L
ocal issue 29
Nmagazine
etwork
Garden View Time to give your body its MOT? Pistachio & Thyme Sausage Rolls Ever wanted more fun in your life? Give your home some post-winter kerb appeal Local Network Business 2 Business The importance of business succession planning Sudoku, Crossword and Word Search
FREE Magazines delivered through the letterbox Bishop’s Stortford, Sawbridgeworth, Stansted, Newport, Thaxted, Hatfield Heath, Hatfield Broad Oak, Elsenham, Takeley & Canfield Please see our website for full delivery details www.localnetworkmag.co.uk Local Network Magazine Issue 29 2016 | p1
@L oc o Fo al n F llo Ne a w tw ceb us or oo kM k ag az in e
www.localnetworkmag.co.uk info@localnetworkmag.co.uk 12,000 Free Magazines Delivered Through The Letterbox Every Month
Would you like details about advertising? Call Kim Wallis: 01371 830200 12,000 Free Magazines Delivered Through The Letterbox Every Month Visit: www.localnetworkmag.co.uk or email: info@localnetworkmag.co.uk Would you like details about advertising? Call Kim Wallis - 01371 830200
What’s inside
p7
Page 5 What is a dangerous dog?
p5
Crossword
p9
p11 p15
p15
p19
Page 19 The man is not on the moon Ever wanted more fun in your life?
23 The heat is On! Page 7 Garden view - which Christmas tree?p17 PageWord Garden View Search p7 p11
Pistachio & Thyme Sausage Rolls
homedoes some post-winter appeal p19 PageGive 25your What a carrierkerb cost? Local Network Business 2 Business p23
p13
Sudoku
p27
Time to give your body itsCake MOT? p9 Page 11 Cranberry & Orange
Page 15 Deck the Halls EVERYWHERE! Page 17 Crossword & Word Search
Page Keep Cyber Safe
GR
The importance of business succession planning
Page 31 Pawley Malyon David Malyon - Tax Tips
Takeley Ironing & Dry Cleaning Services For all your domestic and commercial dry cleaning & laundry
Wash, Dry, Iron & Dry Cleaning Duvets and pillows laundered, Free hangers and packaging Professional and efficient service FREE COLLECTION AND DELIVERY
Call: 01279 871245
The Centre, Dunmow Road, Takeley, Herts. CM22 6SH Disclaimer While every care is taken Disclaimer © to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in
the printing of artwork. While every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of All artwork accepted on the strict condition that permission has beenhas given forgiven use in Adverts are accepted on theon the understanding artwork. Allisartwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission been forthis usepublication. in this publication. Adverts are accepted understanding that the description ofservices the goods and are fairLocal and accurate. that the description of the goods and are fairservices and accurate. Network Magazine does not officially endorse and advertising material included in thisNetwork publication. No part ofnot thisofficially publication maybe in included any retrievable system or transmitted in any form-electronic, mechanical, Local Magazine does endorse andreproduced, advertising stored material in this publication. photocopying or otherwise – without the consent of the publisher. Publisher: Local Network Magazine. 8 The Maltings, Thaxted, Essex. CM6 2NB No part of this publication maybe reproduced, stored in any retrievable system or transmitted in any form-electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise – without the consent of the publisher. Publisher: Local Network Magazine. 8 The Maltings, Thaxted, Essex. CM6 2NB
p2 | Local Network Magazine Issue 29 2016
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Local Network Magazine Issue 29 2016 | p5
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Bring on the biological warfare!
I
’m a huge fan of biological warfare. But before you all write in to complain about my radical stance, I’m really not talking about anthrax and Ebola: I’m talking about using nature to tip the balance in favour of us gardeners. Ladybirds are my favourite biological control. They feast on aphids (greenfly) and during their year long lifespan they can scoff 5000 of them! Ladybird larvae are long and black with orange spots. They look a bit mean but don’t be tempted to squish them as they are also voracious aphid-eaters. Lacewing larvae eat 300 aphids each before turning into adult lacewings and guzzling down even more, and even the much maligned wasp has a taste for greenfly so don’t be too quick to swat it with your gardening glove; it’s actually protecting your roses. The beautiful song thrush is in decline, but it loves to eat slugs and snails. Thrushes were very susceptible to slug-bait poison based on methiocarb and this was banned by the EU in 2014. The most common ingredient now is metaldehyde which is still very toxic to many garden beasts (as well as domestic animals). And slug bait is a very inefficient way to dispose of your slug population anyway, reducing it on average by just 10%. Frogs and toads are great slug-eaters, as are hedgehogs. The former can be encouraged by providing them with a tiny pond: it really doesn’t have to be much bigger than a bucket sunk into the ground. Hedgehogs prefer a pile of logs to hide under, or you could invest in a hedgehog house. There are many handsome ones about, though if you’re a bit of a handyman you could probably make one yourself. The big new thing in biological pest control in recent years was the arrival of pre-packed nematodes and mites. Nematodes are tiny parasites which are watered on to a problem area when the soil temperature is 10C or greater. The nematodes enter the pest and reproduce inside it, killing it in the process. When the pest dies they are then released back into the soil, ready
Happy Gardening
Rachel Leverton
to infect new pests. There are nematodes to target slugs, vine weevils and ants. Predatory mites are also available to target red spider mite and thrips. All of these methods have the advantage of targeting a particular pest very specifically without causing damage to the environment. Of course with organic gardening you’re unlikely to get a pristine plot but don’t despair about the odd blemish. See it as a positive sign that you care about the environment and the wildlife in your garden then repeat after me, blemishes are beautiful...
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Why?
Why? Why Live with your aches and pains? Hazel Williams is one of the few practitioners who specialises in both structural and cranial osteopathy to treat a wide range of patients from babies to the elderly, from the immobile to athletes. Her treatment can help with: back, neck, joint, arthritic and muscle pain, trapped nerves, sports injuries, headaches and migrane. She also incorporates acupuncture to aid pain relief and provides specially formulated pilate classes to help with rehabilitation. Her aim is simple... to give you continual relief from pain wherever possible. To claim your free assessment consultation* please call Hazel at her surgery on:
01279 813371
61 Blythwood Gardens, Stansted, Essex. osteopathy@hazel-williams.co.uk also available at: Naturals Hair & Beauty, 6-7 Angel Lane, Dunmow. 01371 875511
*Hazel Williams reserves the right to remove or change this offer at any time without prior notification.
p8 | Local Network Magazine Issue 29 2016
Time P Your GP will probably prescribe some anti-inflammatory pills or even refer you to the physio department, which can (from personal experience) take up to 13 weeks before an appointment is available.
to give your body its MOT?
hysical and emotional stress can play a huge part on the way our bodies move – or don’t move in the way they should. Tension and everyday stresses really do take their toll on our body tissues and as we become more rigid in our movement, it is quite possible that we leave ourselves quite literally in knots as an after effect of lasting strain, and don’t do anything about it until the pain becomes unbearable. Your GP will probably prescribe some anti-inflammatory pills or even refer you to the physio department, which can (from personal experience) take up to 13 weeks before an appointment is available. That feels like a lifetime when you are experiencing a high level of discomfort. Visiting a structural osteopath is a highly effective way to target problem areas of tension and strain and provide you with a treatment plan that will really help relieve your pain on an ongoing basis. Osteopaths recognise the individual structural and functional integrity of the body and primarily work through the neuro-musculoskeletal system, mostly on muscles and joints, using holistic and patient-focused approaches. Osteopathy is suitable for people of all ages, from new born babies to the elderly and everyone in between. Here are some of the problem areas it can help with: • Acute Back Pain • Arthritic/Rheumatic Pain • Childhood Illness / Colic • Frozen Shoulder • Headaches/Migraines • Immobility Issues
• Muscle Strain • Postural Disorders • Pre and Post Natal Problems • Repetitive Strain Injury • Sciatica • Sprains • Sports Injuries • Tennis/Golfer’s Elbow • Trapped Nerves • Traumatic Birth • Whiplash Osteopaths may also practice cranial osteopathy where they are trained to feel a very subtle, rhythmical change in shape of all body tissues. It is a gentle and effective therapy which treats the whole body, not just the head (as the name suggests) and it is especially helpful for women during pregnancy and after birth, as well as for babies as soon as they are born and for children in their early years. Cranial Osteopathy is a gentle technique applicable to the whole body and is a touchbased therapy, where your practitioner can identify the stresses and strains your body is under and what tensions it may be carrying as a result of its past history or through difficult or traumatic birth in young children. So if you are very careful about the longevity of your car; booking it in for a regular service and treating it to good fuel to keep it running, don’t you think you should take the time to invest in a proper structural or cranial MOT to keep you going, even if you have no apparent medical issues? After all, nobody wants a clapped out old banger…behind the steering wheel.
Local Network Magazine Issue 29 2016 | p9
Call Now 01279 722042 Your recommendation is our business
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Ingredients
Pistachio &
Thyme
Sausage Meat u 350g good-quality pork sausage meat u Handful of skinned pistachio nuts, roughly chopped u 1 egg yolk u 4 thyme sprigs, leaves stripped and chopped u Handful flat parsley, chopped
Sausage Rolls Denver Lloyd from Aspect Cuisine www.aspectcuisine.com
Pastry u 500g Plain flour (sieved) u 250g Baking margarine u Chilled water u Salt & Pepper u 4 thyme sprigs, leaves stripped and chopped u 1 egg yolk
Method The pastry Sift the flour into a large bowl, add the margarine and rub in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the salt, pepper & thyme, and then add the egg yolk and enough water to mix to a firm dough. Knead the dough briefly and gently on a floured surface. Wrap in cling film and chill while preparing the filling. Sausage Meat Mix the sausage meat with the pistachio nuts, egg yolk, thyme and parsley. Season well with salt and pepper. How to make sausage roll Remove the pastry from the fridge and roll it into a fairly shallow rectangle Roll the meat into a long, thin sausage, approximately the same length as the pastry. (Don’t make it too thick or the sausage will not cook. (Tip you can use a disposable piping bag and pipe the meat along the pastry) Place the sausage on the pastry and roll the pastry around the sausage. Brush some egg wash on to seal the edge of the pastry. Trim any the excess pastry and discard. Cut the sausage rolls into mini sausage rolls. Brush with the remaining egg whites all over the top. Place the rolls on the lined baking tray and bake for 20 minutes at 180oc, or until golden-brown.
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It’s simple! Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains 1 through to 9. You don’t need to be genius. These puzzles use logicalone.ForAnswerspleasegotoourwebsite www.localnetworkmag.co.uk
Palm Tree Pools is a family run business with over 50 years of experience in all aspects of swimming pool management and maintenance. We are based in Essex and offer unparalleled customer service and reliability. We offer a range of maintenance schemes to keep your pool ready to use whenever you need it, taking away the stress of pool management and maintenance. We also provide a wide range of equipment and chemicals at very competitive prices as well as a knowledge base that only comes from servicing a varied blend of satisfied, long-term, clients. If you are not lucky enough to have a permanent pool, we also stock some amazing above ground pools and “easy up” hot tubs and spas which can be enjoyed throughout the summer and easily stored in the winter. Above Ground Pool packages start at £250 plus VAT and can usually be delivered within five days of ordering. Please contact us for details on maintenance schemes, above ground pools, hot tubs, spas, equipment, accessories and chemical supplies or visit our ebay store at www.stores.ebay.co.uk/palmtreepools
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Bishops Stortford
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We are a family oriented club offering karate tuition to all ages and abilities in Bishops Stortford and Sawbridgeworth. Train once a week, or come to every class; the choice is yours. Learn key self-defense skills, increase your balance and posture and get fit for life! Book a free trial class, or get more information about Bishops Stortford Karate Club: [e] info@bishopsstortfordkarate.org [t] 07951 479 125 or for more information visit: www.bishopsstortfordkarate.org https://www.facebook.com/bishopsstortfordkarate/
Ever wanted more fun in your life?
L
ooking for things to do in Bishop’s Stortford and the surrounding areas? Forget secret handshakes, think more about making a difference in your community. Quite simply, Round Table is the best young man’s club in the world. As members of Round Table, we have friends locally, nationally and internationally because of our common bond of being members of this fantastic club. In what other area in life could you sit down with a member from any country of an international organisation and have so much in common? Round Table is very open and inclusive. You don’t have to be wealthy, you don’t have to be a businessman. You just need to be a young guy who is up for making new friends and making a difference in your community. We raise money for worthy causes in our community. We’re not a charity, but we like to get involved with the issues that our community cares about. Across the country, Round Tables have contributed millions to projects and charitable causes that are close to our hearts. We want to bring Bishop’s Stortford Round Table back to life to benefit the local community – and offer the fantastic social benefits to young blokes in the area. Have you ever been to a local bonfire night and wondered who had organised such a display? Or seen Father Christmas visit on his sleigh in December? More than likely, that was your local Round Table. While our community and charitable giving is something to be proud of, it’s not the number one reason that people join Table. What is that reason? It’s to have FUN! Fun, whilst hanging out with a bunch of likeminded guys and having fun finding innovative ways to put a little back into the area we live. All our social events are paid for by us and 100% of anything we raise for charity goes to that charity.
What sort of things do we do for fun? How about rafting, or kayaking or sometimes just heading to the pub (or maybe having a pub crawl on bikes!). Shooting, wakeboarding, BBQ meals out, charter nights, charity Christmas ball, firework collection, great south run...the list is endless but I think you get the picture. We are, and we socialise with, very active Tables who are always looking to do something new so you’d never get bored. So, if you are male and aged 18-45, here is our question to you: are you ready to improve your social life? Are you up for improving the lives of others in Bishop’s Stortford & Stansted? Do you like the idea of international travel with like-minded people? If the answer to all of those was YES, then it’s time to get in touch. We’re looking to hold a membership evening soon: there won’t be any obligation to join, but you can come along and have a flavour of what a Table night is all about. Reserve your place now and we’ll keep you up-to-date with the planning as it happens. Even better – you have the chance to be a part of the rebirth of your local club. The structure is there, we are just looking for extra members.
GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND
ℹ
Bishop’s Stortford & Stansted Round Table are available to contact through Facebook by going to Bishop’s Stortford Round Table or get in contact with Chris Bennett at bsstable@outlook.com or message us on Facebook at http://tiny.cc/ bsrt or Text Join to 60066
Local Network Magazine Issue 29 2016 | p15
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Manorcourt Homecare are recruiting now
Manorcourt Homecare is a quality provider of homecare services within the East of England. We pride ourselves on our local presence within the community where we provide care and support to people living in their own home. We are passionate about enabling people to remain in their own homes and supporting people to lead a fulfilling and active life as possible.
What Manorcourt Homecare offers
• Very competitive rates of pay • Full weeks training • All PPE and uniform costs are covered by Manorcourt Homecare • Enhanced DBS check is required • You offer us your two weeks availability so that you can make plans around that • Holiday pay 28 days pro rata No previous experience in care is required as Manorcourt Homecare will support you every step along the way to becoming a fully functional member of our team. Manorcourt Homecare want all of our employees to be the very best that we believe you can be. All we ask in return is that you are able to drive and have access to a vehicle.
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p16 | Local Network Magazine Issue 29 2016
Word Search List Arsenal Aston Villa Bournemouth Chelsea Crystal Palace Everton Leicester City Liverpool Manchester City Manchester United Newcastle United Norwich City Southampton Stoke City Sunderland Swansea City Tottenham Hotspur Watford West Bromwich Albion West Ham United Answers on our website: www.localnetworkmag.co.uk
50% of your assets. Worse still, if your spouse marries again and dies without a will, the new spouse gets most of the estate, taking your children’s inheritance!
Wills Trusts Liberty Wills and Trusts Ltd operate across Hertfordshire, Essex and London offering a fully qualified and indemnified Will Writing & Estate Planning Service. All of us have considered making a Will at some point but only 30% of us have actually done so, leaving 70% of estates unprotected. What happens when you die without a will or with an out of date will? Appointment of Guardians for your Children
Inheritance Tax Planning Good forward planning in your will can significantly reduce the amount of inheritance tax your children will have to pay. Care home fees Many people have to sell their family home in order to pay long term care fees but this can be avoided using a carefully drafted will. Lasting Powers of Attorney Appointing someone to make decisions for you in case you are incapacitated by injury or illness is an essential part of sensible financial planning. Failure to do so is extremely costly and time consuming.
Courts have taken children in to care for up to two years whilst they decide on appropriate Guardians unless you have addressed this in your will.
Contact us today! We provide a face and face service to talk you through all of the options in the comfort of your own home. Evening and weekend appointments available.
Remarriage If you die, your spouse gets the majority of your estate. If they remarry and then divorce, the new spouse gets
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simon Lee 07967 353 976 Andy Crocker 07967 157 577 Head Office 4 Fairway, Sawbridgeworth, Herts, CM21 p18 | Local Network Magazine Issue 29 2016
Give your home
S
some post-winter kerb appeal
o the clocks have sprung forward and we are now able to enjoy the lighter evenings - once the rain storms have subsided, that is. Although the dark mornings and evenings are almost behind us, it’s still pretty chilly out there and we could do with a few more degrees in the upward direction. However, this time for year is perfect for taking stock of any winter damage to your home and seeing whether or not your home has weathered well over winter or whether it hasn’t. Nip across the road and take a critical view to see if your home looks like it’s in need of some TLC. Here’s how to make sure that your home hasn’t fallen foul to the elements:
Check your pipework Your gutters should be cleared regularly to get rid of any nasties that could stop the water flowing away properly. You may have had this done in the autumn but the winter winds carry all sorts as well as the wildlife helping out. Make sure they are clear and also check the downpipes are in good condition, as even the smallest of leaks could affect your brickwork.
Check your brickwork If you have any small cracks in the exterior of your home, get them fixed as soon as possible. If April brings us its traditional many showers, make sure that the water doesn’t have a chance to freeze in the gap and push the brickwork further apart as it expands. Any air bricks must be kept clear to allow air to flow freely beneath the property. If these become blocked, the timbers can become damp and start to rot; causing serious problems.
Check your windows
Although the dark mornings and evenings are almost behind us, it’s still pretty chilly out there and we could do with a few more degrees in the upward direction. However, this time for year is perfect for taking stock of any winter damage to your home and seeing whether or not your home has weathered well over winter or whether it hasn’t.
Whether it’s the window frames or the panes themselves, give them a proper check to make sure that the panes haven’t blown or your wooden window frames haven’t started to rot. It may be time to start thinking about replacing drafty wood for UPVC and start saving on your energy bills.
Check your garden fencing and sheds Strong winds and damp weather do not do our beloved fence panels, sheds or outhouses any good at all. Ensure that they are still secure and replace any damaged panels and posts straight away. Give them a coat of protective treatment or even a complete overhaul with a great range of outdoor paints.
Lift your home with a lick of paint Everything looks fresher and more appealing when it’s been painted. Say goodbye to the drab winter-battered look and say hello to a vibrant and warm summer by simply repainting the exterior (and/or interior) of your home. The run up to summer is an ideal time to complete home improvement or renovating projects. You may have been considering a conservatory, orangery, decking or simply improving the kerb appeal of your house with new windows, doors and a lick or two of paint. The (hopefully) warmer weather and longer daylight hours make it a prime time to get the experts in and send them outside and tackle those home maintenance projects. Book yours today, sit back and enjoy your home this summertime.
Local Network Magazine Issue 29 2016 | p19
Get Your Home Connected Sky & Aerial Installations HD TV Distribution
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Shop & Showroom Now Open Unit i, Suite 1, Peek Business Centre, Woodside Industrial Estate, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire. CM23 5RG
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p20 | Local Network Magazine Issue 29 2016
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2 Station Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Herts. CM23 3BL www.mainselectrical.co.uk info@mains-electrical.co.uk ERY V I DEL E E p22 | Local Network Magazine Issue 29 2016 FR
01279 755 213
springs into action in April for Essex
L
ocal Network Magazine has some very exciting news for our Essex-based readers; particularly those who are owners of established businesses or those just starting out in business for the first time. If you are already running a successful business then you are probably no stranger to networking, and if you’re a start up, then it won’t be long before you are in the thick of it. The way we communicate, build a client base and sell our goods and services has changed significantly over the last decade and networking really does work. When Local Network Magazine was launched back in 2014, it quickly
became apparent how important networking is; seeing how the jigsaw pieces of people, businesses, meetings and events all fitted together and supported one another. Everyone recognised the value in making all these wonderful professional connections, both emotionally and financially. This exchange of experience and knowledge in business has been crucial to the success of Local Network Magazine in growing a genuine network of trusted, local professionals in and around Essex. Today, there are so many network meetings, business presentations, expo’s and events all over the country and it takes a considerable amount
Local Network Magazine Issue 29 2016 | p23
When Local Network Magazine was launched back in 2014, it quickly became apparent how important networking is.
of time and patience to trawl the internet and find them. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had all this information under one roof?
We are proud to announce that we do have it all under one roof - our Local Network Business 2 Business roof. Over the last few months our team of dedicated business owners, who all met through networking, have been working tirelessly to bring you a whole new world of networking, funding, employment opportunities, B2B professional networking and industry news wisdom as well as amazing opportunities for sponsorship and advertising. With the launch Local Network Business 2 Business kicking off with the Essex Business Resources in April, we will soon be rolling out our other regions until we have gone national.
Sponsorship Sponsorship is a great way to get your business noticed on B2B. You will have an entire page to promote your business throughout Essex, where no other company can advertise, so you capture the reader’s full attention. In the sponsorship package, all you need to do is provide us with your logo, a 500 word industry-related article, 2 jpeg images including photos, 6 links to pages in your website and working closely with our in-house designer, create the perfect banner and 3 x side ad quarterly campaign.
Advertising Advertising with B2B has never been easier or more cost effective. Adverts can be searched for by district, county or nationally, so we ensure you get found on the Essex map. As long as you are a
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We have a dedicated advertising page for all of our national clients to ensure advertising exposure runs the length and breadth of the country.
legitimate business in your local area, you can advertise using our banner ad, 3 x side ads or a combination of the two for added impact. All you have to provide us with is an artwork ready logo and we will do the rest. Working with our in-house design team, we will create a bespoke advertising campaign that links directly to your website.
Prices start from as little as £15 + VAT for 3 months, and when our job board is launched later in the year, you will have FREE access to our Jobs Board for a whole year as well. So now if you want to find out what is happening in your region, you are just a few mouse clicks away from brilliant business resources and a comprehensive supply of networking groups; and it doesn’t stop there, we are bringing you:
but government websites can be time consuming and often hard to navigate and digest. We have uncovered the ones that we think are the most beneficial to our audience and provide our readers with a summary of what is available to apply for; you really would be surprised at what’s up for grabs, so it’s worth taking a look to help grow your business.
Job Board Our B2B job board will be live later on this year and is a very unique place to register and advertise any vacancies in your business which can be searched for by industry sector or area. This service is free to our Essex advertisers, but heavily discounted for non-advertisers. Apprenticeships and Work Experience placements can also be advertised, as B2B work closely in local communities to improve the employment possibilities and skill sets of our young adults.
Industry Articles How many networking meetings have you attended where you found the business support presentation informative, helpful and you’ve learned a new nugget of business know-how? On the back of this, we are now we are including industry articles from successful business owners, across all sectors for your enjoyment too. B2B invite all our readers and advertisers to submit a 500 word (max) article for publication and is the perfect platform for sharing your expert industry knowledge and it won’t cost you a penny.
Funding and Grants Business funding information is always available in its various forms,
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National not regional? We have a dedicated advertising page for all of our national clients to ensure advertising exposure runs the length and breadth of the country. So if you offer a nationwide service to our B2B readers, such as car fleet, haulage, courier, removals, relocation, office support, we have the perfect advertising and sponsorship packages available for you. So, Local Network Business 2 Business is here - inspired, created, designed and written by local business people for local business people – 3 of whom all met through the power of networking over 2 years ago. Please make good use of this amazing business resource portal and happy networking!
www.localnetworkb2b.biz if you would like any details please call 01371 830200 or email info@localnetworkb2b.biz Local Network Magazine Issue 29 2016 | p25
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The importance
of business succession planning
W
hat happens to a business if its owner or coowner dies or falls seriously ill? Much will depend on the type of business – sole trader, partnership or limited company – but unless there has been some advance planning, the chances are that there will be disruption, arguments and the strong possibility that all or part of the business will end up in the wrong hands. So if you’re a business owner, business succession planning and insurance is important. It’s quite simply the process of planning for what you want to happen if you were to die or fall seriously ill. The legal position on the death of a business owner will depend on the type of business entity. When a sole trader dies, their business dies with them, legally speaking. The business’s assets will form part of the sole owner’s estate and pass on to beneficiaries under the terms of their will. If the owner has not made a will, the intestacy rules apply; in effect, the state lays down who the estate should pass to, and normal inheritance tax (IHT) rules apply. However, the good news is that most trading businesses are not subject to IHT – if you’re unsure about yours, you should certainly take advice. If your business does not enjoy tax relief, the basic requirement is to create a capital sum, preferably outside the estate, in order to minimise IHT. This could be achieved with the help of a suitable life insurance policy. A partnership is a business owned by at least two people. Unless there’s some specific provision in the partnership agreement, a partnership ceases when a partner dies. When that happens, the deceased partner’s estate becomes entitled to their share of the business. This can mean a choice for the surviving partner or partners. They could pay the deceased partner’s estate a sum of money they all agree to be the value of the deceased partner’s share, or carry on in business together with the deceased partner’s spouse or other beneficiary – even if the new partner has little to contribute to the success of the business. Effective succession planning provides some clarity in the event of death. A double option agreement ensures the surviving partner(s) has the option to buy the share in the business from the deceased partner’s estate. The deceased partner’s estate can also exercise an option to force the surviving partner to
buy. Under an automatic accrual arrangement, the surviving partner(s) inherits the business, but the family receives the proceeds of a life policy. There may also be a need to insure the lives of all the partners to cover potential liabilities that might arise on their death – perhaps to pay off an overdraft or other creditors. Limited companies continue after a shareholder’s death, but the basic succession issues are similar to those facing a partnership. The key is to make sure that the shares end up with the surviving shareholders and the deceased shareholder’s family receives some money. Generally, the deceased shareholder’s beneficiaries will want financial compensation in return for their shares, assuming that they don’t plan to continue in the business; and there may also be the need to pay off creditors on an owner-director’s death. A double, or cross, option agreement is often used for company shareholder succession planning. If a shareholder dies, their beneficiaries can require the remaining shareholders to buy them out or the remaining shareholders can require the beneficiaries to sell their shares. To provide the funds, each shareholder should take out an ‘own life’ policy written under a special business trust to benefit the other shareholders. Of course, it’s not just the death of a business owner that can stop a business. If a business owner suffers a critical illness, such as a heart attack or cancer, it may not be possible to continue in the business either temporarily or permanently. Expert advice, taken before the event, could have helped in both of these cases. A suitable critical illness insurance policy is probably the best way to provide protection against the financial consequences of having a serious illness. These policies pay a cash lump sum on diagnosis of a specified critical illness or disability. The policies are normally written in trust for the other business owners, along with an agreement between the business owners about the circumstances in which the share in the business should be transferred. The death or critical illness of a business owner can lead to unexpected or undesirable consequences for those left behind. Taking the opportunity – well in advance of such an event happening – to plan for such a situation can help crystallise what you want to happen to your business after your death, and to identify how best to ensure that this will actually come about.
Local Network Magazine Issue 29 2016 | p27
Personalised & Branded Workwear & Clothing No minimum order
Huge Range Of Styles, Colours & Sizes T-Shirts, Polo Shirts Shirts, Hoodies & Hi Vis Sweatshirts & Fleeces Jackets,Trousers & much more
Do you need a logo created? Not a problem we have our own in-house designer.
Call 01371 831526 www.equestrianembroidery.co.uk p28 | Local Network Magazine Issue 29 2016
impression?
Is your Personalised Workwear making an
A
lmost every type of profession, working/social environment or educational establishment can benefit from having branded workwear. Corporate clothing is just one more way to promote your business by using your biggest asset – you and your staff. Customers never fail to be impressed by quality branded workwear which demonstrates professionalism as well as an obvious investment in your workforce. Using personalised workwear to promote your brand by making it visible on a daily basis, drives home to your target market that your brand is definitely something to shout about. Businesses choose to invest in personalised workwear for many reasons, whether they be of a practical nature or to simply build a bigger brand.
Corporate Identity It is so important in today’s marketplace to ensure that your staff are easily identifiable. If people can see your company name and brand colours on your staff workwear, they will be more inclined to trust them and hopefully link their great customer experience to your name; this effectively gives your customers a face to the brand name. This works well for all different types of businesses. For example, where security is important it can help to reduce crime or having branded high-visibility workwear means your staff will stand out safely and avoid accidents.
and also help to increase your company reputation by having a happy team on board. Feeling relaxed and comfortable with a sense of belonging, increase in staff self-confidence and ultimately in their productivity.
Cheaper Advertising Having your brand easily identifiable on your staff workwear provides the greatest opportunity for (almost) free advertising. From the minute your workforce get dressed in the morning and travel to work, they are promoting your business...even by sitting on a bus, train or tube or walking through busy areas. If you carry out home or business premises visits, you are visible to everyone and potentially generating interest from would be customers. If you think that having a branded vehicle is great free advertising, why would you not invest in your workforce too? So let’s have a think about who can benefit for a moment…builders, security, IT services, plumbers, electricians, glaziers, coaches, mentors, restaurants, coffee shops, barbers, hairdressers, vets, therapists, independent traders and boutiques. Just think how beneficial it would be for teachers, group leaders, after school clubs, nursery, reception, primary, secondary and university students (who have a habit of running off)…there is an inexhaustible list of professions, professionals and institutions that could benefit from the full branding and personalised workwear experience.
Corporate Image Your company will look more professional if all of your staff appear well turned out and dressed in branded workwear. This doesn’t mean they have to be kitted out from head to toe, you could use subtle branding in headwear, t-shirts, shirts and hoodies too. This would make customers have a better impression of your company on face value alone
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If you would like to speak to one of our personalised workwear specialists and see how we can help you to bring your brand to life, call now on 01371 831526, email or visit www.equestrianembroidery.co.uk for more details.
Local Network Magazine Issue 29 2016 | p29
Website & Graphic DesiGn aGency
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THE HOME Of CLEvER COpyWRITING AND CREATIvE THINKING
Pawley & Malyon Chartered Accountant Welcome to Pawley & Malyon Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors. In today’s ever changing world, clients need to be confident their affairs are in good hands. At Pawley & Malyon this confidence is gained by our personal approach to your finances and from the results achieved by our advice and recommendations.
ABOUT US
We provide a complete range of accountancy services and have a broad range of clients, both corporate and personal, located throughout the UK. As we are a small firm we strive to offer you a high level of personal service so often lacking in business these days. Whether you are a commercial business, or a non profit’ organisation or an individual, we pride ourselves in always offering you a personal, efficient and professional service. Please contact us on 020 7065 6870 to arrange a free, informal and no obligation initial Meeting.
We are not just a London office we see clients locally Registered to carry on audit work and regulated for a range of investment business activities by The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
AUDITING ACCOUNTING COMPANY SECRETARIAL TAXATION ADVICE BUSINESS PLANNING SERVICE PAYROLL
Call: 020 7065 6870 London Office: 14 Austin Friars, London, EC2N 2HE
The value of a good
accountant
M
arch, as usual, sees the approach of the end of a tax year with 2015/16 coming to an end on 5 April and also the Budget, where the Chancellor confirms many of the changes coming into force
in the following tax years. In our last article we outlined the changes that will affect landlords with buy-to-let properties in terms of changes to tax reliefs available as these had already been announced. The 2016 Budget was on 16 March where George Osborne confirmed that the personal allowance for every UK taxpayer, at which point they start to pay tax, will rise to £11,000 in 2016/17, £11,500 for 2017/18 and £12,500 by the end of this Parliament. The basic rate band where income is taxed at 20% will be £32,000 for 2016/17 and £33,500 for 2017/18 with gross income above £43,000 in 2016/17 then taxed at 40% (and then 45% above £150,000). The taxation of dividends is being reformed quite considerably in the new tax year with the first £5,000 of dividend income in 2016/17 tax-free but tax then being charged on all dividends received over this level at varying rates dependant on the recipient’s total income. In conjunction with this, the rate of tax charged on loans made by companies to participators will also increase from 25% to 32.5% with different rates being applied to loans made in an accounting year that straddles 6 April 2016 depending on the date the loan was made. For employers, the annual Employment Allowance for employers NIC increases by 50% to £3,000. However, companies will no longer be able to claim this allowance where the director is the sole employee. For the self-employed it was announced that Class 2 National Insurance Contributions will be abolished in April 2018 and that a reform of Class 4 NICs will be undertaken. Companies were advised that the Corporation Tax rate will fall from it’s current rate of 20% to 19% for financial years beginning 1 April 2017 with a further reduction to 17% for the financial year beginning 1 April 2020.In addition, for losses incurred on or after 1 April 2017 businesses will be able to use carried forward losses against profits from other income streams or from other companies within a group. The amount of profit that can be offset will be restricted to 50% where the profits exceed £5 million. Capital Gains Tax rates will also be cut from 6 April 2016 from 28% to 20% and from 18% to 10%, for higher and basic rate taxpayers respectively. Several changes were also announced that came into immediate effect on 17 March 2016 relating to Stamp duty land tax (SDLT) for purchasers of non-residential property and transactions that involve a mixture of residential and non-residential properties. Please contact us if you would like a copy of our Budget Report or advice on these or any other matters.
Next month – Completing your 2015/16 Tax Return
Local Network Magazine Issue 29 2016 | p31
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