Social Networking Guineapig

Latimer Hinks Helping to Light Up Durham @ the Lumiere 2011

2011-11-01T07:52:00.000-04:00

The Festival of Light - the Lumiere - is happening again in Durham City from 17th - 20th November.

It's a fantastic free event suitable for all of the family.

In 2011 Latimer Hinks decided to become part of the Lumiere, and along with Recognition PR are sponsoring a "preview" evening for local businesses.

If you're interested in going along, take a look at their website. There will be some fabulous installations, i'm particularly looking forward to the "snow dome" in Durham market place.

The Bride's Ball - A great success!

2011-10-06T08:10:00.003-04:00

The Bride's Ball, held on 30th September 2011 was a great success. Over £3300 was raised on the evening with the monies distributed evenly between:

St Teresa's Hospice, Darlington
Age UK (Darlington)
Holistic Cancer Care Centre at James Cook University Hospital

We could not have chosen a better day to hold the ball. What can I say...I love an indian summer! Temperatures during the day reached 27 degrees, dipping only slightly to 22 on the evening. Not a bride in sight was shivering.

Guests really took to the dress code. Over 50 ladies dressed in bridal gowns - a sea of white satin, silk and lace.
A competition took place for new, old, vintage and bijou dresses - which added to the excitement. An auction, tombola and water or wine game helped to boost the money raised on the evening.

However, I don't think the girls will be planning another bridal event in the near future...fee earning and event organsing don't exactly go hand in hand. Hats off (or should I say tiaras) to the girls for organising such a successful and enjoyable evening.

Full press release can be found here Brides and Grooms Raise Over £3300 for North East Charities

You might also want to take a look at some of the pictures the professional photographer (Debbie Stogden) took Debbie Stogden Professional Photography

Thanks again to all that supported the ball

We've Been Recommended by the Legal 500!

2011-10-04T09:50:00.002-04:00

The Legal 500 is classed as the Who's Who in law and 5 of Laitmer Hinks partners are recommended - so really, we have to shout about it! Get ready...

Legal 500 - Latimer Hinks

Partners
Tim Haggie - Real Estate/Commercial Property
Anne Elliott - Agriculture and Estates, Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate
Nick Poole - Corporate and Commercial
Neil Stevenson - Agriculture and Estates
Mark Gardner - Dispute Resolution/Commercial Litigation

The Bridal Ball is mentioned in Hitched (Bridal Magazine)

2011-09-27T09:32:00.001-04:00

Hey, we managed to promote the Bridal Ball via Hitched, an upmarket bridal magazine. Many thanks to their editor Pauline Holt and to BQ Magazine for passing our details to Hitched in the first place.

You can take a look at the piece here and click to page 76.

There's not much time left until the ball, we're all very busy organising but i'd like to thank a few of the very generous businesses who are supporting the Bridal Ball by offering their services free of charge in order that we can raise as much money as possible on the evening.

Debbie Stogden for professional photography Services
MT print for preparing the tickets and marketing material
Limelight Ltd for providing the photobooth
Bake My Day Catering for donating the cake

As well as loads of other local business that have donated prizes for the fundraising games on the evening.
The list is very nearly endless....Crathorne Hall Hotel, Middlesbrough Football Club, Michael Simpson, personal trainer, Audi Teesside, Ainsley Financial Management Ltd, Kings Camps, Neighbours Cleaning Services, Wynyard Hall, Buyagift.com, The Cheese and Wine Shop, Crathorne Hall Hotel, Teesside Audi, Middlesbrough Football Club, Whitehouse Funeral Services, Dinsdale Spa, Redcar Races , Clean Care fabrics, Heather Carter, myhousecleaner.co.uk, The Perfume Shop, Me Me Me Accessories, Metro Centre, Marc Antoni, Buckles and Bows, Chez Bec, Boots plc, Poppy Bridal for allowing us to use their shop for our press release and to borrow their beautiful bridal gowns, The Old Tapas Bar, The Village Inn Brompton, Psyche, No 7, Dobinsons Bridal Shop for donating a Tiara, Wades Associates, Independent Financial Advisors, Beamish Museum, Point Blank Paintball, Ariel Extreme, Hollywood Bowl, Virgin Vie, You got nails, Camera A, Northumbrian Water Property Solutions, Café 85, The Silver Shop, Smile Spa, North Yorkshire Moors Railway , Revolution Newcastle, Falconry Centre, Diggerland, Majestic Wines, Rockliffe Hall, Hartlepool Historic Quay, Compugift, Saltburn Surf School, Prego, Ebony, Café Lilli, Black Sheep Brewery, Big Sheep Little Cow, Van Mildert

I'll update you once the ball is over.

Fun Photo Shoot for the Bride's Ball

2011-07-20T05:12:00.000-04:00

Joanne Gilligan (and wig!), Paula Whittaker - Brides at Poppy, Natalie Palmer and Helen Thomas, Latimer Hinks Solicitors

What a busy day I had yesterday. In the morning I had organised for 18 of our fee earners to have their photos taken so that I could update their profiles. Quite an organisational nightmare considering the the fee earners take phone calls, have appointments and meetings. Hats off to our reception staff Michelle and Katarina for managing to locate all 18 before 12:30!

After that it was a quick dash up to Brides at Poppy. Owner, Paula Whittaker readily agreed to support our publicity campaign for The Bride's Ball at Rockliffe Hall, Sep 30th - a charity event in aid of three charities:

St Teresa's Hospice, Darlington
Age UK (Darlington)
Holistic Cancer Care Centre at James Cook University Hospital

The dress code for the Bride's Ball is wedding attire. Bridal gowns for the ladies and groomswear for the men - the ultimate "dressing up" evening!

Natalie Palmer, Helen Booth and Joanne Gilligan, all employees of Latimer Hinks Solicitors were persuaded (and very easily at that) to "dress up" in bridal dresses from Brides at Poppy. The ladies at Poppys were extremely helpful in choosing a dress, headgear and footwear for each of them to wear...and my ladies were more than happy to be dressed by them!

They all looked stunning...and I must admit I was a little jealous that I had not dressed up - such beautiful dresses!

Joanne, who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer could not decide whether to wear her wig - or not... I think she looks stunning with or without!

So, many thanks to Brides at Poppy

Check out our Facebook page The Bride's Ball at Rockliffe Hall. We hope you can join us - tickets are on sale at £50 each.

See The Bride's Ball Flyer for further information

Something Different - A Bridal Ball to Raise Money for Charities

2011-07-14T05:37:00.003-04:00

Have you ever wanted to wear your wedding dress again (i'm talking to the ladies out there)?!

Have you ever been a Bridesmaid but never a Bride?

Do you want to wear the dress without the stress?

If so read on..

The Bride's Ball
Friday 30th September 2011
@ Rockliffe Hall, Darlington
Ticket cost: £50

Latime Hinks is supporting Helen Thomas and Natalie Palmer in their quest to raise as much money as possible for three very deserving charities via The Bride's Ball. A fun event that will see around 100 wedding dresses in the same room (grooms are invited too!)

The evening will include a superb three course meal, entertainment, charity auction, raffle and by asking people to turn up in a wedding dress (or grooms wear for the men) it will add a special element to the evening.

Prizes will be given on the night for the best dresses in the following categories – old (or shall we say “vintage”), new, borrowed and bijou (or “sparkly”). So “dress to impress”.

The venue for the Bride's Ball is the magnificent Rockliffe Hall, Darlington. A venue any bride would be proud to hold their wedding.

The Charities:

St Teresa's Hospice, Darlington
Age UK (Darlington)
Holistic Cancer Care Centre at James Cook University Hospital

for larger version of image click here

and for further details Brides' & Grooms' Charity Night

We do hope you can join us!

We've Managed to Help a Client Save Thousands....

2011-07-07T07:42:00.001-04:00

Nicola Neilson, partner at Latimer Hinks Solicitors has worked with Atlas Washroom Systems to purchase their premises in order to save around £20,000 per year - money which will then be re-invested in the firm.

Nicola has understood the needs of her Client and the Client will reap the benefits!

Latimer Hinks Help Local Manufacturer Purchase their Premises

ASSIST - Ladies Networking Event - Radio Blah Blah, Making the most of media opportunities....

2011-06-13T04:40:00.000-04:00

ASSIST is a networking group for ladies in the Tees Valley area. The aim of the group is to "help each other" in the world of business and all it entails.

At each event we hold a networking game to "break the ice" this is then followed by a presentation.

Our next event is entitled:
Radio Blah blah ...and will be presented by Julie Donaldson of Voxpopular
The date:
22nd June
The venue:
Stressholme Golf Club, Snipe Lane, Darlington, DL2 2SA
The time:
8:45am for 9:25am

The topic:
Making the most of Media Opportunities and Overcoming the Fear of a Live Interview

Julie will speak about how she started in business even though she never considered herself a business woman! She will provide some hints, tips and an insider’s view about making the most of media opportunities.
About Julie:
Julie has been a radio broadcaster for over 20 years, working in both community radio and for the BBC. In that time Julie has helped many people overcome the fear of a live studio/microphone/interview. By boosting confidence Julie has encouraged people to enjoy the experience resulting in entertaining interviews and budding radio contributors.

Through Voxpopular Julie regularly contributes to content on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 5Live. Julie also works with local writers in Tees Valley to produce radio dramas. She is continually developing working partnerships to find new ways to share her skills and knowledge.

Timing

8:45 – 9:25am Registration and informal networking

9:25 – 10.10am Introduction and Networking game

10.10– 10.40am Julie Donaldson - Voxpopular

10.40 – 10.45am Business Card draw and Charity raffle

10.45 - 11.00am Opportunity for further networking

If you are interested please register asap as places are limited.

The cost is minimal – £5 for members and £10 for non members.

Refreshments will also be available..

http://www.assistladiesnetworking.co.uk/

Dying Intestate is Simply, Not Good!

2011-06-02T07:25:00.000-04:00

Dying intestate (without a will) is not good for your family's/loved one's health and sanity!

70% of people die without leaving a will.

To be blunt. If you have are run over by a bus and you have not made a will - where does that leave your family?

They could be left in a nightmare situation, which could take months, even years (in complicated cases) to sort out.

Andrew Way, Partner at Latimer Hinks explains why the Majority of People Risk Leaving Uncertainty Behind

Can I also point you to this blog written about similar problems Wills and Modern Relationships

direct.gov explains What to do if there is no will at all

Whatever the situation it is always advisable to speak to a lawyer.

Law Careers Chat with Nicola Neilson of Latimer Hinks Solicitors

2011-05-18T11:38:00.000-04:00

Nicola Neilson will take part in a live Q & A. Guardian Online's webchat tomorrow 1-4pm will focus on a career in law.

Nicola is a Partner at Latimer Hinks Solicitors, one of the North East of England’s longest established law firms. A property law specialist, Nicola is one of the youngest people to have been elected to the Presidency of the Tees Valley Law Society and is only the third woman in its 136 year history to hold the post.

Nicola is well placed to answer those tricky questions from students!

Guardian Online Web Chat 1-4pm

More Fundraising for the Evolution Challenge

2011-05-18T11:09:00.000-04:00

The Latimer Hinks team are at it again! This time the fundraiser is in the form of a quiz. We're hoping to attract teams from the Darlington area to take part.

The ticket price is £6 and includes pie and peas!
The venue is Blackwell Rugby Club.
The date - Friday 10th June

There will be a raffle and prizes will be given to the winning teams
Any funds raised via the Evolution Challenge will benefit St Teresa’s Hospice, Zoe’s Place and Hartlepool Hospice.

If you feel you have the relevant skills/knowledge to take part in the quiz simply email at@latimerhinks.co.uk.
If you'd like to donate prizes for the raffle we'd be very grateful - again simply email at@latimerhinks.co.uk

Raising Money for Charity - The Vantis Challenge

2011-05-05T08:44:00.000-04:00

This is the second year that Latimer Hinks is supporting the Vantis Corporate Challenge now named the Evolution Corporate Challenge (asVantis has had a name change).
The challenge is to generate as much money as possible from £50. All the monies raised, including the original £50, will then be donated equally to three local charities; St Teresa’s of Darlington, Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice in Middlesbrough and Hartlepool & District Hospice.

So far, we've had a Dress Down Day, a Decorated Egg competition (Dennis the Menace won - well deserved) and we're also having a "Bake Off" - very enjoyable. Cakes are baked, sold and judged.

Hopefully we'll raise a decent amount to help out these deserving charities!

Primogeniture - a thing of the past?

2011-04-18T11:01:00.000-04:00

Primogeniture was the custom of land inheritance whereby the entire estate passes to the eldest son. In the past this method of estate planning was accepted as the "norm" but now times are changing!

Andrew Way of Latimer Hinks Solcitiors comments... Female Inheritance Breaks out of the Downton Abbey Age

For a more detailed explanation please visit Primogentiure - life in Elizabethan England.

The Daily Mirror also comments No Excuse for Clinging on to Outdated Primogeniture Rules

For further information on inheritance and estate planning please contact our team at Latimer Hinks, we'd be more than happy to help!

The Team
Andrew Way
Anne Elliott
Elizabeth Armstrong
Natalie Walker
Helen Booth
Gillian Perkins
Nadine Sweeney
Victoria Moremon
Kelly McLoughlin
Daniel Williams
Julie Porter

ASSIST - Ladies Networking Event - Managing your Brand in the Social Media Age

2011-04-18T10:27:00.000-04:00

ASSIST is a networking group for ladies in the Tees Valley area. The aim of the group is to "help each other" in the world of business and all it entails!

At each event we hold a networking game to "break the ice" this is then followed by a presentation.

Our next event is entitled "Lights, Camera, Action..." and will be presented by Emma Hignett & David Laud of i2i Business Solutions.

The date:
11th May 2011
The venue:
Springboard Business Centre, Ellerbeck Way, Stokesley Business Park, Stokesley, TS9 5JZ
The time:
8:45am for 9:25am
The topic:
Managing you personal and business brand in the social media age.

In this social media age, now more than ever it is vital that management have media training.

Increasingly websites are 'alive' with podcasts and vidcasts. Management are required to become the face of the company in front of the camera - a task that very few people feel comfortable with!
David and Emma will give an introduction to media training sharing a few hints and tips which can increase your confidence, improve your performance and make filming the company vidcasts far more enjoyable! They will also touch upon dealing with negative publicity.

Timing

8:45 – 9:25am: Registration and informal networking
9:25 – 10.10am: Introduction and Networking game
10.10– 10.40am: Emma & David – i2i Business Solutions
10.40 – 10.45am: Business Card draw and Charity raffle
10.45 - 11.00am: Opportunity for further networking

If you are interested please register asap as places are limited.
The cost is minimal – £5 for members and £10 for non members.
Once you have been allocated a place simply bring along payment on the day.

Refreshments will also be available..

Local Enterprise Partnership Question Time

2011-04-06T07:19:00.000-04:00

Are you involved with a business in the Darlington and surrounding area?

If so you may wish to attend a question time event to find out more about the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and what it will mean to your business.

Further details

Succession Planning

2011-03-22T12:51:00.000-04:00

Check out our advertorial in BQ Magazine - go to page 17

BQ Magazine

We also have a fact sheet on the same subject - Succeeding at Succession

Amazing how much information we can publicise through social media

Social Networking Guineapig: Mobile Phones and Presentations Don't Mix..or do they... [Digg]

2011-03-03T05:32:09-08:00

We all love our mobile phones but can we go too far?

Mobile Phones and Presentations Don't Mix..or do they...

2011-03-03T08:28:00.000-05:00

A couple of years ago Nick Poole of Latimer Hinks presentated a talk on New Employment Legistation to an audience of around 30.

Nick normally requests that attendees "turn off their mobiles" so that there is no interruption to the presentation. On this occasion he forgot. Halfway through the presentation a jarring mobile phone jingle was heard -Bat out of Hell i think it was!

The phone owner then proceeded to take the call - he was seated in the centre of the room! All other attendees looked on, stunned at what was happening. The guy was around 50 years old so his blatant disregard for the speaker or the audience could not be blamed on immaturity. The phone was eventually escorted from the room by another partner of Latimer Hinks.

Now, scroll forward to the present. I have attended presentations where the audience were asked to "leave mobiles on - we wouldn't want you missing that all important sales call!"

I agree that mobiles should be kept active but silent. The mobile phone is now basically a hand held PA to us - they have demands, deadlines, alarms to remind you that they are there to look after you and your business!

So when your mobile vibrates with an urgent phone call, take it - but make sure you leave the room as you do!!

If we move on to social media, live video streaming, twitter interaction - then we;re opening up another can of worms!!

Take a look at this article from Connectegrity - How Social Media is Changing Business Etiquette

Interesting stuff, but i think i must be "old school" as i consider the use of texting, tweeting etc during a presentation to be bad manners and extremely rude.

Why Use Social Media?

2011-03-01T11:22:00.000-05:00

wikipedia states that "Social media is the use of web-based and mobile technologies to turn communication into interactive dialogue" Translation - getting to know people/businesses online and building relationships and sharing information.

Social media gives you the opportunity to promote your business branding, provides exposure through networking and enables you to build relationships and trust. It can also provide much needed feedback.

Feedback could be used from a customer service perspective. Latimer Hinks have used feedback from online surveys to provide answers to "burning questions."

For our most recent online survey we wanted to know if businesses had noticed an increase in debtor days.

The social media sites used were:

LinkedIn groups as well as asking members of LinkedIn in "answers".
Twitter
Facebook

I'll let you know which site was most successful in generating completed surveys. We will of course "pay back" those who have responded as all results will be collated and a press release generated from the information we receive.

Some tips on social networking
1) Don't ask for favours
2) Build a rapport, get involved in discussions
3) Your home page may not be the best link to share with someone whilst networking. Consider linking to a more relevant page on your site
Correctly done, social media can grow your online business faster than any other means. Social media also saves money, however there is a time element to successful social networking that sould be considered.

For interest, I came across this article about the use of social media in emergencies.

Fundraising via a Fake Wedding

2011-01-31T10:19:00.000-05:00

One of our ladies - Gillian Ibbotson is a Trustee for Darlington Town Mission and was recently invited to attend a "Fake Wedding" in order to raise funds for the mission.

Gillian organised a table with guests from Latimer Hinks. The dress code was obviously, wedding attire. This provided the perfect opportunity to have a second wearing out of a wedding outfit! Having had at least three ladies from Latimer Hinks married in a year there was no shortage of volunteers.

Guests were asked to take along a "gift" for the bride and groom, The gifts were then auctioned later in the evening.

There was a "Father of the Bride" speech (no Best Man speech), a disco and plenty of refreshments on hand. All in all it was a very enjoyable evening - the money raised on the evening amounted to £2000.

So, well done Darlington Town Mission for taking on something a little bit different!

ASSIST Ladies Networking - Fraud and e-Crime, Feb 9th 2011 [Digg]

2011-01-25T02:34:24-08:00

ASSIST will be meeting Feb 9th for presentation by Cleveland Police on Fraud and e-Crime. If you are a professional lady in the Tees Valley area, you may be interested in attending

ASSIST Ladies Networking - Fraud and e-Crime, Feb 9th 2011

2011-01-25T05:02:00.000-05:00

ASSIST is a networking group for ladies in the Tees Valley area. The aim of the group is to "help each other" in the world of business and all it entails!

At each event we hold a networking game to "break the ice" this is then follwoed by a presentation.

For our first event of 2011 we have Mike Forster of Cleveland Police.

Mike’s presentation topic is “Fraud and e-Crime” and will cover internet fraud and businesses. Mike hopes to inject some fresh perspective and in turn provoke questions. He will provide an overview of the work that the Economic Crime Team carry out.

I must admit I’m really looking forward to what will certainly be an interesting presentation.

Timing

8:45 – 9:25am Registration and informal networking

9:25 – 10.10am Introduction and Networking game

10.10– 10.40am Mike Forster – Cleveland Police

10.40 – 10.45am Business Card draw and Charity raffle

10.45 - 11.00am Opportunity for further networking

The cost is minimal – £5 for members and £10 for non members

For further details please check out our website http://www.assistladiesnetworking.co.uk/

Anne's Agricultural and Tax Planning Blog: Can't Take it With You [Digg]

2011-01-20T05:46:22-08:00

MAke a will - you can't take your assets with you. Insight in to how best to do it from legal expert

Social Networking Guineapig: Wills & Modern Relationships [Digg]

2011-01-18T07:25:16-08:00

Everyone needs a will. If you want to ensure that your wishes are carried out to the letter MAKE a will. Modern relationships throw up all kinds of problems. A good solicitor will provide a solution to problems. A will writer or online will cannot understand the complexity of the family relations. You need to speak to a lawyer that will look into the family dynamics

Wills & Modern Relationships

2011-01-18T10:14:00.000-05:00

Everyone should have a well written. A will ensures that your wishes are carried out. No will at all means that you die intestate. In these cases laws that govern the way in which your estate should be distributed come into effect. These laws do not take into consideration modern family relationships.

A solution to the problems posed by modern families can be overcome with good advice from experienced solicitors.

Andrew Way of Latimer Hinks Solicitors explains why you should choose a solicitor rather than a will writer to draft your will.

Growth in Contested Wills Could Mean Heartache for Families

This week the BBC2 documentary "Can't Take It With You" aired. A very interesting programme dealing with the problems of modern family relationships and distribution of assets.

Anne Elliott of Latimer Hinks comments on the programme in her blog "Can't Take It With You"

Further information
STEP - Society of Estate and Trust Practitioners -
STEP members (TEPs) provide expert advice on how to comply with the often complex law and tax rules surrounding trusts, estates and inheritance.

Anne Elliott and Andrew Way are full professional members

SFE - Solicitors for the Elderly -
Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) is an independent, national organisation of lawyers, such as solicitors, barristers, and legal executives who are committed to providing the highest quality of legal advice for older and vulnerable people, their families and carers.

Many of our Private Client Team are members of SFE. Andrew is also Executive Director and Secretary of SFE

Pre-nuptial Contracts - Legally Binding??

2011-01-17T11:18:00.000-05:00

Multi-million pound divorce cases could become a thing of the past under government proposals to make prenuptial contracts legally binding.

Judith Middleton, family lawyer at Latimer Hinks Solicitors goes into the proposals further

Consultation Could Make Pre-Nups Legally Binding

Further reading
Law Commission Consultation Paper on Pre-nuptial Agreements

Santa's SWOT Analysis

2010-12-20T07:06:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year when everyone is in a rush. That may mean rushing to finish Christmas shopping or rushing to finish business deals before the end of the year... well, why not sit back, relax and take a light hearted look at Santa's Business Plan for 2011!

SANTA SWOTS UP WITH THE HELP OF LAW FIRM

One of the world’s best known employers has turned to one of Darlington and County Durham’s longest-established law firms, Latimer Hinks, to help gauge the health of his business.

Santa Claus, a global manufacturer and distributor of gifts, employs a team of elves at his North Pole delivery centre, and is currently approaching his peak season of activity.

The owner-managed business has asked Mark Gardner, of Latimer Hinks Solicitors, to help establish a SWOT analysis, a strategic planning method used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a project or in a company.

Mark said: “Not only did Mr Claus come to Latimer Hinks for his advice, in a festive act of giving to the business community, he has agreed that we can release the findings of the SWOT analysis to give other owners an insight into the benefits that such activity can offer.

“By looking at a business as it stands, its future opportunities for growth and the challenges which it will face in the future, owners can pull together a more informed plan for development and, hopefully, success.

“As one year ends and another approaches, this is an ideal time to be looking to the future in this way.”

Mr Claus’ SWOT analysis is:

Strengths:

· The business benefits from falling outside of competition laws within the Christian community, allowing it to monopolise the market in reindeer and magic-powered Christmas gift deliveries.

· As the sole owner of a magical sleigh capable of delivering around the world within one night, Mr Claus is also in prime position to fend off any competitors which may arise.

Weaknesses:

· Mr Claus relies on a single team of reindeer and only one sleigh. As magical sleighs are no longer in production, a mechanical problem could prove fatal to the business. Rumours that a new eco-friendly hybrid sleigh is in secret tests could provide a resolution, but the lack of current alternatives is a weakness.

· The business is threatened by longer standing customers becoming disenfranchised. Despite centuries of successful service to his global client base, some customers have expressed lack of faith, particularly around ten to 13 years into the supplier/client relationship.

Opportunities:

· Perpetual growth in the world population allows for continued expansion in the distribution business. This allows Mr Claus to re-train some of the elves affected by the decline in the manufacturing operation (see “Threats” below).

· Growing demand for larger quantities of gifts, particularly from the customer group known as the “advertising overload” or “want that one” generation is a source of growth for the distribution business.

Threats:

· A growth in the volume and popularity of children’s toys being manufactured across the world is a threat to Mr Claus’ own manufacturing business. Such lines as spinning tops and skipping ropes have all but shut down at the North Pole, with more expected to follow.

· The business is currently considering its long-term plans for the location of its premises, due to the threat of global warming. The North Pole location is synonymous with Mr Claus’ corporate identity, while relocation costs for the elves and their families, along with a wardrobe allowance to cope with the more temperate climate likely to come with a move, are costs which will detract from the core business.

Mark said: “Once an analysis is done, we can start to look at aiding and advising on the various elements. These might include working on an exclusive research and development agreement with the hybrid sleigh manufacturer, client retention and satisfaction, or employment law as the workforce grows – notably in this case anti-discrimination legislation to bring non-elves into the company. Other areas of assistance could include establishing franchising opportunities, delivery contracts, new commercial leases and alternative ways of holding property, all of which would help to tackle the W, O and T of the SWOT.”

Latimer Hinks wish you all a Merry Christmas!

LEP is beneficial for Darlington firms - Business News - News - nebusiness.co.uk [Digg]

2010-12-07T04:29:58-08:00

BUSINESS people in Darlington braved the weather to find out how the new Tees Valley Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) can benefit companies and organisations across the area.

Plan Now for January Payment Delays - Latimer Hinks Solicitors [Digg]

2010-12-01T03:36:42-08:00

Mark Gardner, Partner at Latimer Hinks Solicitors, one of Darlington and County Durhams longest established law firms, is advising business owners that planning now can help avoid cash flow problems spoiling a Happy New Year.

Social Networking Guineapig: North East Property Forum Meet Again [Digg]

2010-11-30T04:29:37-08:00

The Property Forum meet again and discuss how a new report can help plan for future housing needs across the region. The last forum of 2010 also involved a discussion on the current market and expectations for 2011.

North East Property Forum Meet Again

2010-11-30T07:26:00.000-05:00

The North East Property Forum met again to discuss how a new report can help plan for future housing needs across the region. The forum also discussed the current market and expectations for 2011.

To see the discussion please visit North East Property Forum November 2010

New laws on equality a welcome progression - Archive - News - nebusiness.co.uk [Digg]

2010-11-11T04:02:15-08:00

EMPLOYERS who quiz job candidates on their health, or pay staff less based upon their sex, could fall foul of new legislation, warn Latimer Hinks Solicitors.

Social Networking Guineapig: Latimer Hinks Recommended by Legal 500 & Chambers UK! [Digg]

2010-11-09T08:50:19-08:00

LAtimer Hinks solicitors receives great recomendations from leading legal publications

Latimer Hinks Recommended by Legal 500 & Chambers UK!

2010-11-09T11:43:00.000-05:00

Latimer Hinks' partners have been recognised as experts in their particular fields by the Legal 500 and Chambers UK - I think we need to give ourselves a pat on the back!

Legal 500 - Published for over twenty years, the Legal 500 Series provides the most comprehensive worldwide coverage currently available on legal services providers, in over 100 countries. Used by commercial and private clients, corporate counsel, CEOs, FDs and professional advisers - as well as by other referrers of work both nationally and internationally - the series is widely regarded as offering the definitive judgement of law firm capabilities.

Corporate & Commercial (Nick Poole)
Latimer Hinks advised on the sale of a number of architectural practices based in the region and also the South East.

Commercial Litigation (Mark Gardner)
Latimer Hinks has a debt recovery and bankruptcy specialist in Mark Gardner

Agriculture & Estates (Anne Elliott)
Latimer Hinks' "evident commitment to the farming community" has significantly enhanced it's reputation for agricultural work. Clients particularly highlight Anne Elliott, who "combines a clear grasp of the issues, passionate commitment and an ability to communicate in clear, everyday language."

Agriculture & Estates
Tim Haggie is also recommended for agricultural property development (Tim Haggie)

Personal Tax, Trusts & Probate (Anne Elliott)
Anne Elliott at Latimer Hinks recently assisted on the administration of an estate worth £3.9m involving complex family matters and farming, business and IHT issues

Real Estate (Mark Clayton)
Mark Calyton's team at Latimer Hinks advised a local business on the £1m acquisition of new industrial and office premises at Newton Aycliffe

Chambers UK - The UK Guide lists both solicitors and barristers in over 70 specialist areas of law. Since 1989, Chambers have been researching the UK legal profession, identifying the leading lawyers and law firms through interviews with thousands of lawyers and their clients. Their reputation is based on the independence and objectivity of research.

This Darlington team advises on a range of agricultural matters, including sales and purchases, agricultural holdings, and succession planning. More recently it has advised on an increasing number of wind farm developments. The team has a loyal client base who praise the firm for having “a fantastic appreciation of the common concerns held by farmers and landowners.”

Client Service “The team provides a very personal service; it is always accessible and very approachable.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Anne Elliott is “extremely thorough and very knowledgeable,” according to sources. She is commended for her advice on succession planning.

Real Estate
Nicola Neilson heads up Latimer Hinks' residential property practice. One source said: "She is very efficient – she knows what we want and delivers."

Maternity Case Favours Employers, but it isn't a Green Light - Latimer Hinks Solicitors [Digg]

2010-11-03T09:03:24-07:00

Latimer Hinks Solicitors, one of Darlington and County Durhams longest established law firms, is giving a timely warning that maternity leave will not automatically save women from redundancy. As the reality of cuts starts to tak

Legal Ruling Gives Boost to Pre-nups - Latimer Hinks Solicitors [Digg]

2010-10-20T07:54:50-07:00

Family law specialists at Latimer Hinks solicitors are encouraging couples to give serious consideration to pre-nuptial agreements, following a ruling in the Supreme Court today (20/10/10). German paper company heiress Katrin Radm

Latimer Hinks - Leading Lawyers for Over 130 Years - Latimer Hinks Solicitors [Digg]

2010-10-11T07:56:14-07:00

Latimer Hinks, having played a leading role in the legal sector for more than 130 years, has an acknowledged reputation as a progressive practice that provides the highest calibre of legal advice offering tailored solutions to both individua

Social Networking Guineapig: Once again! Brilliant Acknowledgement from the Legal 500 [Digg]

2010-09-14T07:23:07-07:00

LEgal 500 - the bible of the legal profession recommends Latimer Hinks - some great comments!

Divorce - could new ruling be considered a "Cheat's Charter [Digg]

2010-08-12T04:55:22-07:00

In Jan 2010 estranged wife was given right to use 20,000 stolen files from hubby's computer in divorce battle.\r\nIn July 2010 this right was taken away...

Rosanne Voted onto Council of the Agricultural Law Society [Digg]

2010-07-20T08:52:45-07:00

well done Rosie! Solicitor at Latimer Hinks, born into farming family, marrying into farming and working in farming/agricultural law for Latimer hinks solicitors