Giles Maynard-Connor KC and Stephen Connolly successfully defend £125M claim for high profile internet and fashion entrepreneur

February 16, 2023

Giles Maynard-Connor KC and Stephen Connolly from the Business & Property Department of Exchange Chambers have acted for Manchester internet and fashion entrepreneur, Mr Adam Frisby of In the Style plc, in successfully defending a claim brought against him valued at £125M for allegedly stealing and exploiting the Claimant’s confidential business plan for In the Style at the time of its establishment in 2013 (Clements v Frisby [2023] EWHC 320 (Ch)).

Mr Frisby’s defence was that the claim was entirely fraudulent, and that the Claimant was advancing the claim dishonestly, knowing full well that he had played no role at all in the establishment, development or success of In the Style, and that that he had no cause of action against Mr Frisby.

Following a highly charged and hotly contested liability only trial in January 2023, HHJ Cawson KC, sitting as a Judge of the High Court in Manchester, has today handed down Judgment against the Claimant, finding him to be a dishonest and unreliable witness, and that his claim was based on a false narrative.

In contrast, HHJ Cawson KC found Mr Frisby to be an honest and impressive witness, and that his account was true.

The claim was dismissed.

Giles and Stephen were instructed by Mr Julien Luke of TLT Solicitors, Manchester.

The full judgement can be found here.