UpFront
Peace of mind for the future
Matthew James Pocock -
Most people consider it is prudent to make a Will, but how many people think about making a Lasting Power of Attorney? What could happen if you do not have one?
Having completed my MA in Human Resource Management at Hertfordshire University in September 2013, I encountered the same difficulty facing many young people, as I toiled to secure employment following completion of my course.
If, during your lifetime, something happens so that you cannot make decisions for yourself in the future, the only way a member of your family or someone you trust can assist you is if you have made a Lasting Power of Attorney giving them that authority. If you have not done that, then the only way you can be helped to, say, sort out your bank, speak to the utility companies or make a care decision for you is by someone making an Application to the Court of Protection for a Deputyship Order. This is a time consuming and expensive process. So what can you do to ensure someone you trust can help you if you are no longer able to make decisions or simply do things yourself? A Lasting Power of Attorney is the only document you can make in which you can appoint a person aged 18 or over to act for you at your direction and on your behalf. The Power would remain valid for your lifetime, even if you eventually lose the capacity to make a decision during that time.
You can choose to delegate decisions affecting your personal welfare as well as decisions concerning your property and financial matters. These are two very different areas so there are two types of Lasting Powers of Attorney. We hold free Seminars on a regular basis which includes information about Lasting Powers of Attorney and what can happen if you do not have one. Each Seminar is also aimed at those people concerned about the future who want to plan with a view to preserving their assets from inheritance tax and care home fees. The Seminar is entitled “Keep it in the Family” and our next one is being held on Thursday 29th May at 11.30 am at Wyllyotts Theatre, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 2HN in the Alexander Room. Tea and coffee will be served at 11.15 am and the Seminar will be followed by a buffet lunch. If you wish to attend, then simply telephone Charlotte Quantick on 01992 300333 or e-mail her on charlotte@longmores-solicitors.co.uk with your details and she will send you an invitation.
Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership Agri-tech fund The Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has created a fund to support the agricultural technology sector (known as agri-tech). The LEP area, which includes North Hertfordshire, will benefit from £3.2 million of funding to support the development of the agritech industry and will be delivered by a new agri-tech grants scheme to support the development of new and innovative ideas within the sector. There are two main funds that businesses can apply for: • The first is the £2 million Agri-Tech Growth Fund, which will provide grants of between £25,000 and £150,000 to support product development and improve agricultural productivity.
• The second is a £540,000 Research, Development and Prototyping Fund, which will help support the research and development of new product or processes with grants of between £10,000 and £60,000. For more information and applications forms, please see the LEP’s website at: http://www.yourlocalenterprisepartnership.co. uk/agri-tech-grants. For more information on the project please contact Martin Lutman on info@agritechgrants.co.uk or on 01223 967009 or 01733 602009.
My time at Herts Chamber
This all changed when I was lucky enough to secure a temporary contract as a Marketing Assistant with Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, working within the education team, to locate and arrange student work experience placements for Hertfordshire students aged 15-18 years. Following this in December 2013, I was overjoyed to be offered the position of Employer Engagement Officer within the Chamber. This fast paced and challenging role has allowed me to gain new levels of professional experience, as I have interacted with a variety of people both inside and outside of the organisation. Having organised and successfully lead the Chamber’s March HR Forum as the pinnacle of my role with the Chamber, I feel I have been stretched through the challenges I have faced which have prepared me for the next stage in my career as I leave the Chamber this April. I would like to thank Herts Chamber for the opportunities extended to me, as without the help of the Chamber’s excellent staff team, I would not have been able to benefit from such a unique personal development opportunity, and without whom the next stage along my career journey would not have been possible.
INSPIRE
7