Welcome to the latest edition of our Commercial Newsletter, bringing you practical insights and essential legal updates to help your business stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.
This edition covers a wide range of topics, from cyber risks and data transparency to the commercial and legal considerations of non-disclosure agreements, social media liabilities, procurement reforms, and supply chain integrity. We also explore lessons from headline-grabbing Formula 1 driver contracts, reflecting both the high stakes and the importance of precision in commercial agreements.
As always, we’re here to help you turn complex legal and commercial issues into actionable strategies.
The Commercial Team at Wright Hassall
It is with great sadness that we share the news that our colleague and friend Christopher (Chris) Gelber passed away last month.
Chris was an exceptional commercial solicitor, sharp, principled, and deeply committed to providing his clients with clear, practical and effective legal support. But, beyond his professional brilliance, he was so much more. He was kind and generous with his time and knowledge, fiercely intelligent yet always grounded and possessed a wicked sense of humour. He was unapologetically himself, and never afraid to voice his opinions - but always with warmth, wit and perspective.
Chris’ passing leaves an immense gap for all of us who have had the privilege of working alongside him. He will be missed deeply by the Commercial team here at Wright Hassall, along with everyone else in the business, and our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his partner, Kate, his children and his many friends. People like Chris are rare, and we're grateful for the time that we had with him. His insight, laughter and integrity will continue to resonate through the people and work he influenced.
When cyber becomes commercial: Lessons from JLR
The recent cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover highlights how cyber risk isn’t just an IT issue - it’s a commercial one. Ann Critchell-Ward, Partner and Head of Commercial explores what businesses can learn from this incident, from contractual protections to crisis response planning.
Inside the fast lane: The legal side to Formula 1 driver contracts
As mentioned above, we lost our colleague, friend and every day hero, Chris Gelber at the start of October. This article is one that Chris really enjoyed writing and was very pleased with. We feel it is only right that it makes it into this quarter’s newsletter as he intended. In it, Chris explored the fascinating world of Formula 1 driver contracts from the unique pressures of performance clauses to the commercial and legal complexities behind the scenes of the sport.
Non-disclosure agreements explained
NDAs are often seen as simple documents, but a poorly drafted clause can expose your business to unnecessary risk. Robyn Hey, Senior Contracts Manager breaks down what NDAs really protect, common pitfalls and how to use them effectively.
Trust, tech and transparency: AI's data risks
As AI tools become embedded in business operations, questions around data accuracy, privacy and accountability are on the rise. Flora Patalane, Solicitor examines the legal and ethical risks and what businesses can do to build trust through transparency.
Consumer law, procurement and data reforms explained
From changes to digital consumer rights to updated data and procurement rules, 2025 has been a pivotal year for commercial compliance. Ann Critchell-Ward provides a round-up of changes from this year and what businesses need to do to stay compliant.
Why supply chain integrity matters
With ESG expectations and regulatory scrutiny at an all-time high, supply chain transparency is no longer optional. Robyn Hey explores how robust supplier management and contractual controls can protect your business reputation and resilience.
Employer liability and social media posts
What happens when an employee’s social media post harms your brand or breaches confidentiality? In this guest article, Adam Morris and Sarah Price, Solicitors in our Employment Law team explain where liability lies and how employers can protect themselves through policies and training.
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The information provided in this article is provided for general information purposes only, and does not provide definitive advice. It does not amount to legal or other professional advice and so you should not rely on any information contained here as if it were such advice.
Wright Hassall does not accept any responsibility for any loss which may arise from reliance on any information published here. Definitive advice can only be given with full knowledge of all relevant facts. If you need such advice please contact a member of our professional staff.
The information published across our Knowledge Base is correct at the time of going to press.
