The matter came before District Judge Shackleton at Romford County Court for a short procedural hearing concerning a commercial claim between an energy supplier and a corporate defendant. The judge opened the hearing by confirming the registered and residential addresses associated with the defendant, both of which were located outside the Romford area. Counsel confirmed the addresses as being in Loughton and Virginia Water respectively. The judge expressed concern that the matter had been transferred to Romford despite neither party having a connection to the venue. He also noted that the 20-minute time allocation was insufficient to determine the issues. The judge asked counsel to confirm the client’s preferred venue between Edmonton and Willesden. Counsel stepped out briefly to take instructions and returned to confirm that the client had no preference. The judge indicated that he was minded to transfer the matter to Edmonton, which was agreed by both parties.