60 Years at Priestgate, Darlington - A Celebration

Anne Elliott, Marketing Partner (2nd left) and the Latimer Ladies

Since 1953 Latimer Hinks has presided at 5-8 Priestgate, Darlington - that's a whopping 60 years in the same offices! We felt it was "necessary" to celebrate this achievement, but how?

Anne Elliott, Marketing Partner at Latimer Hinks recently met a Client where they discussed (amongst other things) the "yet to be planned" celebration. The Client mentioned that there is, in existence a group of ladies who meet once a year and the reason they meet is that at some time in their working life they were part of the team here at Latimer Hinks.

This was the key to our celebrations.....we would invite some of the people who had worked for Latimer Hinks at Priestgate to a celebratory evening and hope that we would have guests from each decade, from the 50's to date.

The challenge was on! Unfortunately a few of the ladies on our list were unable to attend. However we were delighted to welcome 12 ladies along to a tour of our offices so that they could see how things had changed. After having photographs taken for promotional and historical purposes they were then escorted next door to the Kings Hotel where a sumptuous meal awaited.

Amongst the invitees were three longserving current employees - Sylvia Bradding (31 years), Michele Carter (29 years) and Maureen Grainger (27 years) as well as Partners, Anne Elliott (37 years), Neil Stevenson (16 years), Nicola Neilson (13 years) and Elizabeth Armstrong (7 years).

The evening went extremely well. The ladies especially liked to look at the old photographs we have, to try and pick out themselves and who they knew.

We have had many letters and emails thanking us for the evening. Latimer Hinks truly is unique in that the employees like to "stick around" for many years.

One particular lady quoted " I was employed from the summer of 1958 - 1961. Although we were all busy with our individual work, there was a great atmosphere in the office of friendship and helpfulness, and I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed my three years at Latimers. Even though my employment was relatively short, it was the best employment I had before teaching."

Another "Thank you for a really enjoyable evening - it was lovely to see so many old friends once again. Seeing around the office brought back so may memories from over 50 years ago!"

Santa's SWOT Analysis

It's that time of year when everyone is in a rush. That may mean rushing to finish Christmas shopping or rushing to finish business deals before the end of the year... well, why not sit back, relax and take a light hearted look at Santa's Business Plan for 2011!

SANTA SWOTS UP WITH THE HELP OF LAW FIRM

One of the world’s best known employers has turned to one of Darlington and County Durham’s longest-established law firms, Latimer Hinks, to help gauge the health of his business.

Santa Claus, a global manufacturer and distributor of gifts, employs a team of elves at his North Pole delivery centre, and is currently approaching his peak season of activity.

The owner-managed business has asked Mark Gardner, of Latimer Hinks Solicitors, to help establish a SWOT analysis, a strategic planning method used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a project or in a company.

Mark said: “Not only did Mr Claus come to Latimer Hinks for his advice, in a festive act of giving to the business community, he has agreed that we can release the findings of the SWOT analysis to give other owners an insight into the benefits that such activity can offer.

“By looking at a business as it stands, its future opportunities for growth and the challenges which it will face in the future, owners can pull together a more informed plan for development and, hopefully, success.

“As one year ends and another approaches, this is an ideal time to be looking to the future in this way.”

Mr Claus’ SWOT analysis is:

Strengths:

·        The business benefits from falling outside of competition laws within the Christian community, allowing it to monopolise the market in reindeer and magic-powered Christmas gift deliveries.

·        As the sole owner of a magical sleigh capable of delivering around the world within one night, Mr Claus is also in prime position to fend off any competitors which may arise.

Weaknesses:

·        Mr Claus relies on a single team of reindeer and only one sleigh. As magical sleighs are no longer in production, a mechanical problem could prove fatal to the business. Rumours that a new eco-friendly hybrid sleigh is in secret tests could provide a resolution, but the lack of current alternatives is a weakness.

·        The business is threatened by longer standing customers becoming disenfranchised. Despite centuries of successful service to his global client base, some customers have expressed lack of faith, particularly around ten to 13 years into the supplier/client relationship.

Opportunities:

·        Perpetual growth in the world population allows for continued expansion in the distribution business. This allows Mr Claus to re-train some of the elves affected by the decline in the manufacturing operation (see “Threats” below).

·        Growing demand for larger quantities of gifts, particularly from the customer group known as the “advertising overload” or “want that one” generation is a source of growth for the distribution business.

Threats:

·        A growth in the volume and popularity of children’s toys being manufactured across the world is a threat to Mr Claus’ own manufacturing business. Such lines as spinning tops and skipping ropes have all but shut down at the North Pole, with more expected to follow.

·        The business is currently considering its long-term plans for the location of its premises, due to the threat of global warming. The North Pole location is synonymous with Mr Claus’ corporate identity, while relocation costs for the elves and their families, along with a wardrobe allowance to cope with the more temperate climate likely to come with a move, are costs which will detract from the core business.

Mark said: “Once an analysis is done, we can start to look at aiding and advising on the various elements. These might include working on an exclusive research and development agreement with the hybrid sleigh manufacturer, client retention and satisfaction, or employment law as the workforce grows – notably in this case anti-discrimination legislation to bring non-elves into the company. Other areas of assistance could include establishing franchising opportunities, delivery contracts, new commercial leases and alternative ways of holding property, all of which would help to tackle the W, O and T of the SWOT.”

Latimer Hinks wish you all a Merry Christmas!

Divorce - could a new ruling be considered a "Cheat's Charter"?

In January 2010 a business tycoon’s estranged wife (Lisa Imerman) won the right to use 20,000 documents stolen from his computer in her battle for a slice of his £300 million fortune.

In July 2010 Lisa was told she now cannot base her claim on thousands of documents downloaded by her brothers from her husband’s computer.

The recent judgment effectively says that helping yourself to documents belonging to your partner for use in divorce could become a thing of a past with many spouses now being able to hide assets which would otherwise be brought into account in the divorce settlement. Spouses who find documents or emails revealing their husband's/wife's wealth cannot use them in divorce trials. It is now considered unlawful, could breach a person's rights and also be a crime.

Divorce lawyers are calling this judgement and a ‘cheat's charter’.

Judith Middleton, Family Lawyer at Latimer Hinks said speaks out

Multi-millionaire Divorce Sparks Law Change

Latimer Hinks Joined with Local Businesses to Raise over £33,000

Latimer Hinks and other local businesses were tasked with a challenge from Vantis Plc. Turn £50 into as much money as possible (legitimately!) for three local charities. St Teresa's Hospice, Zoe's Place and Hartlepool and District Hospice.

How could we resist? A programe of fundraising activities was quickly devised...

Preparing to take part

• Dress down days
  
• Balloon release


• Car boot sale


• Cake baking - not great for the waistline, but I certainly did look forward to Monday mornings when cakes were sold


• Ebay - my office was due a clean out se we thought the charities might benefit from the proceeds of an old exhibition display, some toner cartridges not in use etc..


• Quiz and raffle - yeah, i was on the winning team (by luck rather than my expertise in general knowledge - did you know that a female polar bear is called a sow)?


• Sold Organic Rhubarb from colleague's garden


• Silent auction


• Cricket match


• Jewellery party


• Come dine with me - some great nights with great food


• We also received donations of £75

A total of £1,749.97 was raised by Latimer Hinks.

The Vantis Challenge (59 companies took part) raised a grand total of £33,724.19

Well done to all that took part and supported the challenge!

Latimer Hinks Solicitor Voted onto Council of the Agricultural Law Society

I mentioned in a previous post that Latimer Hinks has "girl power." Well, I am about to repeat myself again.

Rosanne Green is a solicitor in our agricultural department as well as our private client department and she has been appointed (by a vote of the members) to the Agricultural Law Association.

Rosanne is from a farming family and is about to marry a dairy farmer - so Rosie has practical hands on knowledge as well as legal!

Well done Rosie!

Here's a little more about Rosie and here's the full story Rosanne Green Elected to Council of Agricultural Law Association

We Raised a Record Amount at the Latimer Hinks Charity Ball!

In spite of the recession and with the help of gernerous local businesses, HSBC and guests Latimer Hinks managed to raise £11,500 for charities Help for Heroes, St Teresa's Hospice and smaller local charities.

All About the Latimer Hinks Charity Ball

Thanks to all of our supporters!

DIY Wills - Don't do it!

We live in a society where, to save money, we attempt tasks ourselves that really should be undertaken by professionals.

You may have seen (and possibly heard) about home improvement DIY disasters. People make a living from creating cartoons relating to such disasters, but have you ever considered what may happen if you attempted a DIY Will? A Will than can be purchased "off the shelf"?

Andrew Way, Partner at Latimer Hinks comments on a recent court case relating to DIY Wills.

Court Case Highlights Danger of DIY Wills

DIY Wills are a risky business. Problems can arise if the Will was not correctly signed and witnessed. Drafting mistakes can leave the Will open to misinterpretation and could possibly render the Will useless. Not taking care of details such as this can prove very costly and sometimes distressing for those left to deal with it.

So, to avoid your Will being deemed unlawful or challenged by family members, good instructions, advice and legal guidance should be taken.

Yell.com Comments - conveyancing

Just today Yell.com contacted Latimer Hinks in the hope that our conveyancing department could answer a few questions. I'm not sure why or how they decided to contact Latimer Hinks for the answers (above all other conveyancers), but we're very grateful! Yell.com attracts a MASSIVE amount of traffic to their website - let's hope it does the same for us!

Here are the questions and answers:

By Nicola Neilson, Partner at Latimer Hinks Solicitors, Darlington

Conveyancing: What are my rights (to a property) if I'm married or unmarried or in a civil partnership?
An individual’s rights differ in each of these situations. Therefore, it is vital for people to seek the advice of a solicitor to make sure that the appropriate legally binding agreements are drawn up which suit their circumstances.

Conveyancing: I want to sell a property - why do I need a solicitor?
A solicitor ensures a client’s interests are protected at every stage, can guide them through any complex issues that may arise, makes sure the contracts are correctly drawn up and checks things such as the ownership of the property, rights of way, access, or future developments in the area are in order.

Conveyancing: I'm buying a house and I want to rent it out. How will a solicitor help?
A solicitor has the expertise to advise on the legal obligations and the rights of someone wanting to rent out their house as well as tenancy agreements and other legal documentation.

Now you know how a solicitor can help!

Latimer Hinks Top Ranked In Chambers UK

Marketing Partner, Anne Elliott of Latimer Hinks Solicitors has been Top Ranked in the Chambers UK directory.

For the full story head over to Anne's Tax Planning Blog

How to Tackle Debt Head On

In this current recession debt can be a problem for many businesses as well as individuals. Mark Gardner, Partner at Latimer Hinks Solicitors provides ten top tips on how to tackle debt head on.

It seems to me, if we talk to people and take advice early on, debt problems won't spiral out of control. Sharing a problem, halves a problem.

Social networks/forums could be used initially to find advice/research the problem - probably free of charge. How you use the advice is then up to the individual.

Latimer Hinks Solicitors Support the Elderly

We have all heard, through acquaintances, the media, the press how easily the elderly can be misled or taken advantage of.

At Latimer Hinks we are aware that when it comes to sorting out your affairs solicitors are often the last on the list. Too often, people delay what they want. Sometimes it is too late and when it then falls to others to make arrangements for them.

Solicitors for the Elderly is an organisation committed to providing and promoting robust, comprehensive and independent legal advice for older and vulnerable people, their family and carers

Most of our Private Client lawyers are members of Solicitors for the Elderly . Not just any lawyer can be a member of SFE. Members must have spent a substantial amount of their time working for elderly clients and have also have to fulfil criteria for membership.

Recently, Claire Farrell and Natalie Walker became Joint Regional Co-ordinators for the North East Branch of Solicitors for the Elderly

If you need information/advice on any of the elderly issues listed below please don't hesitate to contact Latimer Hinks. We're here to help.

• Estate planning using wills, trusts and lifetime giving
  Powers of attorney
  Court of Protection
  Probate and the administration of estates
  Trust administration
  Tax Planning
  Living Wills
  The provision of home care
  Preserving assets in the event of long term residential or nursing care
  Residential and nursing home contracts
  Advice on financial responsibility and funding for long-term care, including continuing NHS health care
  State retirement and widows pensions
  Long-term care insurance policies
  Mental Health legislation

Implementing Redundancies in the Work Place - correctly

In the current climate of financial turmoil employers as well as employees begin looking over their shoulders to see the threat of job losses and redundancies looming.

Employers need to be aware of the pitfalls - hasty action could potentially lead to expensive litigation further down the line.

Employers faced with this daunting prospect of implementing redundancies can find out more about the procedures involved at a series of free breakfast presentations by Nick Poole, partner at Latimer Hinks Solicitors.

The 30-minute presentations will be held at:

• 24th February - Crabtree Hall Business Centre, Little Holtby, Northallerton
• 26th February - Allen Sykes Chartered Accountants, Bishop Auckland
• 3rd March - Darlington Football Club

The Bishop Auckland event will also include a talk by Robert Herbert, partner at Allen Sykes, on the tax implications of redundancies from the perspectives of employers and employees.

Each event starts with breakfast at 8.30am, followed by presentations at 9am and a question and answer session.

To see a FaxBack for each event please visit the Latimer Hinks Events page.

Everyday Issues for Farmers & Their Families - Presentation

Field
Originally uploaded by photontrappist

Latimer Hinks and GSC Chartered Surveyors is organising a presentation on the 29th January at the UTASS offices in Middleton in Teesdale.

It's a free presentation - and it does exactly "as it says on the tin!"

So, if you're a farmer interested in issues which may affect your family come along and join us for information on:

• Tenants Fixtures and Improvements
• End of Tenancy Matters
• Succession Planning - Wills, Trusts, Inheritance Tax Planning, Lasting Powers of Attorney etc

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!