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7th February 2008 -- START TRAINING FOR THE POOLE FESTIVAL OF RUNNING Coles Miller Solicitors are proud to be sponsoring the Poole Festival of Running for the second year in a row. The festival, which takes place in Poole Park on Sunday, June 1st, is one of the biggest running events in the South attracting around 2500 competitors of all abilities. Events run throughout the day and there will also be fun and entertainment for competitors and spectators alike in the trade village where Poole Lions will be running stalls and activities. All money raised on...... Read More | ||||
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5th February 2008 -- INCREASING ANNUAL LEAVE ENTITLEMENT You may be aware that the government recently announced that the statutory holiday entitlement for workers in England and Wales has increased but may not be clear on how this affects you. From 1 October the statutory minimum annual leave entitlement has increased to 4.8 weeks or 24 days for a full time worker (based on a five day working week) and a further increase to 5.6 weeks (28 days) will be introduced on 1 April 2009. Previously the minimum statutory paid holiday was four weeks...... Read More | ||||
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5th February 2008 -- NEW RULES ON NIL RATE BANDS In his Pre Budget Report made on 9 October 2007, the new Chancellor, Alistair Darling, announced some significant changes to inheritance tax. To understand these, we need to recap on the basic way in which inheritance tax is charged. Inheritance tax is charged at two rates: for the tax year 2007-2008 the first £300,000 is charged at 0% (the nil rate band – ‘NRB’); and any amount above £300,000 is charged at 40%. Transfers of assets between spouses or civil partners are generally exempt from inheritance tax. Prior...... Read More | ||||
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5th February 2008 -- HOME INFORMATION PACKS BECOME A REALITY Home Information Packs finally became mandatory for all homes on 14 December 2007 with the last phase of the roll out extended to include one and two bed properties. Now all residential properties being placed on the market will require a Home Information Pack. The scheme has seen a number of delays primarily because not enough energy assessors were trained and in place to carry out the all important energy performance reviews – now it’s full steam ahead for the Government. Admittedly, the delays have caused a great...... Read More | ||||
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5th February 2008 -- NEW RECRUITS JOIN COLES MILLER Dorset law firm Coles Miller has appointed two new members of staff to join it’s growing Conveyancing team. Helen Matthews and Lisa Watt both join as conveyancing executives in the firm’s Poole and Charminster offices respectively. Helen, who hails from Herefordshire, studied Business Law at Bournemouth University and, although she returned home briefly following her graduation in 2004, Bournemouth soon beckoned her back. Helen is a member of the Territorial Army and currently serves with the Dorset Yeomanry at Bovington, driving tanks at the weekends...... Read More | ||||
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29th October 2007 -- PLANNING AHEAD FOR YOUR CHILDREN There are so many things to think about when you become parents for the first time it can often be bewildering. Coles Miller Solicitors, one of Dorset’s leading law firms, advises parents on the legal issues they should consider when having children. Make a will As many as six out of ten people in the UK have not made a will. No one likes to think about what will happen when they die, but making a will ensures your family and loved ones won’t have to spend...... Read More | ||||
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29th October 2007 -- COLES MILLER PARTNER MOVES ACROSS TOWN Simon Steele-Williams, Partner at Coles Miller Solicitors LLP, has recently moved from the Charminster office to the new Bournemouth office on Durley Chine Road, following on from the merger of Coles Miller with DTW Solicitors in May of this year. Simon will be joining existing partners, Andrew Howard, head of the Landlord and Tenant department, and Shauna Lines, who specialises in probate and trust matters. Simon will assist in developing the firms presence in the central Bournemouth area and in particular he will be responsible for developing greater links...... Read More | ||||
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29th October 2007 -- HOW TO HAVE A HAPPY DIVORCE AND STAY FRIENDS WITH YOUR EX! “When people think of divorce, often they naturally think about court battles and wrangling over money and who gets custody of the children. With high profile divorce cases being played out in the media on a regular basis one could be forgiven for having that impression.” remarks Emma Hamilton Cole, Head of the Family Law team at Coles Miller Solicitors. However, many couples, especially parents, see the benefit of remaining on speaking terms for the benefit of their children and also to ensure proceedings happen more swiftly with...... Read More | ||||
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29th October 2007 -- MIKE JOINS THE RANKS AT COLES MILLER Dorset law firm Coles Miller has recently announced the appointment of newly qualified solicitor Mike Ellis to their commercial department. Mike, who successfully completed his two-year training contract with the firm, will be based at the firm’s Poole office as part of its highly respected Commercial litigation department led by partner Neil Andrews. Mike, who hails from Southampton, gained his law degree at Southampton and then went onto complete his Legal Practice Certificate at Guildford College of Law. He worked for a local firm in Southampton before...... Read More | ||||
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4th July 2007 -- MONITORING EMPLOYEES AT WORK A recent case has highlighted the need for employers to carefully consider their justification for monitoring employees and how they go about it. Michael McDonnell, Commercial Litigation Solicitor at Coles Miller Solicitors LLP, offers his advice and guidelines to help employers on this issue. “There are many practical reasons for monitoring employees,” begins Mr McDonnell. “It is important for companies to ensure quality control and crime prevention. Today most employees have access to the internet, emails, mobile phones and PDA’s to help them with their work. Employers not only...... Read More | ||||
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4th July 2007 -- DO FATHERS GET A RAW DEAL? When a marriage ends in separation or divorce, fathers often feel that their rights are not protected in law. The requirements for fathers to maintain their ex-partners and children, despite sometimes having limited access to their children can lead to frustration and bad feeling. Fathers can also be left financially strained by the burden of maintenance payments and the loss of assets sometimes including the entire family home. Colin Mitchell, family solicitor at Coles Miller in Poole explains, “Despite what some people might think, the law for distributing...... Read More | ||||
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14th June 2007 -- COMMERCIAL STAFF JOIN COLES MILLER Coles Miller Solicitors are pleased to announce the appointment of solicitors Ben Lucy and Laurence Wells to their Commercial office in Poole. Ben Lucy joins the firm after working in Salisbury firm Parker Bullen for three years after qualifying in 2002. Ben has joined the Commercial Property department of Coles Miller, working alongside partner Carol Elliott. Laurence Wells qualified in 2005 after having completed his legal training contract at a firm in London. He relocated to Bournemouth from London to join the Company Commercial department of Coles Miller...... Read More | ||||
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14th June 2007 -- COLES MILLER SPRING INTO SUMMER Coles Miller Solicitors LLP and DTW Solicitors recently celebrated their merger at Coles Miller’s annual Spring Into Summer Event, this year held at the Highcliff Marriot Hotel in Bournemouth. The event was attended by around 150 clients and contacts of the firm and VIP guests included the Mayor of Bournemouth, Mayor of Poole and both founding partners of Coles Miller Solicitors LLP, Howard Cole and Arthur Cole. “The evening was a great way to celebrate the merger of two successful solicitors firms,” commented Roger Senior, Senior Partner of...... Read More | ||||
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12th June 2007 -- HIPS DELAYED UNTIL 1ST AUGUST Last month the Government announced that they will be delaying the implementation of Home Information Packs. The Communities Secretary, Ruth Kelly, made a statement to the House of Commons on 22 May saying that Home Information Packs including Energy Performance Certificates will be implemented on a phased basis from 1 August 2007. From then Packs will be required for the sale of four bedroom properties and larger, with smaller properties being phased in as soon as sufficient energy assessors are fully qualified. Until the end of this year,...... Read More | ||||
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21st May 2007 -- COLES MILLER KNOCKOUT FOR VICTORY Partners and staff from Coles Miller Solicitors in Dorset recently found themselves covered in foam, dressing up as clowns and tackling colourful inflatable obstacle course all in the name of charity. The team of ten partners and staff were taking part in It’s a Knockout organised by Barclays in aid of the Anthony Nolan Trust, a charity which manages and recruits new donors to the UK’s most successful bone marrow register. Out of 14 local companies who entered, Coles Miller managed to reach the final and collect the prize...... Read More | ||||
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16th May 2007 -- COLES MILLER RACE FOR LIFE The ladies of Coles Miller were out again this year to take part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life. The team of eleven ladies joined thousands of other women in the rain to complete the 5km race around Poole Park, with a further six looking forward to the Bournemouth race along the seafront in June. “This is the third year that Coles Miller have entered a team to help raise funds for such a worthy cause,” says team organiser Karen Hill. “Not even the rain could dampen...... Read More | ||||
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30th April 2007 -- COLES MILLER AND DTW SOLICITORS ANNOUNCE MERGER Local law firms Coles Miller and DTW Solicitors have announced they are to merge from 1 May 2007. The combined firm will be known as Coles Miller Solicitors LLP (incorporating DTW Solicitors) and the move will firmly place it as one of the largest practices in Dorset with around 150 personnel and offices in Poole, Broadstone, Charminster and now central Bournemouth. DTW is a general practice firm established in 1961 by Derek T Wilkinson. Led by Partners Andrew Howard and Shauna Lines, the firm has an...... Read More | ||||
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29th April 2007 -- COLES MILLER ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNER Dorset law firm Coles Miller has recently announced that Ruth Kerley has been appointed as a partner at the firm. Ruth has been with the firm for 10 years after starting in September 1997. Since qualifying as a solicitor in 2002 she has worked in their ever-growing residential conveyancing department. She has recently headed up the very successful conveyancing team at the firm’s Broadstone office and has provided considerable support and innovation in the firms conveyancing case management system. She has also contributed to the development of...... Read More | ||||
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26th April 2007 -- MAKING SENSE OF HOME INFORMATION PACKS From 1 June 2007 residential properties will require a Home Information Pack before they can be marketed for sale. This measure by the government will be one of the biggest changes to the home buying process for years however, with the date of introduction only a few weeks away, surprisingly many people are unaware as to what a HIP is. The pack will bring together key information about a property and will be available to buyers up front to enable them to make informed decisions as to whether or...... Read More | ||||
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26th April 2007 -- EPAS YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED Q. Have you signed an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA)? A. Everyone over the age of 18 should make one if they have a trusted person or people in their lives. Q. What does it do? A. It is a legal document which allows you to choose a trusted person or persons, known as an Attorney(s) to act on your behalf in relation to your financial affairs and property. Q. Can it be used straightaway and whilst I have full mental capacity? A. If you wish it to – yes...... Read More | ||||
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25th April 2007 -- LANDLORDS AND TENANTS TO BENEFIT FROM NEW TENANCY SCHEME The new date for the Tenancy Deposit Protection has been announced as April 6th 2007. This key part of the Housing Act 2004 was originally planned for implementation on 1st October of 2006. Tenancy Deposit Protection applies to all assured shorthold tenancies in England and Wales, where a deposit is taken on or after the 6th April 2007. Dominic Mitchell, Commercial Property solicitor at Coles Miller’s Poole branch agrees that this delay will be beneficial for both landlords and tenants. “The implementation of Tenancy Deposit Protection (TDP) has been...... Read More | ||||
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3rd April 2007 -- COLES MILLER RALLY UP FOR POOLE TOURISM Local law firm Coles Miller has once again joined Poole Tourism for 2007’s summer event Quay for My Car. Each Friday night between the months of May and August, a different model of car is chosen, with members of the public bringing their pride and joy along to Poole Quay for one of the Coles Miller judges to pick as their favourite for the night. Partner Adrian Cormack from the firm’s Poole office said of the sponsorship, “We’re delighted to team up Poole Tourism again to sponsor such...... Read More | ||||
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23rd March 2007 -- LOCAL SOLICITORS SEE RED! Coles Miller Solicitors joined in with a host of celebrities and other fundraisers throughout the country to raise money for Comic Relief Red Nose Day on Friday 16th March. Staff from their 3 offices in Poole, Bournemouth and Broadstone together raised £344 through various activities, including wearing an item of red clothing, baking and selling cakes and having a DVD, video and book sale. Marketing Manager and organiser of the fund-raising for the day, Joanna Mapstone, commented, “The day was a great success with all staff keen to...... Read More | ||||
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1st February 2007 -- NEW ASSOCIATE APPOINTED Dorset law firm Coles Miller has recently announced that solicitor Jason Barnett has been made an Associate of the firm. Jason, a conveyancing solicitor who is based at the firm’s Poole office, gained a law degree from Bournemouth University before joining Coles Miller in 2000. He then worked in the conveyancing department for 2 years before starting his training contract in 2002 and qualifying as a solicitor in 2004. Senior Partner, Roger Senior, remarked, “This appointment for Jason is in recognition of his hard work, commitment and...... Read More |
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31st January 2007 -- WILL 2007 BE A HIP YEAR? 1st June 2007 is D-Day for the introduction of the Government’s Home Information Pack Scheme. This is the most dramatic change to the home buying process for many years. In less than 20 weeks time you will not be able to put your house or flat on the market unless a Home Information Pack (HIP) has been prepared. A HIP is a pack of useful information and documents about a property including the title deeds, search results, details of works carried out including guarantee certificates and a new...... Read More |
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31st January 2007 -- DIVORCE DEVELOPMENTS “With ever increasing media interest in celebrity break-ups and divorces, one could be forgiven for thinking that every separation involves raking through the history of the marriage for every unpleasant detail.” remarks Emma Hamilton Cole, Partner with Coles Miller Solicitors of Poole, Bournemouth and Broadstone. “Divorce through the eyes of the media is often presented as a battle between competing views of what went wrong and ‘who’s to blame but it doesn’t necessarily have to be the case.” Divorce petitions in England and Wales are all based on the...... Read More |
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3rd January 2007 -- NEW MEMBER OF THE FAMILY Dorset law firm Coles Miller are pleased to announce the return of family lawyer Colin Mitchell. After completing his training contract with Coles Miller, Colin has returned seven years later to join the firms’ dedicated family department at the Poole office. Colin studied his law degree and legal practice course at Exeter University and once completing his training course with Coles Miller, became a solicitor at Perrins Stevenson in Poole, covering family law and other general litigation. From there he moved onto Pengillys in Weymouth, once again...... Read More |
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30th October 2006 -- IN THE PINK It's not often you'll see members of the legal profession dressed in pink but that's exactly what happened on Friday 27th October when Dorset law firm took part in Breast Cancer Campaign’s Wear It Pink Day. Over one hundred kind-hearted staff members from each of the firm’s four offices in Poole, Bournemouth and Broadstone, proudly turned pink for the day to support the national initiative, held as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Items of pink clothing were donned, cakes were bought and sold, and a second-hand book...... Read More |
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23rd October 2006 -- FREE WILLS FOR OVER FIFTIES The Wills and Probate team of Dorset law firm Coles Miller recently took part in Free Wills Fortnight, a national initiative encouraging the public to consider leaving a legacy in their Will. The scheme, the first to be held in Poole, helped bring together ten major UK charities, including Barnardos and Breakthrough Breast Cancer, and offered members of the public aged 55 and over the chance to make a will or update their current one for free. Organised by Capacity Marketing for Charities, the ten charities involved requested...... Read More |
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18th October 2006 -- FIRM RECRUITS TWO TRAINEE SOLICITORS Dorset law firm Coles Miller has recently appointed two well-travelled trainee solicitors. Matthew Smith, from Southampton, joins the firm having completed his Law degree at the University of Reading and the Legal Practice Course in Bristol. He has previously worked in the IT industry in London and has started his training with Coles Miller’s litigation department in Bournemouth. The firm's second trainee appointment is Hannah Barker, who is originally from Poole. She studied History at Sunderland University and has recently completed her Legal Practice Course at Bournemouth University...... Read More |
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12th October 2006 -- SOLICITOR CLIMBS THE PROPERTY LADDER Dorset law firm Coles Miller has recently announced the appointment of newly qualified solicitor Lucy Miles to their conveyancing department. Lucy, who successfully completed her two-year training contract with the firm, will be based at the firm’s Broadstone office and will undertake all residential conveyancing matters including sales, purchases and re-mortgages. She will be working alongside Associate Ruth Kerley who leads the Broadstone conveyancing team. A former pupil of Corfe Hills School in Broadstone, Lucy studied for her law degree at Southampton University and then went onto complete...... Read More |
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30th September 2006 -- AGE DISCRIMINATION - ARE YOU READY? On 1 October 2006, new legislation on age discrimination will come into force. The new age discrimination regulations will protect workers (i.e. not just employees) of all ages (young as well as old) from discrimination, victimisation and harassment in a way similar to the existing sex, race and disability discrimination laws reports Dorset law firm Coles Miller. “The Regulations will apply to all employers, including providers of vocational training. They will cover the whole employment relationship including recruitment, promotion, development, termination, perks and pay” remarked employment solicitor Michael McDonnell. |
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27th September 2006 -- LAW FIRM LAUNCHES SPECIALIST MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS DIVISION Dorset law firm Coles Miller has launched a new specialist Motorcycle Accidents Division as part of their personal injury department. The local law firm, which has one of the largest personal injury departments in the region with several keen bikers amongst its staff, has seized the opportunity to offer a complete service to motorcycle riders and owners who have been injured in accidents and may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Adrian Cormack, Partner and Head of Coles Miller Claims UK, the firm’s recently re-branded PI...... Read More |
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20th September 2006 -- SICK PAY FOR THE DISABLED Employers have recently been handed a lifeline due to the Employment Appeal Tribunal's decision that disabled employees who are off sick due to their disability should not (unless in exceptional circumstances) receive full pay advises Dorset law firm Coles Miller. “In practice, this decision means that employees who are prevented from attending work due to a disability will not be entitled to any favourable treatment in respect of remuneration as any existing sick pay scheme will apply equally to them as to any non disabled colleague” explains employment law...... Read More |
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11th September 2006 -- NEW RIGHTS FOR WORKING MOTHERS The new Work and Families Act 2006 will come into force in April 2007 with significant changes to maternity, paternity and adoption leave and pay, as well as an extension of the right to request flexible working advises employment law specialist Neil Andrews of Dorset law firm Coles Miller. MATERNITY LEAVE AND PAY • All women will have the right to both six months' ordinary maternity leave and six months' additional maternity leave (i.e. 12 months in total) regardless of their length of service. • Those returning early from...... Read More |
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3rd September 2006 -- DON'T GET BURNT - WISE UP TO NEW FIRE SAFETY LAWS New fire safety regulations will be turning up the heat on business owners come 1st October when the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 comes into force. Michael McDonnell, solicitor at Dorset law firm Coles Miller, is concerned too many businesses in Dorset are unaware of the implications of the new legislation despite it being less than two months away. "This new legislation is heralded as the biggest single reform of fire safety legislation in over 30 years. It will effectively shift the emphasis of fire prevention and...... Read More |
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22nd August 2006 -- CLASSIC BRITISH SPORTS CAR WINNER Last Friday evening we welcomed Classic British Sport Cars onto Poole Quay for the final time in the 2006 season, as part of the Coles Miller Quay for my Car event. The Classic British Sport owners made the final event a real success, with 60 vehicles attending. The nights "Car of the Week" judge was Partner and Head of our Personal Injury department Adrian Cormack. Adrian selected a stunning green Aston Martin. The owner was Peter Smith from Wimborne, who has owned the car since 1990. He has carried...... Read More | ||||
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14th August 2006 -- MINI MAGIC WINNER Last Friday, (11th August) saw the final Mini night on Poole Quay, as part of the Coles Miller Quay for my Car programme. What an end to the mini nights in 2006, with over 150 mini's arriving on the Quay to enjoy the event. Colin Clark, who attended the event as a representative from our event sponsor, Coles Miller Solicitors, judged our final mini "Car of the Week" competition. Simon Crowfoot from Poole was the lucky winning owner, with his red Mini 1000. Simon has owned this Mini for...... Read More |
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8th August 2006 -- RED OPEN TOP SPORTS WINNER On Friday 4th August, Poole Quay welcomed Red Open Top Sport cars for the final time. The event, which is part of the Coles Miller Quay for my Car programme, finished on a high with 61 cars attending. The final "Car of the Week" winner in this category was Tom Lane from Christchurch. He owns a stunning looking TVR Chimera with a V8 engine. The judge for the evening was Emma Hearn from our Poole office. She adores TVRs and thought this car had fabulous paintwork and a great...... Read More |
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31st July 2006 -- BEETLES & COMBIS WINNER Last Friday (28/7) was the third VW Beetle & Combi night in the Coles Miller Quay for my Car calendar. The event attracted around 80 vehicles onto to Quayside! At the event, the Car of the Week winner was Lisa McMorran from West Sussex who owns a Pink Classic VW Beetle. The judge that selected this vehicle was Andrew Townsend, partner and personal injury specialist from our Poole office. The cars' features include stripy leather seats and a feather boa which really made it stand out....not to mention the...... Read More |
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27th July 2006 -- HIPS SEMINAR HOSTED AT COMPTON ACRES Local estate agents, property developers and mortgage brokers were amongst the audience at a recent seminar held by Dorset law firm Coles Miller to highlight the ever-changing role of Home Information Packs [HIPs] in the UK’s property market. The seminar, held at Compton Acres, came just two days after the announcement by Housing Minister Yvette Cooper that the controversial survey element of the packs [Home Condition Reports] would not be compulsory and proved the perfect opportunity for the firm to update property professionals with the very latest developments. |
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25th July 2006 -- TWO NEW APPOINTMENTS IN POOLE Dorset law firm Coles Miller has recently announced the appointments of Julie Stratton and Michael McDonnell to their office in Poole. Julie, an experienced conveyancer and qualified legal executive, with over thirty years legal experience, has re-joined the local law firm. She first joined Coles Miller in 1989 and left in 2003 to pursue other avenues. Her re-appointment has been met with widespread enthusiasm from both colleagues and clients alike. She becomes the fourth conveyancer at the firm’s Poole office and will also be working closely with members of...... Read More | ||||
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24th July 2006 -- CLASSIC BRITISH SPORTS CAR WINNER Last friday the Coles Miller Quay for my Car event welcomed Classic British Sport Cars onto Poole Quay. All British models are welcome to attend this event so long as they have been registered pre August 1983. The event created a great atmosphere on Poole Quay with 81 cars attending the event. A representative from event sponsor Coles Miller Solicitors attended to judge our Car of the Week competition. Karen Hill, marketing assistant, had a tough job to select a winner from a great selection of...... Read More | ||||
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11th July 2006 -- RED OPEN TOP SPORTS CAR WINNER Last Friday (7th July) was the third Red Open Top Sports Car night in the 2006 Coles Miller Quay for my Car season. It was a pleasant evening on the Quay with 34 Red Open Top Sports Cars and a special guest appearance from 27 Porsches turning up to display on the Quay. Hayley Baverstock, Coles Miller Marketing Manager, attended the event as the judge for our "Car of the Week" competition. This weeks winner was Peter Sharp from Bournemouth who owns a Sunbeam Tiger. This car stood...... Read More | ||||
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3rd July 2006 -- BIG MONEY DIVORCES Family lawyers and wealthy spouses alike have been awaiting the outcome of the two appeals heard by the House of Lords in January this year. The Judgments were finally released at the end of May and Coles Miller family law expert Emma Hamilton Cole, gives an insight into the impact these cases could have for separating spouses. “These cases deal with issues including compensation for loss of career, how short marriages and pre-owned property should be treated as well as the question of how conduct should affect the financial...... Read More |
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30th June 2006 -- LADIES RACE FOR LIFE AGAIN THIS YEAR The Coles Miller ladies were out in force again recently as they took part in the Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life. A team of eighteen completed the 5km course in Poole Park in May and a further seven joined the thousands of women along Bournemouth seafront in June. "This is the second year running that a Coles Miller team have chosen to support this worthwhile cause and it always proves to be a fun day out for those taking part, as well as those family and friends...... Read More |
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26th June 2006 -- BEETLES & COMBIS WINNER On Friday 23rd June, Poole Quay came alive as VW Beetle & Combi owners came to enjoy a great atmosphere at an evening dedicated to their vehicles. The VW Beetle and Combi nights takes place every fourth Friday of the month until the end of August. It is part of the Coles Miller Quay for my Car event programme and is also supported by Breeze Volkswagen. On Friday the event welcomed over 70 vehicles, which is the busiest VW night we have ever seen!! All vehicles displayed...... Read More | ||||
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20th June 2006 -- SOLICITORS GET ON THEIR BIKES FOR CHARITY Coles Miller Solicitors are helping out in the name of charity by sponsoring two of their staff to take part in the Macmillan Cancer Relief Dorset Bike Ride. Rebecca Francis, a probate solicitor from the firm’s Bournemouth office, and Lucy Miles, a trainee solicitor, will take part in the race on Sunday 2nd July, raising money for specialist Macmillan nurses and doctors, locally and nationally. The 25-mile bike ride will take them through the villages of Lytchett Matravers, Sturminster Marshall, Shapwick and then on through Charborough Park...... Read More |
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20th June 2006 -- CLASSIC BRITISH SPORTS CAR WINNER It was a Classic British Sport Car evening on Friday (16/6) as part of the Coles Miller Quay for my Car event. All British models registered pre August 1983 are welcome to attend the event. It was warm sunny evening, so the Quay was busy with both car owners and spectators. The final count saw us welcoming 65 cars onto the Quay. The vehicle selected as our "Car of the Week" winner was a leaf green Austin Healey Sprite, owned by Graeme Dacombe from Salisbury. Our judge...... Read More | ||||
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14th June 2006 -- MINI MAGIC WINNER It was the second Mini only night on Friday 9th June, as part of the 2006 Coles Miller Quay for my Car programme The heatwave we had last week continued into the Friday night resulting in over a hundred minis making the journey to Poole Quay for the event. The winner of our "Car of the week" competition was Dave Merrick from Fordingbridge. He owns a Red Mini Cooper Sport 13i which has a Union Jack flag design on the bonnet. Our judges that selected this car were Lydia...... Read More | ||||
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5th June 2006 -- RED OPEN TOP SPORTS CAR WINNER Last Friday (2nd June) was the second Red Open Top Sport Car night in the 2006 Coles Miller Quay for my Car season. It was a scorching summer evening with 58 Red Open Top Sport Cars turning up to display on the Quay, resulting in a buzzing atmosphere with a mixture of owners and spectators all enjoying the evening. Dominic Mitchell, commercial property solicitor from our Poole office, attended the event as the judge for our "Car of the Week" competition. This weeks winner was John Jenkins from Bournemouth...... Read More | ||||
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1st June 2006 -- ASBESTOS VICTIMS PAYMENTS CUT BY LORDS The families of people who have died from asbestos-related illnesses could have their compensation payments cut reports Dorset law firm Coles Miller. “A recent decision ruled that, where an employee had been the victim of multiple exposures, employers should only be liable for the length of time they exposed workers to the poisonous material. The House of Lords upheld three test appeals, brought by company insurers who argued that damages should be limited in cases involving several former employers, none of which could be specifically blamed for the...... Read More |
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31st May 2006 -- CIVIL PARTNERS WARNED OF LEGAL IMPLICATIONS As many people will be aware, the Civil Partnership Act 2004 came into force on 5th December 2005. This act enables same-sex couples to register a civil partnership, which then gives them the same legal rights as married couples regarding taxes, property, health insurance, pensions and children. Reports released by government statisticians earlier this year revealed that there were 3648 civil partnerships registered during the first 6 weeks in which they became legal. The figures, the first to emerge since the Civil Partnership Act came into force, also revealed...... Read More |
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30th May 2006 -- BEETLES & COMBIS WINNER On Friday 26th May, Poole Quay was closed off for VW Beetles and Combi's to display, as part of the Coles Miller Quay for my Car programme. Although the weather was not great we still had a good turn out, with close to 40 vehicles attending the event. Rebecca Francis, Probate Solicitor from Coles Miller's Bournemouth office attended the event to judge the "Car of the Week" competition. Rebecca's favourite car was a green Beetle, which she thought was in very good condition and had clearly been well maintained...... Read More | ||||
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30th May 2006 -- FORMAL REQUESTS MAY BE SEEN AS GRIEVANCE NOTES Employers should treat any staff requests for flexible working as potential grievance letters that may trigger employment tribunal claims, solicitors have warned. A recent series of tribunal rulings has established that employees do not have to explicitly notify their manager of a grievance before taking them to court. This runs contrary to disciplinary procedure guidelines from the government, which had indicated that a formal grievance letter was needed before proceeding. Dorset law firm Coles Miller said that employers should now look at most formal staff requests as potentially...... Read More |
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15th May 2006 -- MINI MAGIC WINNER Friday 12th May saw the first Mini Magic Night on Poole Quay as part of the Coles Miller Quay for my Car event line up. We had a fantastic turn out of Minis with the final count totalling 155 cars. There was a great selection of both modern and classic models which attracted a large crowd of spectators and a unique atmosphere. This weeks "Car of the Week" judge was Emma Hamilton Cole, family solicitor and head of our Broadstone office. Emma selected a stunning...... Read More | ||||
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8th May 2006 -- RED OPEN TOP SPORTS WINNER Last Friday (5th May) saw the first first Coles Miller Quay for my Car event for 2006. Poole Quay welcomed Red Open Top Sport Cars on a beautiful warm and sunny evening - perfect weather for this marque of car. The event was a huge success with close to 50 cars on display. The Quay was buzzing as spectators got to view a unique selection of both modern and classic red sport cars lined up on the waters edge. Every week, at the event a different judge from Coles...... Read More | ||||
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2nd May 2006 -- COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT EXPANDS Dorset law firm Coles Miller has recently announced the arrival of two new solicitors to their commercial department based in Poole. Graham Mclean, a litigation specialist who studied law in South Africa before moving to the UK, has joined the department along with commercial property solicitor Dominic Mitchell. Graham studied at the Universities of Port Elizabeth and Cape Town and moved to London in 2001. After his admission as a solicitor in the UK in 2004, he worked for a London firm in their insurance litigation group...... Read More |
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1st May 2006 -- COLES MILLER CONVERTS TO LLP STATUS Dorset law firm Coles Miller is delighted to announce that it has recently converted to a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). The firm will now be known as Coles Miller Solicitors LLP. Commenting on the conversion which took place on 1st May, Roger Senior, Senior Partner said “As one of the South’s most established law firms, we are delighted to embrace our new LLP status. We believe that the change will provide a sound platform for future growth within the firm, enabling us to attract and retain the very best...... Read More |
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17th April 2006 -- NEW CONVEYANCING SOLICITOR APPOINTED Dorset law firm Coles Miller has recently announced the appointment of newly qualified solicitor Denise Owen to the firm's conveyancing department. Denise joined Coles Miller in 2001 and worked as a paralegal in the conveyancing department before starting her solicitor training contract with the firm in September 2004. Now qualified, she will form an integral part of the firm's conveyancing department advising clients on buying and selling residential property, as well as re-mortgages. She will be based in the firm’s Poole office. A former pupil at St Edwards...... Read More | ||||
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5th April 2006 -- COLES MILLER GEARS UP FOR SUMMER Seventeen themed car events will be taking place on Poole Quay from May to August catering for a wide variety of motoring tastes when Poole Tourism and Coles Miller Solicitors team up again to host ‘Coles Miller Quay for my Car’. Unlike your usual car meet, ‘Coles Miller Quay for my Car’ takes place each Friday of the month from 6pm and has a strict theme with only particular motors allowed in! The 17 car events are themed as: 1st Friday of the month – Red Open Top...... Read More | ||||
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3rd April 2006 -- SOLICITOR WELCOMED INTO BROADSTONE PROPERTY CIRCLE Dorset law firm Coles Miller recently marked the transfer of solicitor Ruth Kerley to their Broadstone office by holding a reception at D?©j?† Vu Wine Bar. The reception, hosted by residential conveyancing partners Fiona Knight and Roger Leedham, attracted over fifty property specialists from the Broadstone and surrounding area. Ruth, who takes over the Broadstone conveyancing department from Ian Barker who sadly passed away in January, has been with the firm for over eight years and is a highly valued member of the conveyancing department well known to...... Read More | ||||
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15th March 2006 -- COLES MILLER FEELING THE BLUES Staff at Coles Miller Solicitors were suffering from the blues today but it was all in a good cause. The firm decided to mark Brain Injury Awareness Week [13th – 18th March] by holding a blue day, with staff encouraged to wear the colour and pay £1 to charity for the privilege. The annual campaign, organised by Headway, is devoted to raising greater awareness of the possible consequences of head injury. Extra funds were raised by selling cakes and biscuits, as well as holding a second-hand book sale...... Read More | ||||
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8th March 2006 -- 'ONE THIRD' OF HOMES FACE 40% TAX Poole is the 9th most likely area in the UK liable for inheritance tax according to recent research reports Dorset law firm Coles Miller. The survey, carried out by Scottish Widows, claims that one in three UK homeowners are liable to pay 40 per cent inheritance tax on their estate when they die. It found that 8.2 million people – 34% of homeowners – have assets worth more than the £275,000 nil-rate band (NRB) for the tax and the majority of them were not aware of the NRB...... Read More | ||||
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3rd March 2006 -- PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS MAKE APPEAL TO GOVERNMENT Lawyers across the UK are appealing to the Government to help victims of industrial diseases trace their former employers’ insurance policies in order for them to make personal injury claims for compensation. The call comes after revelations that a voluntary Government scheme supposed to tackle the problem admitted that successful traces fell by a huge 14% between 2002 and 2003. The traces are carried out by the insurance industry and the fall has attracted widespread condemnation. President of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, Allan Gore QC,...... Read More | ||||
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27th February 2006 -- IHT IMPLICATIONS FOR CIVIL PARTNERS Reports just released by government statisticians reveal there were 3648 civil partnerships registered during the first 6 weeks in which they became legal. The figures are the first to emerge since the Civil Partnership Act came into force on 5th December 2005. The Act, which enables same-sex couples to go through a statutory civil registration procedure to become civil partners, gives them the same legal rights as married partners regarding taxes, property, health insurance, pensions and children. Solicitors are now warning couples to be aware of the implications...... Read More | ||||
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24th February 2006 -- COLES MILLER ASKS "WHAT ARE YOU DOING TOMORROW?" Dorset law firm Coles Miller is pleased to announce that following on from the success of their association with Poole Tourism in 2005, they have also sponsored a new activities publication entitled "What are you doing tomorrow?". Inspired by Poole Harbour, the brand new initiative is the latest addition to Poole Tourism's suite of successful contemporary brochures. "What are you doing tomorrow?" is filled with thirty suggestions for a great day out, in and around Poole - whether it's a holiday fun day, office team building event or corporate...... Read More | ||||
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11th February 2006 -- WHAT IS A LIVING WILL After treatment for a brain tumour MP Mo Mowlam sadly passed away last year. Although she never regained consciousness after a fall, her Living Will meant doctors knew not to resuscitate her. But what is a Living Will and should we all be making them? David Parfitt, head of the Coles Miller Wills and Probate department explains all. How does a Living Will work? It is simply a written statement that outlines your wishes regarding the medical treatment – if any – you wish to receive, should you...... Read More | ||||
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8th February 2006 -- NEW LOOK FOR PERSONAL INJURY DEPARTMENT Dorset law firm Coles Miller has recently re-branded its personal injury department to meet the increased demands of the compensation industry. Coles Miller Claims UK, as the department will now be known, pursues compensation claims on behalf of victims of a wide variety of accidents. The team, based at offices in Poole and Bournemouth, will continue to serve the local market but will also be competing for work on a national basis. Partner and head of Coles Miller Claims UK, Adrian Cormack, commented "The re-brand comes at a...... Read More | ||||
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4th February 2006 -- NEW FIRE SAFETY LAWS IN THE WORKPLACE The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2004 is due to come into force on 1 April 2006 reports Dorset law firm Coles Miller. This Order consolidates and simplifies the existing fire safety legislation and brings fire safety into the realms of mainstream health and safety practice and procedure. Neil Andrews, head of the firm's commercial department, explains, "The Order imposes a common scheme of liabilities and responsibilities upon all employers, owners, occupiers, managers and supervisors of non-domestic premises. Even some domestic premises are included, for example, the common parts". | ||||
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26th January 2006 -- SMALL CLAIMS DISASTER FOR INJURY VICTIMS Justice for personal injury victims is hanging in the balance ahead of calls to raise the small claims court limit reports Dorset law firm Coles Miller. The suggestion to raise the limit for personal injury cases in the small claims court from the current £1000 to £5000 was recommended by the Better Regulation Taskforce Report into the so-called compensation culture in May 2004, although the figure that has recently been suggested is £2500. The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers [APIL] has been campaigning relentlessly ever since so...... Read More | ||||
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13th December 2005 -- STATUTORY INCREASES FROM APRIL The Minister of Pensions Reform has announced the new statutory rates for benefits, which will come into force in April 2006 reports Dorset law firm Coles Miller. The new rates will apply to statutory maternity, paternity and adoption pay, sick pay, the state pension, jobseeker's allowance and incapacity benefit. Neil Andrews, employment law specialist and head of the firm's commercial department explains the changes to maternity and sick pay in effect from April 2006 are as follows: ¬? The standard rate of statutory maternity, paternity and adoption...... Read More | ||||
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5th December 2005 -- EASING THE FINANCIAL BURDEN OF DIVORCE Dorset law firm Coles Miller has recently announced its new Fixed Fee Payment Plan for resolving financial matters in divorce. As well as giving clients the certainty of knowing exactly what they will be paying, the local firm offers specially reduced rates for payment in advance and the option of paying in monthly instalments, also at reduced rates. Furthermore, they have negotiated a special arrangement with Barclays Bank to offer clients access to a professional fees loan called the Family Law Scheme which will cover the fees incurred in...... Read More | ||||
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19th November 2005 -- MAKING WORKING LIFE FAMILY FRIENDLY The Work and Families Bill which was introduced by the House of Commons on 18th October 2005 is a significant step towards making work family friendly reports Dorset law firm Coles Miller. "The Bill, which is due to come into force in April 2007, will see longer periods of maternity and paternity leave, more flexible working for adult carers and the exclusion of bank holidays from employees' statutory minimum holiday entitlement", explains Employment Law Solicitor Neil Andrews. "At present new mothers are entitled to six months ordinary maternity...... Read More | ||||
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28th October 2005 -- NEW LEGAL RIGHTS FOR SAME SEX COUPLES Same sex couples will benefit from dramatic changes to the law when the Civil Partnership Act 2004 comes into force on 5th December 2005 reports Dorset law firm Coles Miller. "The Act will give same sex partners who enter into a civil partnership the same rights as a married couple by creating a new legal status of a civil partner" explains Family Solicitor Tanya Hall from our Bournemouth office. "The new rights include maintenance for your civil partner and any children of the family, life assurance, tax including...... Read More | ||||
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25th October 2005 -- FIRM RECRUITS TWO NEW TRAINEE SOLICITORS Dorset law firm Coles Miller has recently appointed two new trainee solicitors. Michael Ellis, from Southampton, joins the firm having completed his law degree at Southampton Institute and the legal practice course at the College of Law in Guildford. For the past year, he has undertaken paralegal work at a solicitors firm in Southampton. He has a keen interest in motorsport and every year is involved in the Goodwood Festival of Speed. He is currently spending his first six months training with the family department at the firm's Broadstone office. | ||||
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19th October 2005 -- HOME INFORMATION PACKS ARE ON THEIR WAY From 2007 the home buying and selling process will see major changes when anybody selling their home will be required to provide a ‘Home Information Pack’ before it can be marketed for sale advises Fiona Knight, head of the Coles Miller residential conveyancing department. "A HIP, sometimes described as a sellers' pack, is a pack of basic information relating to the property which must be less than three months old and ready when the property is put up for sale. The duty of providing the packs will be on...... Read More | ||||
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14th October 2005 -- UNMARRIED PARENTS URGED TO MAKE WILLS With more and more people choosing to live together, buy property together and have children without getting married, the importance of making a Will takes on even greater significance explains Dorset law firm Coles Miller. At the last count, more than 40% of British children are now born outside marriage. But what happens if these couples split up? Whilst unmarried parents are involved in three out of four family breakdowns, this huge social shift has not been followed by a change in the law. Wills and Probate specialist Alison...... Read More | ||||
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10th October 2005 -- NEW HR OFFICER JOINS COLES MILLER Dorset law firm Coles Miller has recently announced the appointment of Ashling Clark as the firm's Human Resources Officer. She successfully managed three contracts in London’s Canary Wharf and has five years generalist HR experience. She recently moved to the Dorset area with her family and now permanently resides here. Ashling will manage all HR matters for the 120 staff across the firm's offices in Poole, Bournemouth and Broadstone. ... Read More | ||||
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21st September 2005 -- LAW FIRM TAKES TO THE FAIRWAYS Dorset law firm Coles Miller held their annual golf day recently at Bulbury Woods Golf Club in Lytchett Matravers. The event, attended by more than twenty clients and contacts from Dorset and Hampshire, saw teams competing over eighteen holes for the coveted Coles Miller trophy. After teeing off in what can only be described as a downpour, the skies later cleared and the seven teams made their way round the picturesque course. Dinner was served in the clubhouse afterwards where Coles Miller partner Simon Steele-Williams presided over the...... Read More | ||||
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20th September 2005 -- YOUNG SOLICITOR MOVES UP THE RANKS Dorset law firm Coles Miller has recently announced the appointment of newly qualified solicitor Rebecca Francis to the firm's Wills and Probate department. Rebecca, 24 from Corfe Mullen, successfully completed her training contract with the local law firm this month and will now be based in the firm's Bournemouth office. She will form an integral part of the firm's wills and probate department advising clients on matters such as will making, inheritance tax, trusts and estates. A former pupil at Corfe Hills School in Broadstone, she joined the...... Read More | ||||
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20th September 2005 -- SICK PAY FOR THE DISABLED Employers have recently been handed a lifeline due to the Employment Appeal Tribunal's decision that disabled employees who are off sick due to their disability should not (unless in exceptional circumstances) receive full pay advises Dorset law firm Coles Miller. “In practice, this decision means that employees who are prevented from attending work due to a disability will not be entitled to any favourable treatment in respect of remuneration as any existing sick pay scheme will apply equally to them as to any non disabled colleague” explains employment law...... Read More | ||||
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26th August 2005 -- CALLING ALL MOTORBIKE FANS! Do you know your Ducatis from your Kawasakis, your Suzukis from your Hondas? If so, make sure you enter the Coles Miller Dream Machine Challenge! You'll find it by going back to the Home Page of this site and clicking on the link. Here you'll find ten pictures of who, what, where and when in the world of motorcycling. Simply fill in the answers to be in with a chance of winning £100 cash or one of 20 runners-up prizes of a free season ticket for Dream Machines 2006...... Read More | ||||
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18th August 2005 -- NEW DISABLED ACCESS AT COLES MILLER POOLE Dorset law firm Coles Miller has recently completed an upgrade of its office in Parkstone Road, Poole to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act [DDA]. The local law firm can now offer disabled access to clients in the Borough of Poole and the surrounding area. Under the terms of the DDA, firms need to identify and address the physical features which make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use their services. Facilities available at the 9/11 Parkstone Road office include: - Reserved disabled car parking...... Read More | ||||
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10th August 2005 -- COLES MILLER RECEIVES THE BEST TRAINING Coles Miller, one of Dorset's largest law firms, has just completed a successful programme of staff training in the Office 2000 packages with Best Training. Staff at the local law firm completed the training in two phases at their offices in Poole. Over 130 courses were delivered and completed in Microsoft Word, Excel & Outlook. The training was split into two half days sessions for each member of staff, to ensure minimum impact on employees’ everyday duties. All members of staff attending were provided with full reference materials...... Read More | ||||
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9th August 2005 -- PROPERTY PROFESSIONALS MEET AT ST MARY'S More than 100 of the South's top property leaders met recently at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton to discuss the latest happenings in the regional property market. The event was hosted by the Solent Property Forum, a group of nine property professionals from the region who came together in September 2003 after spotting a gap in the market for a round table that offered a real opportunity for local property professionals to meet and make things happen. Founder of the SPF, Les Lawrenson, a commercial property solicitor at...... Read More | ||||
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5th August 2005 -- ROYAL APPOINTMENT FOR COLES MILLER PARTNER Coles Miller Solicitors of Poole and Bournemouth was last month recognised for its support for employees in the Reserve Forces at a reception hosted by HRH The Prince of Wales at his Highgrove residence. Coles Miller Solicitors employs one Reservist who was recently mobilized on operations in Iraq. Adrian Cormack, a Partner of Coles Miller Solicitors was one of more than 120 employers from across the UK who attended the reception. Brian Parsons, a legal executive with the Company who specializes in personal injury claims was mobilized to Iraq...... Read More | ||||
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28th July 2005 -- UNHAPPY COUPLES CAN'T AFFORD TO CALL IT A DAY More couples are staying together because they can't afford to live alone, according to research published this month. One in 20 people feel financially shackled to their partner, and rising property prices and debt levels are seen as a reason for couples putting money over love explains Dorset law firm Coles Miller. "Recent research conducted by a national building society revealed that one in 10 people would be more likely to consider leaving their partner if money was not an issue, with 7% of those questioned saying...... Read More | ||||
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27th July 2005 -- HELPING BUSINESSES SURVIVE AND PROSPER One of the most important considerations for a business to survive and to grow is its cash flow. Today’s economic climate may well be showing early signs of slowing down and as businesses continue to tighten their reign on finances, creditors need to ensure that they can count on their cash flow, primarily through the prompt payment of their invoices. Eric Holt, head of debt recovery at Coles Miller Solicitors, offers advice on how to avoid a cash flow crisis. "There is always a risk of non payment of...... Read More | ||||
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15th July 2005 -- COLES MILLER RAISES CASH FOR CHARITY Staff from Dorset law firm Coles Miller have raised £2000 for Cancer Research UK. A nineteen-strong team of ladies from each of the firm's offices ran the Race for Life in both Poole and Bournemouth recently. As well as collecting individual sponsor money from friends and family, kind-hearted colleagues also stumped up cash for this worthwhile cause. Team organiser Hayley Baverstock said, "We're really pleased with the amount raised and already looking forward to the race next year when we'll aim to beat our total!". ... Read More | ||||
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5th July 2005 -- ALTERATIONS TO PROPERTY - WHAT CAN TENANTS DO The law relating to alterations of premises by tenants provides that the tenant must normally apply for the landlord’s consent to any improvement they wish to make and the landlord in turn must not unreasonably withhold consent explains Dorset law firm Coles Miller. Partner and head of the firm's commercial property department Carol Elliott reports that in a recent case, Iqbal –v- Thakrar, a tenant wished to convert the ground floor of a building into an Indian restaurant and so obtained the necessary planning permission and requested the consent...... Read More | ||||
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24th June 2005 -- KEEP UP TO DATE WITH COLES MILLER Dorset law firm Coles Miller has recently launched a free newsletter for clients. Titled 'The Brief', the quarterly publication will feature practical news and advice on topical legal issues and will highlight any impending changes in legislation. The newsletter service will be a valuable source of information for clients to keep up-to-date with the latest legal developments likely to affect them and their family. The first issue includes features on cohabitation and inheritance tax. Marketing Manager Hayley Baverstock said, "This new service for private clients has been launched...... Read More | ||||
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22nd June 2005 -- NEW LEGISLATION TO OUTLAW AGE DISCRIMINATION Businesses that discriminate on grounds of age in recruitment, promotion and other employment terms, as well as vocational training, will face tough penalties under new legislation to be introduced in 2006 warns Dorset law firm Coles Miller. Proposals to crack down on age discrimination in the workplace are a key part of the European Employment Directive, prohibiting age discrimination in employment and vocational training and will make discrimination on the grounds of age a thing of the past reports employment law specialist Neil Andrews. "One of the major...... Read More | ||||
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13th June 2005 -- NEW DEBT RECOVERY MANAGER Dorset law firm Coles Miller has recently expanded its Debt Recovery Department with the appointment of Eric Holt as Debt Collection Manager. Formerly of Bond Pearce Solicitors and Moore & Blatch, Eric has over twenty five years debt collection experience and an enviable reputation in this field. He not only specialises in collecting overdue accounts promptly but can also offer professional advice in assisting businesses to build and monitor their own effective and efficient credit control systems. Eric's expertise and experience will further strengthen the Coles Miller Debt...... Read More | ||||
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29th May 2005 -- COLES MILLER COMMERCIAL EXPANDS The commercial department of Dorset law firm Coles Miller has recently been strengthened by two new appointments. John James, a litigation specialist with over twenty two years legal experience joins the team from a firm based in Bath. For the past sixteen years, he has specialised in commercial and construction litigation, having been employed both in private practice and as an in-house lawyer for a major construction and civil engineering contractor. Solicitor Fiona Dickie has joined the firm's expanding commercial property team. An experienced property specialist, Fiona has...... Read More | ||||
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20th May 2005 -- NEW CONVEYANCING SPECIALIST AT BOURNEMOUTH Dorset law firm Coles Miller has recently announced the arrival of conveyancing solicitor Debbie Zimmerman. With over two years residential conveyancing experience, Debbie joins the firm's Bournemouth office and will be involved in the buying and selling of residential property. A local girl, Debbie attended Bournemouth School for Girls before completing her degree at DeMontfort University in Leicester and then attended Nottingham Law School. She completed her training contract with a law firm in Kent and moved back to Bournemouth eighteen months ago to work for a firm...... Read More | ||||
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9th May 2005 -- COLES MILLER LADIES RACE FOR LIFE A group of fourteen from the Poole and Broadstone offices of Coles Miller Solicitors recently took part in Cancer Research UK's Race for Life. The event, which took place in Poole Park and the surrounding areas of Baiter, was attended by over 1600 local women all helping to raise money for Cancer Research. The local law firm also have another team participating in the Bournemouth race in June. ... Read More | ||||
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29th April 2005 -- WE'RE REVVING UP FOR SUMMER! Dorset law firm Coles Miller has recently been unveiled as title sponsors of the highly successful Poole Tourism event Quay For My Car. The Friday night event, which has been running now for five years, sees different car marques line up along Poole Quay from May until August. Partner Adrian Cormack from the firm's Poole office said of the new sponsorship, "We're delighted to have teamed up with Poole Tourism to help enhance the weekly event and raise our profile locally. We have a strong personal injury litigation department,...... Read More | ||||
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22nd March 2005 -- LAW FIRM FOUR LEAP FOR CHARITY A team of four from Dorset law firm Coles Miller recently abseiled 100ft down the water tower at Tower Park in Poole for charity. Conveyancing solicitor Ruth Kerley and Human Resources Manager Kristina Hurst, along with legal assistants Shelley Franks and Lindsey Gray all completed the daredevil stunt and raised over £420 for the National Kidney Research Fund. "This is my third abseil now" remarked Shelley, family assistant at the firm's Bournemouth office, "and to be able to raise money for such a worthwhile cause at the same...... Read More | ||||
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15th March 2005 -- GIVE YOUR PERSONAL LEGAL AFFAIRS THE ONCE OVER Much can happen in a year or two, so it pays to keep your personal legal affairs in order advises David Parfitt, head of the Coles Miller Wills & Probate department. It may be worth checking to see if Wills need to be revised or updated. For example, are the guardians nominated to look after the children that were appropriate several years ago still the right individuals? Are the Executors appointed to administer estates still correct? As children grow and reach adulthood it may be better for them to...... Read More | ||||
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1st March 2005 -- TIME OFF WORK The question of employees' rights to time off work for dependent care has always been a grey area for employers and a recent ruling at the Employment Appeal Tribunal highlights the need for a clear and concise policy reports Dorset law firm Coles Miller. "Section 57A of the Employment Rights Act 1996 gives employees the right to take unpaid time off work, in certain circumstances, to care for or make arrangements in respect of a 'dependant'. In order for the right to apply, the amount of time taken off...... Read More | ||||
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25th February 2005 -- PROPERTY PROFESSIONALS MEET IN POOLE The Solent Property Forum, a unique meeting place for leaders in the local property industry, met recently at the Mansion House in Poole. Hosted by its founder, Les Lawrenson, commercial property solicitor with Coles Miller, the lunch brought together property professionals from a wide range of disciplines, including architecture, civil engineering, law, banking and taxation. Lawrenson spotted a gap in the market for a round table that offered a real opportunity for local property professionals to get together and make things happen. He assembled the group of nine...... Read More | ||||
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23rd February 2005 -- MINIMUM WAGE TO RISE The national minimum wage for adults will rise to £5.05 in October 2005 in line with the recommendation of the Low Pay Commission reports Dorset law firm Coles Miller. The adult minimum wage will be increased from £4.85 to £5.05 in October 2005 - in line with average earnings - with an additional 6% increase to £5.35 in October 2006. By 2006 the minimum wage will be almost 50% above its 1999 introduction rate. The minimum hourly rate for 18 to 21 year olds will rise to £4.25. | ||||
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21st February 2005 -- CALLING ALL NOSEY NEIGHBOURS Dying to know what your neighbours sold their house for? Well, the answer is simply a mouse click away reports Dorset law firm Coles Miller. "The prices paid for individual homes have long been in the public domain but obtaining them from the Land Registry was a laborious process" explains Fiona Knight, partner and head of residential conveyancing. "However, since the Land Registry released its electronic database of more than nineteen million property registrations in England and Wales in late December, several online companies can supply the information...... Read More | ||||
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16th February 2005 -- NEW PROPERTY SOLICITOR JOINS COLES MILLER Commercial property specialist, Les Lawrenson, has joined Dorset law firm Coles Miller as Partner Designate. Lawrenson, formerly a senior solicitor at Southampton based Moore & Blatch Solicitors, specialises in all aspects of commercial property transactions including land acquisitions and disposals, options, joint ventures, planning, landlord & tenant, and secured lending. He joins Coles Miller's expanding commercial department – one of the largest dedicated departments in the area. He has acted for a large number of developers, including national firms, and many banks and local businesses. As he...... Read More | ||||
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10th February 2005 -- FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT - PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA), which came fully in to force on 1st January 2005, will have a more far-reaching effect than may first appear reports Dorset law firm Coles Miller. "Its aim is to transform the culture of the public sector from one of secrecy (need to know) to one of openness and accountability (right to know)" explains Neil Andrews, head of the Coles Miller Commercial department. "Although it may seem that the FOIA will only be relevant to the public authorities, in practice it...... Read More | ||||
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2nd February 2005 -- MARTIN PROMOTED TO DIRECTOR OF FINANCE Dorset law firm Coles Miller has recently promoted Practice Accountant Martin Ford-Horne to Director of Finance after nearly two years with the firm. Martin joined in April 2003 with over 20 years financial experience working for established companies such as Opticians Melson Wingate and local lava lamp manufacturer Mathmos. As well as dealing with the firm's Finances, Martin sits on the management committee and is in charge of the facilities function for the firm. ... Read More | ||||
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19th January 2005 -- COHABITATION...KNOW THE LAW Moving in with your partner may be one of the most romantic things you'll ever do. But, as you step over the threshold you're not likely to be thinking about your legal rights…or who will pay the gas bill. But you should be warns Dorset law firm Coles Miller. Living together, or cohabitation to give it it's correct term, is becoming increasingly popular and acceptable in today's society with cohabiting couples now making up 14% of all families compared with just 5% in 1986 reports family solicitor Emma Hamilton...... Read More | ||||
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13th January 2005 -- GOVERNMENT GIVES EMPLOYEES THE RIGHT TO KNOW One of the cultural differences between UK businesses and their European counterparts is the UK's approach to employee participation – the whole notion of "employee participation" remains a thorny issue in many UK organisations. However, this will have to change as the UK prepares for the mandatory information and consultation provisions coming into force on 6th April 2005, which will effectively give employees information and consultation rights in the workplace reports Dorset law firm Coles Miller. Through its document "High Performance Workplaces: Informing and Consulting Employees" the UK government...... Read More | ||||
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7th January 2005 -- INTERNET MISUSE COULD COST BUSINESSES DEARLY Dorset law firm Coles Miller is warning local businesses to be on their guard against staff misusing the Internet – or they could face costly action in an Employment Tribunal. The warning from employment law specialist Graham Whitehouse follows a ruling by the Employment Appeal Tribunal in a claim for sexual discrimination against a courier company. A female clerk at the courier’s offices had complained that her male colleagues had been downloading pornographic images from the Internet and looking at them on screen in the same room as...... Read More | ||||
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5th January 2005 -- COMPULSORY RETIREMENT AGES SET TO BE SCRAPPED The Government is reportedly set to announce its intention to abolish compulsory retirement ages as one of the measures designed to implement the age discrimination laws contained in the EC Equal Treatment Framework Directive reports Dorset law firm Coles Miller. "The Government's intention is allegedly contained in a letter which has been circulated to cabinet ministers", said employment law specialist Neil Andrews. "The letter, it is reported, proposes that compulsory retirement ages will not be rendered unlawful until 2011, giving businesses time to adapt to the change. However,...... Read More |
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