Member News

A report published by the Legal Ombudsman today (28 February), entitled “The Costs of Separation”, has featured highly in today’s news. The report found that divorce lawyers have the highest number of complaints from clients, compared with other areas of law. The report also found that some divorce lawyers are failing to advise their clients to settle financial matters out of Court, therefore resulting in unnecessary costs.

Emma Alfieri from Steeles Law’s family team commented that she is “not surprised” by the report, having heard stories of previous experiences from her own clients, and added that, as a family lawyer, “you must provide your client with a fee estimate at the outset, and keep clients regularly updated with issues that arise later on during the case, which may have an effect on the initial fee estimate”.

However, Emma also feels that some media reports have been “an unfair generalisation”, based on the actions of a small number of unscrupulous individuals: “Nowadays we find that very few cases proceed to Court. The focus is now on settling matters out of Court, using alternative methods of dispute resolution, such as mediation. An application cannot be made to the Court until mediation has been attempted. Where mediation is not appropriate, or parties do not feel that they wish to attend, we can offer what is known as a “round the table meeting”. This is where both clients attend a meeting with their legal representative, in different rooms. This is another way of encouraging settlement without the use of the Court.

Family lawyers are now trained in this way and follow a code of practice that promotes a non-confrontational approach to family problems.

At Steeles Law we recognise that costs are an issue for clients going through divorce and separation. With this in mind, and due to the need for our clients to have certainty as to their costs, we have recently launched fixed fee divorce packages, which allow our clients to know from the start exactly how much the divorce is going to cost them.

We suggest to all clients that they attend one of our offices for an initial consultation and then, at that meeting, we can advise them whether they would qualify for a fixed fee service. This very much depends on the complexities of the case and bearing in mind that everybody’s circumstances are different. For example, a person wishing to bring a divorce (without children) would be offered a fixed fee of £650 plus VAT, plus Court fees of £385.

Emma Alfieri commented: “We also ask clients for partial payment at set times during the process. This enables clients to budget and know from the outset how much the whole divorce is going to cost. We also provide fixed fee financial settlements for clients wishing to finalise financial matters.”

For further information about fixed fees please contact a member of our family team on 01603 598000 or email family@steeleslaw.co.uk.

Our next open morning will be on Saturday 16th March, 9-11am.

A year group of students will act as your guides and you will have the opportunity to visit a Boarding House, all the Teaching Departments of the College and the Music, Drama and Sports facilities.

The Principal, senior staff members and Admissions Office staff will be available to welcome you and discuss the opportunities that the College can offer your son or daughter.

We look forward to welcoming you here!

www.wymondhamcollege.org

https://twitter.com/WymondhamCol

Pure Resourcing Solutions has expanded its Norwich team with the appointment of Emma Saunders who joins the recruitment consultancy’s Accountancy Division.

Joining the company’s Norwich office, Emma brings over 10 years experience in specialist consultancy recruitment to the role. She previously worked for Hales Group and has recruited in the Norwich and Norfolk market dealing with a range of organisations ranging from SME’s to large blue chip organisations.

On joining Pure Resourcing Solutions, Emma said: “My approach to recruitment is very much in line with Pure’s ethos of taking the time to understand the client’s business needs and expectations whilst providing a fast turnaround of quality candidates. It is great to be working with a team that takes an honest, committed approach, and places such an emphasis on developing long term client and candidate relationships, to achieve the best quality service.”

Emma, from Briston, will be responsible for temporary accountancy vacancies across Norfolk. These include Credit Controller’s, Ledger Clerk’s, Bookkeeper’s, Payroll, Accounts Assistant and Part Qualified Accountants.

Director of Pure Resourcing Solutions, Gill Buchanan, said: “Emma has solid experience in the accountancy sector, coupled with an impressive recruitment background. She is a motivated professional who will make a valuable contribution to the team – it’s fantastic to have her knowledge and expertise on board as we move into 2013.”

Pure’s Accountancy division covers the full spectrum of accountancy positions from accounts clerical – Purchase and Sales Ledger Clerks – to board level – Finance Director and CFOs – on an interim, contract and permanent basis. Our client base covers commercial businesses – from local SME owner-managed businesses to Blue Chip companies such as Aviva, Greene King, AXA, ARM and Willis – Public and Third Sector bodies – Charities, NHS, Housing, Education and Local Authorities – to firms of Accountants, ranging from small local firms to the Big Four.

The Click Design Consultants are delighted to announce that they have been appointed to create an advertising campaign for the National Trust.

The campaign will aim to highlight the breadth of offer, encourage repeat visits and communicate the Trust’s great outdoor experiences – as well as showcase the wonderful properties. Launching in May, the campaign will run across the East of England.

Creative Director, Bobby Burrage comments:“We’re extremely proud of our client list. Year on year it becomes evermore diverse with a wonderful array of organisations. It’s an honour to be able to name the National Trust as a client and we’re very excited about starting work with them.”

View The Click’s work here.

Bigfork have just designed and launched the new website for Archway Events, East Anglia’s leading corporate hospitality and events management company. The new website has a greatly improved navigation system combined with a modern, image led design promoting corporate dinners, sporting events, parties, golf days, theatre nights and so much more. You can see the new website here.

Bigfork Ltd

www.bigfork.co.uk

t: 01603 513080

The Leathes Prior Employment Team represented Blakeney Manor Hotel at Norwich Employment Tribunal, in the defence of a constructive dismissal claim brought by a long serving manager.

Rejecting the claim without criticism of the Hotel, Judge McMahon held that the employer had at all times acted reasonably and that the manager had not been entitled to resign and consider herself unfairly dismissed.

Dan Chapman, Head of the Employment Team, appeared before the Tribunal as the advocate, and the case had been prepared by Catherine Hepworth (shortly to qualify as a Solicitor).

This summer Air Malta will again operate weekly charter flights to/fromseven regional airports in the UK between May and October 2013. In linewith demand and operations in previous years, Air Malta will operatecharter flights to/from Birmingham and Cardiff with two flights every weekon Tuesdays and Fridays, and weekly flights on Tuesdays to/from Bristol,Exeter, Newcastle, Norwich and Glasgow airports.

These charter flights increase accessibility to the islands from regional UKairports and thus offer travellers the opportunity to travel out and backfrom their nearest home airport. Furthermore, such flights also attract theinterest of the Maltese traveller to visit family and friends in various citiesin the United Kingdom. The operation of such regional services was madepossible thanks to the support received from tour operators and traveltrade partners in the areas.Commenting on these services, Philip Saunders, Chief CommercialOfficer said, “Air Malta is building on its position in the UK as a leader inthe market to Malta. Our summer charter operations further confirms theairline’s commitment to boost incoming tourism to Malta from the UK, andto bring Malta closer to their home. These flights also make it much easierfor the Maltese market to visit the British regions.”Air Malta operates such charter services as a supplement to the regularscheduled services to/from Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester, andlikewise offers 20Kgs for checked in baggage and up to 10Kgs as handluggage allowance for each passenger. Seats are available also for salevia the airline’s portal www.airmalta.com and via the international Call-Centre on 00356 21 66 22 11.

Norwich International to Malta operates 07 May – 22 October 2013.

Tour operators that will take allocation on the flights and offer package holidays are listed below: Belleair Sunspot/Mercury Direct Thomson Thomas Cook Cosmos Prestige Holidays Classic Collection Flexible Trips Superbreak

Flights and package holidays from Norwich International to Malta can be booked via your local travel agent.

Norwich International Airport’s travel show has been re-scheduled to take place on Saturday 23rd February from 9am to 3pm in the airport terminal building with free entry and free parking for all visitors in the short stay car park.

The event, now in its fourth year, is a great way to start planning for your 2013 holiday and offers local holidaymakers the perfect opportunity to meet and talk with tour operators and airlines flying from Norwich International and to pick up brochures including Fly Norwich 2013 which is being launched at the event.

Over 25 tour operator, airline and business stands including local hotels, and flying schools will be on hand throughout the day to chat, offer first-hand destination and product advice on their Norwich departures.

There are also great opportunities to save money with exclusive offers and fantastic booking incentives available on the day including 5% off and free Norwich airport parking for all holidays booked.

Plus, the chance to win fabulous prizes in the Grand Draw being held at 2.30pm with the main prize a fabulous holiday for 2 to Lake Garda, other prizes in the draw include; short break to Isle of Man, return flights to Aberdeen, holiday vouchers, flying lessons and much more. Additional free to enter competitions will be taking place throughout the day with many more great prizes to be won.

A must visit event for all your travel needs from Norwich International!

For further details please call 01603 428700

Employees from the Norwich branch of Pure Resourcing Solutions (Pure) put their decorating and gardening skills to excellent use this week by renovating a garden wall at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) in Quidenham. As with all of the charity’s hospices, Quidenham cares for life-threatened children and their families by providing short breaks, care at end of life, bereavement support, and many different activities and therapies.

Eight volunteers, split into two teams, spent Tuesday 12th and Wednesday 13th February giving the wall in the hospice’s sensory garden a revamp. As a place of relaxation for children and young people with life-threatening illness, it is vital the area is kept in excellent condition.

The volunteering builds on a long-term relationship between Pure and EACH, whose Royal Patron is The Duchess of Cambridge.

Joseph O’Sullivan, Pure Office Manager and one of the volunteers, says, “We really enjoyed volunteering for EACH Quidenham. First, the wall had to be cleared of ivy – one brave team member even climbed the six foot wall to get rid of it! We then sanded it down and gave it a coat of bright yellow paint. It was an inspiring day that makes you realise you can do something to help others – you just need to give a little bit of your time.”

Gill Buchanan, Director of Pure, says, “Pure is proud to continue our support of EACH not just in Quidenham, but across the East of England. Volunteering is a wonderful way to help EACH keep the hospice in great condition for the children, young people and their families. Our volunteers also feel a great sense of satisfaction knowing they are helping.”

Gary Cook of EACH, says, “Our children and young people need pleasant, cheerful and calm surroundings so they can be as comfortable as possible. We are delighted that staff at Pure in Norwich were able to give their time to help us provide a home-from-home for everyone who visits – be it for one day or for an extended period.”

The Pure volunteering project kicks off another year of charity activity; the company already has fundraising events planned in Norwich, Ipswich, Cambridge and Chelmsford, to raise funds for EACH and other charities in the East of England. To find out more about Pure’s charity support, contact Anna Hill, Marketing Manager on 01223 209888 or Anna.Hill@prs.uk.com.

Deanna Auker has joined the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) as marketing manager, bringing with her a wealth of experience in marketing for national and international clients.

In a career spanning more than 13 years, Deanna has worked successfully and closely with international airlines KLM, Flybe and bmi in her role as commercial and marketing manager at Norwich International Airport, and has been responsible for the marketing strategies and all communications as marketing manager for M&H Plastics and The Castle Mall, Norwich.

Most recently Deanna led communications and events focused on a clinical restructure of more than 4,000 staff at the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. “I am really pleased to be joining EEEGR at such an exciting time for the organisation and the energy industry,” said Deanna.

“I am really looking forward to meeting existing stakeholders and establishing relationships with new ones. By using my knowledge and experience of marketing on a global scale I hope to present new opportunities for members and to help grow EEEGR, while building on the continued success already achieved by my new colleagues.”

EEEGR chief executive Simon Gray said: “I know all the team and directors will welcome Deanna to this exciting position which is so essential for the organisation’s future prospects. I’m sure her ability and experience will add even more to what our excellent EEEGR team has already achieved.”

Steeles Law’s employment team would be delighted to welcome you to our next employment law update briefing, which will be held on Thursday 21 March 2013 at St Andrews House, St Andrews Street, Norwich, NR2 4TP, 8.00am (for 8.30am start) to 10.00am.

The briefing will be delivered by qualified and experienced lawyers who specialise exclusively in employment law, with the emphasis on the practical implications of the law for your business. Delegates find these briefings a fantastic opportunity to keep up-to-date with the latest legal developments:

“An excellent update, a must attend for the HR professional. Very good value for money!”

“I find these briefings to be an essential part of keeping up-to-date with varying employment matters. You give real information and practical guidance to take away and apply. Thank you.”

Wide-ranging and radical reforms of employment legislation are due to take place during 2013 and beyond. The briefing will cover essential recent and forthcoming developments in employment law, including the following topics:

• Termination of employment: Looking at new plans for pre-termination negotiations and “settlement agreements”, as well as changes to compensation awards for unfair dismissal and a review of some recent cases in this area.
• Tribunal rules of procedure: A brief overview of major changes to the tribunal rules taking effect in April 2013 including the introduction later in the year of fees for lodging tribunal claims as well as plans for compulsory pre-claim conciliation.
• Redundancy: Outlining changes to the rules on collective redundancy consultation due to take effect in April and some recent cases on redundancy dismissals.
• Family-friendly rights: Looking ahead at plans for shared leave as well as extensions to flexible working and parental leave rights.
• Working time: Reviewing the latest developments in relation to sickness absence and holiday, and plans for reform of the Working Time Regulations.
• Employment status: Considering the impact of recent case law and looking at Government plans for the introduction of a new “employee-shareholder” status from April 2013.
• TUPE: Outlining major proposals for reform of the existing TUPE Regulations and key case law developments in this area.
• Religion and belief: Looking at recent high-profile decisions from the European Court of Human Rights and considering the potential impact for employers.

We can offer confirmation of attendance for CPD purposes for those delegates who require this.

Booking details

The briefing will start at 8.30am on Thursday 21 March 2013 (breakfast will be served from 8.00am) and will finish at approximately 10.00am, allowing you to attend with minimum disruption to your working day. Parking is available nearby at St Andrews car park.

The cost of the briefing is just £30 plus VAT per person and includes a buffet breakfast, which will be available before the briefing. If you book a place by 4 March 2013, you can book a second place at half price, for just £15 plus VAT.

If you would like to attend please contact Gemma Pendleton, Marketing Manager, with details of delegate name(s), job title, full company name and address, telephone and email contact details, and details of any dietary requirements.

Zing Insights have been awarded the research contract for Europe’s biggest trade show event for the retail industry. Zing will be conducting research with visitors at Spring Fair International which runs from during February, using their innovative iPad Research Pods.

David Langrish, Global Head of Brand Marketing at i2i Events Group said “It is important to us that we have real-time data collected during the show to provide our sales team with the insights they need to aid the exhibitor re-booking process. Zing came highly recommended and they have an innovative, flexible way of collecting large amounts of data, fast, during the event and not having to wait until after the show for results.”

Zing director Jo Walther said “Our research pods are the perfect data collection solution for any high footfall area, we’ve used them in retail outlets, in tourist attractions as well as at events to capture customer views at the point of consumption”. We’ve also found significant differences in results captured during an ‘experience’ vs. those captured after using online research methodologies because online samples are self-selecting, results are often much more polarised and extreme, positive and negative, whereas our samples are more reflective of an overall customer perception.”

Zing Insights is an award winning research and insights consultancy run by a team of highly skilled research professionals with over 40 years experience of delivering world class business insights. Zing were highly commended as a finalist for the EDP Business Award – best new business 2012 and are in this year’s EDP Future50.