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Dogs in the Workplace: Not Everyone is Wagging Their Tail.
Have you noticed the number of dog-related posts appearing on LinkedIn lately? Not working dogs, but pets. Allowing pet dogs into the workplace has gained significant traction over recent years. However, this growing trend has sparked a debate. Some argue that pets in the office can be distracting or unprofessional, while dog owners and employers often disregard these concerns as they witness the positive impact dogs can have in the workplace. Many businesses have embraced th

Ashley Barwick
Nov 17, 20253 min read


The Demise of the Tie and Other Business Attire Musings
I recently attended the CILEX (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) Annual Conference. Tucked away in the booking info was the dress code for the event - "business/smart dress'". This raised three issues for me; Why? How do you define, "business/smart dress"? Who are you to tell me what to wear! I've always pushed back when it comes to being told what to wear if it's just for the sake of it. That's why I'll never be invited to the Captain's table on a cruise. I'm on holid

Ashley Barwick
Nov 14, 20253 min read


Mastering a Lexcel Audit: Your Guide to Achieving and Sustaining Compliance
For law firms aiming to acquire or maintain the Law Society Lexcel Practice Management Standard accreditation, mastering the Lexcel audit process is of paramount importance. This comprehensive guide will outline the challenges and requirements of a Lexcel audit, while showcasing how Fraxinus Business Associates can provide expert guidance, preparation, and ongoing compliance management to help your firm succeed. Understanding the Lexcel Audit Process The Lexcel audit is a sig

Ashley Barwick
Nov 11, 20254 min read


Surviving Friday Frustrations: Inter Alia, High Maintenance Co-Workers with Low Mileage Tasks
Friday afternoons have a special kind of magic. The clock ticks slower, the coffee tastes weaker, and the to-do list somehow grows longer. You know the feeling: racing to finish tasks before the weekend, only to be slowed down by unexpected hiccups and, of course, those high maintenance co-workers who seem to demand more attention than a needy pet. Welcome to the World of Friday - where productivity meets pandemonium. The Friday Task Race: Why It Feels Like a Marathon with H

Ashley Barwick
Nov 7, 20252 min read


Paper vs. Pixels: Why Paper Files Can Be Greener Than Electronic Storage
Paper or Cloud? The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind! We've all had it hammered home to us for many years now - Go Greener! Use the Cloud! Go Paperless! I can put my hand on my heart and honestly say that I have tried to do my bit for the environmental cause in recent years. However, I can also say without any contrition that I prefer to work with a pile of papers rather than e-files and digitised documents. It's purely and simply because I find them easier and quick

Ashley Barwick
Nov 6, 20256 min read


The Power of Personal Growth Workshops
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business environment, continuous development is not just an option but a necessity. Whether you are running a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME), managing a law firm, or an individual seeking to enhance your professional capabilities, investing in personal growth can significantly impact your trajectory. One of the most effective ways to foster this development is through personal growth events. These gatherings provide structured o

Ashley Barwick
Nov 3, 20254 min read


Does this image say to you, ‘Breach of Working at Height Regulations 2005’ - or something else ?
Musings of an Ultimate Champagne Socialist Patriotism or Propaganda? In light of the latest YouGov poll about current voter intentions (click on the link to show results), I thought I’d highlight something both topical and personal. First of all, let me state that I have no political allegiance to any one party. I’m thankful that I still live in a democracy that allows everyone in the United Kingdom to choose freely. Sure, there are parties that I doubt that I will ever vot

Ashley Barwick
Oct 29, 20253 min read


Personal Development Programmes - For Individuals, Business Leaders and Employees
In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business environment, staying ahead requires more than just technical skills or industry knowledge. It demands continuous self-improvement and adaptability. This is where personal growth initiatives come into play. They offer a structured path to enhance your capabilities, boost confidence, and ultimately unlock your full potential. Whether you are running a small to medium-sized enterprise, working as an individual professional, or par

Ashley Barwick
Oct 22, 20254 min read


Supporting Justice and Empowering Litigants: My Journey as a McKenzie Friend
Even for the most knowledgeable and skilled individual, navigating the legal system is daunting. I learnt (and am still learning) the ropes on the job. I was told that my law books wouldn't help me much in the reality of day to day legal practice. That was very true. Whether I was challenging a school exclusion decision on an education law matter, working on boundary disputes in property litigation matters, or representing a deceased's relative in the Coroner's Court - I had

Ashley Barwick
Oct 13, 20253 min read


Legal Practice Management – Get it Right - Get a Free Practice Health Check!
With the legal landscape continually changing, it becomes vital for law firm owners, practice managers, and legal professionals to adopt...

Ashley Barwick
Oct 10, 20254 min read


The Mazur Case: Divisions and Debate in the Legal Profession
Let's face it, the Mazur case was supposed to set the record straight about who could do this, that and the other in litigation matters....

Ashley Barwick
Oct 9, 20255 min read


Boost Your Business Compliance with Fraxinus Business Associates
Navigating the complex world of business compliance can be daunting. Regulations evolve constantly, and staying ahead is crucial for...

Ashley Barwick
Oct 6, 20253 min read


Mastering Compliance Audits with Expert Guidance
Navigating the complex world of compliance audits can be daunting. Whether you run a small business, manage a law firm, or are an...

Ashley Barwick
Oct 3, 20253 min read


To Litigate or Not To Litigate?
If you work in the legal arena, you would be hard-pressed not to have heard about the recent Mazur case (Mazur & Anor v Charles Russell...

Ashley Barwick
Sep 30, 20253 min read


Bonkers Brits Bashed Again
An example of how to shoot yourself in the foot. Mon Dieu! I have never hidden the fact that I am Europhile, or more specifically, a...

Ashley Barwick
Jul 8, 20252 min read


The Unbearable Annoyance of WhatsApp
Rant Alert: Warning of incoming type in bold with CAPS Lock On and Exclamation Marks!! Arghhhhh!!! I am often met with incredulity ...

Ashley Barwick
Jun 16, 20253 min read


Flygskam: The Rise of Flight Shame
Greta Thunberg’s role, and its new resonance amid her recent deportation from Israel: Guilty Pleasures? “Flygskam” (Swedish for “flight...

Ashley Barwick
Jun 11, 20252 min read


Say,'"No!", to Globalisation
Rethink the movements and exchanges (of people, goods, services, capital, technologies and cultural practices) on Planet Earth. Source...

Ashley Barwick
Jun 10, 20253 min read


What Links Donald Trump,Tariffs and The Sensational Alex Harvey Band?
Are you going to the party? Tea Mention U.S. President Donald Trump, economic tariffs, and the Scottish rock legends - The Sensational...

Ashley Barwick
Apr 2, 20252 min read


Carbon Neutrality and Offsetting v Carbon Reduction: Less is More
More musings following the Heathrow Airport Power Outage and Public Meltdown Necessary? With a new runway being mooted for Heathrow and...

Ashley Barwick
Mar 28, 20253 min read
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