3173 Bidco Limited & Anor v Christopher James Roberts & Anor

Facts

Mr Roberts had spent his career in pensions, joining the 3173 group as a consultant in Glasgow on 1 September 2011 and moving to Manchester in 2015 to set up a regional office. He became a director of Dalriada Trustees in October 2019 and, following the acquisition of the group by the managers of the private equity fund Synova Capital Fund IV LP, joined the board of 3173 Limited. On 18 May 2023 he entered into a service agreement with Bidco, an intermediate holding company, under which Bidco engaged him to act as managing director of Dalriada Trustees. Aggrieved by the demands placed upon him without the information he considered necessary, he gave twelve months' notice by letter dated 1 August 2024; a settlement agreement of 5 November 2024 brought termination forward to 31 December 2024 in return for payments and further covenants in restraint of trade. CJR Pensions was incorporated shortly afterwards as the vehicle for his professional services. Bidco and Dalriada Trustees issued proceedings on 30 June 2025 alleging breaches through two LinkedIn posts, discussions with Beaverbrooks and a trustee appointment with Anglian Water, claiming damages, restitution, an account and injunctions, together with a claim against CJR Pensions for procuring breach of contract. Mr Roberts counterclaimed for the unpaid balance due under the settlement agreement.