Wills & Lasting Powers of Attorney

At this time of the year we often see old friends or relatives and spend more time than usual with them.  It can therefore be a good time to discuss putting your affairs in order, for example updating Wills if there have been new additions to the family, or if people mentioned in the Will are no longer around.  See our website for more information about Wills:  http://www.mplaw.co.uk/will_drafting.html or contact Gen Gallagher on 01708 784047 or at genevievegallagher@mplaw.co.uk

Lasting Powers of Attorney allow for an Attorney to be appointed to assist in the event that a person needs help with managing their finances or if they are unable to make decisions about their health and welfare.  See our website  for more information on making a Lasting Power of Attorney: http://www.mplaw.co.uk/lasting_powers_of_attorney.html or contact Samantha Hamilton on 01708 784064 or at samanthahamilton@mplaw.co.uk

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Mullis & Peake LLP

VAT change due 4th January 2011

In his 2010 Emergency Budget the Chancellor announced an increase in the standard rate of VAT from 17.5 per cent to 20 per cent effective from 4 January 2011.


Effect on businesses – what you need to do:

This change affects any VAT registered business that sells or purchases goods or services that are subject to the standard rate of VAT.

You should charge VAT at the rate of 20 per cent on any sales of standard rated goods or services that you make on or after 4 January 2011.

Other rates of VAT are not affected

This change in the standard rate of VAT does not affect sales of goods or services that are charged at another rate of VAT. These are:



Zero rated – for example most foodstuffs, children’s clothing or books,



Reduced rated – for example children’s car seats, supplies of domestic fuel and power, and



Exempt – for example education, health and financial services.
 
For further information on the VAT change please refer to the attached link
 
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/forms-rates/rates/rate-rise-guidance.pdf
 

Mullis and Peake LLP

Employer Protection Scheme

The easy and cost effective way to remove the burden of employment legislation from your business.


With the distraction of increasingly complex and costly employment legislation directly affecting the profitability of many businesses across the UK it could be time to look at how our expertise can allow you to focus on what you do best.

Organisations turn to us not only because they are facing more frequent employment disputes that are of a greater cost but also because the insurance or HR advisors they have engaged as protection are failing them. Unregulated and unqualified advisors in call centres and cleverly constructed insurance get out clauses are often leaving clients confused and exposed.

To help employers deal with these problems we have launched a dedicated Employment Law Protection Scheme for our clients.

How Our Scheme Works

All services are carried out by regulated and qualified solicitors that will be known to you by name. It is comprised of 3 core components that have been designed to offer seamless financial and business continuity protection:-



1. The Audit (Health Check) your current policies and practices will be reviewed in order for us to get to know your business and establish how to bring you up to date with the latest legislation and achieve compliance within the law .


2. Expert Advice (Ongoing Support & Dialogue) – Direct access to unlimited advice by a qualified employment law solicitor, who knows your business and understands your specific needs meaning you don’t have to deal with often vague and impersonal call centres. You are given clear advice that is in the best interest of your business. This not only ensures that the matter is properly handled from the outset but also ensures that you are fully insured when you follow the advice given.

3. Insurance Policy (Financial Security) – We are fully authorised to manage your claim by insurers. The policy fits with our services seamlessly and pays the legal costs of an employment dispute, covers settlements and the cost of awards. This radically minimises your exposure to unexpected financial loss, and caps all your Employment and HR costs providing peace of mind. In real terms this will often result in huge cost savings. * Full details of the cover is available upon request


How Our Scheme Is Unique


Our scheme is operated by dedicated professionals who understand our client’s specific needs (not a call centre).


 If necessary we will attend your premises


 We deliver a hand on practical solution to problems, and will advise you how to avoid future claims arising.


 We enable you to budget for and cap all your Employment costs


 We seamlessly handle claims in your best interest through special arrangements with insurers

Saving you time and money over the long term is not the only benefit:

Financial Certainty. You can set a budget for employment law costs, knowing that there will be no unexpected payouts just a fixed cost to protect your balance sheet.

Cash Flow Friendly. Spread the cost of the insurance and employment law and Health & Safety services by instalments through a monthly payment facility.

Flexible & Suitable. You decide on the best price and insurance cover options to suit your needs as the package can be tailored around your exact requirements.

Face to Face. No call centres or restrictive confusing advice. You can be fully confident when dealing with staffing issues because a dedicated solicitor is just a phone call away.

Regulated Expert Advice. We are regulated by the Law Society and are required to act in your best interests. Tackle employment conflicts before they arise and receive clear advice on the possible consequences of business decisions relating to your employees, or where you may breach insurance cover before you act.

Focus on Profitability. No more wasted management time – we will get you compliant and handle any employment disputes and claims on your behalf with insurers.

For a free quotation please contact Charlotte Woolven-Brown on charlottewb@mplaw.co.uk  

Employment Advice

The year end is usually a good time to carry out appraisals.  Appraisals are useful for both employees and for managers and are useful for the following:

To provide feedback of individual performance.

To plan for future promotions and successions.

To assess training and development needs.

To provide information for salary planning and special awards.

To contribute to corporate career planning.

For advice and assistance on how to carry out an effective appraisal please contact Charlotte Woolven-Brown on 01708 784056 or charlottewb@mplaw.co.uk

Alcohol licensing

The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill has now been presented to Parliament. The bill, which will reform the organisation and funding of police services, also removes the prohibition of protesting around Parliament Square.
Another major reform will affect alcohol licensing. In a bid to reduce the cost of policing late-night premises, the Act (if it proceeds to assent) will allow local authorities to charge an additional levy on premises opened beyond midnight and it is anticipated that a lot licence holders will be varying their licences to avoid paying. In our view, this is a great shame, as ultimately it will be the independent licence-holders who will suffer and we may well see more chain pubs and bars on the high-street or fewer pubs entirely.

If you would like more information about alcohol licensing, please contact Hayley Samuels.

Disputed Estates

The national press has reported on the 38% increase in claims over disputed Wills made in the High Court from 2008 to 2009.

Disputes over Wills can arise for many reasons, but it is often as a result of a person feeling that the Will does not provide for them sufficiently.

It is important to consider how to provide for your family and friends on your death and making a Will means that you can avoid the intestacy rules applying to your estate.  It is also wise to discuss your reasons for making a Will in a certain way as this can help prevent animosity if a person is excluded from your Will or receives less than they would otherwise expect.

If you wish to make a Will contact:
Genevieve Gallagher on 01708 784047 or at genevievegallagher@mplaw.co.uk

If you wish to challenge the provisions or validity of a Will or your entitlement to an estate on Intestacy contact:
Ryan D'Souza on 01708 784090 or at ryandsouza@mplaw.co.uk
or
James Sherratt on 01708 784053 or at jamessherratt@mplaw.co.uk