For founders, reputation is one of the most valuable—and vulnerable—business assets. In an age where personal and corporate brands are more intertwined than ever, a founder’s profile can drive authenticity, trust and customer loyalty, but it can also concentrate reputational risk in a single individual. From social media activity and historical online content to public statements and personal conduct, every interaction can shape perceptions of the business. Effective reputation management, clear crisis planning and strong communication strategies are therefore essential for founders and brands looking to protect their reputation, navigate scrutiny and build long-term resilience.

In this episode of the Retail Collection podcast, Claudine Morgan, Partner and Senior Associate in the Reputation Management team, sat down with Hannah Gornall, a Senior Associate in Commercial Dispute Resolution and Bethaney Durkin, Director at Byfield Consultancy, sat down to explore these issues and the potential risks that reputational risks carry for brand founders.

In this bonus episode, our hosts and rights of light experts, James Souter and Jerome Webb are joined by Georgina Muskett, Senior Associate at Charles Russell Speechlys, to discuss the decision on costs in the Bankside rights of light case.

If you have any questions regarding rights of light or the topics discussed in this episode, please feel free to reach out to James Souter or Jerome Webb.

Welcome to Disputes Over Donuts, our podcast series where we explore the diverse world of dispute resolution with leading experts across various fields. Each episode features different hosts and guests, bringing unique perspectives to the evolving landscape of disputes.

This episode examines the vast range of disputes that can emerge from the world of professional football and the role of arbitration in resolving them. Hosted by Jue Jun Lu, a partner specialising in international arbitration, the episode brings together three members of Charles Russell Speechly’s Sports Group: Darren Bailey in London, Benoit Pasquier in Zurich and Serge Vittoz in Geneva.

The discussion provides an overview of some of the issues and disputes specific to professional football, from player, coach and club contracts to disciplinary and integrity issues such as betting, match-fixing, discrimination and off-field conduct. In terms of arbitration, the episode analyses consent to arbitration, challenges to FA arbitration awards through landmark cases, and the role of the Court of Arbitration for Sport as the "supreme court" of world sport.

Welcome to Disputes Over Donuts, our podcast series where we explore the diverse world of dispute resolution with leading experts across various fields. Each episode features different hosts and guests, bringing unique perspectives to the evolving landscape of disputes.

This episode examines the UAE’s New Civil Code and its practical implications for construction contracts, contractors, employers and their advisers. Moderated by Paula Boast, Partner and Head of Construction, Engineering & Projects Middle East, the episode features insights from Maher Al Nashar, Partner, and Glenn Bull, Senior Associate.

The discussion provides a practical overview of the key reforms introduced by the New Civil Code and what they mean for parties involved in construction projects in the UAE. The episode explores the interplay between the new statutory provisions and FIDIC-based contracts, the impact of the regional conflict on hardship claims, the practical implications of the new defects regime for mid-project remediation, and the steps parties should be taking now to ensure their contracts and claims management processes are fit for purpose.

Human rights due diligence is no longer a compliance exercise — it is a strategic imperative. As regulatory frameworks tighten and scrutiny intensifies, businesses that truly understand their supply chains, engage meaningfully with rights holders and prioritise their most salient risks will not only mitigate legal and reputational exposure, but strengthen resilience, protect continuity and build long-term value.

In the third episode of this miniseries – and as part of the Retail Collection series – Kerry Stares, Partner and Director for Responsible Business at Charles Russell Speechlys, sat down with Duncan Warner, Senior Responsible Sourcing & Human Rights Manager for ASDA, to discuss these issues in more depth on developing a more robust framework for human rights due diligence.

Emma Humphreys is joined by Dan Moore of our Corporate Insolvency & Restructuring Team to talk about how CVAs and Restructuring Plans operate, the current trends in their use and what landlords can do if their tenant proposes one.

Welcome to Disputes Over Donuts, our podcast series where we explore the diverse world of dispute resolution with leading experts across various fields. Each episode features different hosts and guests, bringing unique perspectives to the evolving landscape of disputes.

Fat Macy’s is reshaping what social mobility looks like in London — supporting people in temporary accommodation to rebuild confidence, gain real-world experience and move towards lasting employment and stable housing. By combining structured training with hands-on hospitality placements and tailored, wraparound support, it tackles the systemic barriers that keep people trapped between benefits and work, turning potential into long-term opportunity. Additionally, it also runs as a successful business as an extension of its charitable arm which helps drive its operations further. 

In this episode of the Retail Collection, Iwan Thomas, a Senior Associate in the Corporate team, sat down with Tori Western, Operations and Development Manager at Fat Macy’s, to learn more about this purpose led business, its uniqueness as a concept, and insights into its social enterprise and business elements. The Charles Russell Speechlys Foundation has supported Fat Macy’s for over 5 years, through grant funding as one of our London charity partners. 

Technology is reshaping many dimensions of sport — from the way athletes train, recover and perform, team strategy and tactics, to how fans bond with their team. The real transformation lies in the convergence of data and human expertise: turning vast streams of data and information into actionable insight as a tool to improving the on field success of a sporting organisation. As investment accelerates and AI moves from experimentation to execution, those who harness technology responsibly — while navigating its legal, ethical and governance challenges — will be well placed to integrate the use of data into their sporting strategy. 

Anna Sowerby, Associate in the Commercial team at Charles Russell Speechlys, sat down with Andrew Kitchen, deputy General Counsel of Hudl, to discuss the evolution of technology’s involvement in sport and the ever increasing impact it is having, particularly around performance of athletes and teams.

Welcome to Disputes Over Donuts, our podcast series where we explore the diverse world of dispute resolution with leading experts across various fields. Each episode features different hosts and guests, bringing unique perspectives to the evolving landscape of disputes.