LCF In The Media March 2022 by LCFPrint

IN THE MEDIA MARCH 2022

FIRM WIDE

Law firm leads the fight against food poverty

LCF Law has been praised for taking a proactive approach towards fighting food poverty by becoming the Founding Corporate Partner of a local community cookery school. Initially volunteer led, the cookery school team trained by Bounceback Food CIC will be provided with the necessary kit to deliver emergency meal drives, donation drops at market events and cookery workshops. Bounceback’s social enterprise aims to tackle food poverty on multiple fronts across the UK and has recently begun to develop teams in locations beyond its base in Manchester. The Bradford and Leeds team will begin their training at the end of March. With ongoing rises in the cost of living and the economy still recovering from the effects of the pandemic, food bank use in the UK has hit record levels in recent times. The number of Emergency Food Parcels distributed by the Trussell Trust has risen by 128 per cent since 2015, from 1,110,000 parcels in 2014-5 to 2,540,000 in 2020-1. Those most likely to live in food insecurity include single parents, younger people, ethnic minorities and people in poor health.

Duncan Swainsbury, founder of Bounceback Food CIC, said: “Our mission to fight food poverty became even more urgent as the impact of Covid-19 became clear, with food insecurity levels, the cost of living and food bank usage soaring. We’re now developing teams across the UK to tackle these challenges head on and are delighted that firms such as LCF Law are keen to support our efforts in new locations.” “Each team requires appropriate training, access to resources and kitchen equipment. Funding from our Founding Corporate Partners will help to accelerate our growth and, crucially, support a greater number of people.” Simon Stell, managing partner at Bradford-based LCF Law, said: “Bounceback Food are working hard to create a joined-up approach to food poverty. Their energy and drive to support, sustain and educate, in order to eliminate food poverty, is inspirational. As a result, we’re very pleased to be the Founding Corporate Partner of Bounceback Food in Bradford and look forward to working with them to make a genuine difference to local people.”

FIRM WIDE

Bounceback Food CIC teams in Manchester (first established in 2014) and London teach people how to cook, offer a range of learning programmes, run food bank drives at market events and deliver community meal drives that provide emergency meals for beneficiaries. They have taught over 3,500 people how to cook, donated over 10,000 items of food to foodbanks and provide almost 100,000 meals as part of their wider community outreach work which includes community meal drives and catering services. LCF Law pledged its support via Bounceback’s #HelpUsGrow crowdfunder, that also raised funds to develop a new range of fundraising merchandise. For more details visit: https://www. crowdfunder.co.uk/p/lets-fight-food-poverty-across-the-uk or visit: www.bouncebackfood.co.uk

ALSO APPEARED IN • Yorkshire Post • Business Link • Bradford Zone READ ARTICLE ONLINE

FIRM WIDE

An evening of celebration at Ilkley Business Awards

The winners of the Ilkley Business Awards 2022 were announced at the awards ceremony which took place at The Craiglands Hotel, Ilkley on Friday, March 18, 2022. The 240 attendees enjoyed an evening of celebration with a total of 14 awards presented, which included two Special Recognition Awards requested by this year’s independent judges.

Stowe Family Law, Galo’s Kitchen, Harvest Associates, Ilkley Gazette and LOCALiQ, BNI Ilkley, Home Instead Ilkley, The Kindr Company, Ilkley Shoe Company, The Craiglands Hotel, Elite Accountancy Services Limited, The Valley Clinic, LFW Podiatry, Bini Brew, Ideal Extraction, JCM Website Design, Olicana Stationery, Piper House Virtual Assistants and Whitetop Productions.”

Ian White, Chairman of this year’s headline sponsor Ilkley BID told us: “Ilkley BID were delighted to support this excellent event again this year and it was fabulous to see so many local businesses recognised for their achievements. It’s a true testament to the tenacity of businesses in the LS29 area that after the turmoil caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, there are so many real success stories.”

Editor of the Ilkley Gazette Jon Stokoe said: “The Business Awards was an amazing night that showcased the breadth and diversity of businesses operating in the Ilkley area. After a very tough couple of years on the retail and hospitality landscapes especially, it was inspiring to see how our local businesses have met the challenges and exhibited true spirit and a determination to succeed.

Speaking on behalf of the Awards committee Kelly Edmundson, solicitor with LCF Law said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of this year’s sponsors who have made the 2022 awards possible, with special thanks to our headline sponsor, Ilkley BID. Thank you to: Ilkley BID, Ilkley Business Forum, Ilkley Town Council, Tennant & Darragh Jewellery Workshop, RDC Solicitors, LCF Law, Clip ‘n Climb Ilkley,

“The presence of all these businesses in whatever sectors they operate in enriches our local life and it was an absolute pleasure to be part of this amazing night honouring the work they do. Huge congratulations to the winners, but in truth everyone there on the night was a winner.”

FIRM WIDE

Anyone who is interested in becoming a sponsor for next year’s awards, or would like to be involved in organising the event are invited to contact the committee: hello@ilkleybusinessawards.co.uk The winner of each award is as follows: Best Boss of the Year: (sponsored by Clip ‘n Climb Ilkley) Janice Brooke, Ilkley Agency Business to Business Award: (sponsored by BNI, Ilkley) Pronto Covid – The Extra Mile: (sponsored by Stowe Family Law) Martinez Wines Established Business of The Year: (sponsored by Home Instead, Ilkley) Ashlands Veterinary Centre Food, Drink & Leisure Business of The Year: (sponsored by Ideal Extraction Ltd) Galo’s Kitchen Hair, Beauty & Wellness Business of The Year: (sponsored by Galo’s Kitchen) William David Hair Ltd Independent Retailer of The Year: (sponsored by RDC Solicitors) The Ilkley Shoe Company New Business of The Year: (sponsored by Tennant & Darragh Jewellery Workshop) New Brook Street Deli Outstanding Tradesperson of The Year: (sponsored by Ilkley Town Council) Complete Digital Installations Professional Services Business of the Year: (sponsored by Ilkley Gazette & LOCALiQ) LCF Law Rising Star Award: (sponsored by LCF Law) Helen Holmes, LFW Podiatry Social Conscience Award: (sponsored by Harvest Associates) Soul & Co Special Recognition Award: (sponsored by Ilkley Business Forum) Ilkley Good Neighbours Special Recognition Award: (sponsored by Ilkley BID) The Bobbin

ALSO APPEARED IN • Wharfedale Observer • Wharfedale & Airedale Observer • Bradford T&A READ ARTICLE ONLINE

CORPORATE

Yorkshire Building Services acquired in MBO deal

One of the North of England’s leading mechanical and electrical solutions providers has been acquired in a management buyout deal. Birstall based Yorkshire Building Services, which was founded in 1992, has a solid reputation in the mechanical and electrical industry, predominantly working in the commercial and industrial sectors. The company’s 65-strong team works for clients throughout the UK providing a full range of mechanical heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems, electrical installations, building management and maintenance services. The buyout was led by David Broadhurst and Mark Peat, who are now both majority shareholders in the business, along with Tim Anderson and Darren Hill, who have also increased their share. David joined the firm when it was established in 1992 and Mark, Tim and Darren have all worked there for more than 10 years and offer over 90 years of combined industry experience. Former directors, Andrew Sutcliffe and Paul Harrison, who themselves completed a management buyout of the firm in 2007, will continue to work in the business for the foreseeable future.

The buyers were advised by Cathy Cook, from the Leeds office of Yorkshire based solicitors LCF Law, and Dale Coleman from accountants Ford Campbell Freedman provided accountancy, financial and strategic advice. Adrian Ballam from Ward Hadaway advised the sellers. David Broadhurst says: “Over the last 30 years Yorkshire Building Services has established a superb reputation for the breadth of projects we work on and the practical approach to the design and innovative engineering solutions that we offer. Our extensive client base now includes the likes of M&S, Waitrose & Partners, Morrisons, Royal Mail and a recent introduction into public sector work. “Both Andrew and Paul have been key to this and have always strived to lead a well-run business that offers an industry leading standard of service. The buyout comes at a time when the business is thriving, and we are working on a vast range of exciting and innovative projects throughout the UK including DWP Job Centres, HSBC data centres, MOJ COVID reduction works and local authority leisure centres.”

CORPORATE

Cathy Cook, who is a partner within LCF Law’s corporate department, comments: “After completing a management buyout themselves, Andrew and Paul knew the importance of succession planning, and in recent years had already taken steps to pave the way for the new shareholders. “This thorough preparation made it a seamless transaction to work on because everyone involved was unified and already had a clear understanding of the eventual outcome. This resulted in a very smooth transition for Yorkshire Building Services’ clients and team, and the MBO is a fantastic example of how other business owners and management teams can plan effectively and successfully for the future.” Dale Coleman, partner at Ford Campbell Freedman, adds: “We have a longstanding relationship with Yorkshire Building Services providing them with strategic and planning guidance at appropriate times together with accountancy, audit and corporate tax advice for more than 20 years. “After working with Andrew and Paul on their buyout in 2007 and supporting the company through a period of growth since then, it’s been a pleasure to advise the team on passing the business to the next generation of shareholders and completing their entry to exit plan. We’re now looking forward to continuing our work with David, Mark, Tim and Darren as they take the business forward.” READ ARTICLE ONLINE

PERSONAL

Start planning for care costs now

It is arguable that the Government’s long-awaited plans for a muchneeded overhaul of social care were not worth the wait. The White Paper on social care in England and the new cap on care fees is a step in the right direction to change to our broken system. However, it is unlikely to save many people any money and does nothing to alleviate the immediate crisis facing social care. There may be a positive difference for a very limited number of people but certainly not poorer pensioners. The Government published its White Paper on Social Care in December, which followed the Prime Minister’s previous announcement that a new social care cap would be implemented from 2023 and no one in England would pay more than £86,000 in care fees during their lifetime. The new 10-year vision for adult social care aims to provide greater choice for those receiving care and certainty over costs. For the first time there will be a limit on the cost of care for everyone in the adult social care system - there’s more detail on this point below.

In addition: l £300m will be spent on supported housing. l £150m will be invested in new technologies, such as personal alarm systems and online rotas for staff. l £500m will be put towards improving training and qualifications for staff. From October 2023: l Those with assets of less than £20,000 will not have to pay anything towards care fees - although they might have to pay from their income. l Those with more than £100,000 in assets - the value of their home, savings or investments - will not get any financial help from the council. l Those with assets between £20,000 and £100,000 will qualify for council help, but will have to pay £86,000 out of their own pocket to reach the cap.

PERSONAL

The new cap on care costs will cover fees for personal care, like help with washing and dressing, but it will not cover living costs such as care home fees, food or utility bills.

Each individual’s circumstances are very different, so we would always recommend speaking to a specialist solicitor - look for the Solicitors for the Elderly, or SFE, accreditation or visit sfe.legal

It is important that all of us make both a health and a wealth plan. It is time people stopped thinking of planning for the future as something to do in later life.

Independent Age also has some good advice on their website and a free helpline: 0800 319 6789.

Day in day out we support older and vulnerable people facing issues like care home fee rises, the desire to stay in their own home and lack of access to funding for support for conditions like dementia. The earlier each of us begins planning, the more options we give ourselves when we eventually do need support. When thinking about protecting your home when it comes to paying for the cost of care, there are a few things to consider: l If you need to move into a care home, you will usually have a financial assessment to work out how much you will need to pay yourself. If you own your house and your spouse, partner or civil partner is still living there then a ‘property disregard’ could apply which means your home won’t be used to fund care costs. l However, the local authority will take income, including pensions, into account when they decide how much people will pay towards their own care. This may reduce the household income available to the spouse/ partner who continues to live in the property. l In most cases, couples tend to own a property as joint tenants so that when one partner dies the property automatically passes to the survivor. One of the primary reasons people change this is to ensure their 50per cent share of the property passes to their children, rather than it automatically passing to a surviving spouse/ partner, which consequently means the whole value of the property could be taken into account for the costs of care of the surviving partner/ spouse. You can sever the joint tenancy over your property by written notice and then updating the ownership position with the Land Registry. You should then make a will to ensure that your share of the property passes in accordance with your wishes. However, as an alternative, you may consider your home as an investment to fund your care. This would give you a greater ability to choose where you would like to be cared for, close to loved ones and relatives perhaps, and how your preferences could increase your care costs.

l Kelly Edmundson is a solicitor at Yorkshire law firm, LCF Law and a member of SFE (Solicitors for the Elderly), the membership organisation for specialist solicitors who support older and vulnerable people. LCF Law is an award-winning full-service law firm, which operates regionally, nationally and internationally, with more than 125 people and 22 partners across offices in Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate and Ilkley.

ALSO APPEARED IN • York Press READ ARTICLE ONLINE

PERSONAL

Make a will month charitable donation

A Harrogate Law firm is offering people the chance to make a will in exchange for a donation to a local charity. As part of Saint Michael’s Hospice’s ‘make a will month’ fundraiser, LCF Law will draft several wills without charge, during the month of April. It’s the fourth year that LCF Law has supported the initiative. LCF Law has drafted many wills since it started participating in the campaign, helping to raise a significant amount for the hospice. Head of personal law, Neil Shaw, said: “Most people understand the importance of making a will and we have found that the majority of people who haven’t done so state that it’s simply a lack of time. “Others wrongfully think they don’t have anything worth inheriting or just don’t want to think about dying.

“According to various polls, around 60% of adults don’t have a will, so we hope that our offer to draft a will for free will help those who haven’t got one, as well as supporting the wonderful work that Saint Michael’s Hospice does. “So many of us have family, friends and colleagues who have been supported by the hospice and we are more than happy to play a part in raising vital funds.” Saint Michael’s Hospice provides care and support to families living with terminal illness and bereavement across the Harrogate district. And along with its family of services, the hospice has cared for 120% more people since the outset of the pandemic. In addition to making a donation in lieu of legal fees, the charity’s Make a Will Month also provides an opportunity for those who take part to leave a gift in their will to Saint Michael’s Hospice – supporting local hospice care now and in the years to come.

PERSONAL

One in five of the charity’s patients are cared for thanks to gifts left in wills.

ALSO APPEARED IN

Neil added:

• The Stray Ferret • The Harrogate Guide

“Losing a loved one is the hardest thing in the world and having to deal with the aftermath of death is incredibly challenging. “Having a will is a key thing people can do toprotect family members and loved ones as it helps them to navigate many financial, practical matters. “It’s also the only way to ensure your wishes will be met when you die. Talking your will through with a solicitor gives clarity and peace of mind and it can be done in person in our offices, over the phone or via an online meeting platform.” Saint Michael’s Chief Executive Tony Collins said: “Saint Michael’s relies on the generosity of our community to provide the majority of our care and support, and we’re grateful to LCF Law for working together with us as part of our Make a Will Month this April – giving people across the Harrogate district the opportunity to protect the people and things which matter most.”

READ ARTICLE ONLINE

FAMILY

EMPLOYMENT

New SSP rules – how should HR respond?

Alongside the decision to end all the remaining legal Covid restrictions in England last month, the government also announced that changes made to statutory sick pay (SSP) rules during the pandemic would also come to an end as part of its ‘Living with Covid’ plan.

How will the changes impact employers? Different employers can expect different things from the changes, particularly depending on their size. For many, the end of day-one SSP payments will be welcomed because it will reduce overall outgoings for absence payments, says Rachael Knappier, director of service at Croner. “As the cost of living continues to soar, employers are looking to make as many cost savings as possible, so this change will help them do so,” she says.

As of tomorrow (24 March), individuals with Covid will no longer be eligible for SSP from day one of their illness, and will only receive the payment on their fourth consecutive day off work – in line with the normal SSP rules.

However, employers that benefited from the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme, which allowed firms with fewer than 250 employees to claim back two weeks’ worth of SSP for employees absent because of Covid, will likely miss the additional support.

Small- and medium-sized employers will also only have until tomorrow to submit claims to the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme, which itself closed on 17 March, while the government’s £500 selfisolation payments for low earners were phased out on 24 February – the same day that legal self-isolation requirements ended in England.

Knappier also cautions employers to consider the impact the changes might have on staff, “particularly in relation to their mental health and emotional wellbeing during times of financial turmoil,” she says.

With Covid sick pay eligibility ending from tomorrow, as well as other government support being phased out, People Management explains how firms should tackle the changes.

People Management takes a look at how businesses can best manage the changes.

“Employees who are already struggling with rising household bills and the impact of inflation may feel more stress, anxiety or burnout.” warns Knappier.

EMPLOYMENT

Should employers still encourage staff to self-isolate? Gemma Sherbourne, senior associate at LCF Law, warns these changes could lead to more members of staff attending work with Covid because they can’t afford to take time off unpaid. Taken together with the end of the £500 self-isolation payments, those earning minimum wage and other lower-income workers are set to be disproportionately affected, she says. “This change to the SSP provisions may make [staying away from work] impossible, particularly for those on low incomes who cannot carry out their jobs from home,” says Sherbourne, noting that some organisations in particular, including those that work with vulnerable groups or with a vulnerable workforce, may not want staff who have tested positive to attend work. Rachel Suff, senior policy adviser for employment relations at the CIPD, warns that employers still have a duty of care for their employees’ health and wellbeing, and advises against encouraging anyone to attend work if they are unwell, whether with Covid or any other illness. “Employees should be able to take time off to recover and return to work once they are better,” she says, encouraging employers where possible to introduce an occupational sick pay scheme to “enhance pay above the statutory minimum for employees who can’t work when sick”. Although the government is “leaving key decisions to employers”, David Jepps, employment partner at Keystone Law, cautions that employers “can’t use that as an excuse to do nothing”. “We are entering a period where employers will need to balance maintaining reasonable safeguards against a complete return to the ‘old normal’,” he says. READ ARTICLE ONLINE

DISPUTES

No dispute over new hire at LCF Law

A talented solicitor, who qualified over four years ago, has joined LCF Law’s renowned disputes team in Bradford. A keen litigator, Catherine Scholfield joins from a Leeds based firm where she worked for seven years providing legal advice to clients on a wide range of cases including debt recovery, contract disputes, landlord and tenant disputes and insolvency. Catherine said: “The career progression and opportunity to work with such experienced litigators at LCF Law made it an exciting career move for me. LCF Law is well known for its litigation work and takes a practical and cost-effective approach to client work, which I really admire. “I’m looking forward to working alongside Ragan Montgomery, Tom Edwards and the rest of the team for both individual clients who might be challenging a will or have a boundary dispute for example, and for SMEs and larger organisations on a range of commercial property disputes.”

Head of disputes, Charles Abraham, said: “Catherine is a diligent and driven solicitor who is keen to expand her litigation work. She will primarily work alongside two of the six partners within our team. Ragan and Tom help people settle wealth disputes concerning wills, trusts and inheritance and also represent clients in residential and commercial property litigation matters, so there will be plenty of variety and depth to the cases Catherine will work on.” LCF Law employs more than 125 people across its four Yorkshire offices in Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate and Ilkley.” READ ARTICLE ONLINE