The High Court has ordered listed firm Gateley to pay damages of more than £221,000 after being found to have acted negligently in advising a client, in a case that cautions against the dangers of conducting a professional relationship on “casual” terms.

The case concerned a property transaction negotiated between 2010 and 2015 by British Virgin Islands-incorporated company Moda International Brands – the claimant in the matter – and property developer Mortar Developments Nottingham.