In the latest episode in our series of interviews with inspirational women in hospitality, Head of Bird & Bird’s Hotels, Hospitality & Leisure group, Karen Friebe, speaks with Sophie Perret, who has recently been appointed as Managing Director at HVS, where she has worked for 20 years. Sophie speaks about her career journey and the enjoyment of working with an increasingly wide pool of stakeholders, including hotel owners, investors and operators. She also shares her perspective on the challenges of balancing personal life expectations with professional aspirations, and the benefits of flexible working post-pandemic.

In episode six of the 5 in 10 series, Partner and Head of Employment in Warsaw, Karolina Stawicka discusses the benefits to companies bringing their businesses to Poland. Focusing closely on the growing economy, the country's ingrained work ethic and skilled workforce as well as the impact of the war in Ukraine and the influx of new talent in the region as a result.

Look out for Episode 7...

where London Partner, Alison Dixon discusses what is going on with the EU Whistleblowing Directive, the looming deadline and the main points to consider for companies operating in Europe.

In this podcast on regulating AI, Wilfred Ng, Shima Abbady and Toby Bond examine the two frontrunners in the race to shaping the future of AI through regulation: China and the EU. The podcast delves into where the regulations have come from, who and what is being regulated and the commonalities and divergences in their approach. Wilfred, Shima and Toby also share their experiences on what organisations are doing today to comply with these emerging regulations, and what they will need to plan for in future.

In the fifth episode, International Employment Partner and London head Tim Spillane discusses the risks associated with employee misconduct and how global businesses can protect themselves.

Look out for Episode 6...

where Partner and Head of Employment in Warsaw, Karolina Stawicka discusses the benefits to companies bringing their businesses to Poland. Focusing closely on the growing economy, the country's ingrained work ethic and skilled workforce.

In this episode our Rome-based competition lawyers Lucia Antonazzi and Chiara Horgan discuss the implications of recent changes in the EU regime for horizontal agreements. Key highlights include:

- Overview of the new EU regime for horizontal agreements, focusing on the impact on information exchange between competitors and third parties.

- Evaluation of the dual nature of information exchange, discussing its potential pro-competitive and anti-competitive effects.

- Insight into the new EU Horizontal Guidelines' dynamic approach to information exchange.

- Practical advice for companies navigating information exchange complexities, including the use of "clean teams" and self-assessment of new information sharing techniques.

- Final thoughts emphasizing the careful balancing act companies must perform when assessing the nature and impacts of information exchange.

In Competitive Edge – The Podcast we dissect topical competition law issues to help you understand how they may affect your business.

If you have any questions or need clarifications, we would be happy to hear from you. You can contact us at [email protected] and [email protected].

Stay up to date on Competition & EU Law developments in Europe and beyond – sign up here bit.ly/CompetitionMailingList to receive our monthly newsletter Competitive Edge.

Read all the previous editions of the newsletter here: bit.ly/CompetitiveEdgeBB

In our third episode of Privacy Unpacked, Vincent Rezzouk-Hammachi (Partner, International Privacy & Data Protection practice) and Laura Goold (Associate, International Privacy & Data Protection practice) delve into the complexity of Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs) in both the UK and Europe. Our experts will shed light on the intricacies of handling DSARs in the UK, providing invaluable insights for organisations.

In episode four of our 5 in 10 podcast series, London Employment Partner Furat Ashraf discusses the key employment issues that may arise when using AI and how employers can address these with employee-facing generative AI policies.

In our third episode, London Employment Senior Associate Rob Briggs discusses proposed changes to employment law in the UK post-Brexit, covering holiday pay, TUPE, non-compete restrictions, the upcoming general election, and other possible labor law changes on the horizon.

In our second episode, Brussels Employment Partner Anton Aerts, outlines the purpose of the EU Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions Directive (“TPWC Directive”), the directive in practice as well as its benefits to both employers and employees

Look out for Episode 3...

where London Employment Senior Associate Rob Briggs discusses post-Brexit UK, covering flexible working time, TUPE, non-compete restrictions, the upcoming general election, and potential labor law changes on the horizon.

Sustainability is currently one of the single biggest issues impacting the global aviation, aerospace and defence sector, with many companies focused on reducing their environmental footprints. With a growing focus and many buzzwords such as SAF, Greenwashing, Sustainability-Linked loans and more, Bird & Bird’s Aviation, Aerospace & Defence Sector Group speak to the leading lights playing a key role in addressing sustainability concerns across the sector.

Episode 4: Austin Willis from Willis Lease Finance Corporation

In our fourth episode, Paul Briggs, consultant in our Aviation group, is joined by Austin Willis from Willis Lease Finance Corporation to discuss innovation, the vision for the future and more.