L
ocal issue 16
Nmagazine
etwork Give your home some post-winter kerb appeal Pistachio & Thyme Sausage Rolls Is your Personalised Workwear making an impression? Local Network Business 2 Business Crossword, Sudoku & Word Search The Gym/Obesity Paradox
FREE Magazines delivered through the letterbox The Notleys - Braintree - Great Leighs - High Garrett - Bocking - Rayne - Flitch Green - Dunmow Please see our website for full delivery details www.localnetworkmag.co.uk Local Network Magazine Issue 16 2016 | p1
@L oc o Fo al n F llo Ne a w tw ceb us or oo kM k ag az in e
12,000 Free Magazines Delivered Through The Letterbox Every Month Would you like details about advertising? Call Kim Wallis: 01371 830200 Visit: www.localnetworkmag.co.uk or email: info@localnetworkmag.co.uk
What’s inside
p7
p9
p13
p17
p25
p4
Crossword
p17
The Gym/Obesity Paradox
p7
Garden View
p18
Word Search
p9
Roselle Moss
p21
Pistachio & Thyme Sausage Rolls
p11
Sudoku
p25
Is your Personalised Workwear making an impression?
p13
Give your home some post-winter kerb appeal
p26
Local Network Business 2 Business
Total Plumbing and Heating Solutions info@totalplumbingand heating.co.uk www.totalplumbingandheating.co.uk
01376 329 664 07773 558 543
Why choose us? • We undertake all aspects of plumbing and heating - no job too
big or too small 30 • years’ experience so you can trust our skills and knowledge • FREE no obligation quotes in writing - what we quote is what you pay, no hidden charges! We • pride ourselves on providing a professional, friendly service every time to ensure 100% customer satisfaction • Worcester Bosch Accredited Installer - extended warranties available (up to 10 years!) Accredited Installer
Disclaimer © 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 artwork. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given for use in this publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that the description of the goods and services are fair and accurate. Local Network Magazine does not officially endorse and advertising material included in this publication. 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 16 2016
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Crossword Clues Clues Across 1 persecute (6) 4 leader (5) 8 afterward (5) 9 clap (7) 10 remove hair (7) 11 glade (4) 12 allow (3) 14 monster (4) Answers on our website: www.localnetworkmag.co.uk
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Local p4 Network | Local Network Magazine Magazine Issue 16Issue 2016 16 | p4 2016
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GardenView
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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y name is Roselle Moss and I am a qualified and experienced professional makeup artist based in Braintree and I am passionate about making you look naturally beautiful. I offer a range of services including bridal make-up, prom make-up and any other special occasion make-up you may require. I also offer 1-2-1 make-up lessons to help you achieve your perfect look, particularly if you are unsure about which colours and products to use on yourself or if you simply need to improve your technique or want to try a new look. I will work closely with you and listen to all of your requirements or concerns and together we will create the perfect look. I use various brands of make-up so I will always have the right tools for the job including vegan-certified makeup which is free of nasty chemicals if that is what you are looking for from your make-up products. My services start from just £25 if you would like a trial make-up session and
then just £45 for your ‘on the day’ makeup experience. Remember to mention this advert from your Local Network Magazine and receive 10% off your payment! You can find me on Facebook www.facebook.com/Roselle-MossMakeup-Artist-1398666083727778 where you can see examples of my work.
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My services start from just £25 if you would like a trial make-up session and then just £45 for your ‘on the day’ make-up experience.
If you would like to talk more about your make-up needs, make a booking or talk about gift experiences, then please do call me on 07753 208 134 or send an email to roselle.moss@yahoo.com
Local Network Magazine Issue 16 2016 | p9
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p10 | Local Network Magazine Issue 16 2016
Do you have a holiday planned? Going away on Do you Staying have a holiday planned? Going away on business? in hospital? Or perhaps just away business? Staying in hospital? Or perhaps just away from home for long periods of the day? Sudoku from home for long periods of the day? It’s simple! FillI in thelook grid after so thatyour eachcats and small animals, I cover a 10 mile can I from can3x3 look your and animals, I cover a 10 mile row, column boxafter contains 1cats Radiusand Braintree, Essex but I’msmall happy to discuss travelling further. throughRadius to 9. from Braintree, Essex but I’m happy to discuss travelling further.
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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 16 2016 | p13
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Local Network Magazine Issue 16 2016 | p15
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
Telephone: 01376 528 774 E-Mail: palmtreepools1@gmail.com www.facebook.com/palmtreepool p16 | Local Network Magazine Issue 16 2016
The Gym/Obesity
Paradox A
s a personal trainer and fitness fanatic, I get asked a lot about friends, family and clients’ diets. I think we can all agree that fitness is much more visible these days, whether it be blogs, Facebook pages, wearable fitness technology or high street gyms and personal trainers’ advertisements all over the place! Indeed gym spending went up 44% in 2014/15 according to a study by The Independent newspaper. With all this extra fitness awareness and availability surely then obesity rates should be well down shouldn’t they? Well they are not. One in four British adults is obese, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation. The UK has the highest level of obesity in Western Europe, ahead of countries such as France, Germany, Spain and Sweden and UK obesity levels have more than trebled in the last 30 years. Personally, I think the main culprit is the availability and pricing of convenience foods and the way that they are labelled, it is a well-known phrase that “you can’t out-train a bad diet” and it is so important to read the label on some of these foods as they are, in some cases, deliberately misleading. For example did you know that any food can be called “light” if it has 25% less of any compound than its original guise? This does not have to be a healthy cut, just a cut. Did you know that wheat is well known for causing bloating but ‘whole wheat” is written on an awful
Indeed gym spending went up 44% in 2014/15 according to a study by The Independent newspaper. With all this extra fitness awareness and availability surely then obesity rates should be well down shouldn’t they? Well they are not.
lot of “healthy” cereals to indicate that they are good for you. To avoid wasting the hard hours that we are spending on exercise we need to READ THE LABELS of nutritional information but it is also important to understand what you are reading. It is a long held belief that fat makes you fat but this is not necessarily true, coconuts and avocados are very high in fat but are some of the most nutritious foods available. It is the saturated fats that are more of a problem but even these are not as harmful to a healthy diet as sugars. Look at a table of a low fat flavoured yoghurt, in most cases there are between 5 and 10 grams of sugar per pot; this is huge in percentage terms but is still labelled low fat; coleslaw can have huge amounts of sugar as can most breakfast cereals that claim to be “natural” or ‘healthy”. In fact, it was recently posted that one breakfast cereal was nutritionally inferior to eating full fat ice-cream for breakfast. It is never a bad thing to exercise if you can do so, but this exercise can be wasted if you are not making yourselves aware of what is in your food and drinks.
ℹ
Email: jfpfitness@gmail.com or call Justin on: 07805 394 175 Please see our website www. jfpfitness.co.uk or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ jfpfitness for exercise tips, advice and customer references.
Local Network Magazine Issue 16 2016 | p17
•
We specialise in the filming of:
Festivals and Concerts Weddings Dance Shows
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Call us or contact us online:
01279 883 270 www.hnemedia.co.uk 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
•
Talent Competitions Live Theatre Events Corporate and Music Videos
p18 | Local Network Magazine Issue 16 2016
BRIGHTANDBEAUTIFULHOME.COM/BRAINTREE
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+VAT per month for just For details about advertising please call Bob Wallis on:
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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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Saffron Taxi Van Man with a van service Professional, Reliable & Friendly Service
Hammerhill Barn, Stanbrook, Thaxted, CM6 2NH saffrontaxivan@aol.com www.facebook.com/saffrontaxivan p22 | Local Network Magazine Issue 16 2016
S Green Cat Sitting & Grooming www.sgreencatsitting.webs.com Do you have a holiday planned, going away on business, staying in hospital or perhaps just away from home for long periods of the day? I can look after your cats and small animals in the comfort of your own home!
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Cat Grooming Available! Does your cat have knots/matts? Need a good groom or a certain shave? I can come and groom them in the comfort of your own home! Claw Clipping Available for Cats and Rabbits!
07786787973 Local Network Magazine Issue 16 2016 | p23
Personalised & Branded Workwear & Clothing No minimum order
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Do you need a logo created? Not a problem we have our own in-house designer.
Call 01371 831526 www.equestrianembroidery.co.uk p24 | Local Network Magazine Issue 16 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
ℹ
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 16 2016 | p25
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
p26 | Local Network Magazine Issue 16 2016
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
Local|Network p27 Local Network Magazine Magazine Issue 16Issue 201616| 2016 p27
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
p28 | Local Network Magazine Issue 16 2016
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 16 2016 | p29
K i n g s W e a lt h M a n a g e m e n t Wealth Investments. Pensions Investments.
Kings Financial
Mortagages Remortgages Buy to Let Help to Buy Home Movers Life Cover Critical Illness Cover Accident, sickness & unemployment cover Buildings & contents insurance Wills & trusts Business protection Agriculture protection
Robert Rains Kings Wealth Management
Kings property Exceptional Customer Service and Client liaison Qualified specialists in all aspects for residential Sales and Lettings Access to Buyers through the Kings Group Database Prominent Window Display Advertising on rightmove.co.uk, zoopla.co.uk and primelocation.com Colour Newspaper and Magazine advertising. Members of The Property Ombudsmen Licensed Firm of The National Association of Estate Agents (MNAEA) Professional colour photography Eye catching professional colour property details Eye catching distinctive For Sale and To Let Boards
Stephen King Kings Financial
James Burke Kings Property
2 - 4 New Street Braintree Essex CM7 1ES p30 | Local Network Magazine Issue 16 2016
Wills Trusts No Will
Long-Term Care Costs
The courts have taken custody of children for up to 2 years while ‘they’ decide who will have them. Here are some other things to take into consideration;
If you have more than £14,250 in assets in the current tax year (14/15), then your home is at risk of being sold to pay for long-term care. You may well think that if your parents die, you will get their main home assets? Think again!
Marriage after Death If you die, your assets go to the surviving spouse. If they then remarry and then divorce, that new partner gets 50% of the assets from your surviving spouse. Worse still, if your surviving spouse predeceases the new partner, they get 100% of the assets. What do your children get from your marriage to your surviving spouse? Nothing!
Life Insurance and Death in Service Benefits If you have Life Insurance or Death in Service Benefits with an employer, where are the benefits paid? Could this lead to a future Tax problem? What are the options available to you?
Speak to us TODAY Simply call in or telephone to make a suitable time to discuss this further.
Inheritance Tax Ensure that once your children receive an inheritance, it cannot be attacked by divorce settlements or creditors. For example; If you leave your son and daughter £250,000 each, they then get married, but then divorce, their spouse can take 50%.
Bloodline Planning If your son or daughter predeceases their spouse, then the spouse gets 100% of what you gave them. You may have worked for 40 years to earn this money. You wish for your 2 children to benefit from it giving them the equivalent of 20 years each. In a divorce, their partners can take 10 years of your working life each!
l l i W t s a L & t n e m a t s e T
2 - 4 New Street Braintree Essex CM7 1ES Telephone: 320 999 Telephone:01376 01376 320 999www.kingsfinancial.co.uk www.kingsfinancial.co.uk Editorial details provided by Kings
p1 | Network Local Network Issue Local Magazine Issueby 16 201613|2015 p31 Editorial detailsMagazine provided Kings
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