Ranson v Customer Systems Plc [2012] EWCA Civ 841

The appellant had worked for the respondent employer from 2001-2009 before resigning to set up in competition. He had been a senior employee but not a director. Before and during his notice period, the appellant had met with potential clients in the hope of securing work for his new business. He appealed against a decision that he had breached a contractual obligation of fidelity and a fiduciary duty of loyalty to his employer in his contacts with potential clients for his new business. 9 The Court of Appeal held that it was necessary to distinguish between company directors and employees; employees are not subject to the fiduciary duties that apply to directors. And in any