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Published 4 January 2019
Last updated 6 February 2020 + show all updates
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First published.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has been investigating the completed merger of Danspin and Lawton Yarns.
Both companies provide yarn that is used to make woollen carpets nationally and across the world. In the UK – one of the biggest markets for this particular carpet – Danspin and Lawton Yarns supply the majority of yarn used in its manufacturing.
In its initial “Phase 1” investigation, the CMA has found that, as well as being the 2 main producers of woollen yarn prior to their merger, Danspin and Lawton Yarns were each other’s main competitors and faced little rivalry from other businesses.
Choice for carpet manufacturers following the merger would therefore be particularly limited, as the other main competitors in this sector have a small UK presence and would not pose a healthy challenge to the merged company.
As a result, the CMA is concerned that the new, merged company could increase prices or reduce the supply of yarn to carpet manufacturers in the UK, potentially pushing prices up for people buying woollen carpet.
Danspin bought Lawton Yarns out of administration in May 2019, following a competitive process against other interested purchasers.
Danspin has until 12 November to offer solutions to resolve the CMA’s concerns, otherwise the merger will be referred for an in-depth “Phase 2” investigation.
More information can be found on the CMA’s Danspin/Lawton Yarns web page.
Russell Agius has been reappointed to the Judicial Pension Board (JPB) from 10 October 2019 until 9 October 2021.
Mr Agius has been advising pension schemes for over 23 years. He is a Partner at Aon Hewitt. He spends most of his time advising trustees and has two corporate appointments. He has carried out secondments with the Department for Work and Pensions, the Pension Protection Fund and the Pensions Regulator.
JPB was set up to act as the scheme management board and the Judicial Pension Scheme Advisory Board was also created to look at scheme policy and make recommendations as to the suitability of any potential changes to the Scheme.
The Commissioner for Public Appointments regulates the appointment of independent members to the JPB and the recruitment process must follow the Governance Code on Public Appointments.
This reappointment has been made in line with the Code.
Russell Agius has not declared any political activity.
Published 5 November 2019
Diane Astin has been reappointed to CJC from 25 October 2019 to 24 October 2022.
Diane is a practicing solicitor and university lecturer. She is a consultant at Deighton Peirce Glynn where she acts for legally aided clients, particularly in housing and Judicial Review cases. She also teaches civil justice and public law at Brunel University.
Diane Astin has not declared any political activity.
Nicola Critchley has been reappointed to CJC from 25 October 2019 to 24 October 2022.
Nicola is a Partner and Board member at Horwich Farrelly. She has extensive experience of dealing with high value costs litigation, costs budgeting, appeals, fraud, technical challenges, portal dropouts, infant approvals, FRCS issues and bulk test litigation on behalf of insurers, self-insured’s and organisations. Nicola chaired a CJC Working Group that supported reform in holiday sickness claims and is currently involved in the Whiplash Reforms. Nicola is a member of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers, sits on the Costs Focus Group and is treasurer of FOIL.
Nicola Critchley has not declared any political activity.
Ian Karet has been reappointed to CJC from 25 October 2019 to 24 October 2020.
Ian is a partner of Linklaters LLP specialising in Intellectual
Property. He is a Charity Commissioner and a Trustee of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Ian Karet has not declared any political activity.
Matthew Smerdon has been re-appointed to the CJC from 25 October 2019 to 24 October 2022.
Matthew is Chief Executive of The Legal Education Foundation, a grant making trust that works to help people understand and use the law. Matthew has been involved in access to justice work for over twenty years through a variety of roles in the voluntary sector.
Matthew Smerdon has not declared any political activity
The CJC provides advice to the Secretary of State, the Judiciary and Civil Procedure Rule Committee on the effectiveness of aspects of the justice system, and makes recommendations to test, review or conduct research into specific areas. The appointment of Civil Justice Committee (CJC) members is governed by the Civil Procedures Act 1997.
Appointments to the Civil Justice Council are made by the Secretary of State for Justice and are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. These re-appointments have been made in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.