The Macfarlanes podcast

In our latest episode of Hotels unpacked, we are joined by Carine Bonnejean, Managing Director, Hotels and International at Christie & Co, and delve into “60 years of hospitality in motion”, a report that looks 30 years back and 30 years forward in the hotel industry.  

Carine and Victoria analyse the "Hospitality Trinity": guests, operators and brands, and investors, and how a shift in any one of these three forces can impact the others, including topics such as:

• how hotels have adapted in the face of huge disruption from macro events over the last 30 years – from Schengen and the euro through to COVID and the rise of AI;
• three development pathways for the future of the industry, including responsible use of technology, the hybridisation of hotel real estate and the positive force that is regenerative hospitality; and
• critically, the fact that we have overlooked those people delivering our hospitality experience for too long, and the opportunity for the industry to secure the future of the hospitality workforce: what Carine explains as the "Human Renaissance". 

Listen to the fascinating insights of one of the hospitality industry’s most respected strategic voices.

If you would like to discuss hotels and hospitality with our experts, please do not hesitate to contact Victoria or email [email protected].

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As mentioned in the episode, here's a link to Carine's presentation of the report at the Pandox Hotel Market Day in Stockholm: 60 years of hospitality in motion: A report for Pandox Hotel Market Day | Christie & Co

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In our second episode of Hotels unpacked, we were delighted to dive into the world of luxury hotels, with Director of Development at Rocco Forte Hotels, Charles Forte, and its General Counsel, Nick Clayson.

Charles, Nick and Victoria unpack a unique view of the industry from of one of Europe’s most distinctive luxury hotel groups and multi-generational family businesses. They discuss:

• the owner/operator model and the role of “hoteliers” in today’s demanding industry;
• the challenges in developing luxury hotels, including sourcing the right capital and development partners;
• what Rocco Forte Hotels looks for in selecting new development opportunities; and
• how the close involvement of a family helps to create special places for guests and staff alike, in hotels and alternative luxury formats. 

Listen to the fascinating insights of a family business in an ever evolving and competitive environment.  

If you would like to discuss hotels and hospitality with our experts, please do not hesitate to contact Victoria or email [email protected].

Interested in more podcasts? Why not check out our dedicated podcast page.  Listen and subscribe to The Macfarlanes Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast and Amazon Music.

In our first episode of Hotels unpacked, a new podcast for the hotel investment market, we sit down with leading hotelier and entrepreneur, Tony Matharu, of Integrity International. 

Tony and Victoria unpack current topics, including:

• the challenges facing the hotel industry in London, a city that Tony passionately advocates for;
•  hotel development and the key issues in converting existing buildings to hotels;
• the use of AI in the industry; and
• the idea of “Luxury” and how hotels provide luxury for an ever-demanding client base.

Listen to Tony’s thoughts on an industry and city he champions in full.

If you would like to discuss hotels and hospitality with our experts, please do not hesitate to contact Victoria or email [email protected].

Interested in more podcasts? Why not check out our dedicated podcast page.  Listen and subscribe to The Macfarlanes Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast and Amazon Music.

In the latest episode of our podcast, Matthew Ramsey is joined by competition law experts Rachel Carter and Fiona Beattie to explore the emerging intersection between employment law and competition law – an area often overlooked by HR professionals.

They cover:

• how competition law principles apply to employment relationships, beyond traditional restraint of trade clauses;
• recent enforcement actions in the UK, EU, and US targeting anti-competitive practices in labour markets, such as no-poach agreements and informal pay information sharing; and
• best practices for HR teams to mitigate legal risk, particularly around benchmarking exercises and secondment agreements.

If you would like more information or want to discuss any of the topics in this podcast, please get in touch with Matthew, Rachel, or Fiona.

Interested in more podcasts? Why not check out our dedicated podcast page.  Listen and subscribe to The Macfarlanes Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast and Amazon Music.

Following our part one episode on Labour’s approach to financial services, Head of Public Policy David Gauke is joined once again by Financial Services Regulation Partners Alexandra Green and Michael Sholem to reflect on the Chancellor’s Mansion House speech and the announcement of the Leeds Reforms.

They cover:

• proposed changes to the Financial Ombudsman Service, including a 10-year time limit for complaints and revised interest rates;
• updates to the Consumer Duty and continued support for targeted support initiatives;
• potential reforms to the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR);
• long-term asset funds (LTAFs) becoming ISA-eligible from April 2026; and
• The Government’s ambition to make the UK the leading global hub for financial services by 2035.

While the reforms are not on the scale of a regulatory “Big Bang”, they reflect a shift in tone – with a stronger focus on growth, risk appetite and international competitiveness. The direction is evolutionary rather than radical, but the breadth of reform is significant.

Listen to part one of this discussion for our earlier reflections on Labour’s approach to financial services.

Interested in more podcasts? Why not check out our dedicated podcast page.  Listen and subscribe to The Macfarlanes Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast and Amazon Music.

In the latest episode of our Policy in practice podcast, Head of Public Policy David Gauke is joined by Financial Services Regulation Partners, Alexandra Green and Michael Sholem to reflect on the Labour government’s approach to financial services, just over a year since taking office.

They cover:

• the Treasury’s focus on growth and the FCA’s response to its revised remit;
• proposed reforms to redress, retail advice and the Consumer Duty;
• anticipated Mansion House announcements, particularly on overseas market access and senior manager approvals; and
• developments in capital markets, regulatory reporting and bank ring-fencing.

They highlight that while financial services remain central to the government’s economic strategy, the pace and scope of reform are still evolving. Uncertainty around implementation and risk appetite may affect the longer-term impact of the growth agenda.

If you would like more information or want to discuss any of the topics in this podcast, please get in touch with David, Alexandra or Michael.

Interested in more podcasts? Why not check out our dedicated podcast page.  Listen and subscribe to The Macfarlanes Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast and Amazon Music.

 In the latest episode of our policy in practice podcast, Head of Public Policy David Gauke is joined by Pensions Partner Faye Jarvis and Investment Management Partner Lora Froud to discuss how private capital managers can access UK pension fund investors following the Mansion House Accord and the new Pension Schemes Bill. 

They cover:

• the commitment made by 17 of the UK's largest pension funds to invest 10% of their defined contribution default funds in private markets by 2030, with half being invested in the UK, and reactions from the pensions and investment sectors;
• key regulatory, operational and cultural barriers, including the charge cap and permitted links; and 
• key measures introduced in the new Pension Schemes Bill and the Government’s ongoing drive to consolidate the defined contribution pension market. 

 They highlight that private capital managers should be closely monitoring these developments as they open up new sources of capital, although greater understanding between the pensions industry and private capital industry will be required to facilitate change. 

If you would like more information or want to discuss any of the topics in this podcast, please get in touch with David, Faye or Lora.

Interested in more podcasts? Why not check out our dedicated podcast page.  Listen and subscribe to The Macfarlanes Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast and Amazon Music.

In the latest episode of the policy in practice podcast, David Gauke, Brian Spiro, and Helen Harvey discuss the introduction of the new corporate offence for failing to prevent fraud. 

They cover: 

• the purpose and legal background of the new offence;
• what kind of organisations are affected and how liability is determined; 
• the proactive measures businesses must implement to ensure compliance; and 
• enforcement implications. 

If you would like more information or want to discuss any of the topics in this podcast, please get in touch with David, Brian or Helen. 

Interested in more podcasts? Why not check out our dedicated podcast page.  Listen and subscribe to The Macfarlanes Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast and Amazon Music.

In the latest episode of the policy in practice podcast, David Gauke, Malcolm Hitching, and James Popperwell discuss litigation funding in England and Wales, including the impact of legal rulings, the ongoing Civil Justice Council (CJC) review, and whether or not further regulation might be needed to preserve access to justice while protecting consumers.

They cover:

• the impact of the PACCAR ruling on litigation funding agreements;
• the CJC's review of the litigation funding sector in England and Wales; and
• whether or not further regulation might provide relevant protections for consumers.

If you would like more information or want to discuss any of the topics in this podcast, please get in touch with David, Malcolm or James.

Interested in more podcasts? Why not check out our dedicated podcast page.  Listen and subscribe to The Macfarlanes Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast and Amazon Music.

In the latest episode of our policy in practice podcast, David Gauke, Rhiannon Kinghall Were, and Bezhan Salehy discuss President Trump's decision to withdraw the US from the OECD global tax deal, the implications for Pillars 1 and 2, and the potential for future negotiations.

They cover:

• the background and details of the OECD global tax deal;
• the US’ objections to Pillar 1 and Pillar 2;
• digital services taxes (DSTs); and
• political, fiscal and practical implications, including the likelihood of retaliatory measures and the impact on global trade and tax policy.

If you would like more information or want to discuss any of the topics in this podcast, please get in touch with David, Rhiannon or Bezhan. 

Interested in more podcasts? Why not check out our dedicated podcast page.  Listen and subscribe to The Macfarlanes Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast and Amazon Music.