Member News

In recent years, there has been a huge increase in the number of couples attending family mediation in an attempt to avoid a bitter court dispute. This is following a drive from the Government in recent years to try and deter couples from going to court and instead to deal with matters in a more conciliatory and less confrontational way.

Mediation helps couples work things out together. It is not a form of relationship counselling, or a way to help a couple get back together. Instead it helps couples who are separating decide on the way forward.

How does it work?

• A referral is made to a family mediator (either from a family lawyer or directly from the client). A family mediator is a person who has been professionally trained as a family mediator and generally has a background in family law.
• Each of the parties will separately attend an assessment meeting (MIAM) with the mediator to ensure that they are suitable for the mediation process. Both parties will be asked to provide their financial disclosure.
• Following the assessment meeting, provided the mediator believes that both parties are suitable, they would arrange a meeting for both parties to attend with the mediator. At this meeting, both parties would be encouraged to try and address the issues between them and to try and work towards reaching an agreement.
• Further sessions may then be required until the parties can reach an agreement. At any point, either party may choose to terminate the process or take their own independent legal advice regarding the discussions.
• Once matters have been agreed, the mediator will prepare what is known as a “Memorandum of Understanding”, which will record the agreement that the parties have reached.
• Both parties will then be advised to seek their own independent legal advice upon the Memorandum of Understanding, to ensure that they fully understand the implications and further, to enable the client to receive advice as to whether the agreement reached is fair given their particular circumstances.
• If, after having taken legal advice, both parties still wish to proceed, a formal Consent Order may then be prepared and submitted to the court for approval. There is no requirement for either party to attend court in this scenario.

Emma Alfierifrom Steeles Law’sfamilylaw team comments: “Parties who meet certain criteria will qualify for public funding in respect of family mediation and even if only one party qualifies, the other party would also receive the first session free, even if they do not qualify themselves.”

Emma added: “There appears to be is a misconception that seeing adivorcesolicitor is going to result in court action. This is not the case, as today family lawyers are trained to deal with matters in a non-adversarial way. These days the ethos is very much focused on encouraging the parties to reach an agreement and to avoid court at all costs. Often, we see clients for an initial appointment and encourage them to attempt mediation. If the client agrees, we will refer them to mediation and will be there for our client in the background to assist them with advice throughout the mediation process and following the mediation, to assist in formalising the agreement reached.”

Whist Steeles Law do not offer a mediation service in house, we offer a specialist service in assisting clients through the mediation process. This work can be done on the basis of a fixed fee or on a “pay as you go” service.

For the month of January, Steeles Law is offering 30 minutes advice for free to clients looking to get a divorce. Pleasecontact usnow to make your appointment.

We’re just weeks away from NorDevCon 2015 and the Early Bird tickets are available until the 13th February at £95 + fees – less than half the standard ticket price!

This year, not only will the conference be a gathering of some of the brightest minds from the tech community, but over 100 business representatives from businesses in and around the county.

With some business based sessions and the opportunity to network with investors, designers and everything in between, the conference is the perfect chance to mingle with like minded folk and attend interactive sessions demonstrating how technological advances can add efficiency and value to a company’s business model.

Speakers who might be of particular interest to members are Keynote Speakers, Jon Skeet, software engineer at Google, Harry Harrold and Rupert Redington, owners of local business Neontribe, as well as others from the Business Track. Details of speakers can be found hereNorDevCon 2015

Digital marketing agency, Bigfork, were appointed to improve Advanced Metalcraft’s website. The company’s expertise is in steelwork and architectural metalwork and they required a website that both showcased their work and supported tenders. Strong photography was used to visually show what Advanced Metalcraft do and the high quality of their work and a new projects page highlights the range of expertise the company has. Health and safety is the highest priority in the construction industry and all Advanced Metalcraft’s certifications and policies had to be easily seen in the new website. With a SilverStripe content management system, Advanced Metalcraft can easily update the website inhouse.

To see more visitwww.advancedmetalcraft.co.uk

Bigfork –we make websites stand out

www.bigfork.co.uk

t:o01603 513080

(East Anglia: January 2015)Aston Shaw, a leading accountancy firm based in East Anglia has enjoyed significant growth last year taking on 17 apprentices across all 5 offices. In 2014, the firm commenced an apprentice recruitment drive which propelled total staff numbers to over 90 employees.

Mark Noakes, Director, commented “At Aston Shaw we are confident in our approach and believe that nurturing young talent is beneficial to both the firm and the apprentice. We are able to mould highly driven young individuals to adopt the working methods and ethos we want and in turn, they get qualifications and invaluable experience.

Each apprentice is allocated a mentor to work alongside on a on a day to day basis. This promotes the filter down of skills, expertise and experience as well as ensuring that the apprentice’s work is closely monitored. The vigilant training and support procedures in place really help to build a strong team, within which the apprentice is fully integrated”.

Apprenticeships can prove to be highly beneficial to businesses, with Government funding available to those who take them on. For the apprentices, it is reported by Matthew Hancock, Minister of State for business and enterprise that apprentices who study on an advanced level course earn approx. £147,000 more over their lifetime than those who don’t.

In 2015, Aston Shaw have pledged to take on another 10 apprentices; the firm are passionate about creating jobs and giving local young people chances they might not necessarily find without leaving East Anglia.

The nook business network is a corporate scheme which will help EACH deliver a new purpose-built children’s hospice in the heart of Norfolk. The scheme has been developed to encourage local companies to commit to raising either £10,000, £15,000 or £25,000 over the duration of the appeal in return for a number of benefits and support from the charity.

Whether a small, medium or large business, EACH is calling upon you to join other companies to create a Norfolk network to help those who need it most.

Fulfilling Corporate Social Responsibilities, picking your charity of the year for 2015 and setting your staff goals to improve team work are just some of the motivations to join the nook business network.

Gary Cook, the nook appeal corporate fundraiser, said: “We’re looking to Norfolk’s businesses to help make our vision of a new purpose built children’s hospice in the heart of Norfolk a reality.

“Many businesses in the county rely on local people for their income, so it would be great if they were able to invest time and effort into the nook business network to give something back to their local community. We already have great support from the business community, of which we’re incredibly grateful, but there are countless other businesses out there that we’ve yet to engage with and hope this new scheme is an attraction for them.

“We won’t be able to realise our vision without the support of all elements of the Norfolk community – individuals, community groups, schools and of course the business community will playa vital role in this.”

All companies which sign-up to the nook business network will get a dedicated account manager, charity information and appeal updates to share with staff, social media interaction, a nook appeal e-signature banner and logo to use on correspondence and materials, certificate, award and company name and web link on the dedicated EACH nook business network page.

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the nook business network or the appeal generally, should visit:www.each.org.uk/the-nookor contact the Norfolk Fundraising Team on 01603 666767 orfunding@each.org.uk

We are delighted to announce the appointment of our new Area Sales Manager for Norfolk, Brendon Lansdowne.

Brendon joins us with over 20 years experience in the automotive industry, all working in the Norfolk area. He has worked in operational roles, as well as sales within the vehicle rental industry. During the last 4 years, he has worked in a B2B position within a local dealership.

His experience will be a valuable asset to colleagues and customer alike within the Norfolk area. Should you wish to contact Brendon to discuss your own vehicle fleet, please call him directly on 07500 008015 or emailbrendon.lansdowne@burnt-tree.co.uk.

Leading regional recruitment consultancy firm, Pure Resourcing Solutions (Pure), is launching a new Graduate Training Programme to encourage young professionals to join the exciting industry.

Pure, which has offices in Cambridge, Norwich, Ipswich and Chelmsford, is calling for graduates with some employment experience on their CV to apply for the programme before January 30th.

The initiative lasts for 12 months and successful candidates will receive comprehensive training, taking on a variety of challenging tasks, with no two days being the same. Trainees will develop their skills, progressing to the position of Recruitment Consultant.

Applicants must be degree educated, have commercial employment experience, and plenty of drive and motivation. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential, as is the desire to deliver a first class service to all customers, at all times. They must also be a fast learner, be self-motivated and be confident working in a team as well as independently.

Gill Buchanan, Director of Pure, encourages young professionals to join the innovative company, which also has a reputation as a very supportive employer.

She says: “Pure is an exceptional place to work. Our culture is vibrant and flexible, and we stick to sensible hours, but everyone works hard. Not only is Pure a fantastic place to start a career in recruitment, but we are committed to supporting our trainees to achieve their goals and build long term careers with us.

“As well as competitive basic salaries, rewards and benefits, Pure organises lots of fun social events and we do a lot of charity fundraising. Pure really is a great place to work!”

For more information, contact Gill on 01223 209888 orgill@prs.uk.com.

2015 was already set to be an exciting year for TVC so we are all the more thrilled to be announcing our sponsorship of motorcyclist Rob Barber of father-and-son race team PRB Racing https://www.prbracing.co.uk/

With a career spanning nearly two decades and a spectacular track record, including winning the first Zero Emissions Race around the TT track in 2009, we are proud to be associated with such a prominent name in racing.

We wish him every success in his races at the TT and UGP as well as at Pikes Peak on Zero bike, ‘Buckeye Current’ https://current.osu.edu/

This is an exciting opportunity in an established and growing agency with a diverse client base. We will require you to become involved with liaising with clients on a daily basis (so it’s best if you like people). You’ll work closely with our designers and suppliers to support our account Director (his name is Ben) in his quest to deliver great marketing solutions and strategies that simply work.

You’ll need bags of initiative and be able to use a computer. Oh, and if you hate the phone, then don’t bother as we all muck in here at Naked. It goes without saying that you’ll need excellent communication skills, good marketing knowledge and if you also happen to be a digital marketing whizz then what are you waiting for?

Grab a pen, keyboard or carrier pigeon andget in touchexplaining why you should be on our short list, include your CV and salary expectations!

We’re waiting to hear from you…

www.nakedmarketing.co.uk

The Adapt Low Carbon Group, an innovation management consultancy and investor, has secured a resource efficiency project with British Sugar – the UK’s leading sugar supplier.

Adapt, part of the University of East Anglia, will research and advise British Sugar on opportunities for developing new productsand technologies that could help future-proof the business. Adapt will also seek to identify ways to maximise British Sugar’s factory processing efficiency and capacity, and improve its carbon and water footprints.

A key element of this will be finding sustainable solutions that will help British Sugar stay abreast of market challenges as well as responding proactively to changes in production and export quotas for sugar and cereal-based sweeteners from 2017.

Read more here

Norse Commercial Services’ Transport Division has been awarded accreditation under an award winning initiative which has been developed by Freight Transport Association (FTA).

‘Van Excellence’ is an industry-led initiative, in conjunction with some of the UK’s leading van operators, which aims to:

• Enhance standards of van operator compliance
• Raise standards within the industry
• Improve the perception of vans and light commercial vehicles
• Enhance the reputation of organisations operating van fleets

The award is only made following an independent audit covering two aspects of vehicle operations:

Vehicle related understanding including, roadworthiness, safe working environment, vehicle standards, and administration; and driver related undertakings, including licensing, behaviour, compliance, competence, training, and identification. “The recognition of excellence is the cornerstone of the Van Excellence scheme, and this accreditation demonstrates Norse’s commitment to safer, more efficient and sustainable van operations,” John Mellor, Group Transport Manager at Norse, said.

“In turn, this will help our standing with customers and employees and reassure both the public and Government that van operators are addressing the issues of concern to them. Traffic Commissioners also recognise the high standard require to gain the Van Excellence award. This is our second successive year of accreditation and it is a credit to all in the Transport team,” he added.

Norse is one of the first 50 operators in the region to receive the Van Excellence accreditation.

The award covers Norse’s Norwich based fleet operations, which include around 400 vans and minibuses. Nationally Norse operates a fleet of 1600 vehicles through its Head Office and UK subsidiaries.

It is a sad reality that the New Year brings about a peak in separations and applications for divorce and dissolution of civil partnership.

Every January this subject receives a lot of media coverage. A number of dates are often cited as being the most popular date on which to start a divorce, with some media reports even going so far as to refer to the first Monday in January as “divorce day”. Our data over the past few years suggests that it is true that sadly often parties do take the decision to separate early on in the New Year, however, sometimes we find that client’s wait a few weeks or even months before contacting us for advice.

For couples facing separation, it can be hard to know where to start in such a strange and emotionally challenging process and therefore we list below 10 considerations to make when faced with divorce:

1. Get legal advice at an early stage

Even if you do not intend to formally instruct a divorce solicitor, it is always advisable to have an initial chat with a specialist family lawyer regarding the way forward. This ensures that you know your legal position and your rights before proceeding.

2. Don’t panic

Be cautious about making hasty decisions as you could make wrong decisions. For example, moving out of a property without seeking legal advice about your position first.

3. Don’t rely on advice given by friends

There will always a friend or colleague who is keen to offer you their advice. The thing to remember is that every divorce is different due to the individual circumstances. Therefore, the likely outcomes are different and one can rarely rely on advice given by people on their own experience.

4. Don’t assume

Many people make assumptions without taking legal advice. However, there are so many myths associated with divorce and separation and therefore assume nothing.

5. Remain amicable and consider mediation

Try and have a discussion with your spouse about the way forward. The days of parties going to court for a judge to make a decision in respect of financial matters are becoming infrequent. The ethos now is to try and deal with things in an amicable way whilst also minimising costs for both parties.

6. Get organised regarding your finances

We are often concerned by the number of clients who seek advice and do not know their own financial situation. Ensure you know about what bank accounts and debts are held in joint names and be aware of the level of joint debt, to include credit cards and mortgages. It is always wise to know and be in control of your own financial situation.

7. Focus on the best interests of the children

If you have children, there is no need to involve them just because you and your spouse are not getting along. Always discuss the situation out of earshot of the children and avoid making the children feel that they have to take sides. Focus on the children’s best interests.

8. Be realistic

Be realistic in your expectations – whatever agreement is reached has to be workable and therefore do not set your expectations too high. Ultimately, the matrimonial finances are going to be divided somehow and both parties’ future housing needs will need to be met.

9. Consider using a counsellor

Divorce and separation can be a very stressful time and there are many counsellors who are able to offer support. Discussing purely emotional matters with your lawyer is not the best use of your funds. By employing an expert counsellor this can work out much more cost-effective in the long run.

10. Do not comment about your spouse on social networking sites

Commenting about your spouse on a social networking site will only antagonise the situation further and is not advisable, whatever they may have done. Sometimes it is appropriate for us to advise clients to temporarily close such accounts until matters are concluded to avoid the temptation to post inappropriate content.

Our specialist family law team at Steeles Law offers expert advice regarding divorce, separation, dissolution of civil partnerships and all family law matters.

We offer fixed fee services as well as pay-as-you-go services, meaning that you only pay for advice as and when you need it. Our team is supportive and empathetic and we tailor our advice and support to each individual case.

During the month of January, we are also offering a 30 minute initial consultation free of charge. Contact us to make an appointment to discuss your current situation and options going forward in more detail.

For more information please contact our family law team.