Latest news with #ScottTaylor
Telegraph
4 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Family inheritance disputes hit 10-year high
Family inheritance feuds have hit their highest levels in more than a decade, figures show. More than 11,300 wills were challenged last year, up from 10,410 in 2023, according to official data revealed to The Telegraph by a Freedom of Information request. The figures represent a marked increase in disputes, with challenges up 56pc from before the pandemic. Lawyers said that rising property values and larger estates mean that there's 'more at stake' . In Britain, a person has testatory freedom – the right to decide to whom or what they leave their money – in all but very limited circumstances. This is in contrast to countries such as France, where a portion of estates must be left to direct descendants. However, this principle is not absolute as those who were financially dependent on the deceased can lay claim to the estate if they are not included. To do this, the person will usually lodge a 'caveat'. This blocks the granting of probate, the vital legal document needed to distribute an estate to the beneficiaries. Last year, 11,362 caveats were issued, and it's estimated that approximately 60pc of claimants succeed. The majority were settled out of court. Less than 5pc will be successful at trial, lawyers said, and it can be very expensive. Scott Taylor, partner in private wealth disputes at law firm Moore Barlow, said: 'Rising property values mean there's simply more at stake when it comes to inheritance. The cost of living crisis has left many people viewing inheritance as essential rather than a bonus. He said: 'The concern is that there's little evidence this trend will slow as the economic screw continues to turn. Courts are already close to capacity, and that could become a serious issue in the near future before even considering the human impact on those involved.' Tamasin Perkins, partner at firm Charles Russell Speechlys, said: 'Family tensions and financial pressures are all playing a part. The rise in house prices also means that the family home is becoming more important to younger family members who cannot otherwise afford to get on the property ladder. 'At the same time, people are becoming more switched on; caveats are cheap to obtain and can be done using a simple online process and without lawyers. 'Whilst accessibility is important, this process can be open to misuse when people use caveats tactically to try to force an early settlement.' The surge in feuds comes after the Law Commission published a landmark report into wills in May, having started an investigation into the legal documents in 2016. The report found that current laws are not doing enough to protect the elderly and vulnerable from financial abuse, amid a rise in so-called 'predatory marriages'. The commission also recommended that electronic wills be considered valid, that marriage should no longer invalidate a will, and that those aged over 16 should be given the right to make a will, rather than just those over 18. And it said that more informal wills should be recognised by courts, and proposed changes to rules about when disabled or mentally incapacitated people can make decisions for themselves.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cinch Saloon enters new chapter, preserving SF LGBTQ history
The Brief Cinch Saloon, a historic gay bar on Polk Street, was at risk of closing. New owner Scott Taylor plans to preserve its legacy while keeping it a safe space for the LGBTQ community. SAN FRANCISCO - One of San Francisco's oldest gay bars, the Cinch Saloon, is beginning a new chapter after fears that it might permanently close. The Polk Street bar has long held historical significance in the city's LGBTQ community. Decades ago, Polk Gulch was a bustling hub of gay nightlife, before the Castro District became San Francisco's most recognized LGBTQ neighborhood. The Cinch's future became uncertain two years ago when one of its longtime owners passed away. Most recently, the remaining partner struggled to maintain the bar. That's when Scott Taylor stepped in. "We feel more like caretakers than ownership. We're here, the bar's been around for 50 years. We're going to try to keep it around for another 50," said Taylor, who officially took over ownership of the bar this year. Taylor is no stranger to the Cinch. He first visited the bar as a patron more than 20 years ago, occasionally bartended there, and even had his first date with his partner at the Cinch a decade ago. He also serves as the beverage director at nearby Harris' restaurant. "We want to keep the historical relevance and the cultural relevance of this place intact. It's very important, especially now, for us to have these kind of safe spaces," Taylor said. For longtime patrons, the bar's survival is deeply personal. "This street used to be full of gay bars. This is like the only place left, so I'm happy that it's going to hang on," said Johnny Smith, who moved to San Francisco in 1996. "It's like a little family. You get to know people, because everybody's from everywhere and they come to San Francisco and you make new families," said Ray Thibodaux. Taylor said he plans to make some updates to the space, but won't change the character that's made the Cinch feel like home to generations of San Franciscans. "He has a vision for this place, he's going to keep things as they are. Seriously, he saved this place. People were worried it was going to disappear... so just so grateful that Scott managed to put everything together and save the place," said Ginger Robyn, a San Francisco resident and regular at the bar. "A little bit of pressure to kind of make sure that I maintain the legacy of the business. But, this place has my heart," Taylor said. The bar will be part of this year's Pride Month events. On June 22, drag performer Juanita MORE! will lead the People's March and Rally near the Cinch, an event inspired by the first gay liberation protest held in the neighborhood in 1970.
Eater
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Eater
This Titanic Polk Street Gay Bar Just Got Pulled Back from the Brink
Polk Street, where the first San Francisco Pride parade marched in 1970, just got great news: The last remaining gay bar in Polk Gulch got a big stimulus injection from a new owner. The Cinch Saloon, an icon in the area alongside the Grubstake Diner, opened in 1974. Now it'll get a second life from Scott Taylor, a beverage director at nearby Harris' Restaurant for 23 years. The news is more than just timely, given Pride. According to the San Francisco Chronicle , rumors had been in the air that the Cinch would close any day. One of the two former owners died in 2023. This Tuesday, June 3 announcement gives a spark of hope to the area that, once upon a time, was just as important a gayborhood as the Castro. Drag main character Juanita More told the paper she'd help Taylor keep the Cinch around 'for a hundred years.' New Oakland restaurant event debuts this summer The Oakland Restaurant Collective — a new-ish collection of business owners in the Town including chef Nelson German of alaMar Dominican Kitchen and the teams behind Jaji and the Caffè by Mr. Espresso — is about to run its first Summer Affair. The event runs all of June and is meant to highlight the some 30 restaurants in the cadre who will host special, restaurant-week-esque menus. There are a ton of events at participating restaurants to peep, too. Ferry Building croissant favorite set to shutter Back across the water, Grande Creperie on the waterfront is in jeopardy. The business, which opened in 2022, was informed its lease will end on June 30, 2025. The San Francisco Standard reports owners Patrick and Joanna Ascaso were told in January they'd have an extended lease. They say they were told by building management their outfit no longer fits the 'cultural mix' of the Ferry Building. Michelin star-holding restaurant rolls out affordable menu One of the city's newest additions to the ol' tire guide has just unveiled a plan to bring in diners on those nights that are decidedly less special occasion-y. On Monday, June 2 the team at 7 Adams released its 7 at 7 menu. In an Instagram post, the business owners said the idea is to offer a nightly, $127 seven-course menu somewhere between the $87 five-course menu and the $157 chef's counter experience. Sign up for our newsletter.
Zawya
24-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Former Navy SEAL and United States (U.S) Congressman Scott Taylor to Speak at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025, Underscoring U.S.-Africa Energy Investments
African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies, taking place in Cape Town on September 29-October 3, is proud to announce that Scott Taylor, Former U.S. Congressman, Navy SEAL and Founder of Taylor Global Strategies, will speak at this year's edition of Africa's premier energy event. A strong delegation of U.S. industry leaders are expected at the conference, with the goal of connecting American companies to African energy opportunities and fostering new partnerships across the energy value chain. A former Navy SEAL and U.S. Representative for Virginia's 2nd congressional district (2017–2019), Taylor brings a deep understanding of legislative and security frameworks, having authored and supported laws relating to energy, the workforce and veterans' issues. Prior to his time in Congress, he served in the Virginia House of Delegates and built a career in security consulting and critical infrastructure protection. Taylor's participation at AEW 2025 underscores growing U.S. interest in Africa's energy markets – from Chevron's multi-billion-dollar investments in Angola's offshore assets to the expanding footprint of American LNG and renewables firms across Mozambique, Senegal and Namibia. Through both private enterprise and U.S. government initiatives like Power Africa and Prosper Africa, the U.S. is increasingly positioning itself as a long-term partner in Africa's energy future. Under the Trump administration, a renewed focus on energy dominance could create new avenues for U.S. investment in Africa's oil, gas and critical minerals sectors. Trump's first term emphasized deregulation and the advancement of fossil fuels, coupled with a foreign policy that favored bilateral deals and strategic partnerships over multilateral aid. In the African context, this could translate to stronger backing for U.S. companies pursuing commercial opportunities – particularly in energy infrastructure, LNG and hydrocarbons – while shifting away from climate-focused development finance. 'We will not have an AEW today without the strong support of Scott Taylor. From day one, he showed up and championed US Africa investments when others were in Dubai in 2021. The United States remains a key player in Africa's energy future, and we welcome Scott Taylor to AEW 2025 to share his vision for how the U.S. private sector can partner with African nations to drive investment, innovation and mutually beneficial growth,' states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. 'Congressman Taylor brings a strategic outlook and deep understanding of U.S. policymaking, which is critical to unlocking capital and forging lasting energy partnerships.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Forbes
28-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why An Entrepreneurial Mindset Isn't Just For Silicon Valley
An entrepreneurial mindset benefits corporate organizations. When most people hear the term "entrepreneurial," they picture hoodie-wearing tech founders pitching to venture capitalists in San Francisco. But an entrepreneurial mindset—characterized by innovation, resilience, and initiative—has become essential across all sectors and roles. Research published in Frontiers in Psychology demonstrates that entrepreneurial thinking isn't just for startups. This mindset, sometimes called "intrapreneurship" when applied within existing organizations, enables professionals to "recognize and act on opportunities, take calculated risks, and drive innovation" regardless of their role or industry. So, what exactly makes this mindset so valuable beyond Silicon Valley, and how can you cultivate it? Let's explore the fundamentals of this approach and why it matters for professionals in every field. An entrepreneurial mindset isn't necessarily about starting a business—it's about how you approach your work and life. People with entrepreneurial mindsets are self-directed, action-oriented, and deeply engaged in their work. Where others see obstacles, they adopt a growth mindset, viewing each setback as a chance to develop new skills. Three key traits characterize this mindset: An entrepreneurial mindset matters for your career because it: You don't need to quit your job and launch a startup to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. Here are practical ways you can cultivate this thinking pattern in your current role: The relationship between entrepreneurial thinkers and their teams is crucial for success. As Professor Scott Taylor from Babson College notes in his recent research, "The leader-follower dynamic is central to entrepreneurial leadership, with the leader's mindset and emotional intelligence playing a critical role in fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration." Even without formal authority, your entrepreneurial mindset can positively influence your team by: Start building your entrepreneurial mindset today with these practical steps: The entrepreneurial mindset isn't a personality trait you're born with—it's a set of skills and attitudes that anyone can develop. From teachers revolutionizing classroom engagement to nurses improving patient care protocols, professionals across industries are applying entrepreneurial thinking to solve problems and create value. By embracing this mindset, you position yourself to thrive in an increasingly complex, fast-paced work environment where adaptability and innovation are premium skills.
