Sills & Betteridge LLP has merged with historic Sheffield law firm Bell & Buxton Solicitors. Sills & Betteridge Solicitors, established in 1759, already has 16 offices across Lincolnshire, the East Midlands and Yorkshire and over 400 partners and staff. Their expansion into South Yorkshire began in 2019 with the acquisition of Bridge Sanderson Munro Solicitors of Doncaster, Bawtry, Thorne and Wath upon Dearne. The firm then extended its presence into Sheffield in 2021 with the acquisition of Rawson Family Law. Two years later, they acquired Acclaimed Family Law and the team now occupy offices at New Oxford House, Barker’s Pool in the regenerated ‘Heart of the City’ quarter. Bell & Buxton Solicitors has been a pillar of legal excellence in Sheffield for 150 years, renowned for its litigation and corporate law practices and over the years, the firm has built a reputation for delivering top-tier legal services and fostering long-term client relationships. The Bell & Buxton team will remain at Telegraph House for the foreseeable future. The merger of these two Legal 500 ranked law firms will create one of the largest law firms in Sheffield with a turnover of over £25 million. The merged firm will create a new force in the Sheffield legal market, offering a comprehensive suite of services across multiple practice areas. The combined firm, to be known initially as Sills & Betteridge incorporating Bell & Buxton, will leverage the strengths of both firms to provide unparalleled legal services in the city. Martyn Hall, Chief Financial Officer of Sills & Betteridge Solicitors, said: “Our firms share a common vision of excellence and client service and by combining our talents and resources, we will enhance our ability to deliver innovative and effective legal solutions in the city of Sheffield. Sills & Betteridge have ambitious growth ambitions, and this merger marks a major step forward in our regional expansion strategy.” “We are thrilled to join forces with Sills & Betteridge Solicitors,” commented Matthew Rodgers, Partner of Bell & Buxton Solicitors. “This merger represents a significant step for both firms as we respond to the changing legal landscape and the evolving needs of our clients. “By coming together, we can offer a wider range of services while maintaining the trusted, personal relationships that both firms have built with generations of clients. With a strong cultural fit and shared values, we look forward to reinforcing the Sills & Betteridge brand in the Sheffield market, building on their previous successful merger with Acclaimed Family Law.” Partner, Alex Ross adds: “We would also like to acknowledge the help and support given to us by Adam Ames, Jo Cresswell and Alicia Williams of Shorts Accountants throughout the merger process. They have been an integral part of the process.”

Derby City Council is set to review proposals for a new private sector leasing scheme aimed at reducing reliance on temporary accommodation. The initiative would allow the council to lease up to 50 privately owned 2- and 3-bedroom properties for periods of one to five years, or for more than ten years. Longer-term leases enable the council to claim the full housing benefit subsidy, lowering costs associated with providing temporary accommodation.

Costs for temporary housing have risen sharply, from £0.6 million in 2022/23 to an estimated £8.1 million in 2024/25. The proposed leasing scheme is designed to provide more stable, secure, and private accommodation for households in need while mitigating these financial pressures. The council may expand the scheme beyond 50 properties if demand increases.

As of 30 September 2024, 8,030 households were actively seeking affordable housing via the council’s Homefinder system. The council has also invested in developments such as Abbey Lodge, which offers secure flats to meet local housing needs.

Implementation of the scheme would require approval of a £150,000 capital budget and a one-off revenue allocation of £200,000 in the 2026/27 Medium Term Financial Plan. Landlord engagement will form a key part of the rollout, with property owners given the opportunity to participate under clearly defined terms.

The initiative aligns with national trends, as other local authorities have used private leasing arrangements to provide quality accommodation, reduce costs, and support households with greater stability.

Levi Strauss’s UK division has reduced its workforce by nearly 230 roles, bringing headcount down to 1,630 in the year ending 30 November 2024. The cuts follow a period of expansion in 2023 and coincide with rising turnover, which climbed from £89m to £96.8m. Pre-tax profits increased to £9.5m, up from £7.7m the previous year.

The Northampton-based operation attributed part of its revenue growth to a global marketing campaign featuring Beyoncé, which strengthened brand visibility and reduced the need for discount-led sales. The business also reported shifts in consumer behaviour, with price-conscious shoppers increasingly using outlet stores.

Looking ahead, Levi’s UK intends to prioritise expansion in womenswear and tops, invest further in premium denim lines, and introduce more flexible production strategies to support growth and operational efficiency.