Lovewell Blake isdelighted to invite you to join us, along with guest speakers from Barclays and Durrants at Park Farm in Hethersett on the evening of 1 March 2017.
Find out all you need to know about converting rural buildings to residential. Hear from specialists in town planning, commercial surveying and financial planning discuss all aspects of building conversion, from securing planning approval, valuation and developing a sales strategy, to navigating tax requirements.
For those who have an entrepreneurial mindset, it’s important that you have the right skills, qualifications, and experience behind you before launching a business. With half of all start-ups failing in their first year of operation, the last thing you want to do is add to the statistic, so undergoing relevant training and education can help set you up for success.
More and more entrepreneurs are realising how important an MBA is for their career goals. Not only will you learn superior knowledge that will teach you the A-Z of running a business, but there are tons of transferable skills that you can utilise effectively in the workplace. With so many benefits, it comes as no surprise why the MBA is still a game changing qualification, so here are just a few advantages that you can gain from obtaining an MBA degree.
Increases Your Earning Potential
Regarded as the most practical advantage of an MBA degree, individuals who embark on this course can earn far more than those without a masters under their belt. There have been many studies carried out that have concluded that those with this qualification have a much higher chance of earning a better salary. The business knowledge you acquire throughout your course will put you at a higher advantage of securing your dream role.
Ability to Study Online
If you’re currently in full time employment, you may find it difficult to commit yourself to an MBA, however, with the option to study online, you are able to fit your learning and coursework around your day to day schedule. There are many benefits that come with studying online, such as:
While the MBA tends to be specifically tailored towards business and finance, the modules that you learn throughout the course will touch upon various other industries, as well as provide you with transferable skills that you can implement into the workplace. Some of the key transferable skills that you will gain include:
Leadership
Written communication
Time management
Research and analytical skills
Personal development
Superior Business Knowledge
Not only will you learn a range of transferable skills that can help you stand out from other candidates, completing an MBA will help you gain specialised business knowledge. There are numerous practices and concepts that you will be required to learn which will teach you how to better evaluate data, as well as calculate risks. When it comes to taking business related decisions, the knowledge you obtain can help you feel more confident.
Networking Opportunities
In the business world, knowing how to network is a key trait that employers look out for. No matter who you encounter in your professional endeavours, knowing how to hold your own can help generate leads and increase sales. Throughout your MBA, you will have access to influential people in the industry who can teach you words of wisdom and knowledge to help prepare you for the working world. Some of the key networking benefits include:
Strengthening business connections
Getting fresh ideas
Advancing your career
Building confidence and self-esteem
Higher Employment Rates
Once you’ve completed your MBA, going into the working world may fill you with dread, however, as long as you gain good grades, you have a much better chance of securing the job you want. Regarded as one of the most prestigious postgraduate degrees you can do, MBAs are held in high regard in both the business and financial community. So, if your goal is to work for an organisation, having an MBA on your CV can do wonders when it comes to gaining employment.
Gain Leadership Skills
For those who like the idea of starting their own company, during your MBA you will learn excellent leadership skills that can teach you how to handle important business decisions. If you plan to employ others in your company, an MBA will teach you the importance of teamwork, giving you the skills needed to motivate and encourage your workforce. Leadership can also boost profits for your business, making your clients and customers take you more seriously.
Whether your goal is to launch your own company, or you like the idea of working in a senior position for an organisation, gaining relevant and credible qualifications like an MBA degree can set you apart from other candidates, and increase the chance of you securing the role.
We also have a limited number of FREE entries for those wishing to raise funds for Break. There is a minimum sponsorship of £50 for these places. Please apply for these by signing up to the free fundraising option when registering. If you have any queries about these places please email helen.dingle@break-charity.org
OVERVIEW The course is a two-lap route beginning and ending at the bottom of the Lowestoft sea wall, approximately 200 yards north of Ness Point. Runners will head north towards the turning point at the Corton Inn Pub (also known as the Corton Hut) before returning to the Start/Finish line. The Start/Finish lines at the bottom of the sea wall and there will be directions to the Start/Finish line from both the main car park and Race HQ.
First aid, lost and found, bag drop and toilets are all located at Race HQ which is at Ness Point. Water stations are located at Gunton Cliff and the Corton Inn. This means that water should be available approximately every 2-3 miles. Road closures will be in place along the route and spectators in particular will need to be aware of these. Gunton Cliff, Lyndhurst Road, Corton Road and Links Road will all be closed for the duration of the race. There are a limit of 600 places for this event – a small limited number which are free charity places. You can apply for these using the link below or email helen.dingle@break-charity.org
Please note that by entering this race you are sharing your details with Nicholsons Half Marathon Limited, Break and Nicholsons Solicitors LLP.
Thank you to our supporting partners – working together to change young lives
Terms and conditions available here.For those that have a place, full details about race day will be sent out after Friday 20th September 2019.
We have recently completed a full refurbishment of two of our popular hotel rooms – Crab Apple and Sweet Chestnut. Read about more about our interior inspirations here:
Crab Apple
Crab Apple is one of our exterior Summer House Suites. As part of our ongoing programme of improvements, we have laid new flooring, and updated all furnishings and wallpaper for a contemporary Nordic vibe.
Choosing textured wallpaper has given that cosy feel, and accents of mustard and grey provide a modern yet calming look.
In the lounge, exposed whitewashed ceiling beams complement the thoughtful lighting. Gorgeous views of the Mead and the river beyond are picked out in the playful touches including bird motif cushions. The comfy sofa bed provides a tranquil spot to unwind, and also the space to sleep two children for families requiring accommodation.
In the bedroom, the grey accents continue with a re-covered headboard for the king sized bed, and textured cushions, rugs and blankets. Clean and stylish furniture including a gorgeous brown leather look armchair and carefully positioned wall features including a large circular mirror give a relaxed luxury effect. The bedroom is finished with contemporary lamps, and lots of storage space.
Sweet Chestnut
Sweet Chestnut is one of our Cottages which is perfect for families sleeping four guests comfortably.
The updates to the downstairs lounge area include new flooring and furnishings – with accents of blush pink, soft greys and deep blues picked out in textured cushions, tassled lampshades and a gorgeous plush royal blue rug.
The feature wallpaper boasts an ornate repeating scroll and floral cream pattern on deep blue giving a plush Parisian feel. The French chic look continues with art deco inspired furniture and soft grey bucket dining chairs which feel amazing to touch. The feature fireplace provides a focal point to the room.
We have added a sink and fridge discreetly to the corner of the living area providing convenience to the tea and coffee amenities area with large windows looking out onto the private terrace.
The feature wallpaper continues up the central staircase opening onto the upstairs landing.
The new king sized bed in the master bedroom has a gorgeous soft grey headboard and upholstered surround providing a sumptuous setting to unwind. A stunning deep blue textured armchair reflects the feature wallpaper and the colour pops come from warm tones of mustard, grey and olive green in the cushions and throws.
The twin bedroom across the hallway repeats the deep blue feature wallpaper with scroll motif, with the marble side table and funky lighting mirroring downstairs. Textured throws and cushions in grey shades give a cosy feel making the most of the original exposed beams and complementing the lovely view over the front lawn.
Norfolk minibreak
If you are looking to book your next Norfolk minibreak accommodation, give our team a call. We guarantee the best room rates if you call direct on 01603 737 531 or email info@norfolkmead.co.uk
The law relating to the formation of Marriages and Civil Partnerships changed at the end of 2019 with the introduction of The Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration Etc.) Act 2019. Following the successful campaign by opposite sex couple Steinfeld & Keidan, the law has been changed allowing heterosexual couples to enter into Civil Partnerships. Discrimination Previously, Civil Partnerships were only available to same sex couples. Steinfeld & Keidan challenged the law on the basis that it was discriminatory under article 8 ECHR (right to family life) when considered alongside article 14 (prohibition of discrimination). Their case went to the Supreme Court and in June 2018, the judges unanimously agreed that the ban was in fact discriminatory. Another option As reported by the BBC, the government has estimated that about 84,000 mixed-sex couples could form Civil Partnerships in 2020, giving them greater rights and protections within their relationships, without having to get married. Notable differences Whilst Civil Partnerships essentially award the same rights to couples as Marriage, there are a few notable differences:
Civil Partnerships cannot be formed in a religious ceremony on a religious premise
Marriage is formed by vows; Civil Partnerships are formed by signing of the Civil Partnership document
Only the father’s name features on the Marriage certificate whereas both parent’s names appear on the Civil Partnership document
Marriages are ended by divorce and Civil Partnerships by dissolution; although the procedure is fundamentally the same
A Civil Partnership is not voidable on the basis of non-consummation (nor does it make a same sex marriage voidable)
Adultery is only a ground for dissolution (or divorce) if it is committed with a person of the opposite sex
If you are considering entering into a Marriage or Civil Partnership, there are many useful resources offering more information including: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/living-together-marriage-and-civil-partnership/ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/marriage-and-civil-partnership-in-england-and-wales Pre-Nuptial Agreements/ Pre-Registration Agreements Experienced Hatch Brenner Family Solicitor Richard Dilks is able to advise couples on measures they can take before entering into a Marriage or Civil Partnership to set out how the couple would like their financial affairs to be resolved should they separate or divorce in the future. If you are getting married or entering into a Civil Partnership, you should consider a Pre-Nuptial Agreement or Pre-Registration Agreement. If you simply wish to live together, you should consider a Living Together Agreement. If you would like advice or to arrange an initial fixed fee family law consultation, please call Richard Dilks on 01603 660 811 or email richarddilks@hatchbrenner.co.uk
Following many requests by our clients we are very excited to host our next day retreat on the 14th July in Diss and it’s all about FOOD! We’ll be looking at Clean Eating and Restorative Foods and how what we put on our forks has a direct impact on our wellbeing and body image.
We are inviting colour and image consultants to come along too to explain how we can make the most of our body shape and skin tone.
The day will be a wonderful mix of myth-busting nutritional science and lots of expert guidance on dressing, looking and feeling our best.
It will be fun, sociable and our chef will prepare us all a vibrant health-enhancing lunch!
From 6 April 2020, employees will have a statutory right to take paid or unpaid leave (depending on their circumstances) in the event of the death of a child or a stillbirth. What is Parental Bereavement Leave? Parental Bereavement Leave is a period of up to two weeks’ leave that may be taken at any time within 56 weeks of the death of a child (eg someone under the age of 18, including a baby which is stillborn after at least 24 weeks of pregnancy). The leave may be taken as:
One whole week;
Two consecutive weeks; or
Two separate weeks at different times.
The leave can be taken in two blocks and within 56 weeks in order to enable employees to take the second week off around the anniversary of the child’s death, if they choose. The bereaved parent is entitled to a separate period of leave in relation to each child in a situation where more than one child has died or been stillborn. Who is eligible for Parental Bereavement Leave? Parental Bereavement Leave is available to employees only, from the commencement of employment. An employee is a ‘parent’ if they are any of the following:
A natural, adoptive or surrogate parent;
A natural parent where the child has been adopted, but there is a court order for the child to have contact with the natural parent;
A person with whom the child has been placed for adoption by a British adoption agency, or under a fostering for adoption scheme, as long as that placement has not been terminated;
A person living with the child who intends to adopt them and has received “official notification” from the British authorities that they are eligible to adopt, in cases where the child has entered Great Britain from overseas for the purposes of adoption;
An intended parent under a surrogacy arrangement (where the court was expected to make a parental order);
Someone in whose home the child is living and who has had day to day responsibility for the child’s care for at least the four weeks prior to death (eg a guardian or a foster parent but not a paid carer (other than a local authority foster carer)), unless the child’s parent or anyone with legal parental responsibility is also living in the home with the child;
The partner of any of the above.
Under the statutory scheme the leave must be taken as whole weeks, so it is assumed that leave of less than a week would still reduce the statutory entitlement by a week. Whilst there is nothing to prevent employers from allowing the employee to use up their entitlement in days rather than whole weeks, this could cause difficulty when it comes to the entitlement to statutory pay, as a whole week of leave must be taken in order to qualify for a week’s Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay (see below). How is Parental Bereavement Leave taken? The employee must notify their employer of:
the date of the child’s death;
the date on which the employee wants the leave to start; and
whether the employee intends to take one or two weeks.
There is no particular requirement for the employer to be informed in writing. For leave in the first seven weeks, the employee must notify their employer before the time they are due to start work on the day they want leave to start or as soon as reasonably practicable. In weeks eight to 56, the employee must give at least seven days’ notice of their intention to take Parental Bereavement Leave. What is Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay? Provided that an employee meets the eligibility criteria, notifies their employer and provides the relevant evidence (as set out below), they may also be entitled to Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay (‘SPBP’). Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay is paid at the same rate as other statutory payments such as paternity pay (currently £148.68), for one whole week or two whole weeks. Who is eligible for Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay? A bereaved parent (as set out above) who is employed on the date of death, with continuous employment of at least 26 weeks up to the week before the child died, will be entitled to Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay, provided that they earn a minimum amount per week (currently £116). The employee must notify their employer of the week or weeks for which Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay is being claimed. The notice does not need to be in writing (unless the employer requests it) and must be given either before the start of the Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay period, no more than 28 days after the first day of the period or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter. The employee must also supply a written statement (at the same time as giving the above notice) confirming their name, the date of the child’s death or stillbirth and a declaration that they meet one of the criteria of a “bereaved parent”. The 28-day period enables the parties to address the administrative requirements when the employee returns to work, rather than at the time of the child’s death. Practical points Employers will need to decide whether to put in place a Parental Bereavement Leave and Parental Bereavement Pay employment policy and if so, whether the policy will go beyond the minimum statutory requirements, plus how the policy will interact with any existing compassionate leave policy. It may make sense for employers to have a standard form for use by employees claiming SPBP. Employers will also need to consider the interaction between Parental Bereavement Leave and the existing right to time off for dependents. Employees are entitled to a reasonable amount of unpaid time off to take “action which is necessary … as a consequence of the death of a dependant”. This generally only enables an employee to deal with the logistical matters which arise as a result of a death. These include arranging and attending a funeral and, where appropriate, applying for probate and meeting with probate officers. This is not a right to compassionate leave. However, an employee who needs to take a day or two off in order to make arrangements could avoid using a whole week of parental bereavement leave by taking time off for dependants instead. Grief can work in unexpected ways and it is not easy to predict the time off that may be required. Employers need to give due consideration to such issues in the context of the business and best serve the needs of either the employee or the employer in some cases. Contact Norwich Employment Law Solicitor Carla Gowing for advice at carlagowing@hatchbrenner.co.uk or call 01603 660 811. There is support available for people dealing with bereavement. Hatch Brenner is proud to support Norwich and Central Norfolk Cruse Bereavement Care. Visit their website to find out more about their support services in the community.
The Game of Thrones series is renowned for filming in some phenomenal locations, from Dothrakis storming the beaches of Spain to battles against the Night King on Icelandic mountains. Much like the Game of Thrones slot game (realmoneyslots.info), the Game of Thrones series have griped more people than we may ever have expected and as a result, the series have brought millions more people into the brand. Incredibly many of the locations in which the series was filmed, have also seen large increases in tourism, such is the interests.
Whilst much of the Game of Thrones scenery is taken from such exotic locations as those mentioned above, many of scenes were also shot in areas of the UK, including Northern Ireland and Scotland. Whilst a lot of the UK may feel rather dreary, our little island is actually full of breath-taking locations, not just in Northern Ireland or Scotland, but also throughout England – Norfolk in particular being known for its beautiful landscapes, spectacular coast lines and enchanting forests. Whilst Game of Thrones has now ended, the series has left a lasting impression on fans, many wondering what followed after the final episode. Where did Drogon go after Daenerys’s death? And how does Bran Stark’s ruling of Westeros shape the seven kingdoms?
As many might fantasise of sequels to satisfy their questions, we’ve rounded up 5 of the most scenic spots in Norfolk to have them answered in:
Each one these locations offers dramatically stunning scenery to accompany the theatrics of the plot, holding features already similar to some landscapes of the fictional world with just enough change to reflect the passing of time, the restructuring of the Seven Kingdoms in during Bran’s reign, and an introduction to new lands, new characters and ultimately a new beginning. We feel that each of these areas are extraordinary enough to make it into any sequel of the fantastical, well-loved series; offering vibrant scenes, dramatic beaches and geographical features rich in history.
Broads National Park
Norfolk’s Broads National Park is well known across the country, holding more than 125 miles of lock-free waterways, giving the area a natural feel to it within the beautiful surrounding countryside. With big skies, marshland fields and woodlands scattered throughout, Broads National Park could be the perfect location for the epic story of Game of Thrones to continue its journey on, holding more miles of waterway than Amsterdam or Venice!
Holkham Beach
The north of Norfolk is famous for its picturesque coastlines and spectacular beaches. A particularly atmospheric part to this area, which would be great for setting up an intense scene, is Holkham beach. With a dramatically wide and open area alongside a scattering of woodlands, Holkham beach would make the perfect location for one of the series’ epic show-downs, the exposing nature of the open beach stretching out as far as the eye can see.
Hunstanton
A small seaside town in Norfolk with vibrant red and white striped cliffs, also known as “Sunny Hunny”. These cliffs would make for a dramatic scene saturated in warm tones to contrast the dark surrounding sea. Sunny Hunny is also one of the few places along the east coast where you can watch the sun set over the sea. This area can therefore provide phenomenal golden hours to complement the colourful walls of the cliff, enhancing its vibrant scenery.
Thetford Forest
The largest lowland pine forest in the UK, Thetford Forest is an enchanting, 19,000 ha area of the country, located in between north Suffolk and south Norfolk. The forest holds areas of heathland saturated in history, created thousands of years ago to grow crops and to use as land for grazing. With such historic features, Thetford could be a fantastic area to provide any Game of Thrones sequel with a rich, well-trodden location to film on. Additionally, near this area is the Pingo Trail, which would provide a unique area of land to film, adding to the fantastical sense of the series.
Pingo Ponds
Norfolk is also home to the Great Eastern Pingo Trail, an 8 mile trail along rare ponds known as Pingos. Pingos are originally formed from low hillocks, created in the permafrost conditions of the last ice age. During this time, the water underneath the surface froze, which pushed soil upwards forming the hillock. When temperatures rose, the frozen surface melted, and the hillocks collapsed. This left unique ponds that now provide a prehistoric touch on the surrounding natural landscape.
A Norwich author’s latest novel has inspired four friends to take part in daring pursuits to raise money for a women’s cancer charity.
Author Margaret K Johnson’s new book, The Dare Club, follows the fortunes of four very different people who meet on a Divorced and Separated course. As part of their recovery process, they challenge each other to face their fears.
Margaret and her friends will be facing the first of their own challenges for real on Saturday 21 June when they abseil from a 20 metre metal tower to raise money for Keeping Abreast, a breast cancer reconstruction support group.
Margaret explained: “We were discussing the book and it led us to wonder when we last did anything remotely daring – some of us concluded that our lives had become a bit safe and joked that we should form our own ‘dare club’. Quite a few of my friends said they weren’t keen on heights, so we decided to test ourselves by abseiling, which features in the story. Before we knew it, it had all been arranged!”
The first of Margaret’s friends to sign up were Sarah Daniels, Sarah Morgan and Susan Timewell, but all four women are recruiting others and hope that around 40 women will take part on the day, each donating £20. The event has been sponsored by AID Rope Access in Great Yarmouth, a company that offers industrial height training.
Margaret said: ‘My books are about women at a crossroads in their lives. My characters help each other with their self-esteem and self-confidence and to move on from adversity towards success. She added: ‘I’m really touched that The Dare Club has inspired women to face their fears and do something life-affirming – and a little bit scary. Who knows what we’ll do next!’ Margaret went to great measures to research material for the book, including enrolling on a stand-up comedy course in London. ‘It was completely nerve-wracking – the most terrifying thing I have ever done!’, she said. However, her comedy debut has spurred her to enter the ‘Funny Women’ competition next month, a national competition to find Britain’s best female comedian.