Archive News From Coles Miller

	12th January 2010 -- A SEMINAR EXPLORING CHANGES TO EMPLOYMENT LAW Free Seminar The Haven Hotel, Poole Wednesday 3 February 2010 8.00am—10.15am Jobshop UK, Coles Miller and MTA Consulting invite you to a forum looking at current issues affecting HR Managers and local employers. We will be looking at the following topics - Using the Internet Managing Absence We will be advising on the legal implications as well as discussing the people management issues and advising how best to handle these issues in the work place. This will be an interactive event with plenty of opportunity...... Read More
	22nd December 2009 -- NEW COMMERCIAL SOLICITOR JOINS TEAM Coles Miller Solicitors are pleased to announce the appointment of a new Commercial Lawyer to the team. Katie Bannister joined Coles Miller at the end of November and specialises in Corporate / Commercial law. She trained with PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal LLP before moving on to Top 20 firm SJ Berwin LLP upon qualification. Katie’s experience includes M&As (public and private companies), restructuring, IPOs, AIM, fundraising, joint ventures, MBOs, Companies Act advice, LLP agreements and share buybacks. She has acted for a wide range of commercial clients with...... Read More
	2nd December 2009 -- ANDREW HOWARD APPOINTED TO ALEP Coles Miller Partner, Andrew Howard, has recently been appointed as a member of ALEP, the “Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners”. Membership of this professional association is a badge of assurance to leaseholders and freeholders that dealing with a member of ALEP they can be confident that they will be experienced and competent in matters related to leasehold enfranchisement, in particular lease extensions and freehold acquisitions, and that they can be assured of a consistently high level of service, integrity and professionalism. To qualify for membership of ALEP, professionals...... Read More
	2nd December 2009 -- FOOTBALLING SOLICITORS RAISE MONEY FOR CHILDREN IN NEED On Friday 20 November, Coles Miller Solicitors held it's third annual football tournament in support of Children In Need. Teams from leading businesses across Bournemouth and Poole competed in an afternoon of competition at the Pelhams Park Leisure Centre in Bournemouth, organised by Coles Miller Commercial solicitor Ben Lucy. The tournament was lively but friendly and a rare spot of Autumnal sunshine saw Castle Cover win by beating Nettleship Sawyer in the final to claim the prestigious trophy and deny Goadsby a third winning year in a row. Over a...... Read More
	24th November 2009 -- LAW FIRM LAUNCHES SPECIALIST CYCLE ACCIDENT DIVISION Dorset law firm Coles Miller has launched a new specialist Cycle Accidents Division as part of their expanding Personal Injury Department. The local law firm, which has one of the largest Personal Injury Departments in the region, with numerous keen cyclists amongst its staff, has identified a need to offer a complete service to cyclists who have been injured in accidents and may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Said Peter, “I have been a keen cyclist for many years. I cycle regularly, both to...... Read More
	19th November 2009 -- WANT TO MANAGE YOUR OWN BLOCK OF FLATS? A recent report on BBC South Today has highlighted the issue of unsatisfactory management of blocks of flats by freeholders in the local area. Residents of blocks are often unhappy with the level of service charges payable or the way in which their block is managed by their freeholder. Fortunately, residents do not have to suffer these situations as the Commonhold & Leasehold Reform Act 2002 gives residents of blocks of flats the right to take the management function away from their freeholder and undertake management themselves. In order...... Read More
	3rd November 2009 -- 20 YEAR MILESTONE AT COLES MILLER Two long serving staff members celebrate 20 years of service each, with local law firm Coles Miller Solicitors. Annie Winterbottom and Maggie Graham both joined Coles Miller in 1989 as legal secretaries, Annie starting when the firm still had its Poole office in Kingland Crescent. The two ladies have more or less worked together the entire 20 years within the firm’s residential conveyancing department for Julie Stratton (pictured with Annie and Maggie). More recently, Annie moved across to the firms Commercial department and is now a secretary for its...... Read More
	3rd November 2009 -- COLES MILLER DRESS IN PINK TO SUPPORT NATIONAL BREAST CANCER Staff at local law firm Coles Miller Solicitors joined in with the annual National Breast Cancer “Wear it Pink Day” on Friday 30th October. Clients visiting the offices were met by a sea of pink as dozens of staff wore something pink to work in support of this National campaign. All staff paid a minimum donation of £2 which goes towards the charity and there was also a cake sale to raise extra cash. The firm raised over £100 to assist research into breast cancer. ... Read More
	27th October 2009 -- THE WAY OF THE FUTURE Mothers may soon be able to transfer some of their maternity leave entitlement to the father, under new proposals outlined by the Government. Mothers with maternity leave outstanding in the second six months of a child's life will be able to transfer up to six months to the father. Statutory Maternity Pay will be paid for up to three months of that leave, provided the leave is taken during the mother's 39-week maternity pay period. Consultation will begin shortly and it is intended that new regulations will be in...... Read More
	15th October 2009 -- EXTRA HOLIDAY IF EMPLOYEES FALL SICK The European Court of Justice recently ruled that workers who are sick whilst on pre-arranged holiday leave are entitled to request extra leave in order to make up their minimum leave entitlement under the Working Time Directive. The rationale is that all workers should be entitled to a minimum of four weeks' rest and relaxation a year, which they are not getting if they are sitting sick at home or in a hospital bed. Critics say this decision leaves the system open to abuse, with the potential for employees...... Read More
	7th October 2009 -- HOW CAN HOME OWNERS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE RECENT FALL IN PROPERTY PRICES? Andrew Howard of Coles Miller Solicitors says that if you are an owner of a leasehold property, typically or often a flat, then now is a good time to consider purchasing the freehold or extending the lease with the freehold owner. Many people, in particular flat owners, own their property on a leasehold basis, and the freehold is owned by a separate ‘landlord’, often one of the traditional estates or landowners in the area. If your lease falls below 75 years remaining it is considered a...... Read More
	7th October 2009 -- POWERS OF ATTORNEY = PEACE OF MIND Like making a will, it’s one of those things people don’t like to think about, but, what happens if you become mentally incapacitated in the future and are unable to make decisions about your affairs or personal welfare? You can now legally appoint one or more people of your own choosing to safeguard your affairs by means of a Lasting Power of Attorney. This will relieve the stress and uncertainty for your loved ones in the future and, you can rest assured that your welfare will be in...... Read More
	5th October 2009 -- ALL CHANGE ON 1ST OCTOBER On 1st October, the cap on a week's pay increased from £350 to £380 for redundancy payments and unfair dismissal basic awards. Also, the annual increase in the national minimum wage took place, from £5.73ph to £5.80ph for those aged 22 or more. Changes for 18-21 year olds were from £4.77 to £4.83, and for 16-17 year olds it increased from £3.53 to £3.57. The bar and restaurant trade should note that tips can no longer count towards the national minimum wage.... Read More
	25th September 2009 -- RULING MEANS EMPLOYERS CAN MAKE STAFF RETIRE AT 65 The High Court has ruled that it is legal for UK employers to force workers to retire at the age of 65. A challenge brought by the charities Age Concern and Help the Aged in the case of Heyday had been overruled in the High Court by Mr Justice Blake, who found that the Default Retirement Age introduced by the government in 2006 did comply with an EC Directive against age discrimination. This means that in the UK, a worker can see their employment end at the...... Read More
	22nd September 2009 -- COLES MILLER WELCOMES NEW FACES Dorset law firm Coles Miller Solicitors has recently seen a stream of new starters and with business picking up is hoping for a promising end to the year. Amongst the new starters are three new trainees who are all embarking on their two year training contracts with the firm following completion of their degrees and Legal Practice Courses. Hannah Perry, Simon Arneaud and Kate Jack have all joined this September and will be taking up placements across a range of different service lines within the firm covering both...... Read More
	22nd September 2009 -- NEW PROBATE SOLICITOR JOINS COLES MILLER Coles Miller Solicitors are pleased to announce the appointment of solicitor, Anthony Weber to it’s already well established Wills and Probate team. Anthony, joins from London Firm, Harold Benjamin Solicitors and has extensive experience in all matters relating to Wills, Probate and Estate Management, Powers of Attorney and Inheritance Tax Planning. He has been practicing as a solicitor since 1996 and in particular is experienced in helping and advising elderly clients and their families. Originally from Essex, Anthony recently relocated to the South Coast with his partner. Read More
	18th September 2009 -- DEBT RECOVERY Managing your cash flow and minimizing bad debts is essential, even more so in these challenging economic times. Many businesses do not pay proper or prompt attention to their credit control which can often lead to their downfall. Eric Holt, Head of Credit Control and Debt Recovery at Coles Miller Solicitors, advises businesses on how to keep abreast of their finances and their debtors. Step one is to know exactly who your prospective customers are. A staggering percentage of Creditors do not know the legal status...... Read More
	18th September 2009 -- MONEY WORRIES IMPACT ON DIVORCE The current economic situation has put many relationships under increased emotional and financial strain and has proved the final straw for some. To make matters worse the current climate is having an impact on the ability of some couples to divide their assets on separation. In particular, although the property market has seen some movement in recent times, it is still proving more difficult and time consuming to sell the family home. The economic downturn has seen a decline in asset values, not only the family home...... Read More
	18th September 2009 -- IS THERE AN EASIER WAY TO DIVORCE? Separation and divorce is often a painful process. Couples are concerned about the prospect of going to court, the expense of legal fees and the impact the court system can have upon their family. Tanya Hall Associate Solicitor at Coles Miller solicitors says fortunately, there is now a more constructive alternative, the collaborative process. Tanya explains that in a collaborative separation, couples work with a team of professionals to reach a settlement without involving the courts. The primary aim of the process is to identify priorities, goals, needs and...... Read More
	17th September 2009 -- SELLING AND LOANING HORSES Read any issue of Your Horse, Horse and Hound or any other equine magazine and you will no doubt find a letter written by one of the publication’s readers about a loan, sale or purchase that has gone wrong ! Often, in the horse world transactions and agreements are settled by word of mouth and are finalised with a hand shake. Issues then later arise out of that transaction or agreement which are less than ideal for either party. For example, a person who takes a horse...... Read More
	18th August 2009 -- TOURING ABROAD Many motorcyclists take their bikes abroad every year touring Europe. However, accidents can happen. People are maybe less familiar with the rules of the road abroad, may not have prepared enough for the journey, may suffer from stress or fatigue from covering many miles or it may just be down to the ways of foreign drivers or other holidaymakers who did not see bikers. If the accident is not your fault, you can claim for compensation for any injury caused. Make sure you take full insurance cover...... Read More
	18th August 2009 -- “TO ACCEPT SURRENDER – OR NOT TO ACCEPT SURRENDER – THAT IS THE QUESTION?” Simon Steele-Williams, Litigation Partner at Coles Miller Solicitors LLP in Bournemouth warns “Landlords must be very careful where a tenant vacates a residential flat, not to inadvertently accept a surrender of the property back, unless they want to, otherwise they may lose their right to claim for any future rent for the remainder of the tenancy”. “The recent appeal case of Artworld shows this all too clearly”, Simon cautioned. The tenants vacated half way through the three year term and the landlord claimed for rent for the balance of...... Read More
	6th August 2009 -- COMMON LAW HUSBAND & WIFE - THINK AGAIN! Currently there are at least 1 in 6 cohabiting in the UK and this is set to rise to 1 in 4 by 2031. Many of these cohabiting couples believe they have rights as “Common Law” husband or wife when in reality they have no financial rights. Simply by living together, even if you have lived together for many years and have children together, the current law does not provide either party with any financial rights, whilst most couples who live together believe wrongly that they are entitled to...... Read More
	29th July 2009 -- COLES MILLER EMPLOYEE MEETS GORDON BROWN AT NO 10 Prime Minister, Gordon Brown has paid tribute to members of the Reserve Forces and employers from across the South West, thanking them for the valuable contribution they have made and continue to make to the UK’s Armed Forces. Representing the region at a Downing Street reception was Sergeant Brian Parsons of 6 Rifles who works for Coles Miller Solicitors LLP based in Poole. He was accompanied to the reception by his employer, Adrian Cormack, a Partner at the firm, who encouraged and supported him during mobilisations to Iraq in...... Read More
	14th July 2009 -- MORE HURDLES FOR RECOVERING DEBTS Delays, New Procedures, Debt Relief Orders and now Increased Court Fees, what more do Creditors need to endure? In these difficult economic times, when maintaining your cash flow is likely to be a key to your business survival, probably the last thing that was needed was the introduction by the Government of a new Court Protocol or Debt Relief Orders that may slow down your ability to commence legal proceedings, increase the costs of doing so, or provide a debtor with yet another means to avoid payment. Read More
	3rd July 2009 -- PRE-NUPTIAL WINS OVER The issue of prenuptial agreements has once again this week hit the headlines with the case of German heiress Katrin Radmacher and her husband Nicholas Granatino. In their proceedings the Court has once again considered the importance of pre-nuptial agreements in the context of divorce and the weight these agreements can carry. This area has for a many years been one which is the subject of judicial comment and once again the Court has expressed the desire for further consideration of the position of such agreements under the...... Read More
	2nd July 2009 -- A HUT WITH A VIEW A brand new development of 24 beach chalets has recently been completed at Alum Chine and are selling like “hot cakes”. Several of the new chalets have already been leased for £39,100 each for a 25 year lease. The chalets may not have running water or electricity but they do boast stunning views overlooking the Blue Flag award winning beach. Local solicitor, Fiona Knight of Coles Miller Solicitors LLP, has acted for three of the purchasers so far and says that “as holidaying in the UK is becoming...... Read More
	30th June 2009 -- SPORTING PATRONS RAISE CASH FOR KIDS The Dorset Sporting Club have donated the proceeds from one of it’s recent sporting dinners to Children with Leukemia. They presented the cheque to local solicitor, Ruth Kerley at the June sporting dinner held at the Carrington House Hotel. The cheque for £1800 will go towards Ruth’s fundraising total for Children with Leukemia and will add to the £1200 she raised running the Flora London Marathon in April bringing her grand total to over £3,000. Ruth, a conveyancing partner with Coles Miller Solicitors, attended the dinner in June...... Read More
	18th June 2009 -- SOLICITORS IN FREEFALL FOR CHARITY Local solicitors, Lydia Wright and Fiona Knight, from Coles Miller Solicitors LLP, recently jumped for charity in a nail biting 13,000 ft freefall parachute jump. The pair took part in the tandem jump at Netheravon airfield near Salisbury and raised over £670 for the charity Headway Dorset., The charity provides support and rehabilitation for victims of serious head and brain injuries and has strong links with the firm. Partner, Adrian Cormack is Chairman of the Trustees. Speaking about the jump, Lydia, a clinical negligence solicitor based in Poole...... Read More
	18th June 2009 -- KATIE JOINS CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE Coles Miller Solicitors LLP are pleased to announce that solicitor, Katie Richards, joined the firm’s Clinical Negligence team in Poole on Monday 8th June. A local girl from Broadstone, she studied Biological Studies at Exeter University and then went on to Guildford to do her Graduate Diploma in Law & Legal Practice Course. She trained in Poole and qualified in Dec 2008. Prior to that she worked for DLA Piper LLP in London as a Paralegal. She joins the rapidly expanding Clinical Negligence team at Coles Miller...... Read More
	21st May 2009 -- FAMILY LAW – ALL ABOUT DIVORCE? Tanya Hall, Associate, is keen to stress that the work of a family lawyer is not just dealing with the aftermath when things go wrong. The department offer services at the outset of a relationship to avoid difficulties arising on a possible breakdown of the relationship which include pre-nuptial/pre-partnership contracts, and cohabitation agreements. These types of agreements are becoming increasingly popular and are gaining in credibility with the Courts. They are no longer the preserve of the very wealthy. Couples starting relationships in all circumstances can see the...... Read More
	21st May 2009 -- SEPARATING AMICABLY – IT IS POSSIBLE Collaborative process is an alternative approach to resolving the often thorny issues of financial and children matters arising from a separation or divorce. Tanya Hall, Associate at Coles Miller explains that the process is based around a series of meetings between the parties to the dispute and their specialist lawyers who assist the parties to resolve the issues respectfully and appropriately. Clients taking part have the opportunity to resolve matters in their own order of priority, with timing at their pace and this affords real freedom to make...... Read More
	7th May 2009 -- HOW TO NOT DIVORCE YOUR CHILDREN “I hated all the shouting at home!” “I felt I had to choose between my mum and my dad.” “Why can’t they just act like grown ups?” “ No one asked what I wanted.” Children experience many different feelings when their parents split up. Whether a couple are married or unmarried, the children might be confused, angry ,scared or even feel that they are to blame for the separation, even if they don’t say much about what they are thinking and feeling. Questions such...... Read More
	6th May 2009 -- THE FIRM ANNOUNCES TWO NEW ASSOCIATES IN THE FIRM The Partners are pleased to announce the appointment of Graham McLean and Laurence Wells as Associates from 1 May 2009 in recognition of their hard work for the Firm. Graham McLean joined the Commercial Team on the 1 March 2006. Graham is originally from South Africa and was admitted to the UK roll in January 2004. Graham is part of the Commercial Litigation Team and has run a number of successful court cases. Laurence Wells joined the Company Commercial team on the 14 May 2007. He qualified in...... Read More
	6th May 2009 -- NEW PARTNER FOR COLES MILLER SOLICITORS The Partners at Coles Miller Solicitors LLP are pleased to announce the appointment of a new Partner, David Simpson, as from 1 May 2009. David joined the Firm in March 2007. He was admitted as a solicitor in 1989 and practiced as a Personal Injury lawyer with Ironsides (formerly Ray & Vials) Northampton; For the seven years to 2006 he continued in developing his Personal Injury skills with Wansbroughs Solicitors, Devizes. In 2005 David was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in New South Wales. David is a...... Read More
	30th April 2009 -- ROGER SENIOR STEPS DOWN AS SENIOR PARTNER AT COLES MILLER SOLICITORS AFTER 40 YEARS WITH THE FIRM Well known and respected local Solicitor Roger Senior has retired after 40 years in Practice. After leaving Poole Grammar School Roger was articled to Howard Cole in 1964. Roger qualified as a Solicitor in 1969 working alongside Howard and Arthur Cole the founders of the firm HFJ & AW Cole. In 1972 Roger became a partner in the Firm and since 1984 Roger has been Senior Partner. Roger, a keen sailor, has steered the firm through mergers with J.W Miller and Sons to form the combined firm...... Read More
	1st April 2009 -- NEW SENIOR PARTNER TO LEAD FIRM Coles Miller is pleased to announce the appointment of David Parfitt as its new Senior Partner with effect from 1 April 2009. David will be taking over from Roger Senior who has been the Senior Partner since 1984, and is due to retire. Roger will still act for the firm in a consultant role. David is head of the firm’s Wills & Probate Department and has been with the firm since joining in 1979 to what was then known as HFJ & AW Cole. He became a...... Read More
	30th March 2009 -- GET NOTICED Simon Steele-Williams, Commercial Litigation Partner with Coles Miller Solicitors LLP in Bournemouth highlights the importance of getting the notice period right when looking to recover possession from an Assured Shorthold tenant. Cautioned Simon, “even if the right Notice is used, in most circumstances where a fixed term tenancy has expired, the Notice must expire on the correct date. Getting the Notice period wrong can be fatal to a claim, particularly if proceedings have been issued. The whole process may need to be started again which can take months,...... Read More
	6th March 2009 -- GRANT OF OVERHEAD POWER CABLE EASEMENTS Matthew Smith, a solicitor within Coles Miller’s litigation team, has recently been advising owners of freehold properties, on cases relating to Electric Power Cable Easements. Deeds proposed by Southern Electric Power Distribution, part of Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), grants the energy company the permanent right to retain overhead electricity lines/ power cables over properties. SSE propose the permanent easement so as to update the older wayleave agreements which were widely used to deal with overhead power cables when they crossed over private property. SSE offer clients an...... Read More
	6th March 2009 -- COLES MILLER TRAINEE SUCCESSFULLY QUALIFIES Dorset law firm Coles Miller is pleased to announce that Lydia Wright, who works within the firm’s Clinical Negligence Department, will qualify as a Solicitor this month. Lydia had been selected as part of the firm’s graduate training programme and has spent the last two years working towards her qualification as a lawyer which included experience within the various departments at Coles Miller. A former Parkstone Grammar School student, she joined the firm in July 2004 as a member of the firm’s Personal Injury Department. She now returns...... Read More
	5th March 2009 -- POOLE FESTIVAL OF RUNNING AIMS TO BE BEST YET Coles Miller Solicitors are proud to be sponsoring the Poole Festival of Running, for the third year in a row. The festival, which takes place in Poole Park on Sunday, 7th June 2009, is one of the biggest running events in the South attracting around 2500 competitors of all abilities. There will also be fun and entertainment for competitors and spectators alike at the Poole Lions Spring Fayre where there will stalls and activities. All money raised on the day will be donated to...... Read More
	11th February 2009 -- EMPLOYEES ACCRUE HOLIDAY RIGHTS WHEN ON LONG TERM SICK LEAVE. The European Court of Justice has recently ruled that employees on long term sick leave will continue to accrue holiday. It had previously been the case that employees who were absent for significant periods of time would be unable to accrue holiday in the normal way The House of Lords had previously ruled that employees who were on long term sick leave could not continue to accrue holiday in the normal way as if they had been present at work. The reasoning that they gave was essentially that in...... Read More
	14th January 2009 -- CODE RED! FREE SEMINAR - 24TH FEBRUARY 8.00AM Code Red! Developing your Company’s Code of Conduct Free Seminar The Lighthouse, Poole Tuesday 24th February 8.00am for 8.30am Do you feel confident managing challenging situations with staff? Are you ready for the new code of practice? Do you want to build your reputation as an employer of choice? This seminar is aimed at Directors, Managers and HR staff who are keen to keep up with modern practices regarding performance management and ensure their company complies with the New Code on...... Read More
	8th December 2008 -- CREDIT CRUNCH FORCING COUPLES TO STAY TOGETHER 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 they...... Read More
	9th October 2008 -- SURVIVE THE CREDIT CRUNCH One of the most important considerations for a business to survive the credit crunch is to be able to manage their cash flow. Eric Holt, a specialist in the field of debt recovery at Coles Miller Solicitors offers some advice. Today’s economic climate is somewhat uncertain as banks continue to tighten their reign on finances, therefore creditors must ensure that they can count on their own cash flow, primarily through the prompt payment of their invoices. Eric Holt who manages the Debt Recovery Department at Coles Miller...... Read More
	11th September 2008 -- STEPPING WISELY ACROSS THE THRESHOLD Moving in with your partner or getting married may be amongst the most romantic things you'll ever do. But, as you step (or are carried!) over the threshold you're not likely to be thinking about your legal rights. That’s quite understandable, but couples are increasingly looking for certainty in the future. Whilst it may appear to be a very unromantic approach to some, making agreements and having documents drawn to provide for the future together is a modern approach and is increasing in popularity as well as in terms...... Read More
	11th September 2008 -- FIRM RECRUITS NEW TRAINEE SOLICITORS Dorset law firm Coles Miller has recently appointed three new trainee solicitors. Rajinder Somal is originally from Wolverhampton and just recently moved to Bournemouth. He studied at Queen Mary’s University of London and completed his Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in Birmingham. Up until recently he was helping to run the family business in Swansea. Joining him is Carly Brown, a local girl who went to Corfe Hills School in Broadstone. Carly studied at Cardiff University before doing her LPC at Bournemouth. She...... Read More
	9th September 2008 -- NEW RECRUITS FOR COLES MILLER CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE TEAM. Dorset based law firm Coles Miller - which has offices in Poole, Bournemouth, Charminster and Broadstone - has recently appointed two new key personnel to join it’s rapidly expanding Clinical Negligence team. Lydia Wright joins the team as she completes her graduate training which she has undertaken with the firm. Prior to her training, Lydia worked within the Coles Miller Personal Injury Department and has over three years experience in this area. Also joining the team from outside the firm is Legal Assistant James Corbin. James was previously...... Read More
	11th August 2008 -- EMPLOYERS TO EXTEND NON-PAY BENEFITS TO MUMS ON MATERNITY LEAVE. The Government recently announced an extension of non-pay contractual benefits to mothers taking maternity leave. Prior to the announcement which came into effect on 23 July, employers who gave their employees certain non-pay related contractual terms and conditions, such as company cars, mobile phones, pensions or health benefits, where required to extend these to employees whilst on Ordinary Maternity Leave only (first 26 weeks). Under the new legislation, women who are expecting their baby to be born on or after 5 October are entitled to take...... Read More
	8th August 2008 -- MOVING... Head of Conveyancing at local law firm Coles Miller, Fiona Knight, is herself moving. After spending 15 years at the firm’s Charminster Road office, and having assisted hundreds of local people move home, Fiona is transferring to the firm’s newest office at Durley Chine Road, Bournemouth. Fiona will be helping to develop the firm’s commercial practice at the central Bournemouth location. Coles Miller, which already has a large and well established commercial practice in Poole, is capitalising on Fiona’s expertise in the field of commercial property. Read More
	6th August 2008 -- ACT NOW TO MAKE YOUR PROPERTY MORE SALEABLE IN THE FUTURE. With the current downturn of the property market, many home owners are concentrating on making improvements to their properties in order to make them more appealing to purchasers either now or when the market picks up. As well as the usual list of DIY improvements such as redecorating and new kitchens, people should not overlook the legal issues that could be ironed out prior to selling. One issue is the legal tenure of leasehold properties that could have a big impact on the saleability of your home. Read More
	23rd July 2008 -- EMAIL SPOOF We are aware of a spoof email scam where the sender claims to be an employee of Coles Miller Solicitors. Under no circumstances are the individuals named or the firm of Coles Miller involved in the origination of this email and the claim of a beneficiary sum is false. We would advise recipients not to respond. We have reported this to the police, Microsoft and the Solicitors Regulation Authority in the UK. Coles Miller cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage caused by such third party...... Read More
	3rd July 2008 -- COLES MILLER BUMP INTO EX-APPRENTICE AT CONFERENCE Coles Miller Solicitors Debt Recovery Manager Eric Holt recently met the Ex-Apprentice Ruth Badger at the Institute of Credit Management Conference, at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on 24 June. Ruth is best known as the runner-up in the second series of the UK version of ‘The Apprentice’ and the presenter of the TV show ‘Badger or Bust’. Similar to Coles Miller’s Debt recovery department, Ruth’s business ‘Ruth Badger Consultancy Ltd’ has the aim to help businesses increase their productivity and profitability. Eric Holt and his team were...... Read More
	30th June 2008 -- PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENTS - A TOUCHY SUBJECT? It is reported further to the highly publicised marriage of Coleen McLoughlin and Wayne Rooney that no prenuptial arrangement was prepared. It is well known that the couple have between them a substantial wealth. So is the proposition of a prenuptial agreement simply too unromantic, or is it simply not a conversation that couples want to have, before the wedding celebrations have even taken place? Emma Hamilton Cole, Head of Family and Matrimonial Law at Coles Miller Solicitors says, “In practice, prenuptial agreements seem to be ever more...... Read More
	16th June 2008 -- APPOINTMENT OF TWO NEW ASSOCIATES AT COLES MILLER Coles Miller Solicitors LLP are pleased to announce the appointment of two new Associates, Tanya Hall and David Simpson. Tanya Hall joined Coles Miller in September 2003 having qualified as a solicitor in 1993. Since Tanya joined the firm she has practised at it’s Charminster Office within the Family Department. Tanya has been an advanced member of the Law Society’s Family Panel since 2002 and a full member of Resolution. Tanya also trained in 2007 as a collaborative lawyer, a new approach which aims at resolving disputes on...... Read More
	16th May 2008 -- APPOINTMENT OF CHRIS WHITTLE AS PARTNER APPOINTMENT OF NEW PARTNER CHRIS WHITTLE The Partners at Coles Miller Solicitors LLP are pleased to announce the appointment of a new Partner, Chris Whittle. Chris first joined the Firm in 1997 and qualified in February 2001. Since that time, Chris has worked within the Firm’s Personal Injury Department and has steadily built up a substantial volume of work. Chris has been a full member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers since 2003 and was appointed an Associate with Coles Miller in 2004. He...... Read More
	7th May 2008 -- HELPING YOU GET BACK ON THE ROAD Coles Miller Solicitors, sponsors of the Poole Quay Dream Machines, have teamed up with local company, Bikers Legal Defence, the UK’s leading Motorcycle Claims Management Company, to provide motorcyclists with a complete one-stop service to support them in the event of an accident. 62% of motorcycle road traffic accidents are caused by other road users – usually a car driver who simply does not see the motorcyclist. If the accident was not your fault Coles Miller can help by giving you expert advice on your motorcycle accident claim,...... Read More
	18th March 2008 -- ASBESTOS RELATED CONDITIONS A recent ruling by the House of Lords in relation to Claimants suffering from an asbestos related condition known as pleural plaques has attracted wide spread criticism from the legal industry and trade unions. For many years, sufferers of a condition known as pleural plaques were able to claim compensation for negligent exposure from the employer who exposed them. However, following a legal challenge by insurance companies the Law Lords agreed that the condition was not one, which is compensable, as the condition did not create any symptoms although...... Read More
	5th March 2008 -- POOLE FESTIVAL OF RUNNING AIMS TO BE BEST YET! Coles Miller Solicitors are proud to be sponsoring the Poole Festival of Running, for the third year in a row. The festival, which takes place in Poole Park on Sunday, 7th June 2009, is one of the biggest running events in the South attracting around 2500 competitors of all abilities. 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 the day will be donated...... Read More
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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. ‚ÄúThere are many practical reasons for monitoring employees,‚Äù begins Mr McDonnell. ‚ÄúIt is important for companies to ensure quality control and crime prevention. Today most employees have access to the internet, emails, mobile phones and PDA‚Äôs to help them with their work. Employers not only...... Read More
	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, ‚ÄúDespite what some people might think, the law for distributing...... Read More
	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
	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
	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‚Äôs 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
	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
	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 ‚Äì yes...... Read More
	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‚Äôs 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, ‚ÄúThis appointment for Jason is in recognition of his hard work, commitment and...... Read More
	31st January 2007 -- WILL 2007 BE A HIP YEAR? 1st June 2007 is D-Day for the introduction of the Government‚Äôs 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
	31st January 2007 -- DIVORCE DEVELOPMENTS ‚ÄúWith 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.‚Äù remarks Emma Hamilton Cole, Partner with Coles Miller Solicitors of Poole, Bournemouth and Broadstone. ‚ÄúDivorce through the eyes of the media is often presented as a battle between competing views of what went wrong and ‚Äòwho‚Äôs to blame but it doesn‚Äôt necessarily have to be the case.‚Äù Divorce petitions in England and Wales are all based on the...... Read More
	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‚Äô 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
	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‚Äôs Wear It Pink Day. Over one hundred kind-hearted staff members from each of the firm‚Äôs 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
	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
	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‚Äôs 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
	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‚Äôs 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
	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. ‚ÄúThe 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‚Äù remarked employment solicitor Michael McDonnell. Read More
	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‚Äôs recently re-branded PI...... Read More
	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. ‚ÄúIn 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‚Äù explains employment law...... Read More
	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 ‚Ä¢ 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. ‚Ä¢ Those returning early from...... Read More
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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‚Äôs 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. Read More
	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‚Äôs Poole office and will also be working closely with members of...... Read More
	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
	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
	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. ‚ÄúThese 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
	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‚Äôs 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
	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
	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‚Äôs 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
	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
	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
	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. ‚ÄúA 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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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 ‚ÄúAs one of the South‚Äôs 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
	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‚Äôs Poole office. A former pupil at St Edwards...... Read More
	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 ‚ÄòColes Miller Quay for my Car‚Äô. Unlike your usual car meet, ‚ÄòColes Miller Quay for my Car‚Äô 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 ‚Äì Red Open Top...... Read More
	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
	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 ‚Äì 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
	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 ‚Äì 34% of homeowners ‚Äì 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
	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‚Äô 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
	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
	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
	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 ‚Äì if any ‚Äì you wish to receive, should you...... Read More
	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
	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". Read More
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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. Read More
	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 ‚ÄòHome Information Pack‚Äô 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
	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
	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‚Äôs 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
	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
	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
	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. ‚ÄúIn 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‚Äù explains employment law...... Read More
	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
	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
	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‚Äô everyday duties. All members of staff attending were provided with full reference materials...... Read More
	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
	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
	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
	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‚Äôs 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
	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
	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‚Äôs 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 ‚Äìv- 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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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
	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. Read More
	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
	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 ‚Äì 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
	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
	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
	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‚Ä¶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
	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 ‚Äì 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
	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 ‚Äì 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‚Äôs 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
	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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