Being a Patron of “vibrant, active” Chamber important to law firm’s growth

Supporting local businesses is important to law firm Russell-Cooke, which recently won the accolade of The Lawyer’s Law Firm of the Year: The Independents

“We feel strongly about this as it is really important and part of who we are, and the Chamber is a perfect way to stay connected with people in our area,” says Legal Director Rachael Taylor.

Russell-Cooke rejoined Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce a couple of years ago.

“After trying a couple of events, we decided to rejoin as the Chamber now feels much more active and vibrant,” says Rachael.

“We’ve now been actively involved again for a few years. Obviously, we would like to generate more business through the Chamber, but it is also a great way to keep connections active with existing clients who are members as well.

“Being a Patron has improved our profile in Wandsworth, and we’ve really enjoyed being able to host a couple of events for members at our office, so they get to know us a bit more. It’s also just really enjoyable getting to know people and what their business is all about.”

Rachael acknowledges it can be difficult for members to fit networking into an already packed schedule, but the benefits are “definitely worth the effort”.

“My advice to new Chamber members would be – just get involved!” she adds.

“There is a lot going on, and while it can be challenging to get to every single event, going to as many as you can is definitely worth the effort. There’s also a wide range of events (Big Breakfast versus smaller drinks events where you can just mingle) so find out what suits you.

“It sounds obvious but it’s also really key to follow up with contacts you make, and it’s important to always remember that networking is a long game – don’t let it drop just because you don’t immediately generate lots of new business leads.”

In the legal sector, there is “strong competition” for talent and an increasing demand for flexible working.

“The Chamber helps keep us rooted in the local community and supports us by strengthening links with local schools and training providers, particularly as we start working towards launching solicitor apprenticeships for school leavers,” says Rachael.

“Maintaining strong local connections is also vital. While we operate nationally and internationally, Wandsworth remains central to our identity. The Chamber’s events, workshops and platforms help us stay engaged and visible in the community.

“Another priority is raising awareness of our breadth of services, from private client and property to corporate, commercial, and charity law. The Chamber’s magazine, events and seminars provide excellent opportunities to showcase this range.

“Finally, sustainability is at the heart of our strategy. We welcome opportunities to partner with the Chamber on local initiatives, workshops and community programmes that further our commitment to responsible business.”

Russell-Cooke is proud to support clients on a vast array of work, while also providing personal and thoughtful service to the many families and individuals they advise.

“We plan to grow in a way that maintains this,” she adds.

“Recent key hires and promotions across charity, corporate, family, property, planning, and tax strengthen the expertise we can offer clients. These appointments reflect our commitment to expanding both the breadth and depth of expertise we offer to clients locally and internationally.

“As a responsible business, we remain carbon neutral, invest in staff wellbeing, provide access to justice, and expand community volunteering.

“Our recent recognition as The Lawyer’s Law Firm of the Year: The Independents reflects the strength of our people and the values we uphold. This, along with our Legal Cheek Work/ Life Balance Award and inclusion in The Times’ Best Law Firm, highlight not only our technical expertise but also our culture and commitment to doing things the right way.”

Chamber helps keep us rooted in the local community and supports us by strengthening links with local schools and training providers, particularly as we prepare to launch solicitor apprenticeships for school leavers.

Economic

CRIME AND CORPORATE TRANSPARENCY ACT 2023: What is it and how can I prepare for the identity verification process?

Law firm Russell-Cooke outlines the contents of the Act, highlights key upcoming changes, and advises businesses on the next steps

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act came into effect in 2023 to improve transparency around UK corporate structures and to tackle economic crime, with a series of reforms being implemented over the following years.

What is the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA)?

The ECCTA came into force in October 2023 with the aim of improving the transparency of data relating to UK corporate structures and reducing economic crime within the UK. For these purposes, the ECCTA has introduced several reforms to the role and functions of the UK Registrar of Companies (Companies House), which are being implemented through a 'transition plan' between 2024 and 2027.

The first set of changes under the ECCTA were introduced last year, including the requirement for:

• companies to supply a registered email address as well as having an appropriate UK-based registered office address (PO box addresses are not sufficient)

• companies, on incorporation, to confirm that they have been formed for a lawful purpose and each year confirm (when filing the confirmation statement at Companies House) that their future activities will be lawful

• stronger checks on company names to ensure that they do not give false or misleading impressions to the public

A couple of other key developments took place on 18 March 2025, the first being that Companies House will be able to expedite the striking off of companies where it has concluded that a company has been formed for a false basis. In addition to this, the registration for authorised corporate service providers (ACSPs) with Companies House went 'live', which comes after an initial postponement in February 2025 and is part of rolling out the identification verification processes and requirements that will become compulsory from 18 November 2025.

What are the identification processes introduced by ECCTA?

Under this regime, the following will need to have their identity verified with Companies House:

• all existing and new directors and persons with significant control (PSCs)

• a relevant officer of all existing and new relevant legal entities (RLEs)

• authorised corporate service providers (ACSPs)

• all those filing documents with Companies House

Individuals have been able to voluntarily verify their identity with Companies House since 8 April 2025. From 18 November 2025, identity verification will be compulsory on incorporation for new directors and PSCs, and a 12-month transition period will begin for all existing directors and PSCs after which verification will be compulsory for all directors and PSCs. By Spring 2026, identity verification will be required for those filing any documents on behalf of a company, and ACSPs must be registered with Companies House.

How will I be able to verify my identity with Companies House?

There will be two routes for identity verification with Companies House: a person can verify their own identity directly by opening an account with Companies House, or indirect verification by an ASCP.

Direct verification

There are three options to verify your identity with GOV.UK One Login:

• GOV.UK Check App: you will need to download this app on a suitable smartphone with a working camera (in order to take a selfie). You will also need a form of UK ID (e.g., driving licence, passport, biometric residence card or UK Frontier Worker permit). The app carries out checks on the individuals through Experian, and/or potentially other similar agencies, as part of the process. It’s not yet clear if there will be difficulties if, for example, the individual does not have an Experian profile, or their profile is locked (e.g. due to fraud).

• GOV.UK One Login Web Channel: you will be required to answer security questions

director

relating to your personal details, as well as providing a UK photo ID (e.g. UK passport or UK driving licence). The questions are based on information accessed through Experian and the individual has only one attempt to use the service. If the questions are not answered correctly on the first attempt, the individual will be required to select a different route to verify their identity.

• One Login face-to-face service at a Post Office: you will be required to provide details of your photo ID on GOV.UK and attend a post office with your ID documents (which will be scanned and your photo will also be taken). You will then be updated on the verification result by email. This option is the slowest and only available to individuals with the following types of ID: UK and nonUK passports, UK and EU driving licences, UK biometric residence permit or national identity photocard from an EEA country.

Indirect verification by an ASCP

An ACSP must be an individual or organisation already registered with an anti-money laundering (AML) supervisory body (such as law firms or accountants). An ACSP will be required to follow a process for verifying a person’s identity and then submit a statement to Companies House confirming that they have completed such identity verification.

What can I do to prepare for the identity verification?

Firstly, it is advised that you review your current systems for collecting and maintaining director and PSC records. Following that, check that your directors, PSCs and any other persons filing documents on behalf of your company have up-to-date ID documents available (for the purposes of verifying their identities). You should also train and inform your staff of the identification processes, particularly if they will be filing documents on behalf of your company at Companies House and, once possible, existing directors and PSCs should verify their identity at Companies House prior to it becoming a compulsory requirement –the sooner its done, the better!

You can also consider if it's worthwhile appointing an ACSP and whether the persons already filing documents on behalf of the company (e.g. law firm or accountant) if intending to register as an ACSP.