Wednesday 24 December 2008

What Better Christmas Present - Track your Missing Millions!


a million pounds
Originally uploaded by holding.me

Do you have a dormant bank account? That is, an account that has been unused for 15 years?

If so, please read Tracking Down the Missing Millions

You never know, Christmas present could be more lucrative for you than Christmas past!

Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas!

Tuesday 23 December 2008

Know Where you Stand Register your Land

Latimer Hinks, the Darlington-based law firm, is encouraging more people to register their land to help identify and protect what they own, as government figures show that currently only 65% of land in the UK is registered.

Although registration of land is now compulsory when it is sold, this hasn’t always been the case. This means many properties across England & Wales are still unregistered.

Having land registered usually provides the ultimate guarantee of evidence of ownership. It is also the most effective way to bring all documentation up to date and allows easy access to details online.

Benefits of registration

  • greater security of title
  • better protection against claims of adverse possession
  • administration of estate is in good order
  • land can be passed on more easily without the title deeds having to be continually examined.

    Further information can be found in the full press story Darlington Solicitors Urge Landowners to Register

Thursday 18 December 2008

As the Credit Crunch Continues Business Acquisitions Are Still Being Made



We hear it every day, on the news, in the paper, on the internet.... there is a credit crunch. Businesses are becoming insolvent. Employees are being laid off. Doom and gloom abounds.

So it's refreshing to hear of a business man spending money by purchasing a business and keeping existing staff in employment!

Nick Poole, Partner at Latimer Hinks was recently involved in the purchase of a large domiciliary care business in Redcar for long-standing Client, Glenn Pickersgill.

Glenn, a local entrepreneur re-launched the business as Heritage Healthcare.

Here is the full story: Latimer Hinks Supports Entrepreneur's Return to the Care Business

Photo: Nick Poole, left. Ethel Iveston, centre and Glenn Pickersgill, right

Tuesday 9 December 2008

Social Media Risks + Benefits

Web 2 - definition

Web 2 is basically a massive networking utility which enables you to share and take information from all over the world.

Ten years ago you may have been aware of everything that mattered.
Five years ago, you had to be really selective about what you took in.
Today, it's impossible.

Users must be selective about what they "take in". Businesses must be selective about what information is freely available about them.

Social media networks can be abused as Virgin Atlantic recently found via Facebook use. As a result 13 Virgin Atlantic staff were sacked (thanks to Out-law.com)

Virgin Atlantic considered the behaviour "totally inappropriate" and that the posting of the comments broke its staff policies.

Used correctly Facebook and similar sites can be used promote your business effectively - and at no cost (apart from time). A MUST in todays economic climate.

So, how do businesses protect themselves.

In order to combat this behaviour from employees it is time to ensure that staff internet policies are "Facebook ready". Ensure you have correct policies on place to protect your business and your reputation.


You may want to read previous posts by Social Networking Guineapig -
Social Networking Sites + Employment, do they mix?
Blogging - the Risks

Monday 8 December 2008

Businesses - How to Get Paid Faster

Following the government’s recent pledge to settle suppliers’ invoices within 10 working days of receipt, Mark Gardner of Latimer Hinks Solicitors provides advice on "how to get paid faster"

You'll also find a useful Debt Recovery Ten Point Plan here.

Great advice for the current economic climate!