MFG Solicitors has appointed family lawyer Alison Webber as a partner following a period of substantial growth in matrimonial matters at the firm.

Alison Webber is head of the family law division at the firm's Bromsgrove Office, which she joined two years ago, having practised as a qualified solicitor specialising in family law for over 25 years.

She has extensive experience across a wide spectrum of family law topics including divorce and separation, financial disputes and disputes between cohabitees.

She has a particular interest in dealing with financial issues following divorce including family businesses, multiple properties and pensions.

Alison is a long standing member of the Law Society's Family Law Panel and a part of the specialist team at MFG offering a tailored service to private clients.

Alison said "We have seen a satisfying growth in private family law at MFG from the Bromsgrove office since I came here."

"I am delighted to become a partner and I expect to continue playing a major role in an area of law where as a practice we have a major reputation."

Partner Jonathan Tougher, head of family law at MFG Solicitors, said: "Alison's experience in family law and excellence in dealing with clients has been fundamental to the continued expansion of our work from the Bromsgrove office."

MFG Solicitors is one of the leading law firms in the region for family law. Its team advises on all matrimonial matters including separation, divorce, pre-nuptual agreements, residence and contact arrangements for children and cohabitee disputes.

The family team works closely with other solicitors at the firm in conveyancing, tax, employment, agricultural and rural to provide family clients with a complete service.

A major regional law firm, MFG Solicitors LLP has offices in Halesowen, Telford, Worcester, Bromsgrove, Kidderminster, Wellington, Stourport-on-Severn, Newport, Cleobury Mortimer and Oswestry.

With the credit crunch on everyone’s lips Else Solicitors in Birmingham and Burton-on-Trent has launched a free credit health check for businesses.
Else client services manager Neil Jinks said: “When the economy becomes tight, it is essential that businesses monitor their cashflow and ensure that they are confident of the credit worthiness of their clients, both old and new.
“We are offering Midland businesses a free one hour consultation to help them identify areas of concern and provide pointers to areas where they could improve and thus increase cashflow and reduce the threat of bad debts.”
The health check is tailored to suit a businesses needs and may include a review of credit policy and procedures, advice on best practice in credit control and legal recovery, a review of dispute resolution procedures, training and development needs and is followed up with a free report on Else’s initial findings.
Neil Jinks said: “Credit management is vital to the health of your business and in identifying credit problems and debt solutions you can help reduce your debtor days and improve the cashflow which is the lifeblood of any business.”
Launched in 2003, Else Commercial Solicitors has a very strong foundation in credit management and debt recovery.
Arthur Hastilow, who heads up the firm’s debt recovery team, is a Fellow of the Institute of Credit Management and Neil Jinks is also a member of the Institute with 15 years management experience in the Industry.
The firm exhibited at the National icm08 Credit Management Convention held at Excel in London and launched its new “Pay up or Else!” beer which has been specially produced for Else Solicitors.
Neil Jinks said: “We wanted to promote ourselves through a product that identified us with our office in Burton-on-Trent, the home of many major breweries as Else acts for a number of breweries and pub companies.”
“Our debt recovery team includes our founder Partner Chris Else, Associate Simon Trees who is head of commercial litigation, Arthur Hastilow, Neil Jinks, and a number of debt recovery litigation executives.
“Nobody knows what 2008 holds for Midlands industry and businesses must address their credit and debt recovery issues if they are to survive and remain healthy. Our free credit health check is one step towards that process.”

With the credit crunch on everyone’s lips Else Solicitors in Birmingham and Burton-on-Trent has launched a free credit health check for businesses.
Else client services manager Neil Jinks said: “When the economy becomes tight, it is essential that businesses monitor their cashflow and ensure that they are confident of the credit worthiness of their clients, both old and new.
“We are offering Midland businesses a free one hour consultation to help them identify areas of concern and provide pointers to areas where they could improve and thus increase cashflow and reduce the threat of bad debts.”
The health check is tailored to suit a businesses needs and may include a review of credit policy and procedures, advice on best practice in credit control and legal recovery, a review of dispute resolution procedures, training and development needs and is followed up with a free report on Else’s initial findings.
Neil Jinks said: “Credit management is vital to the health of your business and in identifying credit problems and debt solutions you can help reduce your debtor days and improve the cashflow which is the lifeblood of any business.”
Launched in 2003, Else Commercial Solicitors has a very strong foundation in credit management and debt recovery.
Arthur Hastilow, who heads up the firm’s debt recovery team, is a Fellow of the Institute of Credit Management and Neil Jinks is also a member of the Institute with 15 years management experience in the Industry.
The firm exhibited at the National icm08 Credit Management Convention held at Excel in London and launched its new “Pay up or Else!” beer which has been specially produced for Else Solicitors.
Neil Jinks said: “We wanted to promote ourselves through a product that identified us with our office in Burton-on-Trent, the home of many major breweries as Else acts for a number of breweries and pub companies.”
“Our debt recovery team includes our founder Partner Chris Else, Associate Simon Trees who is head of commercial litigation, Arthur Hastilow, Neil Jinks, and a number of debt recovery litigation executives.
“Nobody knows what 2008 holds for Midlands industry and businesses must address their credit and debt recovery issues if they are to survive and remain healthy. Our free credit health check is one step towards that process.”

Press Release from DLA Piper LLP



Employers who carry out random drug and alcohol testing at work could be leaving themselves open to a range of legal challenges, a leading employment lawyer has warned.

Nick Jew, partner and head of employment law at DLA Piper in Birmingham, said: “Drug and alcohol testing at work is becoming more common as employers realise the impact that substance abuse can have on a company’s performance. However, there are serious issues of privacy and human rights to be considered.”

NHS figures show that one in three men and one in five women drinks over the recommended limits, while nearly a third of workers under 30 have taken drugs in the past 12 months.

To address the impact this can have at work, 22 per cent of UK employers test employees for drug and alcohol use, either randomly or when hiring new recruits, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Mr Jew warned: “The extent to which employers can require employees to undertake random drug or alcohol testing is limited, even where there is a right to test the employee in their contract of employment.

“An unreasonable request to undertake a test will result in a breach of the implied duty of mutual trust and confidence. This could lead to an employee successfully claiming unfair constructive dismissal.

“Obtaining samples without consent could, in addition, constitute the criminal offences of assault or battery. In the absence of factors indicating that the employee is using, or is affected by, alcohol or drugs at work the employer will have to ensure it can justify any testing.”

He is advising companies to adopt clear drug and alcohol policies that explain who is covered and whether a particular group such as employees carrying out safety-critical work is subject to tighter restrictions.

The policy should clearly set out the rules around alcohol and drug use, including definitions of what constitutes misuse and the disciplinary action which may be taken. It should also set out an overview of any testing process, including an explanation of why tests are carried out, who administers them and what happens if a test proves positive.

Mr Jew added that even if an employee tested positive, a company could find itself in trouble if it summarily dismissed the member of staff.

“Employers should always ensure they follow the statutory disciplinary procedures, together with any of their own policies and procedures, before making a decision to dismiss. Failure to do so will result in the dismissal being automatically unfair.

“Employers should be careful not to pre-judge the situation and should allow the employee to state their case.

“The employee may claim to be suffering from an addiction, in which case employers would be prudent to treat the employee as if they are suffering from an illness, taking reasonable steps to determine the chances of recovery, allowing a reasonable period of time for recovery and considering whether it is appropriate to assist treatment, for example by contributing towards the cost of counselling.”

Finally, he said that although alcohol and drug addictions per se are specifically excluded from the Disability Discrimination Act, an employee who suffers ill-health such as depression as a result of addiction may well be deemed to have a disability for the purposes of the DDA.

“The test is whether the ill-health constitutes a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on the employee's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.”



Ends (575 words)



For further information, please contact:

Nicholas Jew, Partner and Head of Employment Law,

DLA Piper LLP, Victoria Square House, Victoria Square, Birmingham B2 4DL

08700 111 111



Prepared and issued by Chris Burton of ASAP, 01527 892004. Mobile, 07929 917886



Notes to Editors



DLA Piper is a global legal services organisation with offices across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the US. Over 3,400 lawyers across 64 offices and 25 countries provide a broad range of legal services to businesses that operate on a local, regional and global level. DLA Piper is relationship driven and committed to meeting the ongoing legal needs of its clients.

For further information about our organisation and services, please visit our website: www.dlapiper.com

Press Release from MFG Solicitors


A top West Midlands employment lawyer this week warned workers who regard themselves as self-employed to seek legal advice for the new tax year - following the introduction next week of stringent regulations from the Inland Revenue on the definitions of employment status.



Sally Morris, a partner and head of employment law at law firm MFG Solicitors, welcomes the Income Tax PAYE Regulations 2008 which come into force from Sunday, April 6, but still holds concerns over this complex area for commercial clients.



The regulations were drafted in response to the High Court decision in Demibourne Ltd v Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs - and also to the widespread conception that the current regime allowed the Inland Revenue to make a double recovery of tax.



Ms Morris said: “Currently, where an employee is considered to be self-employed by the employer, the employer does not deduct PAYE and national insurance contributions from payments made.



“The self-employed party is liable to settle his or her own income tax and Class 2 and 4 national insurance contributions on gross income.



“An area of great legal debate has always been centred on the issue of whether a worker is employed - or a genuine self employed contractor providing services.



“In the event of the Inland Revenue assessing the position of the self-employed party to be incorrect - deeming the individual an employee - the employer has been liable for the unpaid PAYE and national insurance contributions.



“No credit has been given to the employer for any tax already paid on the gross income by the employee, hence the double tax charge.



“The purpose of the new legislation is to iron out these inequalities.



Ms Morris said that the issue over employment status had been confined to case law in the absence of any strict statutory guidance.



Many different approaches or “tests” to ascertain what defined an employee had been adopted.



“At present assessment of employment status is based upon the reality of the employment relationship rather than a mere label.”



She said examples included the degree of control and direction exercised over the worker and the mutuality of obligation on the parties to provide and accept work accordingly.



“This is also a subject that has received much attention from the Inland Revenue, given the significant tax implications of the employment status.



“After April 6, 2008, the company will still receive no credit for the tax suffered by the employee on declared gross earnings, but by shifting the liability to the employee the double tax charge will be removed.



“The employee will be allowed credit for the tax already suffered and will only be liable for the difference due.



“While neither the company nor the employee will suffer any detrimental effect than had the individual been treated as an employee all the time, the new regime will largely benefit employers.”



She warned: “It could result in individuals facing with a self-employed/employee dispute facing a liability that they had not expected and may not be able to meet.”



A major regional law firm, MFG Solicitors LLP has offices in Halesowen, Telford, Worcester, Bromsgrove, Kidderminster, Wellington, Stourport-on-Severn, Bewdley, Cleobury Mortimer and Oswestry.



Ends (502 words)



For further information please contact:



Sally Morris, Partner, Head of Employment Law,

MFG Solicitors, 5 Centre Court, Vine Lane, Halesowen, West Midlands B63 3EB 0121 550 0777



Notes to Editors



A major regional law firm, MFG Solicitors LLP has offices in Halesowen, Telford, Worcester, Bromsgrove, Kidderminster, Wellington, Stourport-on-Severn, Bewdley, Cleobury Mortimer and Oswestry.



Produced and issued by Dale le Vack of ASAP PR Ltd, 01527 892004 or 07972 506170

Press Release from Else Solicitors



A leading national family lawyer based in Birmingham said last night that wealthy fathers had grounds to fear the scale of future awards to children in divorce cases - following the decision in the McCartney-Mills High Court case.



Michael Vale, a partner at Else Solicitors specialising in family law, said the High Court award to four-year-old Beatrice McCartney of £35,000 a year, plus the cost of a nanny and school fees, would amount to a huge sum payable until the end of her tertiary education.



He said: “Mr Justice Bennett's estimated Mr McCartney’s assets to be worth about £400 million but other wealthy fathers, perhaps with assets a quarter of that size, can now expect to face settlements in the region of this one.”



He added that he considered the settlement to be a landmark one, and in his view a just judgement.



“It should however be seen as a warning to wealthy fathers – both married and otherwise – that if they have children then costs in cases such as this are going to be extremely high for each child.”



It was a highly significant aspect of the McCartney-Mill divorce case said Mr Vale.



The full ruling was published a day after Ms Mills was awarded £24.3m. The judge awarded her a lump sum of £16.5m and assets of £7.8m.



Following the ruling, Ms Mills will receive £14m for herself and £2.5m to buy a house in London. The settlement equated to £17,000 for every day of the couple's marriage.



Ms Mills, who wanted the judgement kept secret, said she thought it was "outrageous".



The judge determined the final figure after the couple failed to reach an agreement in court last month.



Ms Mills was not in court to hear two Court of Appeal judges rule that divorce hearing judge Mr Justice Bennett's decision to publish his entire ruling could not be challenged.



Ms Mills had sought £125m. Sir Paul, 65, and Ms Mills, 40, got married in 2002, but they split four years later, blaming media intrusion into their private lives.



Ends (340 words)



For further information, please contact:



Michael Vale, Partner,

Else Commercial Solicitors, Aspect Court, 4 Temple Row, Birmingham B2 5HG



Prepared and issued by Dale le Vack of ASAP - 01527 892004, mobile - 07972506170



Notes to Editors:



With offices in the centre of Birmingham and Burton-on-Trent, Else Solicitors is a commercial law firm set up by Chris Else in November 2003. He is brings to the practice more than 22 years of experience as a commercial litigation lawyer. The firm employs lawyers that have been recruited from leading law firms with the objective of bringing together a team of experienced advisers in commercial and family law providing advice at competitive rates for the benefit of UK based businesses.

Press Release from Lodders Solicitors



A leading Warwickshire employment law specialist has given a qualified welcome to a Court of Appeal decision that expired disciplinary warnings may still be taken into account when deciding whether to dismiss an employee.



Michael Wakeling, a partner at Stratford-upon-Avon based Lodders, and a member of the firm’s Business Dispute Resolution Department, referred this week to the outcome of a Court of Appeal case, Airbus v Webb.



In July 2004 Mr Webb had been summarily dismissed for washing his car when he should have been working. On appeal, a lesser sanction, a final written warning, was imposed which would remain on his file for 12 months.



In September 2005, about a month after the warning expired, he was caught watching TV during company time with some colleagues and was dismissed.



His colleagues - who had not had previous final warnings - were not dismissed.



Mr Webb claimed unfair dismissal at a subsequent tribunal and his appeal was upheld.



The Tribunal held that Airbus’s treatment of the other workers showed that it would not have dismissed Mr Webb had it not been for the expired warning.



The Employment Appeal Tribunal concluded that it could not overturn the tribunal’s decision.



It held that it was legitimate for Mr Webb to assume that the warning would not be taken into account once it had expired – and that the tribunal was not just entitled, but actively obliged, to disregard expired warnings for all purposes.



The EAT did acknowledge that if employers were not going to be allowed to take into account the expired warnings in any circumstances, they should at least be given some flexibility over the length of time the warnings could last.



Mr Wakeling said: “It did not go so far as to say that employers could issue indefinite warnings, but it did say that in certain circumstances it might be appropriate to issue them for a longer period than would normally be the case.



He added: “This was a frustrating decision for employers because it flew in the face of both common sense and good industrial relations.



“It meant that if a warning included a time limit – which in line with established good practice most do – then once it has expired it could no longer be relied on, even if the employee committed a similar offence only weeks after the warning had expired.”



Airbus took the case to the Court of Appeal which overturned the EAT verdict. It held the dismissal was fair.



Lord Justice Mummery said that reliance upon an expired warning was a relevant factor in deciding whether the employer had acted reasonably.



In some circumstances it might mean any subsequent dismissal was unfair - but did not inevitably mean that it was unfair.



Mr Justice Richards added that employers should not now expect to be able to rely on expired disciplinary warnings as a matter of course - it was the exception rather than the rule.



Mr Wakeling said: “This decision from the Court of Appeal does give some clarification to employers on the issue of expired disciplinary warnings.”



He added: “I would warn them strongly, however, to seek legal advice in this complex area before precipitating dismissal procedures against an employee.



“Furthermore they need to ensure their policies and procedures give them flexibility on the issue of final warnings to employees.”



Ends (553 words)



For more information contact:

Michael Wakeling, Partner,

Business Dispute Resolution Department, Lodders, Number Ten, Elm Court, Arden Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6PA

01789 293259



Prepared and issued by Dale le Vack, of ASAP - 01527 894582, mobile – 07972506170



Notes to Editors:



Lodders Solicitors LLP is an established firm of solicitors based in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. We offer specialist advice to individuals and businesses. Private client work has formed the core of our business for 150 years and remains the common thread of our other main areas of work: property, business and agriculture. We aim to combine technical ingenuity and thoughtful advice with a pragmatic approach to problem solving.

Press Release from Lodders Solicitors LLP



Lodders gives farmers a head start with Euro briefing



Agricultural law specialists Lodders will be able to show farming clients the bigger picture when solicitor Helen Gough returns from a top European conference.



She is due to fly out to Caserta in Italy to attend the 24th European Congress for Agricultural Law from Tuesday, September 25, to Saturday, September 29.



The conference is staged by the Comite Europeen de Droit Rural (CEDR) which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.



Helen Gough said: “The biennial congresses of CEDR provide an opportunity to find out what is going on outside your own back yard – this year, I believe a delegation from China has expressed an interest in attending.



“The programme is divided into three Commissions. The first will discuss the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), its relation to the World Trade Organisation and ‘regional equilibrium’; the second looks at jurisdiction and Alternative Dispute Resolution in agriculture; and the third examines the way the SPS has been applied by national governments and courts.



“My attendance at this conference will give Lodders a real head start for the discussions which will be held at next year's review of the CAP. Although it is unlikely that anything will change before 2013, the review will be crucial in determining the future of the CAP beyond 2013 and will have a major impact on all of our agricultural clients.



“Advance warning of what is going to be proposed will give Lodders a great advantage when it comes to advising our clients.”



This year celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Comité Européen de Droit Rural (the European Council for Rural Law) and, co-incidentally, the 50th Anniversary of the CAP.



CEDR comprises agricultural law associations from across Europe, not just in the EU, and also individual members from outside. Through the UK member organisation, the Agricultural Law Association, all ALA Members are entitled to the benefits of membership of CEDR.



Ends (312 words)



For further information, please contact:



Helen Gough, Solicitor,

Lodders Solicitors LLP, Number Ten, Elm Court, Arden Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6PA



01789 293259



Prepared and issued by Andy Skinner of ASAP PR, 01527 892004, or mobile 07990 978257.



Notes to Editors:



Lodders Solicitors LLP is an established firm of solicitors based in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. We offer specialist advice to individuals and businesses. Private Client work has formed the core of our business for 150 years and remains the common thread of our other main areas of work: property, business and agriculture. We aim to combine technical ingenuity and thoughtful advice with a pragmatic approach to problem solving.

The value of the ‘special contribution’ in generating the wealth being contested in divorce cases such as the widely reported Charman v Charman appeal is where the battlelines are being drawn in trying to agree high value settlements, according to a matrimonial law expert at MFG Solicitors.

Partner Karen Reynolds said that the case served as a reminder that it was extremely difficult to establish “special contribution” which in the case of the Charman couple was made over nearly 28 years before divorce proceedings began in 2004.

“Charman v Charman put a number of key issues under the spotlight but none of them resulted in the desired outcome for the principal wealth generator in the marriage,” she said.

At £48 million the Court of Appeal upheld what is the largest award after contested proceedings in England and Wales.

Neither had any capital assets at the start of their marriage but by the end had amassed a fortune, assessed by the court at £131 million. In addition, the husband had set up a trust for the children worth £30 million that was not part of the dispute.

For a large part of the marriage the wife had been the homemaker. In contrast, the husband, having started out as a junior clerk in the underwriting business at Lloyds had established a very lucrative and successful career in high risk insurance and his talents in this specialised area had generated the enormous wealth.

Karen Reynolds said: “While, in divorce, the court retains a broad range of discretion in dealing with financial issues, following the landmark House of Lords decision in White v White ‘the yardstick of equality’ is likely to be applied in big money cases to assets created during the course of a long marriage.

“In this particular case the wife had conceded at the original hearing in the High Court that the husband’s special contribution in generating the wealth should allow him to have slightly more than 50 per cent of the assets.

“The main issues for the courts to decide were; what assets were to be included as matrimonial assets and how they should be divided taking into account the husband’s special contribution.”

On appeal the husband had argued that the original Judge had been wrong to include as part of the assets approximately £71 million of assets in a trust he had set up for himself and future generations. The Court of Appeal rejected the argument and concluded, on the facts, the husband could call upon those assets.

Ms Reynolds commented: “This ruling is likely to be of concern to others who have set up trust funds that could be vulnerable to attack upon divorce.”
The Court of Appeal also rejected the husband’s argument that the original Judge, in awarding the wife 36.5 per cent, had given too little credit to him and his “special contribution” in generating the wealth.

“This case does serve as a reminder that in long marriages it is extremely difficult to establish ‘special contribution’. The Court of Appeal went on to give some guidance on future cases stating that an allowance for special contribution, in long marriages, is ‘unlikely to give rise to percentages of division of matrimonial property further from equality than 66.6-33.3 per cent,” said Ms Reynolds.

The husband had also endeavoured to persuade the original High Court Judge to transfer the proceedings to be heard in Bermuda, where he resided, but Judge Coleridge had firmly rejected that application concluding the “case is as English as Tunbridge Wells”.

The husband has indicated his intention to appeal to the House of Lords.

Bespoke fashion for the discerning shopper has come to Chipping Campden with the opening of a new boutique – The Dresser.

The Dresser’s co-owners, sisters Tricia Lewis and Elaine Harley, promise their customers an almost exclusive look at their new clothes shop at Cambrook Court in High Street.

“Because we only stock three or four of the same items within any range, there is less chance of someone bumping into someone else wearing the same outfit,” said Mrs Lewis.

“We specialise in helping ladies choose an entire wardrobe, matching outfits from some very exclusive designers from the Midlands and London.”

They owned and ran a shop by the same name in Stratford for 16 years until deciding on the move out to the Cotswolds town, after finding their premises in Red Lion Court no loner suitable.

Hence the move to Chipping Campden where they are renting two units on the redeveloped site owned by Cutts Garage.

Steven Baker, a commercial property lawyer at Lodders Solicitors, in Stratford, acted for the sisters in the move.

He said: “It is great to see small businesses of this nature moving into new developments. They became the first tenants in Cambrook Court in what is going to be a very exclusive development.

“Retail outfits like this are just the sort of business that should thrive in a town like Chipping Campden.”

Mrs Harley added: “There was a lot of change in Stratford and it was becoming very expensive so we were delighted to be able to move to Chipping Campden. There are other shops about to move into the site, including a homewear shop and a babywear and gifts boutique which are just the sort of neighbours we want to have.”

The clothes of Cheltenham-based Marian Foale hang alongside those of London designer Margaret Howell, Mr & Ms MacLeod and Anya Hindmarch.

Prices start at about £45 for T-shirts – “and they are very nice T-shirts,” says Tricia. There are also small and exclusive lines in evening wear.

No good boutique can do without accessories to complete the look and The Dresser focus on exclusive yet relatively inexpensive jewellery from designers such as Angie Gooderham with prices ranging from £10 to £100.

“We are not very, very dressy,” explained the girls. “We provide a very personal service for our customers and get to know their likes and dislikes.We remember previous purchases and get them to work with new pieces

“Our clothes are not faddy fashion items that last for just one season they are beautifully made, timeless pieces.

“Our customers buy a few fabulous items each season and build up a wardrobe of garments that they love and wear for years.

“We don't do really dressy our clothes can be dressed up or down and worn at any time, women should feel good in their clothes on a daily basis not just when they go out for an evening.

“We get people from all over the country coming back to shop with us because they know we can advise them on what is in or out during the season.

“Locally people keep coming back to us because we probably know their friends and will be able to tell them who’s wearing what so they shouldn’t duplicate their outfits.”

(Pictured above) Tricia Lewis and Elaine Harley with Steven Baker, of lodders Solicitors, at The Dresser in Chipping Campden.

The agricultural and rural affairs division of MFG Solicitors is putting something back into the countryside by supporting a series of Midlands point-to-point meetings across the region.

Point-to-point, the amateur version of National Hunt steeplechasing, is becoming increasingly popular with crowds rising every year.

MFG Solicitors sponsored the final jump at Croome & West Warwickshire Point-to-Point at Upton-on-Severn at the Bank Holiday meet on Tuesday, April 10, having provided further sponsorship support at the South Shropshire meeting on Monday, April 9. The firm is also supporting the North Shropshire event at Eyton-upon-Severn and the North Ledbury meet at Maisemore, both on Monday, May 7.

Partner Iain Morrison, head of agriculture and rural affairs at MFG Solicitors, said: “Through our clients and staff we know how popular point-to-point meetings are throughout the area covered by our ten offices across Shropshire, Worcestershire and the wider Midlands region.

“We were keen both to promote MFG Solicitors agricultural and rural affairs expertise to a wider audience and point-to-point meetings are where the country and landowners in general meet to enjoy a day in the fresh air and some exciting racing.”

MFG Solicitors has one of the country’s most respected agricultural and rural affairs teams. Senior partner Jim Quinn has more than 30 years’ experience and is acknowledged as one of the leading agricultural solicitors in the UK, particularly on the Antrobus case and its implications for owners of rural property. He advises the Chapter of Lichfield Cathedral and the Shugborough Estate of the late Lord Patrick Lichfield among many long standing clients.

The 2006 Chambers Guide records that Jim Quinn is regarded as a “great thinker and strategist”, partner Iain Morrison “knows his farm business tenancies” and is knowledgeable on landed estate and property matters, while partner Alan Neal is an “excellent agricultural tax lawyer” and has worked extensively with Jim Quinn on the Antrobus case.

Since its merger with Shropshire law firm Gwynnes, the practice now works for an increasing number of the Midlands’ leading landed estates and is negotiating option agreement for a large wind farm proposal in the Midlands.

Pictured above - Land agent Barry Meade, MFG Solicitors partner Iain Morrison and agricultural lawyer Jon Clifford assess the form at the Croome & West Warwickshire point-to-point meeting at Upton-on-Severn.

People caring for relatives who are unable to look after their personal affairs have been warned to make sure they have put legal protection in place before the end of March this year.

Sarah Whiteside of Warwickshire law firm Lodders said that the Government has postponed the implementation of the main parts of the Mental Capacity Act and it will now not come into force until October 1, 2007.

"As of April 1, you will no longer be able to set up an Enduring Power of Attorney, but because of the postponement of the new legislation, the Lasting Power of Attorney which replaces it will not now be brought into force until October," she said.

"This means that the law relating to this area will effectively be in limbo for six months. This is because no Code of Practice has yet been issued for approval by Parliament including the Lasting Power of Attorney Forms.

"Therefore it is important that if someone wants to appoint a lawyer or other specifically appointed person to look after their legal and financial affairs on their behalf, then we strongly recommend that they make an Enduring Power of Attorney before the deadline of April 1 this year."

Lodders, a leading regional authority on private client matters, is one of the few firms to have a separate community care department with solicitors and legal executives who are members of Solicitors for the Elderly, a national organisation that specialises in legal advice for the elderly.

Sarah Whiteside, Sofia Tayton on 01789 293259 and Emma Vaqueiro on 01564 792261 are able to give specialist advice in this area.

Ends (270 words)

For further information, please contact:

Sarah Whiteside,

Lodders, Number Ten, Elm Court, Arden Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6PA

01789 293259

Prepared and issued by Andy Skinner of ASAP - 01527 892004, mobile - 07990 978257.

Notes to Editors:

Lodders is an established firm of solicitors based in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. We offer specialist advice to individuals and businesses. Private Client work has formed the core of our business for 150 years and remains the common thread of our other main areas of work: property, business and agriculture. We aim to combine technical ingenuity and thoughtful advice with a pragmatic approach to problem solving.

Press Release from Begbies Traynor

Lawyer Harris joins Begbies Traynor

Corporate recovery specialists Begbies Traynor have recruited well known insolvency lawyer Paul Harris to help build the firm’s liquidation practice.
Paul Harris joins Begbies Traynor’s Birmingham office after a high profile legal and business career.
He spent a number of years at law firm Irwin Mitchell in its Midlands office and then set his own mentoring and online training company working closely with R3, the Association of Business Recovery Professionals.
He said: “Having worked on the legal side of insolvency, I relish the opportunity to take a more hands-on approach. Begbies Traynor are renowned as one of the UK’s leading corporate recovery specialists and they have a very strong reputation in the marketplace.
“I have admired what John Kelly and James Martin have been doing in building the Birmingham office of Begbies Traynor and when the opportunity came to join them, I was very pleased to take up their offer.
John Kelly, Begbies Traynor’s office managing partner in Birmingham, said: “Paul brings a lot to our business in the Midlands, not only his experience as a lawyer but also his entrepreneurial flair gives him true insight. Appointments of this calibre demonstrate our ongoing commitment to bringing valued expertise to our clients.
“We will continue to recruit major names such as Paul in Birmingham as we grow our practice in the Midlands in the coming years and hope to make further announcements in the near future.”
Ends (235 words)

For further information, please contact
John Kelly,
Office Managing Partner, Begbies Traynor, 4th Floor, Newater House, 11 Newhall Street, Birmingham, B3 3NY
0121 200 8150
www.begbies-traynor.com

Prepared and issued by Andy Skinner of ASAP, 01527 892004. Mobile, 07990
978257.

Press Release from MFG Solicitors

New board, new format

MFG Solicitors has elected a new board, the first since the firm took limited liability partnership (LLP) status.
Maynard Burton now becomes chairman of the LLP with Peter Copsey as vice chairman.
Alan Neal is appointed managing director and continues his role as financial director of the firm. Richard Connolly continues with the human resources role with Paul Rhodes taking on quality together with communications. Suzanne Lee is appointed property and projects partner.
Partner Iain Morrison, who is based in the firm’s Worcester office, joins the board and will be responsible for marketing.
MFG Solicitors is now one of the region’s largest law firms outside of Birmingham with 28 partners and 220 staff. In the last two years it has merged with Shropshire firm Gwynnes and niche commercial property practice Simon Bishop & Co in Droitwich.
It has offices in Halesowen, Telford, Worcester, Bromsgrove, Kidderminster, Wellington, Stourport-on-Severn, Newport, Bewdley, Cleobury Mortimer and Oswestry.
Chairman Maynard Burton said: “The changes reflect our new LLP status and the responsibilities it brings.
“We are delighted to welcome Iain Morrison on to the board and his election reflects the work he has done in building up the agriculture and rural affairs division within the firm.
“The new board reflects our commitment to growth and the development of quality legal services to our clients.”

Ends

For further information, please contact:

Iain Morrison, Marketing Partner,
MFG Solicitors, MFG Solicitors, 20-21 The Tything, Worcester, WR1 1HD

01905 610410
A major regional law firm, MFG Solicitors LLP has offices in Halesowen, Telford, Worcester, Bromsgrove, Kidderminster, Wellington, Stourport-on-Severn, Newport, Bewdley, Cleobury Mortimer and Oswestry.

Prepared and issued by Andy Skinner of ASAP – 01527 892004, mobile – 07990 978257.

Press Release from DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary LLP

DLA Piper advises HSBC Bank plc on Islamic financing for the management buyout of Amtech Power Software Ltd

Lawyers in the Birmingham office of DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary have advised HSBC Bank plc on its provision of £6.8 million funding for the acquisition of Amtech Power Software Ltd by Amtech Holdings Ltd.
Private equity funding was provided by HSBC Investment Holdings plc in a deal worth a total of around £15 million. All debt and equity was provided on an Islamic law compliant basis.
HSBC Bank plc is an existing client of DLA Piper
The DLA Piper team was led by banking partner Stephen Bottley, who was assisted by Maurice Blumenthal, Ali Akbar, Robert Sloan and John Pryor.
Stephen Bottley said: "This was a particularly interesting transaction because it was the first deal of its type in the UK to be structured in order to comply with Islamic law and involved working closely with HSBC Amanah.
“Being the first deal of its type, there were no precedents, so this involved a good deal of creative drafting to ensure that the debt, equity and security documents were compliant with Islamic Law principles.
“All parties were committed to providing a workable, flexible commercial model which would allow for the continued successful trading of the Amtech Group in a way which would not conflict with Islamic Law.
“We are delighted to have been able to complete this deal successfully with HSBC for whom we have acted for a number of years as a panel firm, and we are particularly excited about the opportunities that are opening up for the Islamic financing sector."
Other advisers involved in the transaction include Kroll Corporate Finance, Sherrards Solicitors (acting for management) and Eversheds who acted for HSBC Investments Holdings plc.

Ends (276 words)

For further information, please contact:
Stephen Bottley, Partner
DLA Piper Gray Cary UK LLP
08700 111 111

Prepared and issued by Andy Skinner of ASAP, 01527 892004. Mobile, 07990 978257

Press Release from Lodders

Warwickshire law firm Lodders is taking the “high road” to success with its growing reputation for expertise in the niche area of highway law.
Lodders partner Richard Ollis, who heads up the Stratford-based firm’s property development and investment team, said that Michael Orlik, one of its members, “has become one of only a handful of recognised experts in the country in this highly specialised area of the law”.
Michael is supported by Maggie Smith and Kieron Faller in this niche practice area, advising clients in both the public and private sector.
Michael, who was admitted as a solicitor in 1970, entered private practice in 1990, fresh from his position as Chief Executive of Surrey Heath Borough Council, to concentrate on planning, highways, compulsory purchase and compensation work - areas in which he has built up a significant practice and reputation over the years.
But it is highways and public and private footpaths which have captured his greatest interest. His book, “An Introduction to Highway Law”, first published in 1993 by Shaw & Sons, is now in its second edition and takes into account the effects of recent legislation, including the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
Michael and his team are experiencing a growing demand for their services in this specialist area, particularly from national and local house builders who need help with problems of access, ransom strips, land in unknown ownership and claims of footpaths and village greens on their land, all of which can greatly hinder development.
Richard Ollis said: “Although highways and footpaths can hardly be described as a ‘sexy’ area of legal practice, it is amazing how often house builders and other developers, both large and small, can run into potentially hugely expensive problems and arrive at Michael’s door seeking his help - and how often he is able to provide a solution.
“Michael and his team together possess a rare combination of practical experience, technical skill and historic knowledge enabling them to devise simple solutions to seemingly insoluble problems. Sometimes with huge savings to the client.”
Last year they were successful, on behalf of the Home Builders Federation, in securing an order from the High Court to strike out what was threatening to become a standard provision in adoption agreements, seeking to require house builders to contribute to the cost of future maintenance of newly constructed roads even after they had become adopted.
Michael contributes the monthly law column of the Surveyor Magazine and articles for the Rights of Way Law Review. He frequently provides seminars for professionals and clients, both in- house and externally. He was the first chairman of the Warwickshire Local Access Forum from 2003-2006.

Ends (445 words)

For further information, please contact:

Michael Orlik
Lodders, Number Ten, Elm Court, Arden Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6PA
Email: michael.orlik@lodders.co.uk
Tel: 01789 293259

Prepared and issued by Andy Skinner of ASAP - 01527 892004, mobile - 07990 978257.

Notes to Editors:
With offices in Stratford upon Avon, Henley in Arden and Shipston on Stour, Lodders is one of the leading practices in the Warwickshire. Founded more than 150 years ago, Lodders has remained a family business while growing in size and reputation.
From its beginnings in Henley in Arden, Lodders has been committed to the local community advising both private and corporate clients. In 2001, Lodders moved to larger premises in Stratford upon Avon, to accommodate growth and better serve clients. The firm also occupies new purpose-built offices in Shipston on Stour and refurbished premises in Henley in Arden.
Lodders continues to provide quality service to its clients. Recently the firm has been formally recognised by Chambers and Partners Directory of the Legal Profession as one of the top ten practices specialising in trusts and tax, private client and agricultural matters.

MFG Solicitors opens dedicated business law centre to serve Shropshire

MFG Solicitors, the merged law firm incorporating Gwynnes and Morton Fisher, has opened a dedicated business law centre at its new offices in Telford.
The firm has opened new offices in Padmore House, Hall Court, Hall Park Way, Telford
Headed up by MFG partner Michael Payne, head of the firm’s business division, it will complement the firm’s existing Commercial Law Centre in Halesowen and offer business legal services to companies across Shropshire through the firm’s offices in Telford, Wellington and Newport.
The new centre was formally opened by John Clayton, president of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce & Enterprise, who praised MFG for the decision to open a dedicated commercial law centre for Shropshire.
“The Chamber provides a focus for business and exists to encourage economic prosperity. This is a good time for MFG to be opening its new centre as we are an area of 170,000 people but with 165 international companies on our doorstep,” he said.
“We are actually on the cusp of another phase of the Single Regeneration Budget which the council is promoting and the ambition is there to make Telford part of the planned enlarged City Region.
“English Partnerships has land in the pot for those looking to come to Telford and we need to continue to attract inward investment through our partnerships involving the chamber, local authority and the business community.
“These are all good signs for the next ten to 12 years, and I believe we can move up to another level in Telford.
“But we must make Telford an attractive place for investment and this is where the commitment of firms like MFG Solicitors to Telford is so vital.
“Businesses coming here rightly expect to be able to access the best advice and there should be no need to go to London, far less Birmingham, for the best advice.”
MFG managing partner Maynard Burton said the opening of the Telford Commercial Law Centre was another important step in the MFG Solicitors’ plans to grow into a major regional law firm.
He said: “Through our new dedicated Telford facility, businesses can access advice on all aspects of company and commercial law, employment law, commercial litigation, corporate tax services, VAT consultancy, licensing services, debt collection and agricultural and rural affairs.”

Ends (375 words)

For further information, please contact:
Maynard Burton,
Managing Partner, MFG Solicitors LLP, Carlton House, Worcester Street, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 1BA

01562 820181

Internet calls firm Citel to float

Citel plc, a UK company whose headquarters are in Seattle, USA, is aiming to raise £10 million in a flotation on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) advised by the Birmingham office of global law firm DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary.
The company, based in the UK at Edwalton, Nottingham, provides voice over internet protocol (VOIP) services which allow ordinary phones to make cheap phone calls through broadband internet connections.
This service normally required specially designed phones but Citel has produced technology that lets digital phones built for ordinary lines link up to the VOIP services.
Citel has been advised by DLA Piper partner Charles Cook and lawyer Nikk Bond. A key factor in DLA Piper winning the business was its ability to advise both in the UK and the US.
Charles Cook said: “The market for VOIP services in the US in 2004 was estimated to be worth around US $1.2 billion and is expected to grow to US $23.4 billion by 2009, a compound annual growth rate of 79 per cent.
“Now UK business will be able to tap into the cost savings provided by Citel.”
The technology was developed at Citel’s Edwalton Centre where it has a team of 22 hardware and software engineers.
Citel chief executive officer Michael Robinson said it would offer big businesses a quick and cost-effective route into VOIP services.
“The cost savings with VOIP telephony can be considerable, with lower phone bills and simplified administration, and it also brings new features that integrate your mobile and fixed line numbers and allow you to quick dial from your PC.”
In the past, businesses wanting to access the service had to replace their PBX exchange box with a device that allows the existing telephone network to transfer on to VOIP.
Citel has been advised by brokers Panmure Gordon and is being backed by a range of venture capital funders including Doughty Hanson, the investment firm in which Nottingham Forest chairman Nigel Doughty is a partner.
Citel has already signed a contract with Sprint Nextel Corporation, the third largest telecommunications carrier in the US which will involve Sprint offering Citel’s Handset Gateway product to end users as part of its VOIP service, and the company expects to enter into further supply contracts with a number of major telecom carriers as these carrier continue to roll out their hosted VOIP services.
Citel’s products are already in use by a number of blue chip customers including United Airlines, American Express, Deloitte and TD Waterhosue, Wachovia and Metlife.
Turnover to the year end of March 31, 2006, was £4.02 million, up 265 per cent on the previous year.

Ends

For further information, please contact:

Charles Cook, Partner,

DLA Piper Gray Cary UK LLP
08700 111 111

Prepared and issued by Andy Skinner of ASAP, 01527 892004. Mobile, 07990 978257.

Press Release from DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary LLP

DLA Piper advises Czech Ministry of Defence on record military deal

The Birmingham and Prague offices of DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary have advised Czech Minister of Defence Karel Kuhnl on the largest tender for military material in Czech history.
The cross-border team was lead by commercial & projects partner Rosemary Bointon in Birmingham and corporate partner Jörg Nürnberger in Prague.
They were assisted in Birmingham by commercial & projects associate Frank Patalong and associate Steven Norris, who advised on procurement issues, and associates Lucie Brejskova, project & finance, and Petr Kalis, corporate, in Prague.
The contract was signed at the Czech Ministry of Defence(MOD). Under the terms of the agreement, the Czech MOD will purchase 199 armed personal carriers from Austrian Steyr Daimler Puch for CZK 23.6bn (€ 821m) and will hold an option for an additional 35 vehicles. The first vehicles will be delivered in late 2007.
DLA Piper's contribution was acknowledged by Radek Vidim, chairman of the Defence committee of the Czech parliament.
Rosemary Bointon said: “The DLA Piper team had significant experience in military procurement, which was key to the deal.
“We advised on various aspects of tender regulations, both on a local and European level, as well as during court hearings. The political context and the volume of the deal meant our team faced additional requirements in completing the deal.”
She also underlined the successful cooperation with the experts of PricewaterhouseCoopers, the technical and economic advisors to MOD, as being crucial in helping bring the project to completion.
Ends (242 words)

For further information, please contact:

Rosemary Bointon, Partner

DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary UK LLP
08700 111 111

Prepared and issued by Andy Skinner of ASAP, 01527892004. Mobile, 07990 978257

Press Release from DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary LLP



Business leaders all set to take away Chinese briefing

The Birmingham office of global law firm last night (Wednesday, May 31) hosted a CBI briefing dinner for West Midlands business leaders keen to find out how to grow their business in China.
DLA Piper office managing partner Chris Rawstron said: “China, along with India, is one of the key drivers of emerging global economy. We are very pleased to be hosting this major forum for a very important audience – West Midlands businesses seeking to grow into China.”
Those attending the dinner at DLA Piper’s Victoria Square offices will hear from Guy Dru Drury (CORRECT) who is the CBI’s chief representative in China.
He has significant business development experience within the professional services field in China and has worked with a wide variety of international clientele from blue chip companies to start ups.
Priory to his CBI appointment he was based in Shanghai working for an internationally- focussed legal practice – Chen & Co. He qualified from Leeds University with a BA in Modern Chinese Studies following which he took a postgraduate diploma in Advanced Chinese at Taipei University. He is a fluent Mandarin speaker.
The CBI’s China office in Beijing was opened in October 2005 by the Chancellor Gordon Brown.
Chris Clifford, regional director of CBI West Midlands, said: “Its role is firstly to understand and contribute to the discussions on major policy, legislative and regulatory developments of interest to business in support of the broader aim of maximising trade and investment opportunities between UK and China.
“And secondly, analysing and interpreting such developments and relaying this information and intelligence back to the business community in the UK – particularly the mid sized companies – to help better inform their strategies in response to China’s emergence as a major economic and commercial player on the global scene.”
Chris Rawstron said: “The former head of our West Midlands operation, Nick Seddon, who is known to many in the region, now heads up DLA Piper’s operations in the Far East and DLA Piper has offices in China in Beijing and Shanghai, as well as a major presence in Hong Kong.”
DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary is a global business legal services organisation with approximately 3,100 lawyers and 58 offices in 22 countries across Europe, Asia the Middle East and US. It has leading practices in commercial, corporate and finance, human resources, litigation, real estate, regulatory and legislative, and technology, media and communications.

Ends (398 words)
For further information, please contact:

Chris Rawstron, Office Managing Partner,

DLA Piper Gray Cary UK LLP
08700 111 111