Wrigley Claydon Solicitors

Tag: solicitors in oldham

  • New law: Smoking in cars

    New law: Smoking in cars

    As of 1st October 2015, a new law around smoking in cars came into play. It is now illegal to smoke in a private vehicle with anyone under 18 present.

    The new legislation from the Department of Health aims to protect children from the effects of second-hand smoke.

    The rule applies to all private vehicles that are fully or partially covered by a roof. The only exceptions to the rule are in convertible vehicles where the roof is fully retracted or when the driver is 17 years old and travelling and smoking alone in their own vehicle.

    The rule does not solely apply to the driver: if any passenger is smoking in car with someone under 18 years of age present, both the perpetrator AND the driver could face prosecution. It is the driver’s responsibility to stop their passengers smoking with a minor in the vehicle.

    The penalties faced by those committing the new offence are a fixed penalty notice of £50, or at the discretion of the enforcement officer, a court referral.

    The rules apply to motor homes, camper vans and caravans when they are being used as a vehicle but don’t apply when they are being used as living accommodation. Work vehicles and public transport are already covered by smoke free legislation.

    Find out more at www.gov.uk or watch this official animated video for the basic facts:

    <iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/5jB9zSTlvwY” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

  • Powers of attorney for business owners

    Powers of attorney for business owners

    When you set up a new business, one of the first things you need to put into place is insurance. Whether this is employers’ liability insurance, buildings insurance or contents insurance, it makes sense to know you’re protected. But what would happen to your business if you were no longer there or able to take care of it? This is where Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) can help.

    Appointing an attorney is like taking out another form of insurance for your business – it’s the peace of mind in knowing that someone you trust will be there to take care of things if you aren’t able to do so. Problems with the business could affect a range of people – from your customers who may be reliant on your service or products, to your employees who depend on their wages, to your family who may feel the strain should your business suffer. While it may seem obvious who would take over your business affairs if you were required to stop working, an LPA is required for this to go into affect. Without an LPA, your trusted partner or colleague would not have an automatic right to handle your affairs and there is no guarantee of what would happen to your business, so it needs to be formally put in writing.

    But who should you appoint? A business Lasting Powers of Attorney is different to a personal Lasting Powers of Attorney and it’s important to know what you are granting someone the power to do. In most circumstances, an attorney is able to buy and sell property, organise insurance, access bank statements and accounts, invest assets, and deal with taxes on your behalf – so it is crucial you choose someone you trust. Unlike a personal LPA, a business attorney may not necessarily be a friend or relative, but rather someone who knows the business well and who you trust with your professional affairs. If you have a business partner, they would be the obvious choice. Should you not have just one person who you trust with everything, you may be able to elect more than one attorney – for example, you may wish to elect a colleague to take care of accounts and business decisions, but a family member to take care of property or assets.

    Following recent changes in the law, appointing an attorney is now significantly more complicated. We have created an information sheet, outlining all the necessary information required to make and implement your decision, however, we highly recommend contacting a trusted solicitor. Our team of professionals have years of experience and can assist you from the beginning to the end of the process, ensuring that your business is in safe hands.

    To speak to our probate team, contact us on 0161 624 6811 or send us a message through our contact form.
  • Are you ready for a ‘Company Health Check’?

    Are you ready for a ‘Company Health Check’?

    With the increased confidence in the economy and Government actions such as the new National Insurance Employment Allowance, designed to encourage business owners to take on more staff, many businesses will be considering new recruits this year. The means many will be reviewing their contracts of employment. Regulations and legislation surrounding business is constantly changing and it can sometimes be difficult to keep up, with many businesses operating “outside of the law” without even being aware they are. Which is why, if you are assessing your contracts this year, now would be a good time to invest in a ‘Company Health Check’.

    A ‘Company Health Check’ is a full review of company documents, employment contracts, disciplinary procedures, health and safety policy, terms and conditions of business, and financial documents. Our team of qualified solicitors will provide a comprehensive report so you know what you’re doing right, as well as what you need to correct to stay inside the law.

    Many changes to employment legislation have come into effect this April alone. Changes to pension policy, statutory payment increases, and rising penalties for employing illegal workers, along with multiple other changes, have made taking on employees a legal minefield. The required procedure to take on a worker now may not be the same as it was several years, or even months and so it’s important to ensure that all your procedures are carried out according to up-to-date legislation.

    As well as preventing difficult legal issues in the future, a Health Check can also help your business fulfil its full potential. Many documents and contracts which are mandatory by law are not just required to ensure your business is being run fairly, but can also ensure effective communication between employers and employees. Health Checks can also save you money, by assessing whether your financial documents are correct and up-to-date, and preventing steep legal costs if you are found to be performing business outside of current legislation.

    It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and preventing a problem is definitely preferable to spending a fortune on legal costs to fix it further down the line. Company Health Checks are a solid investment for any company or organisation, whether you run a small business or large corporation, and our team of Manchester business solicitors are able to offer you all the guidance you need.

    To learn more about the process and to speak to one of our specialists, please call us on 0161 785 3529 or send us a message through our contact page.

  • Oldham Solicitor you can trust

    When looking for an Oldham Solicitor you can trust we know you need a firm with a strong reputation and history. At Wrigley Claydon we have solid foundations that allows us to move with the times to help you through the legal process stress free.

    We’ve had a continuous presence as Oldham Solicitors since the practice was established in 1795 by Henry Barlow. It was 60 years later when our now namesake Henry Wrigley joined the firm. Today his great great great granddaughter is still a client!

    We celebrated our 200 year anniversary in 1995 having expanded our offices into the Todmorden area in 1980. This gives us flexibility to serve all our clients’ legal needs at both offices, at their home or place of business. Our Todmorden team is headed up by Godfrey Pickles, our very experienced Senior Partner.

    At Wrigley Claydon we recruit real people who are experts in their field and  care about their work.  Some of our staff  first experienced us during their work placements and we made such an impression they’ve never left.  Our team enjoys what we do and some of us sit on industry panels and boards.

    We’ve adapted to changing times and provide a service which recognises that solicitor’s clients demand not only efficiency and to be kept constantly informed but also friendly and approachable treatment.

    Wrigley Claydon try to combine all these attributes and, whilst using the very best of modern technology, remember that our clients are sensitive people, like us, often facing the most critical decisions of their private or business life.

    With this in mind it is the philosophy of the firm to offer a warm welcome and a sympathetic and understanding service, as well as good advice and efficiency.

    We also see it as our task not only to solve your problems but, wherever possible, to prevent them arising in the first place by providing sound and constructive advice on a regular basis, throughout your business or personal life.