorialdiscretion. There is, therefore,certainly the risk that lavishcorporate hospitality and thegiving and receiving of giftsmight be regarded as bribery.Proportionality is not necessarilypivotal but it will be a factor indetermining whether certainconduct transgresses the line oflegality. For example, acorporate dinner to celebratethe completion of a transactionwill be less controversial than,say, would be an invitation tothe World Cup final given to anofficial who is considering atender for a contract. And itmust not be forgotten that inorder to amount to a bribe(other than the bribing of aforeign public official), thehospitality must be intended toinduce a person to perform afunction improperly (judgedobjectively). The questionwhether a particular item ofexpenditure constitutes a bribewill therefore depend upon allthe surrounding circumstances.Arguably, where the expenditureinvolved is of small value it isunlikely to be regarded as havingan impact on decision-making inthe context of a businessopportunity of high value.

In conclusion, the imminentintroduction of the Bribery Actwill render it essential for allcommercial organisations to

Joanna Jowitt

BRIBERY & CORRUPTION

review their anti-corruptionarrangements, policies andprocedures to ensure that theydo not merely prohibit briberybut actively seek to prevent itwhere it might arise. In itsdefence then, this legislationseeks to require businesses notmerely to create new policiesbut to embed a culture of highethical standards within theirday-to-day operation. I havelittle doubt that the Bribery Act2010 represents the toughestanti-bribery legislation in theworld. Its central message is asimple one: corrupt businesspractices are not to betolerated.

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CLIENT PROFILE

Tell us about your business in 40 words

Yorkshire Ventures was formedin 2004 by several establishedYorkshire businessmen and hasbeen involved principally inresidential construction/residential propertymanagement, together withinterests in the management ofchildren’s care homes and theconstruction and operation ofadult care and nursing facilities.

What has been yourbiggest business success?

Our biggest business successhas been the completion andsuccessful disposal of a majorresidential development inChesterfield and the steeringof our businesses through therecent and continuingeconomic downturn.

Where is your businessgoing now?

With residential constructioncontinuing to be challenging,our diversification into property

management is performingwell, with residential propertyletting proving a moresuccessful opportunity. Furthernew build opportunities arebeing considered and will beprogressed as the economicclimate improves.

We continue to operatesuccessfully a number ofchildren’s care homes and adultcare facilities. Whilst thecurrent round of governmentcost-cutting may impact onthe financing of this care, weare structuring our business tomeet this challenge throughcontinued operational andbudgetary controlimprovements. Targetedgrowth based on anestablished reputation andproven performance remainsour strategy.

How are you going to get there?

We will achieve our goalsthrough the continued hardwork of our experiencedbusiness team in carrying

though successfully ourbusiness plan to grow andsustain our business despitethe continuing economicchallenges. The reputation ofour business, developed overthe years through hard workand the continuedimprovement of standards,makes our business well placedto win new business andachieve our business plan.

How long have you worked with McCormicks?

We have worked withMcCormicks for many years.

What do we do for you?

We have received a wide rangeof advice from McCormickswhich has included Neil Goodrum oncomplicatedemployment issues,

Yorkshire has an abundance of private commerce and McCormicks continues to expand its work with these businesses.Yorkshire Ventures is one of these businesses looking forward to maintaining its growth through these increasinglychallenging times. Finance Director Bob Smith talks about the future.

James Martin concerninglitigation, Chris Garside onproperty matters and JoannaJowitt on corporate issues. Wehave received consistently highquality and timely legal adviceessential in our dealingeffectively with the matters inhand.

What do you like mostabout working with us?

Whatever legal advice we haverequired we have always foundMcCormicks to be mosthelpful and have provide soundprofessional advice in anefficient and friendly manner.The extensive range of skills onhand have proved invaluable indealing with a wide range of

commercial issues ensuringour interests areprotected and

appropriate solutionsachieved.

Fundraising for theYorkshire Young AchieversFoundation got under wayalmost as soon as it waslaunched.

Thirty runners formed TeamYoung Achievers to take part inthe Great Yorkshire Run inSheffield in September,completing the 10kcourse to raise fundsfor the Foundation.Andrew Brook-Dobson, of runningvest sponsors Brook-Dobson Brear, was thefirst man home whiletaking part in theJunior event wereformer YorkshireYoung AchieverYoungster of the Year,11-year-old Jack

Foundation FundraisersMarshall and ITV YorkshireCalendar presenter andFoundation trustee ChristineTalbot, running together andagain completing successfully.

Then in November McCormicksjoined forces with the Harrogatebranch of L.K. Bennett for a verysuccessful private shopping

evening and fashionshow to raise funds forthe Foundation. Theevent was attended bymore than 40 people.

As we went to press,Deeva, a contemporaryAsian cuisine restaurantin Farsley, Leeds, washosting a special“Bollywood” eveningto raise funds for theFoundation.

Chris Garside raceshome

Kathryn Apanowicz enjoys a night of fashion at LK Bennett Modelling some of the fashions

Glad it’s all over are, from left, Zoe Ward, John Hartley, Guy McCormick & Nick Barnard

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The Supreme Court’s rulingthis autumn that a pre-nuptial agreement betweena German heiress and herex-husband was bindingcould have a major impacton the way suchagreements are treated inthe courts from now on.Partner Geoff Rogers, whoheads our Family team,looks at the implications.

This decision has long beenawaited by family lawyers, givingas it does an indication that pre-nuptial agreements may beapplicable in law in this countrywhereas up to now they havenot been recognised.

This was an unusual case in thatthe agreement was made underGerman law between KatrinRadmacher and her ex-husbandNicolas Granatino tothe effect that MrGranatino wouldnot make aclaim againsther £100massets if theydivorced.

Initially MrGranatino wasgiven a

Repent at Leisuresettlement of more than £5mby a High Court judge but MsRadmacher appealed and thiswas cut to £1m. In response, Mr Granatino appealed to theSupreme Court but the justicesdismissed his appeal by amajority of eight to one. Theysaid: “It would be natural to inferthat parties entering intoagreements will intend thateffect be given to them.”

The president of the SupremeCourt, Lord Philips, said thecourts would still have thediscretion to waive suchagreements, especially if unfairto any children of a marriage.

Pre-nuptial agreements havefrequently been used in thiscountry to set out how assetscan be divided when a marriagefails. They may have been taken

into consideration by acourt but have had no

legal standing ifdisputed. The Law

Commision isdue toreport in2012 onwhetherthe lawshould be

changed to

make them fully enforceable.

The Supreme Court’s rulingmeans that, even before thatreport, they now carry moreweight and, therefore, it is evenmore important to seek properadvice and ensure they arecarefully drafted.

Geoff Rogers is a partnerof McCormicks and headsup our Corporate Crimeand Risk Unit. He is also aspecialist in matrimonialwork, particularlyinvolving cross-borderissues.

Geoff is praised for his“excellent knowledge of thelaw” and “in-depth technicalknowledge” in the latestguides to the legalprofession.

He deals with all aspects ofgeneral and corporate crimeand is a Supervisor on theVHCC Panel set up by theLegal Services Commission.He appears regularly beforethe Magistrates' Courtsthroughout the NorthYorkshire region. Geoff alsoconducts litigation work andrisk and regulatory work.

Geoff holds the HigherCourts Qualification whichgives him the right to appearin the Crown Court, Court ofAppeal and House of Lords asa Solicitor-Advocate.

Geoff Rogers

Marry in haste, repent atleisure is an oft-repeatedadage but perhaps itcould be adapted for the21st century – if yourpre-nuptial agreement’sa waste, repent forever!

Team Young Achievers all completed the Great Yorkshire Run

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Kimberley, who comes fromBradford, was joined by six otherYorkshire Young Achievers at theAwards held at the Leeds UnitedCentenary Pavilion at Elland Road.

As well as the Personality of theYear, the Awards markachievement in the fields ofManagement and Enterprise,Education, Sport and the Arts.There are also special awards foran Unsung Hero and a Youngsterof the Year (under 12).

The full line up of winners was:

Personality of the Year sponsored by McCormicksSolicitors

Kimberley Walsh

Kimberley Walsh was born inBradford, growing up in Allertonwith her brother and two sisters.

Her first taste of fame was agedfive on ITV’s “The Book Tower”.Kimberley, who attended theYorkshire School of PerformingArts, Stage 84 in Bradford, also

COMING O The 18th anniversary wasalso the first time theAwards have raised moneyfor the newly-formedYorkshire Young AchieversFoundation, which willprovide direct support toeven more young people,and projects helping them,across the region.

Awards and FoundationChairman Peter McCormick said:“It was a hugely emotional eventfor many of us, not leastbecause we had a recordattendance of more than 450people and were absolutelystunned by the support theFoundation has received in itsfirst year.”

The Awards mark theachievements of young peopleunder 35 who were born, live orwork in the region and the 2010Personality of the Year went toGirls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh,who received her award fromPeter McCormick and top chefMarco Pierre White.

A standing ovation for the winners of the Unsung Hero categoryhelped to mark the coming of age of the Yorkshire YoungAchievers Awards, sponsored by McCormicks, last month.

Members of the Yorkshire Regiment with former winner Jack Marshall and Emmerdale actress Lesley Dunlop

Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh is named Personality of the Year by Peter McCormick.

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appeared as a young Cosette inthe West End production of LesMiserables.

Her big musical break came withITV’s Popstars: The Rivals in 2002when she made it through to thefinal five, forming Girls Aloudwho went on to have 21consecutive UK Top Ten singlesmaking them Britain’s mostsuccessful girl band ever. Theband’s six albums have all goneplatinum and they also won aBRIT Award in 2009 for “BestBritish Single”.

Since taking a break from GirlsAloud Kimberley has embarkedon a number of excitingprojects. Most recently co-hosting “Suck My Pop”, MTV’sVIVA show which takes a weeklylook at the world of pop music.This year Kimberley has alsocompleted a documentary forSky 1 titled “Blue Jean Girl”which chronicled the history ofdenim and its place in thefashion world today and saw hertravel around the USA.

Kimberley is continuing to performand in early January will be seeher release a collaboration withSouth London rapper and “I’m aCelebrity…Get Me Out of Here”favourite Aggro Santos, titled“Like U Like”.

Throughout this Kimberley hasremained true to her Yorkshireroots. Last year she was namedYorkshire Woman of the Year andCosmopolitan Magazine’sUltimate Woman of the Year.

Youngster of the Year sponsored by DFS

George Stocker

George Stocker of Little Ribston,Wetherby. Eleven-year-oldGeorge is making a strongrecovery after suffering from abrain tumour and has raisedaround £40,000 for the childhoodcancer charity Candlelighters.

George, who is a keen rugbyplayer, was diagnosed with thetumour in 2008 when he wasnine. He underwent a nine-houroperation and gruelling weeks ofboth radiotherapy andchemotherapy.

While George was determinedto get back on to the rugbypitch as quickly as possible, histime in the children’s cancer unitmade him aware of the plight ofother youngsters who, he felt,were “more poorly” than he was.Fund-raising during his recoveryhas include a sponsored walkorganised by Wetherby RugbyClub, a sponsored swim atQueen Ethelburga’s, George’s

school, and a host of otherevents and donations.

He is now playing rugby again andworking hard at school, beatingco-ordination issues caused bythe removal of the tumour.

Achievement in the Artssponsored by the YorkshireEvening Post

Isabel Suckling

Isabel Suckling, 12, of York. Isabelis believed to be the first femalechorister to have been given amajor record deal when she

OF AGEYoungster of the Year George Stocker receives his Award from Peter McCormickand Marco Pierre White.

Achievement in Management and Enterprise Award winner Emily Cummins withSue Cameron of Begbies Traynor

Catherine Suckling takes the Achievement in the Arts Award on behalf of herdaughter, Isabel, who was poorly on the night, from Yorkshire Evening Post Editor Paul Napier.

signed for Decca in September.

Her first album, The Choirgirl,was released on 29 Novemberand her single, a cover ofMichael Jackson’s You Are NotAlone, in aid of Age UK, waslaunched on 13 December.Isabel, who signs in the choir atYork Minster, is being mentoredby Aled Jones, who was himselfa young chorister star. Her albumtracks include a “duet” with AledJones on All Through the Night.Aled recorded the track in hisyouth but it has never beenreleased and technical wizardryhas allowed Isabel’s voice to be added.

Isabel, who won her record dealafter a nationwide search for theright choirgirl, won a choralscholarship to the Minster. Sheappeared before the Queen andPrime Minster David Cameronwhen she took part in the

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Festival of Remembrance at theRoyal Albert Hall in a movingtribute to the families of thoselost in action.

Achievement inManagement andEnterprisesponsored by Begbies Traynor

Emily Cummins

Emily Cummins, 23, ofCrosshills. Emily Cummins has astring of inventions to her name,the latest of which is asustainable fridge which is“powered” by dirty water andkeeps medicines or small fooditems clean, dry and cool. She

has given away the design plansto townships across southernAfrica to enable people to buildtheir own.

Emily takes a keen interest insustainable design and hascreated a water carrier which canbe used to carry multiple loadsin Africa. Her toothpastedispenser is not only a useful aidfor anyone with limited handmobility but can also be used fora variety of products in situationswhere hygiene is essential.

Inspired by her grandfather,Emily began making toys in hisshed when she was just four and

was fascinated by the process.Emily, who attended SouthCraven School before graduatingwith first class honours inManagement and Sustainabilityfrom Leeds University, iscurrently working with CragRats,an education and trainingorganisation. She has won manyawards for her innovations andhas just been named as one ofthe Top Ten Outstanding YoungPeople in the World 2010 byJunior Chamber International.

Achievement in Sportsponsored by Leeds UnitedFootball Club

Alistair Brownlee

Alistair Brownlee, 22, of Leeds,Alistair is one of the UK’s toptriathletes with a host of titlesunder his belt, including the2009 World Championship.

The 2010 season has not beenplain sailing for Alistair, who livesin Bramhope, as his bid to retainhis 2009 World Championshiptitle was foiled when he suffereda stress fracture to his leg inFebruary and he collapsed withheat exhaustion at the end of theITU Hyde Park Triathlon in July.

But his “iron man” qualities cameto the fore and he took the2010 National Championship,the 2010 French Iron Tour andthe 2010 Athlone ETU TriathlonEuropean Championship. Herounded off the season with avictory in the final round of theTriathlon ITU World ChampionshipSeries in Budapest in September.

Alistair is now concentrating onsecuring his place for theLondon 2012 Olympic Games

Triathlete Alistair Brownlee accepts the Achievement in Sport Award from ShaunHarvey of Leeds United

Liam Gilbert receives the Achievement in Education Award from John Ray of OHS

Sgt Paul Daniel receives the Unsung Hero Award on behalf of the whole YorkshireRegiment from BBC Radio Leeds presenter Liz Green, herself the winner of theinaugural Personality of the Year Award.

and is planning next year’s racesaround that goal.

Achievement in Educationsponsored by Martin Penny and OHS

Liam Gilbert

Liam Gilbert, 22. Liam, whoteaches English at BradfordAcademy, was recognised for hisinspirational approach toteaching.

He moved from Newcastle toLeeds in 2005 to join NEWCollege where he was elected asPresident/Governor, organising asuccessful prom, opening a newbuilding and raising more than£3,000 for charities, beforereturning to Newcastle Universitywhere he gained a First inEnglish literature.

Liam came to teaching via TeachFirst, the innovative educationcharity which recruitsexceptional graduates to teachin challenging schools. He wasplaced at Bradford Academywhich has twice the nationalaverage of students with specialeducational needs. His teachinghas been rated as “outstanding”by Sheffield Hallam University.

At the Academy Liam entered agroup of seven 12 and 13-year-olds into an after-schoolcompetition run by DestinationImagiNation. The team won theregional finals in Blackburn andtook the national title inBirmingham before flying to theUSA for the Grand Finals inKnoxville, Tennessee. Theyworked hard to raise money forthe trip and received excellentfeedback from the judges.

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Unsung Herosponsored by Leslie Silver OBE

The Yorkshire Regiment

The Yorkshire Regiment. For thefirst time in the history of theAwards, the Unsung Hero Awardhas been made to a group ofpeople: The Yorkshire Regiment.The Award was accepted onbehalf of the regiment by SgtPaul Daniel. Sgt Daniel was shotin the face during a firefight withthe Taliban in February this year.He miraculously survived, eventhough the round enteredthrough his nose and becamestuck in his neck.

Other members of the Regimentinclude Lance Corporal JamieHastie, awarded the Queen’sCommendation for Bravery for

saving the life of his sectioncommander, Corporal Andy Reid,when an improvised explosivedevice blew up in Sangin. CplReid lost both legs and an armin the explosion but his life wassaved by LCpl Hastie whotreated him until medics arrived.Corporal Nikotimo Bolataganewas Mentioned in Despatchesfor his gallantry and courageunder fire during an incident inHelmand Province. CorporalBolatagane ignored his ownwounds to continue evacuatinghis fellow wounded soldiers.

The Judges said: “Whileindividual acts of bravery havebeen recognised, we felt thatthe regiment as a wholedeserved recognition too.”

Bernadette Gledhill, Fiona Movley, Deborah Goodall and Kathryn Leather

Marco Pierre White congratulates members of the Yorkshire Regiment

Freddie Stroud, Kimberley Kals, Rupert Stroud, Sophie Miller and Elliot Stroud

Suzanne Rose, Tim Brear, Richard Stroud and Colour Sgt Mark Foster

Judy Thompson, Janet Fox, Foundation secretary Sonia Jones and John Thompson

Richard Smailes, Joanna Jowitt and Peter McCormick

Kathryn McCormick and Jean MacQuarrie Deborah Goodall and Aimee Stowell

Hosts Duncan Wood and ChristineTalbot of ITV Yorkshire who haveboth become Foundation trustees

Zulfi Hussain, Michelle Heseltine, Christine and Trevor Higgins and Ron Miller

Lady Emma Ingilby, Chris Green, Linda Pollard and Kathryn McCormick

McCormicks Solicitors, Wharfedale House35-37 East Parade, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 5LQTel: 01423 530630 Fax: 01423 530709Email: enquiries@mccormicks-solicitors.com

Web: www.mccormicks-solicitors.com

Partners: Peter McCormick OBE • Neil Goodrum • Geoffrey Rogers

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Dispute Resolution &Litigation

w Commercial Disputes

w Mediation and Arbitration

w Partner/Shareholder Disputes

w Property and Construction

w Reputation Management

Employment

Family & Matrimonial

w Children

w Matrimonial

Insolvency & Bankruptcy

Mediation & Arbitration

Property

w Agriculture and Estates

w Commercial Property

w Development and Regeneration

w Residential Property

Sport, Media &Entertainment

w Employment

w IT and Data Protection

w Insolvency and Bankruptcy

w Intellectual Property

McCormicks offers the full portfolio of legal services to all forms of organisation includingbusinesses, charities and sporting bodies, together with private individuals. The firm offersexpertise in all areas of corporate and commercial work whilst maintaining a commitment to thepersonal client in areas such as rural property, tax, trusts, probate, family matters and crime.

Charities & Community

w Charities w Not For Profit

Corporate & Commercial

w Acquisitions and Disposals w Banking and Finance w Commercial Agreements w Competition w Corporate Crime, Fraud and Riskw IT and Data Protection w Insolvency and Bankruptcy w Intellectual Property w Partnership and Company Law w Regulatory and Disciplinary

Crime

w General Crime

w Corporate Crime, Fraud and Risk

w Media and Entertainment

w Mediation and Arbitration

w Regulatory and Disciplinary

w Reputation Management

w Sponsorship

w Sport

Tax, Trusts, Wills & Estates

w Agriculture & Estates

w Care of the Elderly

w Tax and Trusts Disputes

w Trust and Tax Planning

w Wills and Probate

Our Expertise

James Turnbull hasrecently been promotedand assists theCommercial Departmenton all matters, includingDispute Resolution.He has particular expertise insmall claims and debtrecovery. James, who joinedMcCormicks in September2007, was tempted to inviteall the Rolling Stones fordinner but ended up settlingfor just two.

If you weren’t in the legalprofession what would yoube doing?I would probably be a historylecturer and all round IndianaJones-style archaeologist,complete with the hat and thebull whip. That way I can forcepeople to listen to my views onhistory whether they like it ornot! Either that or I would be aRolling Stone.

If you could star in aHollywood blockbuster,would you be a goodie or abaddie and why? A baddie, who repents their sinsat the end of the film andbecomes the goodie. That way Ican have the lavish baddie lifestyle and still get the glamorousleading lady at the end.

If you could have dinnerwith five individuals, deador alive, who would they beand why? Mick Jagger – There can never

Out of hoursbe another band like the RollingStones, and being a massive fan Iwant to know everything aboutthem, and the stories behind thesongs.Keith Richards – Because youcan’t have one without the other!George Orwell – One of thegreatest and most disturbingminds in literature (it was a closecall between Orwell and EdgarAllen Poe). He would be afascinating man to listen to.Harper Lee – The writer of oneof the finest pieces of literature Ihave ever read, “To Kill aMockingbird”. I could happily sitand discuss every chapter of thatbook with her.Leonardo Da Vinci – A manwho was so far advanced of histime, a brilliant artist, engineerand inventor. A complex mindthat I would like to explore.

What do you like aboutworking in Yorkshire?Everything! The people, thescenery, the vibrancy coupledwith successful driven businessesand a fantastic work ethic. Thework-life balance in Yorkshirefrom my experience cannot bebeaten.

What do you like mostabout life at McCormicks?Everybody here is on par witheverybody else in the way thatthey are treated, the partnersmake themselves accessible tothe rest of the staff, and you aregiven freedom to work but aresafe in the knowledge thatwhen help and guidance isneeded, it will always beprovided.

What is the best piece ofadvice you have ever beengiven?If you don’t have patience withothers, they will not havepatience with you.

What three things wouldyou change about yourself?I would like to be taller, speakat least two other languagesand I’d like to be able tounderstand what my dog isthinking.

Pessimist or optimist?Why?Optimist, because I would ratherbe an optimist who issometimes wrong than apessimist who is always right.James Turnbull