The war in Syria is rightly at the centre of the news, including the business pages. Oil prices have risen to a three-year high, while stocks have fallen across the world’s markets in response to the escalating tensions between the United States and Russia as they conduct proxy war in the devastated country. It’s a stark illustration that following the business world to build your commercial awareness also requires understanding current affairs. Here are some of the other main developments in the commercial sector this week.

What is the difference between the financial markets of the London Stock Exchange?

Economists’ ideal market – known as ‘perfect competition’ – would operate something like a large town square full of fruit and vegetable stalls. Prices would be clearly visible to consumers and one stall’s products would be very similar to the next, making it unlikely that one seller would set a higher price than their neighbour.

All you need to know about life as a Maple Teesdale trainee!

In the wake of recent discussion over whether to implement aptitude tests for postgraduate law courses, the chair of the Bar Standards Board Baroness Deech has said that many who take the BPTC are "wasting their money" because they are "not up to it".

Several firms have agreed to provide new homes for as many of Dewey & LeBoeuf's current and future trainees as possible, following the US firm's much-publicised collapse - though the number of trainees without new firms remains unknown.

Based in Leeds, this project helps find legal assistance for those seeking asylum.

Mediation is an alternative means of settling disputes. It’s used in many different areas of law but the family law sector is of particular interest to me.

An app has been developed by law students at Manchester University that allows users to find help when legal advice centres are closed.

Research from The University of Law has found that Manchester is the top location for hybrid and remote roles in the legal profession, with London and Birmingham coming in second and third. 

With one on-campus centre and a second based in The Settlement, East Manchester, this initiative provides free and confidential legal advice to members of the public during teaching semesters.

Manchester Law School, part of Manchester Metropolitan University, has accepted the first students onto its alternative training route.

Students on Manchester Metropolitan University's BTPC course and police trainees recently took part in a full-scale mock trial, offering both sets of aspiring professionals the taste of their career future.