LBRO NEEDS REVAMPING, NOT SCRAPPING, SAYS FSB

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) welcomes the review into the performance of the Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO) but is concerned this vital regulatory burden busting body will be scrapped.

FSB research shows that a third of small businesses state regulation as the biggest obstacle their business faces. The FSB has welcomed the Coalition Government’s proposals to tackle the burden of red tape; LBRO must not be scrapped but overhauled if small firms are to truly see a reduction in regulation.

The FSB believes there is a role for a body whose purpose is to support and represent small firm’s views on red tape within local authorities and drive through change. So it is urging the Government to revamp the LBRO by giving it the power to cover all areas of local authority regulation and the power to:

• Enforce a regime of compulsory booked inspections.
• Guarantee all small firms are proactively directed to a single point of contact within their local authority for all regulatory matters.
• Cease routine inspections during times of national emergency areas, where possible.
• Undertake an annual Regulatory Rating Review of local government regulatory services.

Chairman of the FSB’s Wessex Region, Ken Moon, said: “Red tape is a real bugbear of small businesses owners, who prefer to receive information from a local, single source, so this power should be provided locally. LBRO could do this but has never been given the true powers it needs to fulfil the role. Rather than disband it an overhaul is needed then it can truly represent the needs and views of small businesses on red tape to local authorities to drive best practice. This would create a robust relationship between small firms and regulatory services locally and should be a high priority for the Coalition Government if they are to truly deliver on their pledge to cut red tape.”

LBRO NEEDS REVAMPING, NOT SCRAPPING, SAYS FSB is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Lloyds Banking Group to stop selling Payment Protection Insurance

Consumer Revenge site MoneySavingExpert.com has just learned Lloyds Banking Group (including Halifax) has stopped selling Payment Protection Insurance on all its loans, credit cards and mortgages. Instead it will simply hand out a generic leaflet about PPI with such products.

When the site asked the bank about this, all the Lloyds spokesperson would confirm was…

“Lloyds Banking Group stopped selling PPI from Friday, 23 July across all brands. The group does not expect this move to have an impact on income and the group will continue to receive income from existing policies.”

Martin Lewis, creator of MoneySavingExpert.com, comments:

“This is a quite astonishing move. This insurance, which has been scandalously missold for years leaving many consumers in misery, is estimated to be worth up to five billion pounds a year for the industry.

“Frankly we’re jumping for joy at this news, and hope the other big banks follow suit. The product itself isn’t bad, it can provide useful protection to people if they’re sick or lose their jobs as it covers their repayments, but people should go to competitive standalone insurers rather than banks. That’s because they sell it at four or five times over the odds, often without checking suitability, meaning many have been duped into paying a hidden £1,000+ extra on policies that are worthless for them.

“To all those who’ve got or had one of these policies – even on a now paid off loan – I’d urgently suggest you check it’s suitable, we’ve had over 900,000 template letters for PPI reclaiming downloaded and countless millions paid back, you may be eligible for serious money.”

For more see www.moneysavingexpert.com/lloydsppi Free help in reclaiming and template letters at www.moneysavingexpert.com/ppi

Lloyds Banking Group to stop selling Payment Protection Insurance is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

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British Classic Yacht Club Panerai Cowes Regatta Mediterranean conditions

Competitors at the British Classic Yacht Club Panerai Cowes Regatta 2010 were treated to sailing conditions more akin to the Mediterranean than the Solent as racing got under way on day one. Some early cloud cover this morning quickly burnt away to reveal clear blue skies and by the time the fifty-two boat fleet reached the start line an idyllic ten to twelve knots breeze had developed across the entire racecourse.

In contrast to the genteel atmosphere and relaxed banter between the owners on the dock, out on the water the classic fleet crews race their yachts as hard as any modern fleet. According to British Classic Yacht Club Commodore David Murrin, who is racing this week aboard his own boat Cetawayo, keen on the water competition is a mainstay of the BCYC. ‘We encourage our members to make the most of their beautiful boats, which they have often so painstakingly restored, by getting them out racing as often as possible.’ Commenting on the evolution of the regatta since its inception nine years ago Murrin had this to say. ‘It is very satisfying for the BCYC to have seen this regatta grow from modest beginnings into the wonderful spectacle we have this year. The introduction of Panerai as our title sponsor this year and the event’s inclusion in the Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge have really boosted the profile of both the regatta and the club.’

The competitive spirit engendered by the BCYC was certainly in plentiful supply out on the water today. Starts and mark roundings were fiercely fought in every fleet and boat-handling mistakes were cruelly punished throughout the day. The 1937 12 Metre Wings was the first to show from the combined Class 1 and 2 start, powering off the line before tacking on to port to lead the fleet away up the first beat. Jim Thom, skipper of Mariquita, the biggest and perhaps most well known boat in the regatta, the 1911 built 19 Metre Gaff-Cutter, took a more circuitous route up the first beat than most in an effort to find a clear lane to navigate in. Thom commented afterwards ‘We have returned to this regatta because we enjoyed ourselves so much in 2008. We are here to enjoy the racing of course, but when racing in a fleet with so many boats smaller than ourselves, our priority is always the safety of our boat and the others on the water.’

After a close to perfect day of Solent racing the classic crews made their way back to Cowes Yacht Haven late this afternoon to enjoy a drink in the sumptuous Panerai Lounge whilst they relaxed and mulled over their day afloat. When the scorers had completed their calculations, in Class 1 a confident performance by Stephen O’Flaherty’s Soufriere earned them a comfortable win. Class 2 saw John Lister’s Wings convert their early lead on the water into an overall handicap victory. Class 3 was won by Sir Michael Briggs’s Mikado and victory in Class 4 went to Jonathan & Scilla Dyke’s Cereste. Full results are posted on the BCYC website: www.britishclassicyachtclub.org/regatta Racing at the British Classic Yacht Club Panerai Cowes Regatta 2010 continues tomorrow with a long distance race, potentially featuring a course which will take the fleet around the Isle of Wight.

By Justin Chisholm 19 Jul 2010

British Classic Yacht Club Panerai Cowes Regatta – Day 1 is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

1 Week To Go Until Portsmouth Navy Days!

With just a week to go, excitement is building and everyone is getting shipshape for Portsmouth Navy Days, a three-day event at Portsmouth Naval Base and Historic Dockyard, which runs from Friday 30^th July – Sunday 1^st August.

The Royal Navy’s two newest warships are set to be a dazzling double act as the newest naval technology features alongside the historic prowess of the naval fleet of the past, including HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860.

The new formidable Type 45 destroyers HMS Daring (Saturday and Sunday only) and HMS Dauntless are among the most powerful warships in the world and for the first time together they will open their hatches to the public.

Alongside HMS Dauntless will be a full-size replica of a supersonic car hoping to break the world land speed record, Bloodhound, and the anti-submarine Merlin helicopter from 820 Naval Air Squadron.

Joining the destroyers on the list of ships opening their hatches to visitors are Type 23 frigates HMS Richmond and Westminster, Type 22 frigate HMS Cumberland, who last year undertook a successful anti-piracy patrol in the Indian Ocean, minehunter HMS Cattistock, fisheries protection vessel HMS Tyne, and the newly refitted RFA Argus.

Also just confirmed for the three days are fast-roping displays over the harbour by the Royal Marines, demonstrating the daring techniques involved in boarding suspect vessels.

The skies will also resonate to the sounds of the RN Historic Flight and a flypast by Hampshire and IW Air Ambulance. The Black Knights Parachute Display Team and a demonstration by a coastguard helicopter and Portsmouth lifeboat will add to the action over the harbour.

Deputy Naval Base Commander, Captain Paul Lemkes, said: “Navy Days is a fantastic opportunity for the Royal Navy to be able to show the public, close up, the capabilities it contributes to UK Defence. The line-up of ships will give visitors a true feel of the wide variety of tasks carried out and I am particularly delighted that we have two Type 45 destroyers on show in their home port so that visitors will be able to see how the Royal Navy is maintaining its place at the forefront of maritime operations with this cutting edge class of warship.

“I am sure that RFA Argus will be a big hit with visitors too. She is a one-off ship with a very special capability and does not often get the chance to have the public on board.”

Navy Days 2010 promises to be one of the most popular events on the South Coast this summer, featuring serving warships of the Royal Navy, thrilling naval displays, historical re-enactments and the world-class attractions of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, including HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860.

Robert Bruce, Chief Executive of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard which is co-hosting the event with the Naval Base, added: “Navy Days 2010 will be a brilliant event for all ages, showcasing the Navy’s present and future capabilities including its people and, especially at Portsmouth, its heritage too. There’s nowhere else in the country that you can see this great mix and we’re expecting it to be the highlight of this summer on the south coast.”

Visitors are encouraged to use the Portsmouth Park & Ride Service at Lakeside North Harbour in Portsmouth (signposted from the M27). It will be operating for all three days and the first bus will depart Lakeside North Harbour at 9am and the last bus will depart from The Hard at 7pm. The cost is £2.50 per car and up to 7 passengers.

The 40 page glossy souvenir guide produced by The News, Portsmouth’s daily paper, contains the full programme of events and a map of the site as well as lots of fascinating articles about the modern Royal Navy, its ships and people. On sale for £2 at most retail outlets throughout the local area, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Visitor Centre, The News offices at Hilsea and The News shops at Portsmouth City Centre, Havant, Gosport and Fareham. And for those outside the area the programme is also available to www.portsmouth.co.uk/newspapersales (Additional postage fee for online purchase will apply).

Programmes will also be available to buy at Navy Days.

Further information, including ticket details, is available from the Navy Days website – www.navydaysuk.co.uk or by calling 023 9283 9766

1 Week To Go Until Portsmouth Navy Days! is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Is there another iPhone glitch? Users charged £100s for ‘surfing web’ overseas when internet switched OFF

Consumer revenge website MoneySavingExpert.com is warning iPhone users to beware a possible glitch that could see them returning from their summer holidays with a shock bill for surfing the web on their handset, even if they’ve turned off that facility.

The site has been flooded this week with complaints from consumers, after we highlighted the problem on Wednesday, who say they’ve followed all the necessary steps to avoid charges on various versions of the iPhone but have still come home to sky-high bills.

Many who have complained to their network have got a refund.

In the worst case we’ve seen, one user says she was charged almost £1,500 even though she’d turned off data roaming on her phone throughout her trip to the US.

Turning off data roaming means you can’t download internet data on a handset overseas using a mobile network, but you can search the web on wifi, though this shouldn’t trigger charges from your network.

MoneySavingExpert.com is calling on iPhone manufacturer Apple and the UK mobile industry to investigate this problem and work to prevent further charges.

Despite numerous calls and emails to Apple it has failed to offer an explanation or a solution.

Martin Lewis, creator of MoneySavingExpert.com, comments:

“Those who have paid when they shouldn’t have, should contact their network immediately and demand a refund.

“In some cases, we’re hearing the networks are paying out without too much argument, which could indicate this is a known problem. Let’s hope it does not get brushed under the carpet.”

Complaints flooding in

We first uncovered the data roaming problem in April after a member of the MSE team was wrongly billed while overseas despite following all the steps to prevent charges on his iPhone (see the iPhone charges MSE news story).

Since that story, we have received many more complaints from users who have experienced similar charges, culminating in a massive spike this week.

O2, which has more iPhone customers than any other network, admits there was a fault with software last summer that led to erroneous charges, but it says this has now been fixed for those with updated software.

However, complaints are still coming in from its customers and those on other networks.

Three steps to avoid mobile internet charges abroad

You should take three steps before you leave the UK, though if this problem is not rectified or you’ve downloaded unauthorised software you could still be charged.

• Ensure your software is up-to-date. When you plug your phone into iTunes you will be alerted to any new software updates. Then follow the on-screen prompts. O2 says a fault in a previous iPhone software version led to erroneous charges, though it has now been fixed, we’re told.
• Switch off the data roaming function on your handset BEFORE you leave the UK and keep it off. While it is on, some apps trigger data downloading even when you’re not browsing the web. You may also be downloading emails inadvertently.
When you buy an iPhone, data roaming should be ‘off’ by default. You can check by going to settings ? general ? network.
• Ensure your emails are set to manually retrieve message. This will stop it happening by surprise in case you turn data roaming on.

Information sent to us by www.moneysavingexpert.com

Is there another iPhone glitch? is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

As part of a major project to restore parts of Ryde Cemetery, free masonry training sessions are being offered to Islanders.

Two workshops will be held on three separate days in July at the cemetery on West Street in Ryde.

The first, ‘An Introduction to Monumental Masonry’ will be held on  24 and 30 July. The second, ‘Traditional Masonry and Craft Skills’, will take place on  23 and 31 July. All workshops take place between 0930 – 1630.

The free events are being delivered by Wight Stonemasonry and are aimed at providing an introduction to working with natural stone within a conservation environment.

The workshops form part of the Ryde Cemetery Restoration Project which is a major scheme to regenerate parts of the cemetery. This includes repairing and refurbishing buildings, perimeter fencing and existing walls.

The project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund with support from the Isle of Wight Council and local conservation groups.

Places on the workshops are limited and they are expected to fill up fast. Anyone wishing to apply for a place should request a booking form from Janis Mundell who can be called on (01983) 885172 or via email at janis.mundell@iow.gov.uk

FREE STONE MASONRY WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Libraries across the Isle of Wight will be part of an intergalactic adventure that will encourage children to take up the challenge of reading throughout the school summer holidays.

The Summer Reading Challenge is a free national reading initiative held every year. It is created by The Reading Agency, an independent charity which aims to inspire more people to read.

Children are encouraged to read six books of their choice during the holidays with collectable incentives and a medal on offer to those who complete the challenge.

The 2010 Summer Reading Challenge is called ‘Space Hop’ and will take young readers onto new worlds where they can discover the joy of reading and nurture a life-long love affair with reading and books.

An interactive website, www.spacehop.org.uk has also been launched, linking children with top authors and illustrators. The site also promotes their local library as a place of wonder for children where staff can help them on their ‘mission’.

One child from Cowes who took part in last year’s event, titled ‘Quest Seekers’, wrote “It was a great way to make you read over the summer holidays, and when you finished, at the end you got great prizes. If the Summer Reading Challenge wasn’t going I wouldn’t have done much reading at all over the holidays and would have forgotten some skills for school”.

Children can sign up at any library from Saturday 17 July.

Isle of Wight Council Cabinet member responsible for leisure George Brown said “The 2010 Summer Reading Challenge is a great way to keep children entertained over the holidays, and I have no doubt it will prove even more popular than last year’s event.

“The children will certainly have all the resources they need, because the Isle of Wight’s libraries are fully stocked with many of the latest titles which they’ll no doubt find fascinating”

Anyone wanting to find out more information about the Summer Reading Challenge can contact their local library for more details.

Libraries across the Isle of Wight is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

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The Rainbow Directory Family Publication have changed their name to The Family Directory this is a rather special Summer 2010 issue. As they have been running for 5 years this summer.They have grown so much over the years and it is thanks to Island Families and Local Businesses. They would love to hear your views, ideas and your news. With your involvement and their vision to develop The Family Directory, they hope to give you even more essential local information from, leisure, schools, parties, places to visit, health and events.

This Summer issue the magazine  has two new features ‘Family cooking at its simplest with Anna’. At the end of the day as parents  want a quick, easy, healthy family meal  to cook . The other new feature  is about  going back to work full time or part–time?  You will find  some ideas of working around your family.

The bumper Summer issue of The Family Directory is packed with even more things to do over the summer holidays. With more amazing competitions. To the Owl and Monkey haven or tickets to see a circus.  Also you can sign up for the FREE Family Directory e-newsletter, to receive the latest news on events, holiday clubs, what’s on and special offers. Simply click on the newsletter button on their home page and they will do the rest.  Go to www.thefamilydirectory.co.uk

If you have not had your FREE copy email info@thefamilydirectory.co.uk or call 01983 872191

We have a calendar on our website of clubs, classes, events and lots more. All available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you have an event please email it to us on info@thefamilydirectory.co.uk and we will add the event for free. Also join us on Face book and Twitter.

The Rainbow Directory Family Publication have changed their name to The Family Directory is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

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New Computers Cause Backlog Andrew Turner apologised today for unusually long delays in the service given by his officerecently. He explained that MPs only receive a new computer system after an election andbecause his office was one of the first to be changed over after the election in May there havebeen a number of teething problems which have led to delays in dealing with correspondence.Mr Turner said :“Our old computer system was five years old and because of the large volume of workthat comes through the office it was creaking at the seams.

The Isle of Wight is thelargest constituency in the UK – and it does bring a corresponding amount of work. TheParliamentary authorities recognised that and put the Island at the front of the queue for anew system. However there have been significant difficulties in getting the new machinesand operating system to work with the specialist casework software. We have been withoutan effectively operating system now for almost three weeks and despite the best efforts of allinvolved it has been hard to identify exactly what was wrong.“Eventually Microsoft were called in and today it finally looks as though the major problemshave been identified – although there are still some niggles that need sorting out. I am sorryif anybody has been inconvenienced recently but my wonderful staff are now working hard todeal with the backlog. I would be grateful if people will bear with them over any undue delays– it really hasn’t been their fault, and they have also been very frustrated at not being able toget on with their work. Hopefully things will now settle down and the new system will supportus in giving Islanders the prompt and reliable service we always aim for.Mr Turner confirmed that any urgent matters that had come into the office had been identifiedand dealt with manually.

New Computers Cause Backlog Andrew Turner apologised today is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

West Wight Sports Centre to provide short break activities for families with disabled children

West Wight Sports Centre is offering weekly swimming sessions for families with disabled children throughout the school holidays.

Through a partnership with the Isle of Wight Council and NHS Isle of Wight they are providing a range of planned short breaks for disabled children, thanks to funding provided by the Aiming High for Disabled Children scheme.

Initially the project will allow families with disabled children to swim during a special session every Friday in the school holidays from 10 – 11am starting on July 23^rd. There are plans to extend this session to a weekly term time session and also to be able to provide better access to swimming lessons for disabled children either through additional support during mainstream lessons or through private one-to-one lessons. There will also be music-based sessions in the pool.

To support the project staff are being trained in the Halliwick method of swimming; a specialised method of teaching disabled people to enjoy and benefit from being in water as well as general disability awareness training being provided for all staff.

West Wight Sports Centre to provide short break activities for families with disabled children is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Isle of Wight Steam Railway to be in

Televised Finals of

The National Lottery Awards 2010

Railway Project Tops ‘Best Heritage Projects’ Category!

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway has won a place in the Final of the National Lottery Awards, and now goes through to the final round of voting with the chance of winning the top award in the Best Heritage Project category. The winner will be announced during a live BBC1 television programme, currently scheduled for the evening of Saturday 4^th September.

Working under the project title ‘Isle of Wight Railway Restoration’, the Havenstreet-based steam line reached the Final by topping the Heritage Projects category in the semi-finals against nine other Lottery-funded projects from around the country. To win the top award the Railway must now receive the most votes in a new nationwide public vote from 26^th July to 13^th August. Votes already cast in the semi-finals will not count in the Final, so the Railway is seeking major public support to ensure it flies the flag for the Isle of Wight and for Heritage Railways, by asking people to vote for ‘Isle of Wight Railway Restoration’ when voting opens on 26^th July.

Steve Oates, Chairman of The Isle of Wight Steam Railway, says: “Our heritage railway has a unique collection of historic steam locomotives, Victorian and Edwardian carriages, and other rare rolling stock, all of which are recognised to be of national importance. Lottery funding is so vital to us; it has helped us to secure a fascinating piece of Island railway history, and to ensure we can continue to restore, preserve and operate these unique railway vehicles for future generations to enjoy. We’re really hoping the public gets behind us to vote as it would be a real boost to get national recognition for the work that we do.”

The public can vote for ‘Isle of Wight Railway Restoration’ from Monday 26th July until Friday 13^th August online at www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards. A telephone voting line will also be available. The project in each category with the highest number of votes will receive a £2,000 cash prize to spend on their project.

Isle of Wight Steam Railway to be in Televised Finals of The National Lottery Awards 2010 is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Jack and Boo’s Bucket of Treasures – children’s picture book

Isle of Wight based publisher Beachy Books have published their first children’s picture book called Jack and Boo’s Bucket of Treasures, following the adventures of two children collecting found treasures washed ashore by the sea. The book also includes a beach spotter guide and family seaside ideas.

Island residents, author and illustrator, Philip and Eleanor Bell, wrote the book to celebrate family beach trips in the Isle of Wight and the Sussex coast over the years. Philip says, “The story is inspired by my own observations of our children and my memories of happy days on the beach as a child.”

Eleanor says, “The visual style is very unique and came to us while looking back through our own family photos. I drew Jack and Boo using our children as a reference to give a realistic feel.”

The book has already had a successful book signing at Waterstones and more are planned this year, and the council have also just ordered copies to sell in all of the island’s tourist information centres.

The book is available to buy in local Waterstones and Tourist Information Centres, and via on-line bookshops. To find out more about Jack and Boo please visit www.beachybooks.com.

Jack and Boo’s Bucket of Treasures is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

FSB WELCOMES MOVES TO REDUCE REGULATORY BURDEN

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed the Coalition Government’s launch of the ‘Your Freedom’ website. The website, which aims to give the public the chance to nominate the laws they would like to see abolished, is also asking which regulations should be removed to make running a business easier.

A third (33%) of small business owners said that regulation was the biggest barrier to growth in 2009, and the FSB has set up its own portal to encourage member feedback on what regulation they would like to see removed.

The announcement was made on the same day that a new Cabinet committee with the job of reducing the heavy burden of red tape on business, chaired by Business Secretary Vince Cable, met for the first time.

Ken Moon, Chairman of the FSB’s Wessex Region, said: “We welcome this initiative giving business owners the chance to comment on existing regulation and legislation and make suggestions for change. We urge our members to log on to the website to help reduce the bureaucracy they face. Red tape and excessive legislation have been holding back small businesses for too long and our members consistently tell us this is a barrier to their growth.

There have been similar initiatives from previous administrations and we hope that the Coalition Government will listen to the needs of the 4.8 million small businesses in the UK.”

This site gives allows people to submit, comment on, or vote for ideas that will inform government policy with the chance that some proposals could end up making it into bills brought before Parliament to change the law. The site is:www.yourfreedom.hmg.gov.uk

FSB WELCOMES MOVES TO REDUCE REGULATORY BURDEN is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk