Business & Technology
UK law firm shut down by authorities after investigation
Hunter’s Solicitors, with offices in Abingdon and Henley, ceased operations in early March following “a short investigation we carried out following concerns raised with us about client interests.”
Based in High Wycombe, the firm employed around 44 staff and offered services including litigation, insolvency, family law, conveyancing, and private client work.
Hunter’s was not connected to the similarly named firm based in London’s Lincoln’s Inn.
The SRA said the intervention was carried out in part due to “reason to suspect dishonesty” involving Jeff Hazelgrove, the firm’s compliance officer for finance and administration.
Angelo Luiz-Barrea, Christopher Stocker and Howard Rind, who managed the firm, were also found to have failed to comply with SRA rules.
Hunter’s operated under various names across multiple locations, including Franklins Solicitors in Abingdon, Batemans in Hemel Hempstead, Kealy Farmar in Henley, Grower Freeman in Central London, Colemans in Maidenhead, and Graham White & Co in Bushey.
An SRA spokesperson said: “We had to intervene into Hunter’s Solicitors and its branch offices following its sudden closure in early March, which followed a short investigation we carried out following concerns raised with us about client interests.
“An intervention means we took possession of all documents and papers held by the firm, and took possession of all money held by the firm (including clients’ money).
“We employed another solicitor firm, known as the agent, to help contact clients with ongoing matters, prioritising those with the most urgent or imminent issues.
“While we cannot disclose information about an on-going investigation, we continue to work quickly to gather all the relevant information.
“We appreciate that this might be a stressful time.
“Clients can rest assured we are diligently working through Hunter’s Solicitors files to identify and, wherever possible, contact all clients of the firm.
“Please be aware that due to the volume of files we have collected, it may take some time before we are able to do this.
“Our agent will prioritise identifying clients with the most immediate and urgent legal issues to be resolved.
“Our archive team will also take control of all documents relating to closed matters held by the firm, such as copies of deeds and wills.”
In April 2025, Hunter’s was fined £24,820 for breaches of the Money Laundering Regulations after failing to maintain a firm-wide risk assessment, appropriate controls, and staff training for more than three years.
Emma Porter, a partner at Shakespeare Martineau, has been appointed as the SRA’s intervention agent to help manage the closure and client communications.
The popular shopping centre in Oxford’s Queen Street already has an exciting mix of shops on offer, from first-class dining options to familiar high street favourites and world-renowned brands.
Now, the Westgate has welcomed the latest addition to its retail offering, as David Clulow opticians opened on Friday, June 26.
READ MORE: All train lines closed out of Oxford for works from tonight
The eye health specialist store showcases the brand’s modernised retail format, with state-of-the-art testing rooms and improved accessibility.
It’s broad product range also includes designer frames from the likes of Chanel, Prada and Ray-Ban.
The store is the latest edition to David Clulow’s store collection which is hosted in nearly 30 cities and shopping centres across the UK.
The introduction of the new shop is the latest in a long line of recent Westgate comings and goings in recent months.
Shoe chain Russell & Bromley has departed its ground-floor store, leaving the unit empty, after the brand fell into administration.
READ MORE: Abingdon police seek to identify man who ‘frequents’ park
Similarly, Claire’s has also closed at the Westgate after the beauty and accessory brand also collapsed into administration.
Last month, the new Lego store opened on the ground floor of the centre, welcoming queues of shoppers at its grand opening event.
Oliver Bonas also recently moved from its home on the ground floor to a much larger unit on the middle floor, near the Queen Street and Bonn Square entrance.
The scheme, designed to support attendance at Armed Forces Day events, will be in effect across the UK on June 27 and June 28.
It applies to all Stagecoach services except those operated by Megabus, Transport for London and the Bee Network.
To access free travel, serving military should wear uniform or present a valid military ID card, and veterans should present a veteran’s badge or military medal.
Martin Gibbon, managing director of Stagecoach West, said: “Our Armed Forces have given so much to protect our country, and offering free travel over this weekend is just a small gesture of our immense gratitude.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for our service people, past and present, to attend local events and celebrate with their communities.”
Stagecoach’s ongoing support for the military community includes similar free travel schemes on Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday.
The company’s Veterans Network also offers a platform for veterans and service families within the business to connect and shape a more supportive workplace.
Stagecoach was awarded the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award in 2024 in recognition of its commitment to supporting the military community.
Mr Gibbon said: “Through our Veterans Network, we are dedicated to ensuring Stagecoach remains a deeply supportive environment for the military community, both as passengers and as valued colleagues.”
Stagecoach has backed the Armed Forces Covenant since 2015.
Banbury-based Prodrive has joined forces with the British Motorsports Marshals Club (BMMC) in a new three-year partnership to back the more than 3,000 marshals represented by the BMMC.
Easily recognised by their trademark orange overalls, marshals play a critical role in the safe operation of racing events across circuits, rally stages, and hill climbs throughout the UK.
David Richards, chairman of Prodrive, said: “Motorsport simply wouldn’t happen without marshals.
“They are the backbone of our sport, giving their time, commitment and passion to ensure events run safely and successfully.”
The partnership will focus on raising awareness of the marshals’ work using the idea of ‘British Racing Orange’ and aims to strengthen the connection between the sport and its volunteer workforce.
It will also support the BMMC’s efforts to recruit, train, and equip new and existing marshals.
Chris Hobson, chair of the BMMC, said: “Marshals are one of the most visible and vital parts of motorsport.
“Our partnership with Prodrive will help us continue training and equipping marshals, helping them stay safe every time they are trackside.
“By working together, we can inspire more people to discover marshalling and join the BMMC.”
While Prodrive’s factory programmes compete globally across disciplines including endurance racing, rally-raid and beyond, the company remains deeply connected to the UK motorsport ecosystem and the marshal community that supports it.
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