January 2009 News
First Year Anniversary
2 January 2009 saw the first anniversary of the founding of LGP by the partners, all of whom have practised in Marlow for many years. In the present challenging economic climate the firm has prospered and created an extensive network of contacts and clients which will lead to continuing success in the future.
December News
Santa Fun Run
The run up to Christmas saw the LGP running team enter the Rotary Club of Marlow Santa Fun Run which took place early in the month. Being one of the main sponsors the firm is always happy to support such a worthwhile charitable cause.
Late Night Shopping
The late night shopping event in Marlow took place again this year and was a particular success and enjoyable time for all. Partner, Timothy Graham, part of the organising committee of the Marlow Chamber of Commerce said:
"Events like this help to build community spirit and it is great to see a lot of happy smiling faces".
November News
LGP supported the Windsor Slough and District MS Society Ball held at The Crowne Plaza on 22 November. A most enjoyable evening resulted in over £11000 being raised for the charity. Clare Garnett was one of the main organisers of the event, tickets for which were sold out well in advance, and the success of the event was in large part due to the hard work and commitment of Clare and her colleagues.
Sharon Davidson completed the Abingdon Marathon on the 19 October, her eighth marathon, a fantastic achievement. Needless to say Sharon is our in-house fitness guru!
October News
From 1 October 2008 new Court dress rules take effect.
In the Civil Courts, barristers and solicitors sitting in a judicial capacity will wear business suits without a wig. Barristers and solicitors with rights of audience in Court as Advocates will continue to wear gowns and wigs when currently worn. Judges will cease to wear wigs, gowns or collar.
Judges and Masters in the High Court will wear new dark blue robes, except for Circuit Judges who will continue to wear the existing gown and lilac tippet.
The rank of Judges will be indicated by the tabs at the end of the new civil gowns.
· Gold Tabs for the head of legal divisions and the Court of Appeal
· Red Tabs for the High Court
· Pink Tabs for High Court Masters
· Blue Tabs for District Judges
In the Criminal Courts all Judges will continue to wear wigs.
Even judicial garb needs a makeover every now and again.
Recent turmoil in the money markets has created mayhem in every business walk of life. With employment issues to be dealt with it is important to take a reasoned and considered approach to get the best from the tough business climate.
Pay freezes, pay cuts or lay offs are all very bad signals for employees. Companies that remain flexible on pay and benefits are more likely to keep moral up and thus keep their best people on board. To keep moral up try:
· Help staff understand the present economic climate that your business may be under;
· Engage employees so they provide ideas on how they can help you in your business;
· Work together with your employees to find the best options for future progression;
· Keep costs down by re-assessing the entire business structure;
· Keep your best talent. Ensuring their training and development continues will assist loyalty;
· Continue to provide financial reward structure which is motivating for employees and compares well with the opposition.
In these troubled times it is important to motivate all staff within a business and redress the fundamental concerns that each may have. Acting quickly concerning employment issues is important, as is continuing to plan beyond the recession and develop concepts and strategies which can actually be of benefit to the business.
In all business issues LGP can assist in timely advice which may prevent the more negative aspects of the financial squeeze affecting your business unduly.
July News
If money troubles are leading to financial stress in your relationship, we can advise on what you should plan for if the worst happens.
June News
COMPULSORY RETIREMENT AGE
A lady who wanted to work beyond the age of 70 has challenged her retirement in the Court of Appeal. She has asked the Court to decide whether or not the compulsory age of retirement of 65 is lawful. She is now being allowed to challenge the lawfulness of the compulsory retirement age of 65 and if successful, it would mean that any previous dismissals for that reason would be unfair. Unfortunately the final decision may not be known for some years and so there continues to be a degree of uncertainty in this area.
May News
MARLOW 5 ROAD RACE
The members of LGP acquitted themselves admirably by completing the Marlow 5 mile road race on 11 May. Despite incredibly hot weather all team members completed the course and the LGP team came in 6th overall. Well done to all concerned with training for the 2009 race commencing immediately!
April News
COMPANIES ACT 2006 – APRIL 2008 IMPLEMENTATION
A number of matters under the Companies Act 2006 are implemented from 6 April 2008:
(a) Accounts changes for companies with accounting periods starting on or after 6 April 2008.
The delivery time for accounts has been reduced by one month for both private and public limited companies. Private companies have reduced from 10 months to 9 months and public companies from 7 months to 6 months. Full calendar months for filing periods have been introduced. Where the accounting period ends on a month end, the accounts filing period will end on a month end, except for the first accounting period. The accounts balance sheet and the directors’ report will be required to refer to the Companies Act 2006 statement.
(b) Secretary changes.
The company secretary becomes optional for private companies but will remain mandatory for public companies. From 6 April 2008 the provision for enabling private companies to choose whether they wish to have a company secretary will come into force. A private company will have the option of whether or not to maintain their company secretary. If they no longer need a company secretary they will need to inform Companies House and may be required to amend the Articles of Association if there is a specific reference to the company having a secretary. However, if the Articles only refer to the secretary’s duties there is no need to make an amendment.
The company may need to submit a written or special resolution, together with an updated version of the Articles.
(c) Capital changes
Public Limited companies need to establish whether they are maintaining the minimum share capital in sterling or Euros, whereas previously only sterling was permitted. The minimum authorised share capital is either £50,000 in sterling or €65,600.
(d) Auditors
For accounting periods starting on or after 6 April 2006 auditors’ reports will have to state in the case of an individual the name of the auditor and be signed by him. Where the auditor is a firm the report must state the name of the senior statutory auditor, the name of the firm and be signed by the statutory auditor in his own name. All signatures on auditors’ reports must be dated.
For any advice on company matters, please contact us. The Companies Act 2006 is one of the largest pieces of legislation passed in the UK. We can assist in ensuring that your company continues to be compliant with up to date legislation.
March News
HIPS
The Law Society is warning home sellers and buyers to be vigilant with Home Information Packs after the government raised the alarm that some rogue HIP providers are putting the wrong documents in packs.
LGP can provide your HIP guaranteed to be compliant with HIP legislation and competitively priced.
Divorce
Following the high profile McCartney –v- Mills divorce settlement, good legal advice is clearly a pre-requisite to obtaining a settlement that meets the parties’ needs. Unrepresented parties in any litigation can be at a great disadvantage not only in finding their way around the law and their opponent but also in dealing with the masses of paperwork that may be involved in a divorce.
February News
Lucinda Holliday, a trainee with LGP Solicitors, was admitted to the Roll of solicitors on 15th February.
January News
New law firm emerges from recently dissolved Marlow business
A new legal practice, LGP Solicitors, opened for business on January 2nd 2008. The practice, which has been set up by three partners of the recently dissolved Cripps and Shone, is based in Chapel Street and offers the local community all key legal services including Property and Conveyancing, Dispute Resolution, Wills, Trusts and Probate and matters regarding Family and Children.
The three partners, Patrick Land, Timothy Graham, and Keith Green have extensive experience in providing specialist legal services to private and corporate clients. Patrick, who has over twenty five years experience in the field, said “We are extremely excited about the new practice and intend to offer Marlow a professional yet vibrant, open, modern and client-focused service in all of the areas that matter.” Working alongside the three partners will be Lucinda Holliday, Clare Garnett and David Cogan, Accounts Manager as well as the administrative and secretarial team. All are previous employees of Cripps and Shone.
Patrick and his family have lived in Marlow for over 45 years and he and his children were educated in local schools including Sir William Borlase’s school. Patrick is particularly well known in the local sporting community being the first international hockey player to come from Borlase school. More recently he has been involved in coaching local youngsters and has enjoyed success as a coach with Reading Hockey club.
As part of its aim to be a valuable and positive element of the community, the new business will nominate their ‘LGP Charity of the Year’. This year they have collectively chosen to support the Maidenhead Slough and District MS Society and a number of their employees, including Sharon Davidson, who works in the Probate Department and Lucinda Holliday, who specialises in Family Work and whose children attend Danesfield School, will be running in various local races including the Marlow 5 later this year to raise funds for the charity.
Sharon, Lucinda and Lucinda’s daughter Thomasen also ran in the Rotary Clubs of Marlow and Marlow Thames ‘Santa Fun Run’ last December raising money for Marlow Rotary Club. Various events and challenges will be undertaken each year to add to their fund raising efforts.
30 December 2007
For further information please contact: Lucinda Holliday on 01628 404628
