Business

One of Devon’s leading legal firms has been given the top ranking for two of its teams by independent guide to the legal profession, Legal 500 2014, which was published on 1 October.

Described as a “regional heavyweight” Stephens Scown LLP, which has its head office in Exeter, received tier 1 ranking for its family law team, as well as its contentious trusts and probate work, where it is the only firm in Devon and Cornwall to receive the top ranking.

Stephens Scown’s contested probate team is headed up by Phil Gregory, who is described by Legal 500 as “brilliant”, with “...

A Devon solicitor has been appointed to officiate at one of the world’s biggest sporting events - the 17th Asian Games which will take place over 16 days in Incheon, Korea, from September 19 to October 4, 2014.

Charles Cuthbert, who manages the Dubai branch office and is senior partner of the West Country legal practice Everys Solicitors, has been appointed to act as the Judicial Officer for the men’s and women’s rugby events which run over three days (September 30 to October 2). He will be the Disciplinary Officer to deal with any sending offs during the rugby competitions....

Devon Hotels & Restaurants Association has reported a ‘perfect summer’ with bookings for many establishments seeing a healthy rise on last year’s figures thanks to the combination of two months of glorious sunshine, a renewed optimism in the economy encouraging spend and an increase in the corporate market.

All this with the careful planning and future forecasting of local hoteliers and restaurant owners has combined to safeguard the region’s highly respected tourism industry.

Mike Coombes, chair of Devon Hotels and MD of luxurious Mill End Hotel on Dartmoor commented...

easyProperty, the latest venture from easyGroup, has turned to crowdfunding to help raise funds and change the face of the traditional estate agency market.

Founded by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the founder of easyJet and the property entrepreneur and industry veteran Robert Ellice, the company closed its pitch on equity crowdfunding platform Crowdcube at midnight after raising more than £1.4m – well over its original £1m target. The pitch attracted 358 investors with the biggest single investment of £200,000.

easyProperty aims to turn the industry on its head, offering...