The Purple Chair

In this episode, Ian Brannan and the experts at Clarion explore the regulatory and commercial shifts shaping business in 2026, and why the greatest risk for leaders isn’t dramatic reform, but gradual, compounding change.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What should business leaders be scanning for now, to stay ahead of the curve? Clarion helps ambitious businesses navigate complex situations to find the advantage in unexpected places. In this episode, Ian Brannan is joined by specialists from Clarion to find out how business leaders can spot emerging opportunities, prepare for them, and act with the appropriate commercial and legal foundations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Divorce isn’t just the end of a relationship, it can mean the beginning of some very complex legal and financial challenges, especially when business interests are involved.  In this episode of The Purple Chair, host Ian Brannan is joined by Rachel Spencer Robb, Partner and Head of the Family Law team at Clarion, to discuss how the right legal advice, and a lot of emotional intelligence, can ease the pressure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Ian Brannan and the team at Clarion dive deep into the current landscape of the UK retail sector.  Facing challenges such as rising costs, economic uncertainty, and shifting consumer behaviours, retailers also have a wealth of opportunities in digital transformation, sustainability, and innovation.  They identify the biggest hurdles retailers are up against and offer practical advice on navigating financial distress, optimising real estate, managing workforce changes, and positioning for future success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Ian Brannan is joined by Clarion’s senior partner Richard Moran, private client expert Stephanie Parish, and family business advisor Russ Haworth, to break down the key implications of the 2024 Autumn Budget for family-owned businesses. From evolving tax rules to new inheritance laws, the panel explores the challenges family businesses will face, particularly around succession planning, workforce management, and adapting to new tax regimes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Ian Brannan explores the critical challenges and opportunities faced by organisations through business acquisition, crisis impact management, and banking and finance law. Whether it's conducting thorough due diligence for acquisitions, implementing robust crisis management protocols, or staying abreast of evolving regulatory frameworks, Clarion can help organisations fortify their resilience to thrive in today's competitive environment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alongside the legal experts, Ian Brannan explores the crucial role supply chains play in preserving business value and how Clarion's holistic approach crafts long-term client solutions. Navigating the complex terrain of GDPR, this episode also sheds light on how Clarion effectively steers their clients through this legal landscape, providing clarity on data protection. Ian also sits down with one of the UK's leading private client litigators, offering valuable insights into estate management and disputes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Ian Brannan as he explores Clarion's dedication to corporate and social responsibility, transcending legal expertise to establish profound partnerships in the Leeds community. Discover how Clarion adeptly navigate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations, encouraging businesses to look beyond the traditional bottom-line. This episode also sheds light on the transformative impact of the recently enacted Building Safety Act 2022 on the construction industry, with Clarion experts providing insights into the necessity for this change and illuminating the new requirements for builders and building owners alike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Ian Brannan explores the authenticity of the legal scenarios portrayed on the big and small screen, addressing intriguing questions such as whether Ken can legally move into Barbie's mansion! The team from Clarion solicitors also discuss the complexities of expanding your business into international markets and provide insights into how to start a career in the law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Purple Chair, Ian Brannan talks to planning lawyer, Carolyn Lord, about how the city of Leeds has evolved, and Jonathan Simms, Clarion partner and corporate lawyer, offers practical solutions for business growth, even in today's austere business environment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Purple Chair, Ian Brannan delves into the complex world of social media defamation, exploring the boundaries between free speech and libel with Clarion's legal experts. They also reveal insights into protecting your reputation in the digital age, outline the challenges and strategies for navigating today's difficult and ever evolving business landscape, while Clarion partner Lindsay highlights her personal journey to the law.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices