Fundraising via a Fake Wedding

One of our ladies - Gillian Ibbotson is a Trustee for Darlington Town Mission and was recently invited to attend a "Fake Wedding" in order to raise funds for the mission.

Gillian organised a table with guests from Latimer Hinks. The dress code was obviously, wedding attire. This provided the perfect opportunity to have a second wearing out of a wedding outfit! Having had at least three ladies from Latimer Hinks married in a year there was no shortage of volunteers.

Guests were asked to take along a "gift" for the bride and groom, The gifts were then auctioned later in the evening.

There was a "Father of the Bride" speech (no Best Man speech), a disco and plenty of refreshments on hand. All in all it was a very enjoyable evening - the money raised on the evening amounted to £2000.

So, well done Darlington Town Mission for taking on something a little bit different!

ASSIST Ladies Networking - Fraud and e-Crime, Feb 9th 2011

ASSIST is a networking group for ladies in the Tees Valley area. The aim of the group is to "help each other" in the world of business and all it entails!

At each event we hold a networking game to "break the ice" this is then follwoed by a presentation.

For our first event of 2011 we have Mike Forster of Cleveland Police.

Mike’s presentation topic is “Fraud and e-Crime” and will cover internet fraud and businesses. Mike hopes to inject some fresh perspective and in turn provoke questions. He will provide an overview of the work that the Economic Crime Team carry out.

I must admit I’m really looking forward to what will certainly be an interesting presentation.

Timing

8:45 – 9:25am Registration and informal networking

9:25 – 10.10am Introduction and Networking game

10.10– 10.40am Mike Forster – Cleveland Police

10.40 – 10.45am Business Card draw and Charity raffle

10.45 - 11.00am Opportunity for further networking


The cost is minimal – £5 for members and £10 for non members

For further details please check out our website http://www.assistladiesnetworking.co.uk/

Wills & Modern Relationships

Everyone should have a well written. A will ensures that your wishes are carried out. No will at all means that you die intestate. In these cases laws that govern the way in which your estate should be distributed come into effect. These laws do not take into consideration modern family relationships.

A solution to the problems posed by modern families can be overcome with good advice from experienced solicitors.

Andrew Way of Latimer Hinks Solicitors explains why you should choose a solicitor rather than a will writer to draft your will.

Growth in Contested Wills Could Mean Heartache for Families

This week the BBC2 documentary "Can't Take It With You" aired. A very interesting programme dealing with the problems of modern family relationships and distribution of assets.

Anne Elliott of Latimer Hinks comments on the programme in her blog "Can't Take It With You"

Further information
STEP - Society of Estate and Trust Practitioners -
STEP members (TEPs) provide expert advice on how to comply with the often complex law and tax rules surrounding trusts, estates and inheritance.


Anne Elliott and Andrew Way are full professional members

SFE - Solicitors for the Elderly -
Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) is an independent, national organisation of lawyers, such as solicitors, barristers, and legal executives who are committed to providing the highest quality of legal advice for older and vulnerable people, their families and carers.

Many of our Private Client Team are members of SFE. Andrew is also Executive Director and Secretary of SFE

Pre-nuptial Contracts - Legally Binding??

Multi-million pound divorce cases could become a thing of the past under government proposals to make prenuptial contracts legally binding.

Judith Middleton, family lawyer at Latimer Hinks Solicitors goes into the proposals further

Consultation Could Make Pre-Nups Legally Binding


Further reading
Law Commission Consultation Paper on Pre-nuptial Agreements

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!

North East Property Forum Meet Again

The North East Property Forum met again to discuss how a new report can help plan for future housing needs across the region. The forum also discussed the current market and expectations for 2011.


To see the discussion please visit North East Property Forum November 2010

Latimer Hinks Recommended by Legal 500 & Chambers UK!

Latimer Hinks' partners have been recognised as experts in their particular fields by the Legal 500 and Chambers UK - I think we need to give ourselves a pat on the back!

Legal 500 - Published for over twenty years, the Legal 500 Series provides the most comprehensive worldwide coverage currently available on legal services providers, in over 100 countries. Used by commercial and private clients, corporate counsel, CEOs, FDs and professional advisers - as well as by other referrers of work both nationally and internationally - the series is widely regarded as offering the definitive judgement of law firm capabilities.

Corporate & Commercial (Nick Poole)
Latimer Hinks advised on the sale of a number of architectural practices based in the region and also the South East.

Commercial Litigation (Mark Gardner)
Latimer Hinks has a debt recovery and bankruptcy specialist in Mark Gardner

Agriculture & Estates (Anne Elliott)
Latimer Hinks' "evident commitment to the farming community" has significantly enhanced it's reputation for agricultural work. Clients particularly highlight Anne Elliott, who "combines a clear grasp of the issues, passionate commitment and an ability to communicate in clear, everyday language."

Agriculture & Estates
Tim Haggie is also recommended for agricultural property development (Tim Haggie)

Personal Tax, Trusts & Probate (Anne Elliott)
Anne Elliott at Latimer Hinks recently assisted on the administration of an estate worth £3.9m involving complex family matters and farming, business and IHT issues

Real Estate (Mark Clayton)
Mark Calyton's team at Latimer Hinks advised a local business on the £1m acquisition of new industrial and office premises at Newton Aycliffe

Chambers UK - The UK Guide lists both solicitors and barristers in over 70 specialist areas of law. Since 1989, Chambers have been researching the UK legal profession, identifying the leading lawyers and law firms through interviews with thousands of lawyers and their clients. Their reputation is based on the independence and objectivity of research.

This Darlington team advises on a range of agricultural matters, including sales and purchases, agricultural holdings, and succession planning. More recently it has advised on an increasing number of wind farm developments. The team has a loyal client base who praise the firm for having “a fantastic appreciation of the common concerns held by farmers and landowners.”

Client Service “The team provides a very personal service; it is always accessible and very approachable.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Anne Elliott is “extremely thorough and very knowledgeable,” according to sources. She is commended for her advice on succession planning.

Real Estate
Nicola Neilson heads up Latimer Hinks' residential property practice. One source said: "She is very efficient – she knows what we want and delivers."

Family Business Week - planning for succession - top tips

Anne Elliott, Partner at Latimer Hinks Solicitors

Nov 1st - Nov 6th is the inaugural Family Business Week and Anne Elliott of Latimer Hinks is recommending family businesses to plan for succession.

One of the most demanding and difficult tasks undertaken by any business is planning the succession of management and the passing of assets on to the next generation. The process can be especially complicated because of the close relationships and emotions involved.

Most people are not comfortable discussing topics such as ageing, death, and their financial affairs.

Many families have spent their working lives building up their businesses. Naturally they want the business to thrive after they have retired or died especially if the business is to remain in the family for future generations.

Succession planning helps you protect your assets and helps you take control of how you pass on the business when the time comes - planning today can make the world of difference to how the business operates in the months and years to come.

Anne's action points are:

• Set the targets and objectives you want to achieve from the succession process.
•  Divide the process up into stages and identify a timescale for each phase from pinpointing who will take over the running of the business to the final handover of control of the company (it might be a five year plan).
• Establish if the people you would like to take over the business have the right skill sets and abilities.
• Find out if the potential successors are willing to assume the role you have identified for them.
• Ask yourself, would it be better for the business for a member of the family to take over or to bring in someone from outside?
• Alternatively would the best course of action be to sell the business?
• Enlist expert advisers to make sure that any plans are legally watertight, are tax efficient and minimise the potential for challenge by or conflict among family members.

Seek good advice and seek it early. To ensure a smooth succession it is vital to start planning several years before your retirement date or death (a date no-one can anticipate!) Delay planning and your family and your business may all suffer as a result. If you and your family are prepared to put aside time now to prepare for the future the rewards can be very significant and you can make sure that the transition happens the way that you want it to.

Further details can be found on the fact sheet Succeeding at Succession

ASSIST Event - Women's Enterprise Day, 17th Nov

ASSIST is a networking group for professional ladies in Tees Valley and on the 17th November the Group is meeting for an event based around Women's Enterprise Day.... therefore the content is all about business enterprise and the cycle of a business.

 

It is also, Global Entrepreneurship Week – 16th – 22nd November - a celebration of enterprise and new ideas.

  

The morning will start with a networking game to break the ice. We will then bring together business ladies that are at different stages of the business cycle

• Pre-start Jacqui Cliff of Girl on the Run
• Fledgling - Laura Degnan of Writers Block
• Growth Ruth Winden of Careers Enhanced Ltd
• Mature Gillian Duffy of Duffy Pedersen & Co Ltd, Accountants

ASSIST hope that the event will help to build confidence and inspire you to have ideas and make them happen.

• ASSIST Meeting: 17th November 2010
• Venue: Parkmore Hotel, Yarm
• Time: 8:45am for 9:25am

If you are interested in attending please return this email with confirmation to: assistladiesnetworking@hotmail.co.uk

 

 The cost is minimal – only £5 for members and as we are celebrating Women’s Enterprise Day the cost for non-members will also be £5!

 

 Once you have been allocated a place simply bring along payment on the day.

 

 Timing:

• 8:45 – 9:25am Registration and informal networking
• 9:25 – 10.10am Introduction and Networking game
• 10.10– 10.40am Entrprenuership Speakers
• 10.40 – 10.45am Business Card draw and Charity raffle
• 10.45 - 11.00am Opportunity for further networking 

We look forward to seeing you there

A Visit from LawNet

Yesterday representatives from LawNet travelled to Latimer Hinks to discuss/inform us of the services LawNet offers.

Latimer Hinks is a member of LawNet.

LawNet's aim is "to help win and retain clients, reduce costs and increase profitability" so it was a good idea for their team to come along and update us.

The talk was to be held at our offices in Priestgate, we arranged lunch (courtesy of LawNet). The finger buffet provided by Ray Wade catering was excellent!

This was the first lunch for LawNet. They wish to carry out the same process with other member firms - we were very gentle with them!

It soon became apparent that we really did not know much at all about LawNet.

• members can enjoy online specialist groups (knowing that other law firms would not be in competition)
• LawNet can write text for a particular service we would wish to provide
• we can use standard leaflets and drop in our logo
• there are free pdf's available that can be tailored to requirements
• they are considering offering training in the North (sometimes fee earners would like to take up training but most courses are based in London)

Many other points were discussed, and will continue to be discussed. Now that we have met the LawNet team it feels that we are now building a relationship and can contact them for advice/information. It's also good to put a face to a voice or email!!

The LawNet team were:

• Helen Hamilton-Shaw - Director of Services
• Myriam Stirling - Events & Networking Co-ordinator
• George Coombes - Marketing & Services Executive