The team at Cumbria Employment Solicitors will integrate into Sintons’ operations

Newcastle law firm Sintons has announced the acquisition of a Cumbrian solicitors firm.

Sintons said the deal for Cumbria Employment Solicitors would extend its reach across the North and represented both an extension of its geographical footprint and investment in what it called “heavyweight legal talent.”

Cumbria Employment Solicitors has been established for more than 15 years and its link-up with Sintons will allow it to add more legal services for its clients. Michael Bauer and his team will be fully integrated into the Sintons’ employment team.

Christopher Welch, managing partner at Sintons, said: “Sintons are in a period of sustained, strategic growth. We are delighted to bring Cumbria Employment Solicitors into the Sintons’ family.

“However, this isn’t just a talent acquisition; this is part of our strategic drive to expand into different geographic regions by partnering with people who have a proven track record whilst sharing our values of client excellence. This latest move, when coupled with our continued growth in the Yorkshire region means that we are bigger, stronger, and more capable than ever.

“When I first started to speak to Michael, I was immediately struck not only by his talent as an employment lawyer but also by his passion for his clients and for the region in which he has lived and worked the majority of his career. I knew instantly that we had found people and a firm that we could work with for the benefit of all our clients.”

Michael Bauer, partner at Sintons, added: “Joining forces with Sintons was the natural next step for us. To continue to compete at the highest level, you need the resources and backing of a larger firm.

“By joining with Sintons, we are giving our existing client base access to the range of services and to the expertise in other areas of law that only a firm of this stature can provide. We now have the right platform to drive the growth of our combined business across Cumbria whilst still delivering the excellent, and personal, service for which we are known.”

Earlier this year Sintons toasted record revenues and the expansion of its workforce. The company, based at The Cube on Barrack Road, published accounts in which revenues rose 6.5% to £19.3m, while employee numbers rose to 180.

Britain’s high streets enjoyed a welcome lift last month as an early Easter drew shoppers back through the doors, but retailers are warning that the bounce may prove fleeting as a fresh wave of tax rises and wage costs bears down on the sector this month.

Total UK footfall climbed 2.4 per cent year-on-year in March, according to figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC), reversing a grim start to the year that saw shopper numbers fall by 0.6 per cent in January and a chastening 4.5 per cent in February as persistent wet weather kept high streets quiet.

Yet behind the headline figure lies a more anxious story. The BRC cautioned that the Easter uplift, which arrived earlier than usual this year, fell short of what retailers had been banking on, leaving many in no mood to celebrate as April’s cost pressures begin to bite.

Shopping centres led the recovery with a 2.6 per cent rise, followed closely by retail parks at 2.5 per cent, while high streets themselves managed a more modest two per cent gain. Regionally, Manchester staged the strongest comeback, with total footfall surging by more than nine per cent, while London edged ahead of the national average at 3.3 per cent.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, struck a cautious note. With Easter and the school holidays falling earlier this year, she said, retailers had been expecting a stronger boost than March actually delivered. Warmer weather might help sustain momentum in the coming weeks, Dickinson added, but without a repeat lift in April the recovery was far from assured.

Andy Sumpter, retail consultant at Sensormatic, which compiles the BRC’s footfall data, was blunter still, suggesting that March would have recorded a decline altogether were it not for the Easter effect. He pointed to a worrying cocktail of falling consumer confidence, geopolitical uncertainty and rising living costs, not least at the petrol pump, as reasons shoppers are cutting back on discretionary trips. The real test, he argued, will be whether footfall can hold up once the Easter boost fades and tougher year-on-year comparisons return.

The mood among retail chiefs has been lifted, if only tentatively, by President Trump’s announcement of a two-week ceasefire, although that deal has since been cast into doubt. The BRC noted that a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, should it materialise, could bring global energy prices back towards more manageable levels before the bulk of companies come to renew their supply contracts.

Even so, the warning lights on the retail dashboard remain firmly on. Trade bodies representing both retail and hospitality are sounding the alarm over mounting employment costs and April’s hike to business rates, which together threaten to swallow any windfall the Easter trade may have produced.

Dickinson urged ministers to do their bit by easing the burden of domestic policy costs, arguing that lower overheads would free operators to invest in value, experience and their in-store offer, the very things, she said, that help drive footfall and breathe life into local economies.

For Britain’s SMEs, which make up the bulk of independent high-street operators, the message from the data is unmistakable. Easter has provided a fleeting reprieve, but the structural pressures squeezing margins show little sign of easing. Whether March’s modest rebound proves to be the first swallow of summer or merely a brief interlude before tougher trading conditions return will, retailers fear, come down to decisions taken in Whitehall as much as on the shop floor.

Jamie Young

Jamie is Senior Reporter at Business Matters, bringing over a decade of experience in UK SME business reporting.
Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops.

When not reporting on the latest business developments, Jamie is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of business leaders.

The Gateshead company is a former North East Company of the Year

A former North East Company of the Year has been sold after the retirement of its long-time owner.

Dave Crone has stepped down as group managing director of Gateshead firm Omega Plastics after nearly 30 years with the company. The business has been acquired by Chris Thompson and Mark Thornton, both of whom have previously worked in senior positions at Omega.

The company, which has sites in Gateshead, Washington and Hartlepool, won the top prize at the North East Business Awards in 2017. Its most recent accounts show turnover of just over £7m and a headcount of 89.

As part of the takeover, the company will consolidate its operations to a single site in Team Valley.

In a statement to mark his retirement, Mr Crone said: “Having recently celebrated my 66th birthday, and after nearly 30 years with Omega Plastics, I have decided the time is right to sell my shares and step back from my role as group managing director. I want to reassure you that this transition has been carefully planned to ensure the future success and stability of the company. As part of this transaction, the business has secured significant additional investment to support our next phase of development.

“This business has been a lifelong passion of mine, and whilst it is an emotional milestone, I am incredibly proud of the journey we have shared and the business we have built together.

“I am delighted to confirm that the business has been acquired by Chris Thompson and Mark Thornton, both of whom have deep historical ties to Omega Plastics and a genuine passion for its success.

“Fundamental to my wish to retire was ensuring that Omega Plastics Group secured the correct leadership and investment to support its long- term objectives and sustainability. After detailed discussions with Chris and Mark it was clear they shared the same vision, were supportive of the needs of the business and through Chris’ ownership of the Gateshead facility they were also able to provide additional benefits that their ownership could bring to a single site operation.

“This investment gives the business significant increased working capital and additional funding to drive a transformational move to a single site in Gateshead, which will facilitate improved efficiencies and enhanced levels of service for you, our customers.”

Mr Thompson helped start the firm in the 1990s and remained a shareholder until 2024 when he left to become CEO at Express Engineering. Mr Thornton was a member of the company’s executive team in 2019 and 2020.

Mr Crone added: “We understand that the plastics sector has faced well-publicised challenges recently. Because of this, I want to be clear: Omega Plastics Group is now stronger, better funded, and more ambitious than ever.”

Assets under management for U.S. exchange-traded funds could more than double to $25 trillion by the end of this decade, Citigroup said on Thursday, as investors seek the increasingly popular asset class for low-cost, diversified exposure across markets.

As of March 2025, the U.S.-listed ETF industry’s total assets stood at about $10.4 trillion, according to Citi.

The Wall Street brokerage had previously forecast the industry’s AUM to hit $19 trillion by 2030 and $29 trillion by 2035.

GOLDMAN SACHS COMPLETES INNOVATOR CAPITAL ACQUISITION, LIFTING ETF ASSETS TO $90B

Citi said that as of March 2025, the U.S.-listed ETF industry’s total assets stood at about $10.4 trillion. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

It now expects more than $40 trillion by 2035.

“While these projections are more optimistic than our prior estimates, it still suggests ETFs will be in a more mature phase of AUM growth as flows (organic) and performance (inorganic) drivers will be more balanced than the previous ten years,” Citi said.

VANGUARD FUND STRIPS OUT CHINA IN EMERGING MARKETS INVESTMENT PLAY

A large chunk of the growth could be driven by active ETFs, investments into which are expected to outpace their passive peers, the brokerage said.

Active ETFs are among the fastest-growing segments of the ETF market, attracting investors with flexible strategies and lower costs. Many aim to outperform a benchmark or deliver a specific investment outcome, while passive ETFs seek to track an index and mirror its performance.

“Our base case expects Active’s market share of ETF AUM to double in ten years as these products gain (a) greater share of industry flows,” Citi said in a note on Thursday.

Other factors supporting growth within the industry include product innovation, easier ETF launch regulation, adoption of more sophisticated strategies, and demand for flexible, tax-efficient investment solutions, Citigroup said.

THE ETF REPORT: NEWS & ANALYSIS

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on April 4, 2025, in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images / Getty Images)

ETFs tracking U.S. equities have recorded more than $75.8 billion in inflows so far this year, building on more than $1.1 trillion worth of inflows seen in the last two years, according to data from LSEG Lipper.

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Meanwhile, U.S.-domiciled ETFs have recorded more than $435 billion worth of inflows so far this year, as per LSEG Lipper data.

Two decades after “Confessions” redefined modern R&B, Usher’s catalog continues to thrive in 2026, with his signature hit “Yeah!” (feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris) approaching 2 billion streams on Spotify alone and remaining one of the most-played tracks from the 2000s era. The Atlanta native’s blend of silky vocals, impeccable dance moves and genre-spanning hits has kept him relevant across generations, as streaming platforms and playlists introduce his music to new fans daily.

Usher Raymond IV, known simply as Usher, has released nine studio albums since his 1994 debut, selling tens of millions of records worldwide. His 2004 album “Confessions” stands as a landmark, spawning multiple No. 1 singles and earning diamond certification in the U.S. In April 2026, with monthly listeners hovering near 45 million on Spotify, his greatest hits continue to dominate R&B and throwback playlists, while newer tracks from 2024’s “Coming Home” album and occasional 2026 collaborations add fresh momentum.

Rankings of Usher’s best songs vary slightly by metric — Billboard chart performance, total streams, critical acclaim or cultural impact — but a clear consensus emerges from current data. Here is a widely agreed-upon top 10 list based on 2026 streaming figures, historical chart success and enduring popularity.

No. 10: “Love in This Club” (feat. Young Jeezy, 2008, from “Here I Stand”) This mid-tempo club anthem topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became a staple of late-2000s parties. Its seductive groove and Jeezy’s rap verse helped Usher maintain momentum after the “Confessions” peak. The track still receives steady airplay and playlist placement, underscoring his knack for creating dance-floor-ready R&B.

No. 9: “U Remind Me” (2001, from “8701”) Usher’s smooth delivery on this mid-tempo relationship track earned him his first No. 1 on the Hot 100. Produced with classic early-2000s R&B polish, it showcased his vocal range and emotional depth. In 2026 it remains a favorite on romantic and nostalgia playlists, with strong catalog streams.

No. 8: “Burn” (2004, from “Confessions”) A heartfelt ballad about the end of a relationship, “Burn” replaced “Yeah!” at No. 1 on the Hot 100 and held the spot for eight weeks. Its raw emotion and relatable lyrics helped “Confessions” become a cultural phenomenon. Critics often rank it among Usher’s most vulnerable and powerful performances, and it continues to resonate in 2026.

No. 7: “OMG” (feat. will.i.am, 2010, from “Raymond v. Raymond”) This dance-pop banger blended R&B with electronic elements, peaking at No. 1 on the Hot 100. The high-energy production and catchy hook introduced Usher to a new generation of pop fans. It remains one of his most streamed solo-led tracks and a go-to for workout or party playlists.

No. 6: “Climax” (2012, from “Looking 4 Myself”) Produced by Diplo, this atmospheric R&B track marked an artistic evolution for Usher, earning him a Grammy for Best R&B Performance. Its moody production and soaring vocals proved his ability to innovate while staying true to his roots. Many critics consider it one of his most sophisticated releases.

No. 5: “You Make Me Wanna…” (1997, from “My Way”) Usher’s breakthrough single spent eight weeks at No. 2 on the Hot 100 and introduced the world to his smooth style and dance prowess. The track helped establish him as a teen R&B star and laid the foundation for his later dominance. Two decades later, it still appears on greatest-hits compilations and retro playlists.

No. 4: “U Got It Bad” (2001, from “8701”) A tender ballad that topped the Hot 100 for six weeks, “U Got It Bad” highlighted Usher’s vocal talent and songwriting. Critics frequently cite it as one of his finest emotional performances. In 2026 it continues to rank high on lists of the best R&B ballads of all time.

No. 3: “My Boo” (with Alicia Keys, 2004, from “Confessions”) This duet spent six weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100 and became a definitive early-2000s love song. The chemistry between Usher and Keys, combined with its heartfelt lyrics, made it an instant classic. It has surpassed 1.1 billion streams on Spotify and remains a staple at weddings and romantic events.

No. 2: “DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love” (feat. Pitbull, 2010, from “Versus”) A high-energy dance track that peaked at No. 4 on the Hot 100, this collaboration brought club energy to mainstream radio. Its infectious beat and party vibe have kept it relevant, with over 1.37 billion Spotify streams as of April 2026. It frequently appears in throwback dance playlists and TikTok challenges.

No. 1: “Yeah!” (feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris, 2004, from “Confessions”) Usher’s defining hit has amassed nearly 2 billion streams on Spotify and ranks as one of the biggest songs of the 21st century. The crunk-infused production, memorable hook and star-making verses from Lil Jon and Ludacris propelled it to 12 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100. In 2026 it remains the most-streamed track in his catalog by a wide margin and a cultural touchstone for early-2000s music.

Beyond these core hits, Usher’s more recent output, including the 2024 album “Coming Home” and its single “Good Good” (with Summer Walker and 21 Savage), has kept him active on charts and in the public eye. Occasional 2026 collaborations, such as rumored or released features with artists like Chris Brown, add to his ongoing relevance without overshadowing his legendary catalog.

Usher’s influence extends far beyond recorded music. His electrifying stage presence — highlighted by his 2024 Super Bowl halftime show — and choreography have inspired generations of performers. He has earned multiple Grammy Awards, including for vocal performances and R&B albums, and maintains a strong live touring career.

Streaming has dramatically extended the life of his hits. Playlists curated around 2000s R&B or “Confessions” anniversaries drive millions of daily plays. Younger audiences discover tracks like “Yeah!” through social media challenges or family playlists, ensuring the music stays culturally alive.

Critics praise Usher’s versatility: he can deliver club bangers, heartfelt ballads and experimental sounds with equal conviction. His ability to adapt to shifting trends — from crunk to EDM to contemporary R&B — while retaining a signature style has sustained a career now spanning over 30 years.

As Usher approaches new milestones in 2026, including potential new gospel-leaning or collaborative projects, his top songs serve as a testament to timeless songcraft. Whether blasting from car speakers, filling arenas or soundtracking quiet moments, these tracks capture the essence of an artist who helped shape modern R&B and pop.

For newcomers or longtime fans curating the ultimate Usher playlist in 2026, these 10 songs provide the perfect starting point. They represent the evolution of a superstar who turned personal storytelling and infectious grooves into global anthems. With billions of streams and countless memories attached, Usher’s music continues to make listeners move, reflect and celebrate — proving that true classics never fade.