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David - it might be better not simply to operate on the basis of your worst fears but take account of what I have actually said - 28th May at 01.48.

Where I suspect we might actually agree is ruing the demise of the family solicitor. I'm trying to revive that, but for practice in the 21st Century it needs to happen in a very different environment. Wishing that everything would just go back to the way it was in the good old days won't work.

The point of technology for us is not to get rid of lots of people, rather to free them up from the burden of admin and process. You may find this hard to believe from me, but I think that the body of dedicated and hard-working people currently working in the high street are one of the great assets of this market. A key part of our business plan involves delivering a better future for existing staff, not canning them!

SP Spencer. In broad terms, it is based on paying a fair value on acquisition, with the majority, if not all, partners/members staying on as the local management with suitable employment contracts and the opportunity to share in any capital value that is created.

I won't comment any further on this thread, but anyone who wants to know more is welcome to contact me directly. I'm happy to engage in sensible debate, but let's avoid the personal!