The Solicitors Regulation Authority is keen for law firms to be transparent over the fees they charge. In the spirit of openness, therefore, it seemed only right to ask how much the regulator spent on its Trust and the Market conference held in London in June.

Louise Minchin

Louise Minchin

Source: Rex Features

There were, it must be said, a few gaps at the 300-capacity 30 Euston Square venue to hear from guest speaker Stephen Mayson, as well as regulatory bodies the Gambling Commission and UK Anti-Doping. The free event was chaired by BBC Breakfast host Louise Minchin. It turns out that the SRA spent £30,445 on the three-hour event – £169 a minute. The venue, which laid on breakfast and lunch, cost £23,520, while £6,220 went on guest speakers.

The actual number of attendees on the day was 109, including 50 delegates from solicitor firms. (In all 173 people had registered to attend, but 37% failed to show up.) In fairness, a further 521 people watched the event live via webstream and another 100 or so have viewed it since.

Money well spent, we’re sure you’ll agree.

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