Corporate - the Virtual Summer Series 2026

In a challenging marketplace for business, the corporate lawyer has to keep on top of a range of issues, whether it’s helping clients raise investment, navigating insolvency or keeping directors out of trouble.

Chaired by Andrew Meakin of Morton Fraser MacRoberts, our new online conference includes presentations from Professor Nicholas Grier of Abertay University, Gavin MacColl KC, Lauren Hart from Morton Fraser MacRoberts, Nicky-Ray Watson of Brodies and David Ovens, Joint Managing Director of Archangels.

What's being covered?

Venture capital investment – the protections required and their importance

The protections sought as venture capital investors in the Investment Agreement and Articles include reporting, investor consent matters, warranties, drag and tag and good leaver/bad leaver, but why are these protections important?

David Ovens, Archangels

Dealing with lenders in the current market

In this session we’ll look at the current business marketplace, areas of tension in the current market, the impact that macro-economic factors have on the decisions that lenders are making and what this all means for advising your clients.

Andrew Meakin, Morton Fraser MacRoberts

The silly things directors do

When you read the Law Reports it appears that act first, think later, seems to be the motto of some directors. Unwise things that directors do

• diverting business elsewhere
• taking unauthorised benefits
• paying dividends out of future profits
• buying businesses they don't know how to run
• while negligence is fine, fraud is a step too far
• trading past the point of no return
• pulling a swiftie on their own shareholders
• indulging in market abuse - and getting caught 

What can be done about them? Sometimes, nothing. The cost and effort is too great. But there are methods, if the authorities, members or liquidators are willing to use them. Professor Grier mines the rich seam of poor directorial decision-making and explains what can be done to hold directors to account.

Professor Nicholas Grier WS

Corporate insolvency update

This session will provide an overview of corporate insolvency; considering some key principles and recent developments.

Nicky-Ray Watson, Brodies

A guide to loan documentation

In this session we’ll consider the anatomy of a loan agreement, the advantages and disadvantages in the growth of 'standard' documents, and key provisions for negotiation. Common questions on financial covenants and the treatment of events of default will also be considered.

Lauren Hart, Morton Fraser MacRoberts

Company caselaw update

In this session, Gavin will discuss some important cases recently decided, consider the potential impact of the decisions taken in these cases and provide any relevant pointers for practitioners.

Gavin MacColl KC, Themis Advocates