Local GP Surgery Holds Grand Opening Event

Cllr. Susan Griggs, the Mayor of Tiverton attended an evening event to celebrate the completion of the new £1.8m extension to Clare House Surgery located in Newport Street, Tiverton. The substantial building programme which has significantly increased the size of the surgery was overseen by lead consultants Haldons Limited and built by contractors Morgan Sindall.

Photograph By Glen King:

Centre: Cllr Sue Griggs, Mayor of Tiverton with Clare House construction consultants to her left and the partners of Clare House Surgery on the right.

More than 100 guests, including Clare House staff, patients and supporters attended the event, enjoying canapés and wine. Dr Frank O’Kelly, Senior Partner gave a welcome address advising that Clare House has always been known to give an excellent service to patients and the expansion has now created an environment that includes a clinical suite and additional healthcare facilities that will ensure a primary care service for the future.  This was followed by a number of presentations by keynote speakers including a few words from the Mayor.

Cllr Susan Griggs, Mayor of Tiverton said: ‘Tiverton is a busy and social town and I am very pleased that we have such a wonderful surgery in our town centre as it is vital to the local community.  I wish everyone who works here every success and well done to the consultants for the fabulous design and all their hard work.”

The project came in within budget with Mark Coton of Construction Consultants, Haldons Ltd as the lead consultant.  Mark’s presentation outlined the phases and complexities of the project showing before and after photographs.  He said: ‘Clare House Surgery is a Grade II Listed Building dating back to the seventeenth century and as a result was a challenging project.  We employed Jerry Kent an architect based in Barnstaple, who dealt with the Listed Building issues which included archaeology trenches to check antiquities and also the planning permission.  The historic boundary walls had to be re-constructed and the ground conditions were poor coupled with being the wettest winter for 250 years which Dave Pearce of Morgan Sindall and his team dealt with brilliantly.  I also would like to thank Linda Bent the Business Development Manager and all the Clare House team for their patience throughout the build.”

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New Thatched Cottages Part of Autumn Windfall C G Fry & Son

Independent developer, C G Fry & Son, is offering house buyers assistance to help them move in to their new home at their award-winning Wyndham Place development in Tisbury by Christmas. The C G Fry ‘Autumn Windfall’ offers differing incentives on selected properties for sale at a number of developments across the South West.

New C G Fry & Son thatched cottage at Tisbury, Wyndham Place.

Wyndham Place offers new homes with prices from £240,000, and C G Fry & Son will pay the stamp duty on selected plots subject to legal completion before the 19th December 2014.   This includes a delightful four-bedroom thatched cottage with large kitchen/family room and double garage.

The development on Hindon Lane offers a rare chance to acquire a new and charming home in one of the county’s most appealing rural areas whilst enjoying a contemporary, premier internal specification on all the private dwellings.  Tisbury has been voted as in the top 25 places to live in the UK with good local amenities and road and rail links to the A303 and A30 trunk roads.  The railway station at Tisbury is also on the main line to London Waterloo. 

Adrian White, Site Manager for Wyndham Place was awarded ‘Pride in the Job 2014’ by the National House Building Council, (NHBC).  This award followed on the back of Adrian winning a Quality Award and subsequently a Seal of Excellence for ‘Pride in the Job’ for the same Wiltshire development in 2013.

C G Fry & Son is also offering the ‘Help to Buy’ Equity Loan Scheme at the Tisbury development, which assists first-time buyers and those looking to move up the property ladder to purchase a new-build home. The government-backed initiative was set up to help new and existing home owners to purchase a property with as little as a 5% deposit. 

Caroline Hill, Head of Sales & Marketing C G Fry & Son says: “With the current economic climate, house buyers are finding it more and more difficult to purchase their dream home.  We have listened to our customer’s feedback and wanted to offer this opportunity to help them move quickly and easily into their new home in time for Christmas.  C G Fry is a family-owned company and we want to give a helpful hand to make things easier for our buyers.  It is a fantastic opportunity for purchasers who will need to act straight away to take advantage on our developments across the South West including Wyndham Place in desirable Tisbury which also offers the ‘Help to Buy Scheme’.”

Tisbury estate agents, Arundell James who are marketing the Wiltshire development, announce their recent merger with independent estate agency, Gilyard Scarth established in 1990, which has three offices in Dorset.  The estate agency is keeping the Tisbury office as a shop-front location and continuing to market Wyndham Place on behalf of C G Fry & Son.

www.cgfry.co.uk

Relationship Manager’s Work Nominated For National Social Media Award

Patch Jobson joined Reactor15 as relationship manager in September to be a lead contact between new clients and the design and marketing agency. Coming to Reactor15 with an impressive background, his previous work with Amey LG Limited has now been nominated for the UK Social Media Communications Awards, which is in its fifth year. 

The awards celebrate the very best in UK social media communications and reward the individuals, companies and organisations who are using online platforms to communicate in fresh and innovative ways.

A former Communications Manager on contract with Amey LG Limited, Patch Jobson managed the social media account @plymouthroads from inception until June 2014. The company has since been shortlisted as a contender for the award category Best Use of Social Media in a Crisis.

At the beginning of the first severe bout of weather hitting Plymouth in October 2013, @plymouthroads had less than 70 followers. Tweeting from Silver Command in Plymouth, the account run by Patch Jobson rapidly became the lead news source for journalists, press and radio informing the wider public of traffic and safety information.

“At first it felt like I was playing catch up, but at about 8.30pm in the evening everything turned and the account became the authority source for all of the traffic information being reported by the media on Plymouth’s roads.” said the media professional.

The account now has over 1400 followers and is considered a trusted and authoritative news source for the media, particularly in times of crisis or severe weather.

Mike Saunders, Managing Director, Reactor 15 says: “Although this exceptional work was done before Patch arrived at Reactor15, we’re proud to have such talent on our hands. The award category shows that social media really makes a difference in terms of disseminating important information in a crisis. Patch joining Reactor15 underlines our commitment to recruiting the best individuals and creating an exceptional team at the disposal of our clients.”

The award ceremony will take place on Thursday 23^rd October at the Emirates Stadium in London.   

http://www.reactor15.com/

Follow HMRC Advice At Your Own Risk Says Jonathan Gifford Partner at Haines Watts North Devon LLP

A recent tax case involved a lady that sold some shares and tried to claim a capital gains tax rollover relief on the arising gain. The lady had, via her accountant, obtained confirmation from HMRC that the relief could be claimed. However, once her tax return was submitted, HMRC amended the return and removed the relief claimed.

Jonathan Gifford -Partner Haines Watts North Devon LLP

This case gives great cause for concern; surely a taxpayer can be entitled to rely on advice received from the tax authorities!? The importance of taxpayers selecting an experienced and qualified tax professional is highlighted clearly in this case – penalties and interest charged by HMRC for errors can be substantial, and HMRC do not always give the correct advice when contacted. Contact us today for a free Golden Hour with one of our partners.


Jonathan Gifford
Haines Watts North Devon LLP

Chartered Accountants Celebrate Their National Award Success In Style In Aid Of Local Charity

Haines Watts North Devon LLP based in Bideford, held a glittering event with fast cars and diamonds in aid of Children’s Hospice SW (CHSW).  It was hosted at the new state-of-the-art Roger Young Jaguar Land Rover showroom in Saltash the only of this design in the World with the two other dealerships based in Dubai and Los Angeles.  Spectacular staging and lighting was supplied by independent Warwick Corporate Events who kindly waived their fee and all costs asking that the monies be donated direct to the charity. 

Photograph by Alex Law of Roger Young Jaguar Land Rover, lighting courtesy of Warwick Corporate Events

More than 130 guest enjoyed canapés and a Cornish champagne reception, toasting Haines Watts winning the ‘Accountancy Firm of the Year – Small, Medium Size Entities (SMEs’)’ Award for 2014.  The Haines Watts Group was voted as the top firm nationally at the recent annual Financial Directors (FDs) Excellence Awards.  This award follows on the back of the Haines Watts group winning ‘Auditor of the Year’ in the SME category for two consecutive years.  

East-Devon based businessman Nick Agg-Manning of OAC Limited, acted as auctioneer at the high-profile event and auction prizes included a hot air balloon from Virgin and a helicopter ride for three people kindly donated by Richard Puchase of Yarnscombe.  This together with a charity raffle raised over £4,600 for CHSW.

Haines Watts North Devon and Roger Young Jaguar Land Rover were joined by independent South West jewellers, Michael Spiers showcasing their precious collection of fine diamond and gem jewellery and prestigious timepieces from major Swiss brands. 

John Edwards, Managing Partner Haines Watts North Devon LLP says: “I am absolutely delighted with how well attended this event was and raising so much money for a very worthy local cause.  I would like to take this opportunity of thanking local businesses who kindly donated charity prizes and Roger Young Jaguar Land Rover for acting as hosts.  The precious gems and new range of Tudor Rolex watches showcased by Michael Spiers all added to the glitter of the evening.  I was particularly impressed with the staging and lighting by David Warwick of Warwick Corporate Events who very kindly waived his fee and all costs asking that this be donated direct to the charity.”

Children’s Hospice South West have three hospices including ‘Little Harbour’ which opened its doors to its first families in December 2011 and is most conveniently situated for families who live in Cornwall, Plymouth and parts of South Devon.

The Cornish hospice is set in a spectacular coastal location overlooking St. Austell Bay with beautiful views out to sea. Designed and built with a view to celebrating Cornish building traditions and its close proximity to the sea, Little Harbour has the feel of a ‘holiday home’ in a relaxed seaside setting. 

 Alana Marie Smith, Director of Fundraising, CHSW adds:  “We were absolutely delighted to be the chosen charity of Haines Watts North Devon for this fantastic celebratory event, as we  rely almost entirely on voluntary donations to run our three hospices. It’s the generous support given by local communities and corporations that allows us to give the respite, emergency and bereavement care that is so appreciated by each and every family we support.  Haines Watts kindly also raised monies for us at this year’s Holsworthy & Stratton Showa and we can’t thank John Edwards and his wonderful team enough for all they do in supporting the charity, which helps us to make the time that the children have with their families so treasured.”

Anthony Ainslie (Director of Sales, Roger Young) /Adam Spiers (Director at Michael Spiers / John Edwards (Managing Partner of Haines Watts North Devon LLP) /  Alana Marie smith (Director of Fundraising at Children's Hospice South West) / Nick Agg-Manning ( Director of Outside Adventure Consultants Ltd.) / Naomi Dymond(Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser Children's Hospice South West) / Roger Young (Dealer Principal, Roger Young) / Darren Hardy (Service Manager, Roger Young)

www.hwca.com/acccountants-north-devon

Developer Helps House Buyers To Move In To New Homes By Christmas

Award-winning independent developer, C G Fry & Son, is offering house buyers assistance to help them move in to their new home by Christmas.    The autumn windfall includes various offers on selected C G Fry properties for sale at developments across the South West including Hillcrest at Exmouth.

Withycombe House from the gardens

At Hillcrest C G Fry is offering price reductions of up to £50,000 on a number of properties in this unique development, including the majestic and stately Withycombe House set amidst unspoilt gardens and grounds if buyers complete on the purchase on or by the 19^th December 2014. 

A beautifully restored grade II listed period manor house which dates from c.1850, Withycombe House enjoys many unique architectural features.  Originally constructed in a Gothic villa tradition, the unique property has been painstakingly restored to its former glory by the skilled craftsmen from C G Fry & Son with attention to detail   had has been converted to individual, luxurious and spacious homes.  The high ceilings and many beautifully designed windows including Gothic arches reflect this much loved architecture often attributed to castles, palaces, churches and Cathedrals with classic and timeless beauty. 

The £50,000 reduction includes Plot 1, an imposing four-bedroom dual aspect town-house with many authentic features and extensive level south facing gardens and paved patio.  The property retains many of the original features including striking quarry-tiled mosaic floor and sweeping staircase with ornate oak newel posts leading off from the grand main entrance hall.  The restored ‘egg and dart’ cornicing and plaster ceiling roses in the large sitting room add to the feeling of grandeur.  The property has garage and parking. 

Caroline Hill, Head of Sales & Marketing C G Fry & Son says: “With the current economic climate, house buyers are finding it more and more difficult to purchase their dream home.  We have listened to our customer’s feedback and wanted to offer this opportunity to help them move quickly and easily into their new home in time for Christmas.  C G Fry is a family-owned company and we want to give a helpful hand to make things easier for our buyers.  It is a fantastic opportunity for purchasers who will need to act straight away to take advantage on our developments across the South West including the chance to buy a property at the unique Withycombe House.”

www.cgfry.co.uk

MP Officially Opens New £1.8m Extension For Tiverton GP Surgery

A new-look Clare House Surgery located in Tiverton, was officially opened by Neil Parish MP in a ribbon cutting ceremony following the completion of a project costing the practice £1.8m. The substantial building programme overseen by lead consultants Haldons Limited and built by contractors Morgan Sindall.  The extension has created a significant expansion of the surgery, allowing Clare House to increase its provision of services and resulting in the creation of several new jobs. This includes additional receptionist staff, a prescription manager, a strategic manager and a new apprentice, taking the current number of employees to over 40.

Back Row:

Mark Coton, Lead Consultant – Haldons Ltd/ Dave Pearce, Contracts Manager – Morgan Sindall / James Davies and his daughter Nola (1 year old)

Middle Row:

Dr Jim Wood / Dr Helen Perry / Neil Parrish MP / Ivy Dully, patient of Clare House (100 years’ old) / Dr Alex Long and Dr Frank O’Kelly, Senior Partner Clare House Surgery

Haldons Ltd., a multi-discipline firm has offices in Exeter and Torquay, provided project management, architectural design, quantity surveying and cost management services and acted as *CDM Co-ordinator (*see notes to Editor). The build took 14 months and was completed on time and within budget.

Mark Coton, Director of Haldons liaised with the Primary Care Trust and Clare House Surgery over a number of years, looking at several options to enable the GP Practice to either relocate or expand on the current site. The construction consultants helped Clare House prepare a business case which was successful in securing a £700k central Government grant/loan to make the project viable. 

The surgery, which has a patient list of over 10,000 is located in an area which is part of the original Saxon and Mediaeval settlement.  The main house is Grade II listed and was constructed around 1816 in the Italianate style.  Clare House together with Mark Coton and Barnstaple-based Architect Jerry Kent, worked closely with the Local Authority Conservation Officer to agree a viable extension to the listed building.

Mark Coton, Director Haldons Ltd., said: “The extension required a link with the existing listed building and this, along with the form of the new relationship to the existing surgery, was critical to the development of the design. The new building provides visual clues linking with the main house, including white rendered walls with inset windows and overhanging roof eaves, producing spaces that provide a calm and confidential environment for both patients and staff.”

Neil Parish MP said: “It gives me great pride to cut the ribbon to celebrate the completion of the new extension at Clare House Surgery.  There has been a surgery at Clare House for over 80 years and it is a great asset to the town, delivering a modern service.  Well done to Lead Consultant, Haldons for making it fit in so well with the existing listed building and congratulations to the whole team for such a successful project.”

The refurbishment programme has significantly increased the size of the surgery, creating additional clinical space for extra trainees and family care, 12 new treatment and consulting rooms, a waiting area and reception plus a new operating theatre.  With the new surgical suite, Clare House Surgery is able to offer operations including vasectomy, carpal tunnel and dermatology procedures. In addition there is an on-site pharmacy, and this is the first Superdrug built within a GP practice in the UK. The surgery also provides medical education provision for the Peninsula Post graduate Deanery and the University of Exeter Medical School. There are four qualified GP trainers in the practice and all the Partners are accredited by the University of Exeter for Medical Student Training.

There are currently seven Partners and two associate GPs. Two of the senior Doctors are members of The Royal College of Surgeons.  The Surgery is also actively involved in medical training, and currently has three GP Registrars as well as medical students and in addition there is Practice Nursing staff and health specialists.

Dr Frank O’Kelly, Senior Partner said: “This is a major investment. The additional space has made a huge difference to the local community, creating new jobs and offering even better medical care for our patients including minor surgery, which is traditionally only carried out in hospitals.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mark for overseeing the project and also Patrick Newton and his team at Morgan Sindall who were very accommodating.  They even helped move large medical equipment and kept disruption to a minimum ensuring our staff could continue to care for patients throughout the building works.  It is a very exciting time for Clare House Surgery, and to recognise the new era we have re-branded to reflect the contemporary new look and feel of the practice.”

Dr Jim Wood, Project lead for Clare House adds: "Clare House has a long tradition of providing family medicine to the people of Tiverton. The new refurbished and extended building allows us to continue that tradition whilst also allowing us to provide enhanced services to the population of Mid-Devon through our surgical suite. This currently includes carpal tunnel, vasectomy and skin cancer services with a planned increase in dermatology provision for the area also. In addition it has allowed us to build on our tradition as a teaching practice. We are very grateful for the all the hard work put in by Morgan Sindall who were incredibly considerate in minimising disruption. Inevitably, however, there has had to be some disruption and I would like to thank all our patients and staff for being so supportive during the build - we couldn't have done it without them."

Haines Watts celebrate their national award success in style with a glittering event in aid of CHSW @ Roger Young Jaguar Land Rover

Haines Watts North Devon LLP held a glittering event with fast cars and diamonds in aid of Children’s Hospice SW (CHSW).  Hosted by Roger Young Jaguar Land Rover, the event was held at their state-of-the-art Jaguar showroom in Saltash, one of only three of its design in the World. 

Anthony Ainslie (Director of Sales, Roger Young) /Adam Spiers (Director at Michael Spiers / John Edwards (Managing Partner of Haines Watts North Devon LLP) /  Alana Marie smith (Director of Fundraising at Children's Hospice South West) / Nick Agg-Manning ( Director of Outside Adventure Consultants Ltd.) / Naomi Dymond(Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser Children's Hospice South West) / Roger Young (Dealer Principal, Roger Young) / Darren Hardy (Service Manager, Roger Young)

They were joined by independent South West jewellers, Michael Spiers showcasing their precious collection of fine diamond and gem jewellery and prestigious timepieces from the major Swiss brands.  Spectacular staging and lighting was supplied by Warwick Corporate Events who kindly donated their fee to the charity. More than 130 guests toasted Haines Watts winning ‘Accountancy Firm of the Year 2014’ with Cornish Champagne.  Over £4,545 was raised for CHSW with fabulous auction prizes and charity raffle. 

Like us on Facebook, follow this link to the full album of social diary pictures and images of the night... 

http://tinyurl.com/omjzwzl

Construction Consultants Celebrates Completion Of Hospital Refurbishment Project

Construction consultants Haldons Limited celebrates the completion of the newly-refurbished Sidmouth Victoria Hospital by presenting the staff and Chair of the Comforts Fund with a special cake marking the firm’s 10^th anniversary.

Martina Harrison, Clinical Manager/ Mark and Maria Coton, Co-directors Haldons Ltd/ Graham Vincent, Comforts Funds Chairman

A multi-discipline firm with offices in Exeter and Torquay, Haldons provide a wide range of professional services in many sectors across the South West region and throughout the UK as a whole.  These include Architectural Design, Project Management, Quantity Surveying, Cost Management and Premises Compliance.

Haldons recently completed the extensive £1.25m refurbishment project at Sidmouth’s community hospital for Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, working closely with the Trust’s in-house facilities team.  Co-directors and husband and wife team Mark and Maria Coton presented the cake to Comforts Fund Chairman Graham Vincent and the occupational therapy (OT) and *MSK physiotherapy team led by Clinical Manager Martina Harrison.

Haldons’ Director Mark Coton was the lead designer, contract administrator and CDM Co-ordinator.  The company also provided cost management services, and the build took 52 weeks to complete with Sidmouth-based contractors, Skinner Construction.  The refurbishment programme provided a new entrance canopy; reception; waiting room; kitchen; two minor injuries treatment rooms plus an office and gym for the MSK (musculoskeletal) department as well as three treatment rooms. In addition, there is new office accommodation and a treatment area for the occupational therapy team for ADL (Activities of Daily Living).

Martina Harrison, Clinical Manager for MSK physiotherapy (Eastern area) for the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, says: “The cake as a thank you to the team was a lovely touch from Mark and Maria. Throughout the building works the staff have continued to look after patients and it has been a real partnership with Haldons, Skinner Construction and Graham Vincent and the Trustees.  We all worked together towards the same outcome of creating a space shared by OT and musculoskeletal *(See notes to editor) (MSK) physiotherapy, which works well with patients.  We were very confident in Haldons’ ability to deliver and they were very professional throughout.  We developed a relationship of trust with Mark, who really understood the needs of the staff, and working with Andrew Sturgess the Contracts Manager of Skinner Construction and his team was a delightful experience.”

The latest development is the fifth phase of a project which originally began 25 years ago with a total spend of £4.5m, with virtually all the money being raised in the local community.

The Sidmouth Victoria Hospital Comforts Fund initially put in £750,000, with Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust contributing £200,000.   The Comforts Fund Trustees had an appeal to raise an additional £255,000 by means of concerts, Flag Day, fete, open gardens, donations and legacies.  

Graham Vincent, Comforts Fund Chairman, comments: “Matron, Emma Bagwell, had to produce a clinical case for Phase 5, and I had to present a business case for Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust. Extra fundraising activities were carried out by Comforts Fund as building works were happening.  It has been a challenging but enjoyable project and it has created a real community spirit.”  He adds: “Haldons were very responsive and willing to review plans to make sure we were within budget. The staff had a lot to put up with keeping the hospital functioning throughout.  Haldons developed a good relationship with the Trust and we are looking forward to working with them again.  The Comforts Fund’s next project is to upgrade the courtyard garden for patients to sit with family and visitors, which is due to be completed by Christmas 2014 and will make a great deal of difference to the enjoyment and recovery of the patients.”

www.haldons.co.uk

http://www.northdevonhealth.nhs.uk/services/community/sidmouth/

Haines Watts Announce Merger With Crediton Practice

Award-winning Chartered Accountants, Haines Watts Crediton office announces a merger with long established and reputable local accountancy firm, C.C. Theedom & Co.  Specialising in assisting small and medium sized businesses across the South West region, Theedoms is a highly respected Crediton-based firm providing a comprehensive range of accountancy solutions.

Ben de Cruz, Managing Partner - Haines Watts Exeter / Chris Theedom – Consultant Haines Watts Crediton Office / David Park, Partner – Haines Watts Crediton Office & Patrick Tigwell, Partner – Haines Watts Exeter

 Haines Watts was recently announced as ‘Accountancy Firm of the Year – SMEs’, (Small and medium sized entities at the annual FDs (Financial Directors) Excellence Awards.  This award follows on the back of the Haines Watts group winning ‘Auditor of the Year’ in the SME category for two consecutive years.   The group beat off stiff competition from UK firms such as KPMG, Grant Thornton, BDO, Baker Tilly and Deloittes.

A national network with over 50 offices, each Haines Watts office operates independently offering a wide range of services tailored to the local market.  The Crediton office primarily focuses on accountancy and taxation services to owner managed businesses and dealing with individual’s tax affairs.

David Park founder Director of Crediton-based Ocean Consultancy Limited merged with the Haines Watts Exeter office in May 2013.  David Park, Partner Resident at Haines Watts Crediton says: ““Chris Theedom is a well-respected local practitioner with many years’ experience and I am confident his clients will benefit from adding our expertise to his.  Like Chris, I operated my own independent practice for a number of years in Crediton before becoming a partner at Haines Watts, so fully understand how his business works and the needs of his clients.  We are very happy to be joining forces with Theedoms as we share the same ethos and values.  They have a well-earned reputation for giving excellent personal customer service and we welcome Chris and his team to our Crediton office.”

C.C. Theedom, a long-established and well-known firm, offers practical solutions and advice helping clients to make the most appropriate decisions to minimise their taxation.  Chris Theedom says: “I am delighted with this merger.  The Haines Watts group has won National awards for the services they provide to small and medium sized entities and this level of service is evident in the way in which the Crediton team operate on a local level. Together with my staff, Caroline Cocker and Jackie Foan, I will work at the Haines Watts offices in Crediton and, therefore, our loyal clients will see a continuity of our long-term service with the benefit of an award-winning brand and all that offers.  Merging with Haines Watts will provide our long-standing clients access to a broader range of services, whilst still retaining a local presence and knowledge with a hands-on approach.”

David Park adds:  “This is a huge business opportunity that means we can provide our award-winning professional services to smaller sized businesses in the region. Generally practices based in rural areas are serviced by smaller firms of accountants with a sound local knowledge and hands-on experience. By joining forces with the well-respected Theedoms, we can now offer this same personal service backed up by the support of a national firm with all the expertise that offers, yet charging local fees.   The Haines Watts Group has a network of specialists who we can call upon on behalf of individual clients as and when they need it, which they couldn’t otherwise source locally.”

http://www.hwca.com/accountants-exeter/

St John’s Chambers Organise Charity Ball In Aid Of Headway Bristol

St John’s Chambers, the premier set in the South West with over 80 members including 8 silks, organised a black-tie charity ball in aid of Headway Bristol at The Marriott Royal Hotel.  

Glyn Edwards (Head of Personal Injury Practice Group, St John’s Chambers) / Annette Bushell ( St John’s Chambers) / Jo Darlington (Head of Serious Injury in Bristol, NewLaw Solicitors) / Richard Stead  (Head of Chambers) / Kate Croucher (CEO, Headway Bristol) / Derek Jenkins (CEO St John’s Chambers) / Katie Kate  Hicks (Fundraiser, Headway Bristol)

Headway provides social and cognitive rehabilitation services for adults with brain injury and support for families and carers.  Sponsored by NewLaw Solicitors, the event attracted 185 guests who enjoyed a champagne reception, three course dinner and live entertainment by Limited Edition. 

Charity and auction prizes were generously donated by local businesses; Nick Agg-Manning offered his time as Master of Ceremonies and auctioneer, and local company Scott Law kindly printed the event programmes.  The evening raised a total of £5,000 for this worthy local cause.

Parents in the South bankroll children’s housing costs more than anywhere else Financial pressure mounts on the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’

7^th October 2014: The ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ is under unprecedented pressure to bail out dependent children at the expense of parents’ own retirement plans, wealth manager Brewin Dolphin can reveal.

 

Tim Walker Head of Office and Divisonal Director at Brewin Dolphin in Exeter

An exclusive survey, carried out by YouGov on behalf of Brewin Dolphin, shows that the parents of today’s under 18s in the South of England are planning to delay retirement, compromise their lifestyle and dip into their hard earned pension pots and home equity to help out their children and grandchildren.

38% of all parents in the South of England believe that in their lifetime they will have to contribute between £25,000 and £100,000 per child in order to cover home deposits, university fees and other living expenses.

“The Bank of Mum and Dad is facing its own financial crisis across the country,” warned Tim Walker Head of Office and Divisonal Director at Brewin Dolphin in Exeter. “Our planners are finding increasing numbers of anxious help with other areas of their lives. The pressure is such that we’re also seeing the emergence of second generation clients facing demands from their children who cannot get on the property ladder or need financial funding from the ‘Bank of Grandma & Granddad’.”

The pressure on families is far higher than it was even a few years ago, with 40% of parents of today’s under 18s believing that they will have to compromise their lifestyles because of the demands on their children, compared with just 26% of parents with children who have already reached adulthood.

“While many parents are willing to give, it is important that this is not done at the expense of their own retirement planning, particularly given the current uncertainty around annuities and income generation”, Tim Walker adds. “People in their 30s and 40s now will generally not enjoy the pension pots their parents did, and this survey shows a worrying trend towards parents needing to choose between helping their children and sacrificing their retirement savings. It is important to take proper advice and consider the future before signing cheques to your kids, however well intentioned.”

The YouGov Survey showed the following top findings from the South of England:

Financial implications

·       31% of all parents believe that being the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ will compromise their lifestyle, and 8% think they will need to downsize their home to release equity

·       18% of all parents believe that they will have to retire later because of a need to help out their children

·       14% of all parents believe that helping out their children financially will reduce the size of their pension pot, fuelling concerns about source of income in retirement following recent regulatory changes

Areas of parental help

Parents who have already given money to their adult children have focused on housing, grandchildren and education, as well as buying their child’s first vehicle.

·       40% of parents in the South of England have needed to assist their children with housing costs, which could be due to rocketing house prices, stringent new mortgage rules and rent increases

·       25% have given money to help bring up the grandchildren, creating a ‘Bank of Grandma & Granddad’

·       A quarter of parents have helped their children with university fees

Younger families under pressure on a national scale

The parents of younger children – currently under 18 – are facing far greater pressure to bankroll their children than those with older children. Their expectation of the support they will need to give is far higher, as is the expected effect on their lifestyles.

·       25% of those with children who are currently under 18 expect to retire later due to financial demands from their children, compared with 10% of those whose children are already over 18

·       11% of parents with children under 18 will need to downsize their home to release equity  to give to their children, compared with 7% of those with children over 18

·       4% of parents with younger children think they will need to take on riskier investments to target higher returns because of the family’s financial burden, compared with 1% of those with older children