It's great to see England supporting the England Football Team in the World Cup.
I even ventured out to the pub to watch the England V USA. Surrounded by painted faces, flags and St George hats the atmosphere (especially after Gerrards goal) was fantastic.
However, it's not as easy for employers to accept the World Cup and the problems which can result.
Nick Poole of Latimer Hinks Solicitors explains how it's a no-win situation for employers.
How to Avoid a World Cup Employment Law Own Goal
Monday, 14 June 2010
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
Apologies for the delay...
Apologies, apologies -I have been so busy that my Social Networking Guineapig blog has been left unattended - a terrible sin when considering that social networking is about keeping in touch on a regular basis!
Anyway, the Latimer Hinks Charity Ball was a great success - confirmation of total monies raised will follow shortly. The 21st May was a fab, sunny day which helped to enhance the evening. Guests took advantage of Wynyard Hall's extensive terrace and great views.
Monies raised will be distributed to St Teresa's Hospice, Help for Heroes and smaller local charities. Guests have already requested tables for the next ball (in 2 years time, thank goodness!)
Monday, 10 May 2010
North East Property Forum & Policiticians Meet
The North East Property Forum and POLITICIANS met to discuss the property market. Tim Haggie of Latimer Hinks Solicitors chaired the meeting.
The politicians faced tough questions about their plans to help boost the housing market.
The politicians faced tough questions about their plans to help boost the housing market.
Thursday, 22 April 2010
Latimer Hinks Charity Ball - Dare I say it - we're nearly fully organised!
Am I tempting fate by suggesting that all entertainment is organised?
I do hope not. So far I have booked a band and disco - HUGE. They look like great fun and have played for the likes of Justin Timberlake and Cameron Diaz!
As we have 275 guests I have booked two magicians (both have very different styles) to ensure that every table is entertained as least once.
The Casino, White Rose was recommended by St Teresa's Hospice (they have used them for the past 14 years!)
Our photographer, Keith Blundy came along to the ball in 2009 to document the start of the ball. This time around I want Keith to capture the fun and enjoyment as well as the entertainment. He is therefore going to be around for much of the evening.
The tombola will be manned by a couple of volunteers from St Teresa's (we're very, very grateful) and Latimer Hinks people throughout the evening.
I've also roped in various people from Latimers to help with the auction. Our auctioneer will be Graham Robb of Recognition.
And of course HSBC representatives will help with the Backward Bingo (HSBC will be matching £1 for £1 up to £1500)
Phew - it think it's all wrapped up!
Thanks to:
Band - HUGE
Magicians - Mike Driver, Dillinger
Casino - White Rose Casino
Photographer - Keith Blundy
Auctioneer - Graham Robb
I do hope not. So far I have booked a band and disco - HUGE. They look like great fun and have played for the likes of Justin Timberlake and Cameron Diaz!
As we have 275 guests I have booked two magicians (both have very different styles) to ensure that every table is entertained as least once.
The Casino, White Rose was recommended by St Teresa's Hospice (they have used them for the past 14 years!)
Our photographer, Keith Blundy came along to the ball in 2009 to document the start of the ball. This time around I want Keith to capture the fun and enjoyment as well as the entertainment. He is therefore going to be around for much of the evening.
The tombola will be manned by a couple of volunteers from St Teresa's (we're very, very grateful) and Latimer Hinks people throughout the evening.
I've also roped in various people from Latimers to help with the auction. Our auctioneer will be Graham Robb of Recognition.
And of course HSBC representatives will help with the Backward Bingo (HSBC will be matching £1 for £1 up to £1500)
Phew - it think it's all wrapped up!
Thanks to:
Band - HUGE
Magicians - Mike Driver, Dillinger
Casino - White Rose Casino
Photographer - Keith Blundy
Auctioneer - Graham Robb
Thursday, 8 April 2010
Freezing Photo Shoot in the Name of Charity
If you read my blog then you already know about Latimer Hinks raising money for Help for Heroes and St Teresa's Hospice by way of hosting a Charity Ball.
If you don't know, then please click this link Latimer Hinks Charity Ball
In order to promote the event locally it was suggested a photo shoot was in order. Our PR company organised a jeep from the TA (for the military connection). Fine, no problems with that... but then they hit us with.... "perhaps some glamorous ladies from Latimer Hinks dressed in evening wear would like to pose with the jeep to provide a juxtaposition of images!"
It took a little convincing but I managed a trio (2 ladies and one gentleman) to agree. I was also roped in providing 4 representatives from Latimer Hinks, as well as representatives from Help for Heroes, St Teresa's Hospice and the TA!
The day of the photoshoot dawned and it was freezing! The TA representative was fine, dressed in his khakis ready for whatever the weather might throw at him. Also, Help for Heroes and St Teresa's were sensibly dressed.
Enter the Latimer Hinks team "dressed to the nines" in glamourous evening wear. Not the type of attire suitable for spending 20mins posing in the cold weather (i swear my hands were purple!). Add that to the request that we sit ON the jeep - have you ever tried climbing in an evening gown? - not a pretty sight! and nigh on impossible without the help of the TA!!
The resulting photo should be worth it! It better be!!
We've received more donations for the Latimer Hinks Charity Ball, our thanks go to:
Thursday, 25 March 2010
The Charity Ball Donations Keep Rolling In
I'm overwhelmed with the support from businesses far and wide for the Latimer Hinks Charity Ball.
Most recently we've received (and I would love to win this) a luxury Audi for the weekend. The resulting publicity from this donation should greatly benefit Teesside Audi. The Ball provides a very targeted audience for Teesside Audi including local business men and high profile "movers & shakers" in the area.
The Audi will be displayed at the magnificent entrance to Wynyard Hall (the venue for the ball) a perfect setting for any car salesman!
All I need now to increase the value of this auction prize is perhaps.... a luxury hotel break!
If you wish to donate a weekend break for me to tie into the auction prize of the Audi please let me know. The more money raised on the evening the greater the benefit for Help for Heroes and St Teresa's Hospice
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Social Media - How it can Work for You
I've just returned from a presentation for the ASSIST group by Jonathan Wheatley of MC Ware entitled - Social Media - How it can Work for You.
The presentation was targeted to small owner/managed businesses just starting out into the daunting world of social media and the social media "language".
For help understanding "some of this language" please check out my post In Plain English
The slides of the presentation (when i receive copies i will post a link) showed logos of social networking sites as well as a screen shot of what to expect once you have joined these sites. I thought this was a great way to introduce (to some attendees) this "alien" world.
Alien? ...it may be, but one of the greatest benefits of these sites is that they are FREE to use, so use them! Start a blog, post links from the blog to your website, post links/information/videos/images to Facebook, bookmark your webpages/blogs to bookmarking sites such as Digg, Reddit etc. Most importantly, regularly update. The more effort you put in the bigger the long term benefits.
LinkedIn, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Blogger, Google Buzz, Squidoo, Gather, Digg, Reddit, Stumble were a few of the sites covered.
As a result of the presentation I have given myself some homework - Squidoo, Google Buzz (soon to be launched) and Gather are social media sites which I have not yet looked into. This is my homework, if they are useful i will let you know
The presentation was targeted to small owner/managed businesses just starting out into the daunting world of social media and the social media "language".
For help understanding "some of this language" please check out my post In Plain English
The slides of the presentation (when i receive copies i will post a link) showed logos of social networking sites as well as a screen shot of what to expect once you have joined these sites. I thought this was a great way to introduce (to some attendees) this "alien" world.
Alien? ...it may be, but one of the greatest benefits of these sites is that they are FREE to use, so use them! Start a blog, post links from the blog to your website, post links/information/videos/images to Facebook, bookmark your webpages/blogs to bookmarking sites such as Digg, Reddit etc. Most importantly, regularly update. The more effort you put in the bigger the long term benefits.
LinkedIn, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Blogger, Google Buzz, Squidoo, Gather, Digg, Reddit, Stumble were a few of the sites covered.
As a result of the presentation I have given myself some homework - Squidoo, Google Buzz (soon to be launched) and Gather are social media sites which I have not yet looked into. This is my homework, if they are useful i will let you know
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Great News! The Latimer Hinks Ball is Virtually a SELLOUT!
I must admit when given the task to organise a Charity Ball for 2010 I was more than a little worried.
The recession of 2009 took its toll on many local charity events. Balls were cancelled due to lack of guest numbers, donations for raffle and auction prizes rapidly dwindled....BUT I can now report that the Latimer Hinks Charity Ball should be a resounding success!
Almost ten weeks to go (May 21st) and only 20 tickets remaining out of a total of 270! Three of the companies taking tables decided to take two tables! Is this a sign that the recession is finally over?
I have also received a great number of donations:
The Latimer Hinks Ball is in aid of Help for Heroes and St Teresa's Hospice (Darlington), plus smaller local charities.
Our thanks also go to HSBC for matching £1 for £1 up to £1500.
It should be a GREAT night - if you would like to donate a prize or an experience - a holiday, a weekend break, something money can't buy.... please feel free to contact me
The recession of 2009 took its toll on many local charity events. Balls were cancelled due to lack of guest numbers, donations for raffle and auction prizes rapidly dwindled....BUT I can now report that the Latimer Hinks Charity Ball should be a resounding success!
Almost ten weeks to go (May 21st) and only 20 tickets remaining out of a total of 270! Three of the companies taking tables decided to take two tables! Is this a sign that the recession is finally over?
I have also received a great number of donations:
- A £500 Pandora Bracelet from Bramwell Jewellers (already made up, but the winner can change charms/colours etc to suit)
- 10 bottles of champagne from Northumbria Water
- £400 worth of tooth whitening or facial aesthetics (botox to you and I) from Elliott McCarthy Dental Care
- A 12 day Spa Membership (over a year) from Headlam Hall Hotel
- Rounds of golf from 2 local golf courses in Darlington - Stressholme and Blackwell
- A meal for 4 at Stressholme, tickets for the theatre, signed Middlesbrough Football..... the list goes on - and i will update the list regularly
The Latimer Hinks Ball is in aid of Help for Heroes and St Teresa's Hospice (Darlington), plus smaller local charities.
Our thanks also go to HSBC for matching £1 for £1 up to £1500.
It should be a GREAT night - if you would like to donate a prize or an experience - a holiday, a weekend break, something money can't buy.... please feel free to contact me
Monday, 8 March 2010
What is the state of the North East Property Market?
The North East Property Forum meet again to discuss the state of the commercial, agriicultural and residential property market.
Check out what they are saying about unfair banks charges, the difficulty in closing deals and raising the finance for those deals.
North East Property Forum, February 2010
Check out what they are saying about unfair banks charges, the difficulty in closing deals and raising the finance for those deals.
North East Property Forum, February 2010
Tuesday, 2 March 2010
ASSIST - Social Networking & How it can Work for You
I believe i've mentioned before (a few posts earlier...) that I am on the committee of ASSIST (a support and networking group for professional ladies in the Tees Valley area).
For March, our event is entitled Social Networking and How it can Work for You
Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Blogs…..Social Networking is changing the way we market/promote business and we want ASSIST members to be aware and partcipate in these changes.
Jonathan Wheatley Managing Director of MC Ware Ltd & HD Forensics (sponsors of ASSIST), will give a short presentation on the benefits of Social Networking.
Jonathan will explain how social networking can help:
· build loyal customers with online communities
· market your product/service
· find partners to enhance your product/service and enhanced creditability
· find employees
The morning will start, as usual with a networking game to break the ice. ASSIST believe the networking game to be a unique selling point of the group. Many members have commented on how the games enable you to feel more comfortable and lessed "stressed" in a networking environment.
If you are a professional lady from the Tees Valley area and are interested in attending simply visit ASSIST and register. Places are limited
For March, our event is entitled Social Networking and How it can Work for You
Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Blogs…..Social Networking is changing the way we market/promote business and we want ASSIST members to be aware and partcipate in these changes.
Jonathan Wheatley Managing Director of MC Ware Ltd & HD Forensics (sponsors of ASSIST), will give a short presentation on the benefits of Social Networking.
Jonathan will explain how social networking can help:
· build loyal customers with online communities
· market your product/service
· find partners to enhance your product/service and enhanced creditability
· find employees
The morning will start, as usual with a networking game to break the ice. ASSIST believe the networking game to be a unique selling point of the group. Many members have commented on how the games enable you to feel more comfortable and lessed "stressed" in a networking environment.
If you are a professional lady from the Tees Valley area and are interested in attending simply visit ASSIST and register. Places are limited
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