At Manchester Digital we like to interview our members to find out a bit more about what they do and their work in the Greater Manchester digital and technology sphere. This week we're speaking with Chris Air, Senior Associate at law firm DAC Beachcroft. Chris specialises in non-contentious technology projects, commercial contracts and advising on data protection compliance.
What does your organisation do?
We are a provider of legal services – our services include commercial, corporate, real estate, disputes, employment, intellectual property and tax. My department specialises in technology, digital media, data protection and commercial contracts and we act for a large number of clients across sectors such as health, financial services, public sector, insurance and retail.
What do you think is currently the biggest issue facing the tech industry?
Regulating social media and big tech.
What is your organisation’s biggest achievement?
Successfully introducing a new scheme over the last year called Flex Forward, which allows our staff to select their preferred working pattern – whether this is fully office based, fully home working or a hybrid approach. It also allows DACB staff to structure their working day around home commitments, such as childcare.
The DAC Beachcroft office in Spinningfields
What would you consider to be your organisation’s biggest challenge?
Cyber security is a constant threat. Law firms are increasingly being targeted with ransomware and other attacks, so we have to be constantly vigilant and stay one step ahead to prevent such incidents.
What do you think the future looks like for Manchester’s tech sector?
Really bright! Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, I detect a real sense of momentum and optimism amongst our local tech client base, and with Manchester increasingly being seen as an attractive alternative to London, we are really excited to work so closely with the Manchester tech community.
Tell us something that we might not know about your company?
The origins of our firm go back as far as 1762 – the firm’s very first client (a London based hospital, now a large NHS Foundation Trust) are still an existing client.
Thank you Chris!
To find out more about DAC Beachcroft, click here.
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