Business

When you are going through a divorce, or dissolution of your civil partnership, a key concern will be to ensure that you will have financial security once it has all been decided. What each of you is likely to earn in the future will be a factor that is looked at for this purpose. This may be a particular area of focus for you, if one of you gave up your career to raise the family and supported the other to progress and flourish in theirs. ‘You may also wonder how a wish to retire early, or perhaps work less, might affect the way in which future earnings are considered,’ says Connor Williams in the family team with Borneo Martell Turner Coulston. ‘It is therefore a good idea to understand how this factor is taken into account, and what you may need to think about before starting the process.’ Is..

The latest UK budget introduced several measures that may significantly impact your estate planning, with implications for Inheritance Tax (IHT), Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and pension transfers. These changes may affect the way you manage your estate, make tax-efficient transfers to beneficiaries, or utilise reliefs and exemptions effectively. ‘Given these substantial changes, it is crucial you seek professional advice to navigate the new landscape and ensure your estate planning strategies remain effective and compliant,’ says Susan Owens, Senior Partner at Borneo Martell Turner Coulston . ‘Each person’s circumstances will be unique, so it may also be necessary to involve your independent financial advisor and your accountant.’ Susan explores some of the key budget changes which may affect your estate planning and IHT position. IHT bands remain frozen The budget preserved the current nil-rate band (£325,000) and the residence nil-rate band (£175,000) and these will continue to be fixed at these..

An IT consultancy based in Wellingborough is calling on local children’s charities to put themselves forward to be considered as its charity of the year for 2025. 3RS IT Solutions is keen to continue its fundraising efforts for a second consecutive year to help provide support to a charity in need. With three young children of their own, company directors at 3RS Leila and Steve Souch, are committed to finding a children’s charity as its new charity of the year: “Our son Reuben is living with autism and he is the inspiration behind all the fundraising that we do,” said Leila Souch, marketing director. “That’s why we are keen to continue our fundraising efforts by supporting a charity in Northamptonshire throughout 2025 – in particular, one that helps children who are dealing with life-limiting illnesses. “We are well aware that there are charities working in the community who are currently struggling..

One of the county’s leading female business owners has been awarded a prestigious ‘MP HERoes Award’ – in recognition for her achievements in business and her commitment to Northamptonshire’s charity and non-profit sector. Jessica Pilkington, founder and director of Northamptonshire based PR and marketing company Pilkington Communications, was nominated for the award by Mike Reader, MP for Northampton South and collected her award from Westminster Palace this month. Jessica, who in her new role as an MP HERo, will now attend year-round activities at Parliament and be called upon to champion female entrepreneurship in the UK, said: “This is a huge honour. I am particularly proud as this is the first year a Northamptonshire person has been selected for this award. This is all about building a talent pool of local role models, successful business owners with ambition to grow, who lead the way for other women. I am passionate about..

A solicitors firm in Northamptonshire has pledged its support to seven charities by signing up to an annual Will-writing campaign. Borneo Martell Turner Coulston has been a part of the Will Aid scheme for over 15 years helping raise vital donations every November by writing basic Wills and waiving their usual fee, instead inviting clients to make an upfront donation to Will Aid. In total, the firm has raised over £107,000.00 for Will Aid since it first took part and is aiming to make this their best year yet. Susan Owens said: “Will Aid is an exceptional campaign, that offers people the chance to get a professionally written Will while supporting important causes that change lives for the better both here in the UK and around the world. “As solicitors, we’re delighted to volunteer our time and expertise to support such a fantastic campaign and are hoping to raise a..

A team of car enthusiasts has helped to put the fun back into fundraising driving 2,500 miles across Europe in cars worth less than £500. The Rust Bucket Rally, which is organised by Wellingborough-based Carlos Baldry, is an annual fundraising event which sees teams drive across Europe in just four days. Now in its 10th year, the event takes place every June raising money for various charities. This year, 56 cars travelled through England, France, Monaco, Italy and Switzerland, raising more than £43,000 for the MND Association. On Wednesday, members of the Rust Bucket Rally team visited the Association’s national office at Northampton’s Moulton Park to learn more about the impact their fundraising is having on the Association’s work. The money will contribute towards research into potential new treatments. Carlos said: “It has been incredible to visit the Association to find out more about the incredible work it does to..

On Friday and Saturday next week, Northampton will be the stage for an empowering event designed to help women thrive in business, featuring the renowned 'Queen of Shops,' Mary Portas, as the headline speaker. The Female Founders Summit 2024, organised by accredited master coach Lucienne Shakir in collaboration with West Northamptonshire Council and a network of local businesswomen, will take place on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th July across various town centre venues. Mary Portas, celebrated businesswoman, broadcaster, author, and activist, is best known for her BBC series Mary Queen of Shops and her work with some of the biggest names in global retail. As co-chair of the Better Business Act, she leads a coalition advocating for UK companies to align their interests with broader societal and environmental goals. She will grace the stage at the Royal Theatre on Saturday evening. Northampton-based Lucienne, who has coached and supported hundreds of..

Nothing should stop us from living a full life, with independence and freedom. Welcome to The Motability Scheme, worry-free motoring through an all-inclusive leasing package that helps disabled people, their families and carers to get on the move and enjoy their independence. When you have a condition or disability, being able to get around can mean the difference between living a full and happy life or not. At Bristol Street Motors Vauxhall/Citroen Northampton, we have a passion for helping people find that freedom. The Motability Scheme is so simple. Exchange all or part of your mobility allowance to lease a brand new car and enjoy the reassurance of a new car with none of the worries associated with buying and running an older one. Bristol Street Motors Vauxhall/Citroen Northampton is proud to support the Motability Scheme in the UK, and can offer a wide choice of vehicles, award-winning service and..

Discover why family mediation might be your best option with Wilson Browne solicitors. Learn about the benefits of choosing mediation over court battles, understand the process, and find out how it can save you time, money, and emotional stress. For the time being, the Government has ruled out compulsory mediation in family cases. As a result those wanting to apply to the Courts to sort out finances within their divorce proceedings, or seeking to set out arrangements for their children in an Order, will still have to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). This is subject to certain exemptions, primarily around domestic abuse. Is this a good thing? The Court system is in a dire state with backlogs and delays resulting in a final trial hearing taking a substantial time to reach, with the accompanying significant costs and emotional distress. Alternatives are necessary – and in so many..

A well-known Northampton businessman has been handed the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of his charity work and commitment to the community in his home nation of Bangladesh. Naz Islam was presented with the title during a reception held at The Guildhall in London on Tuesday, 28 May. During a 27-year career, Naz has raised almost £100,000 for local charities and established a school and orphanage in one of the poorest areas of Bangladesh with the help of his family. He said: “Receiving this honour means the world to me and I am grateful beyond words for this recognition. It was a very special moment and one I will treasure forever. “I care passionately about my community, both here in Northampton and in Bangladesh. I have always tried to give back, helping those less fortunate than myself and raising money for local charities that are close to..

Experience the excitement of playing on the legendary turf at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens this summer. On June 5, the Northampton Saints will host their Corporate Touch rugby tournament, offering a fantastic afternoon of team-building through rugby. Businesses from across the region are gearing up to compete on the main pitch at the Gardens. The day will feature a BBQ and DJ, providing plenty of opportunities for interaction, bonding, and networking with colleagues, friends, and other businesses. Each team must consist of ten players, including a minimum of two women. Teams will compete for the latest piece of silverware, playing at least four matches throughout the afternoon. There are still spots available for you and your colleagues to join the tournament. Here are the details: Saints Corporate Touch 2024 Date: Wednesday, June 5, 2024 Time: 12:30 PM to 6:00 PM Location: Main Pitch, cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens Price:..

Meet Alex Bailey, the heart and soul behind Bailey White Photography, a beloved Northamptonshire photography business specialising in family, newborn, and branding photos. Known for her warm and welcoming personality, Alex is particularly gifted in working with little ones, making her photo sessions a delightful experience for families. As Bailey White Photography recently celebrated its second anniversary, we caught up with Alex to learn more about her journey, passion, and exciting plans for the future. Hi Alex! Tell us a bit about Bailey White Photography. I launched Bailey White Photography in April 2022, right after my maternity leave. It all started as a small idea that blossomed into a full-fledged business. Photography has always been a passion of mine, a hobby I’ve cherished growing up. When my friend gifted us a photo shoot after the birth of my little boy, I realised how uncomfortable it can be to pose for..

Northampton’s commitment to creating a dynamic, secure and vibrant evening and night time economy has been formally recognised with the confirmation of its Purple Flag accreditation. Mark Mullen, operations manager at Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) was on hand to collect the globally recognised award at a ceremony in Nottingham, alongside Charlie Childs, Markets and Urban Activities Manager at West Northamptonshire Council. This prestigious award highlights Northampton's blend of night time entertainment, dining, and culture, all while ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and visitors. Purple Flag, similar to the Blue Flag for beaches, aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between the hours of 5pm to 5am. There are 100 Purple Flag destinations around the world including everything from world renowned tourist destinations to small market towns. Northampton Town Centre BID has worked closely with multiple partners, including West..

A record number of teams have signed up for a charity challenge to raise funds for eight charities from across Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire. The Apprentice-style fundraising challenge, organised by local legal firm Franklins Solicitors LLP, has a total of 42 teams taking part – the highest number since the challenge first launched in 2018. Teams have already started their fundraising efforts with initiatives ranging from doughnut sales to raffles, dress down days, net-walks and office swear boxes. The Apprentice-style fundraising challenge sees each team receive £50 from Franklins Solicitors. The teams then have three months to turn the seed funding into more money for their chosen charity. Since it began in 2018, the Franklins £50 Challenge has raised more than £100,000 for local charities, showcasing the potential for collective efforts to bring about meaningful transformation. The eight charities benefitting from this year’s challenge are Cynthia Spencer Hospice, the Hope..

Facing a breach of a child arrangement order (CAO) after parental separation can be distressing. This article guides on handling non-compliance, from direct communication to court enforcement, and explores the financial implications in such scenarios, with expert legal advice. A child arrangement order (sometimes referred to as a CAO) is a court order which stipulates the contact arrangements for a child following parental separation. This type of court order is normally only needed when parents cannot reach agreement between themselves on what is best for their child. ‘Breach of a child arrangement order can cause distress for a parent, but also results instability for children. At times it can even mean children are not permitted to see one of their parents, so it is important to understand your options when a breach occurs,’ says Connor Williams, a Litigation Executive in the family team with Borneo Martell Turner Coulston. What is..