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Don’t miss out on the great Capital One Platinum credit card offer

2008-07-03T15:37:00.001+01:00

Compareandsave.com want to alert credit card customers to the great 0% balance transfer and purchases offer currently running on the Capital One Platinum credit card.

At the beginning of June, Capital One launched one of the longest interest-free credit card offers the market has seen in a couple of years. However, consumers could miss out if they do not act on it soon.

The Capital One Platinum credit card is offering 0% on purchases and balance transfers until 1 September 2009. This means that those credit card customers who signed up for the card in the first week of June will definitely benefit from around15 months 0% APR on balances they have transferred from other cards and any new purchases they make.

However, we don’t know when this offer is going to end and it could be that the longer people wait to apply for this offer, the shorter the interest-free period they will receive. If someone applied for the card today they may only receive 14 months 0% on balance transfers and purchases.

A spokeswoman for compareandsave.com commented: “Over recent months, consumers have been crying out for a 0% offer of equal length on both balance transfers and purchases and Capital One has responded to them.

“With the credit crunch taking hold and the recent increases in fuel, food and energy prices, the Capital One Platinum credit card offer is set to save someone with the average credit card balance and the average APR around £300 in interest charges over the course of the interest-free period. This is a substantial amount at a time when consumers are having to tighten their belts.

“Shockingly, according to the British Bankers’ Association, as of April 2008, 73.0% of credit card balances are currently bearing interest charges so there are plenty of consumers out there who set to benefit from this offer,” she added.

Furley Page Partner Assists Global Company In Major Asset And Share Purchases

2008-06-30T16:05:00.001+01:00

Commercial law partner at one of the kent law firms Furley Page has assisted Aliaxis Holdings UK Ltd in reorganisations involving asset and share purchases worth millions of pounds throughout the group.

Aliaxis Holdings UK Ltd is an intermediate parent company of a worldwide group of manufacturing and supply companies in the plastics industry whose turnover in 2007 was more than €2.1 billion (euros).

Susan Jennings, 35 and head of the corporate team at Furley Page’s Thames Gateway office at Chatham, worked closely with the Aliaxis team on two group reorganisations redistributing millions of pounds within the group and a buyback of shares in one of the UK subsidiaries for more than £60 million.

Aliaxis group purchasing director Paul Baigent and Susan created template purchasing documents and a suite of terms and conditions allowing Aliaxis much greater control over what is issued to suppliers and potential suppliers.

Susan commented: “Working with Aliaxis is very rewarding – largely because of the innovative but pragmatic attitude of the group. This latest project highlighted the need for global companies to be aware of how much money they could save by streamlining their purchasing operations and having certainty about what contract terms are agreed.”

Finance director Susan Dix added: “Susan’s can-do attitude and experience in her field result in an efficient and effective working relationship. Her friendly, accessible and practical approach, together with her legal knowledge, is a real asset to our business.”

Furley Page’s corporate team recently acted for the shareholders in the sale of Exposure Events UK Ltd - organisers of the annual Building Schools Exhibition and Conference. The purchase price was in the region of £2.6 million.

Further information from Susan Jennings on 01634 828277 or email saj@furleypage.co.uk

Kent Lawyer Welcomes New Law For Child Hit And Run Victims

2008-06-30T15:58:00.000+01:00

A Court of Appeal decision allowing child victims of uninsured hit and run drivers to bring a claim up until their 21st birthday has been welcomed by Kent lawyer Neille Ryan.

Prior to the new ruling the Motor Insurance Bureau, whose untraced driver scheme compensates child victims of uninsured drivers, stipulated that a claim must be made within three years of an accident.

Neille, personal injury partner at one of the south east’s leading law firms Furley Page Solicitors, said: “This is a great victory for accident victims. For too long the dice has been loaded in favour of insurers and the Government has done far too little to protect the rights of the victim.

“The Court of Appeal ruling in the recent Byrne v Motor Insurance Bureau case (declaring the three year stipulation unlawful) sent a clear rebuke to the Government for allowing the bureau to get away with their three year limitation.”

New legislation means that hundreds – possibly thousands – of child victims are now able to claim, adds Neille who urges anyone who was injured as a child or is the parent of a child victim to seek legal advice as personal injury claims – particularly involving children - are complex.
For further information contact Neille Ryan on 01227 763939 or email nr@furleypage.co.uk

Slendertone Six Week Plan

2008-06-30T15:54:00.001+01:00

Look good on the beach this summer with Slendertone’s 6 Week Plan
With summer on its way and your dream holiday fast approaching, its time to get your body in shape! By following a few quick and easy steps, you can look and feel great on the beach this summer. How? With Slendertone’s brand-new 6 week plan to keep you motivated and on track!

The plan, launched on Slendertone’s new website, allows users to track their progress via email using an interactive graph and diary over a 6 week period. Slendertoners also get online hints and tips on diet and exercise. And for proof of how effective the 6 Week Plan is, the website features success stories of candidates who, kept an online diary packed with photos and useful tips.

Slendertone uses Electronic Muscle Stimulation (EMS) technology to create strong, deep, comfortable contractions in your muscles. It mimics the body’s natural muscle movements; signals are sent between the pads, switching on the nerves that control your muscles and causing them to contract naturally. EMS technology has been used for over 40 years in hospitals, clinics and physiotherapy practices around the world to strengthen and rehabilitate muscles.

The combination of Slendertone for total body toning, eating well and exercising provides a positive and balanced approach to life. Barbara-Anne Richardson, Marketing Manager of Slendertone comments:

“We are delighted to create the 6 Week Plan to help motivate Slendertoners to follow a healthy diet and take light exercise. Consumers believe the only way to get a better body is through diet and exercise – but when talking to fitness experts they highlighted that this should be supported with toning and the strengthening of key muscle groups. As the experts in toning, Slendertone can take support users in this plan.”

For more information and sign up to the 6 Week Plan visit www.slendertone.com

Wireless Buglar Alarms

2008-06-18T09:55:00.001+01:00

Powermax - a portable, easy to install wireless burglar alarms, that gives an amazing range of options to provide total peace of mind for your loved ones and your possessions.ﾠ Because it's wireless, your home won't be disrupted during fitting of the alarm, and if you are competent at DIY you can easily install the Powermax Wireless burglar alarms yourself.ﾠThe modular components allow you to choose the exact specification for your property, making Powermax Home Security Systems one of the most cost effective systems on the market.

Add a Little Tone and be Beach Beautiful

2008-06-17T16:17:00.001+01:00

With summer on its way, the dread of having to wear a bikini is creeping in. However, by simply following a few quick and easy steps, UK women can look and feel great on the beach this summer.

We all know that we need to follow a healthy diet and do some light exercise to stay fit and healthy but when it comes to hitting the beach the ‘wobble-factor’ is our main concern.

By simply adding Slendertone to their everyday routine, UK women can get that all important muscle tone and definition, which is what we all crave when searching for that elusive uplifted and firm look that enables women to feel sleek and sexy with or without their clothes on.

The smart way to tone (that is effective, easy and pain-free way!), Slendertone’s System range currently combines a collection of three, scientifically proven garments for toning abs, upper arms and the bottom. Simply slip into one of the toning garments, turn up the intensity and get on with everyday life while System does all the hard work.

Slendertone products apply natural body science to tone those hard to reach muscles. The clinically proven Electro muscle stimulation (EMS) technology mimics the body’s natural muscle movement by stimulating the nerves where they are closest together, generating strong, deep yet comfortable contractions to tone and strengthen muscles.

Discreet, convenient, comfortable and effective, every Slendertone System product fits into a busy girls’ daily routine. Simple Follow Slendertone’s toning programme - using individual garments for 30 minutes, five times a week and you’ll be beach beautiful in four to six weeks.

With over 40 years of science, clinical trials and medical experience on their side, Slendertone is the savvy woman’s most trusted toning companion.

The Slendertone System range is available from a variety of outlets, including www.slendertone.com, Selfridges, Argos, Boots, Next and Harrods.

ENDS

For further information, images or a sample product please contact Vicy West or Rebecca Ferguson at SASS on 01565 832832 or email vicywest@withsass.com

Notes to Editors:

One rechargeable handheld controller powers the entire System of toning garment. Simply buy one product with a controller, purchase the add-ons to cost effectively building a personalised toning collection and see all over body results!

No jelly bellies here - For women who dread hanging over the top of their bikini, help is at hand with System-Abs. Proven to firm and tone the abdominal area, the product guarantees a 1.4 inch waist reduction in just four weeks - and its clever design means it can be worn under clothes for discreet toning anytime, anywhere. In clinical trials, 100% of users reported firmer, more toned abs. RRP: £119.99.

Bye bye bingo wings – With System-Arms you can dump those t-shirts and kaftans as it’s clinically proven to banish ‘bingo wings’, the bane of many a woman’s life, by firming, toning and defining both arms at once. In clinical trials, 89% of users reported their upper arms more toned and 72% reported firmer arm muscles after using the product for just six weeks. RRP: £39.99 as an accessory garment, £119.98 with a controller (retails at £79.99).

Be bootilicious - System-Mini is a clever toning skirt that is clinically proven to uplift, tone and firm that derriere*. Designed to be worn like a skirt and tone at the push of a button, System-Mini allows users to tone anywhere, anytime, so that they can walk about freely while it gets to work, firming those hard to reach gluteus maximus muscles. Perfect for the woman that needs a bit of a lift and desperate to dump those big knickers for a slinkier bikini bottom, it retails at an RRP of £59.99 as an accessory garment, and £139.98 with a controller (retails at £79.99).

* A clinical trial of System-Mini saw 81% of subjects agree that their bottom felt more up-lifted and well defined, 81% agree that their clothes felt looser around the bottom and thigh area and 83% agree that they noticed an improvement in shape.

Britain Lays Waste to the Environment

2008-06-12T17:09:00.001+01:00

As food prices soar and people starve, it is discovered Britons throw away half of the food produced in the UK each year

“Waste not, want not” is the mantra beloved to mothers the world over, but staggering new research confirms mother knows best as it is discovered Britain throws away £20bn worth of food per year.

That accounts for 20m tons of food - 16m tons of which are wasted in homes, shops, restaurants, hotels and food manufacturing. Much of the rest is thought to be destroyed between the farm field and the shop shelf.

Consumers are the biggest culprits, lured by supermarket Buy One Get One Frees and 3for2 offers. Such items are often neglected, with fruit and vegetables in particular left to rot in the bottom of the fridge, or thrown out according to their expiry dates regardless of their actual condition.

Lord Haskins of Skidby, former government adviser on rural affairs and chairman of Northern Foods, said that tackling the mountain of food wasted in this country every year would help to preserve the environment and go some way towards feeding an expanding global population in the face of unprecedented food shortages.

If our nations wasteful behaviour continues, over two years we will have binned enough food to satisfy the import needs for the whole of Africa, and if such a figure isn’t powerful enough, then each household is wasting £420 per year on throwaway foods. Lord Haskins pleaded with citizens to help "avoid disaster by dramatically reducing the ... unacceptable levels of food waste, which are a shameful feature of most modern consumer societies".

As a responsible shopper you should try not to buy more than you expect to consume, and be imaginative with any leftovers. Older vegetables are often perfect for soups and curries, while aging fruit makes a great smoothie, and if you are faced with more food than you can manage in a restaurant then ask to take it home with you.

Supermarket giant Tesco may not have published their landfill waste figures since 2004, but at apetito, parent company of Wiltshire Farm Foods, they believe actions speak louder than words. Over the last year they’ve recycled 438 tons of material each year – a 20% increase on last year, and by 2012 aim to send zero packaging and food waste to landfill.

There is often much ill-informed emotion around the fresh versus frozen debate. However, it should be remembered that frozen food is often fresher and more nutritious than so-called fresh or chilled food. It is important to recognise that any fresh food thrown away by consumers means that the energy used to produce and transport it has been wasted. Furthermore food waste in landfills gives off methane which is twenty one times as potent a greenhouse gas as carbon dioxide.

Tony Lowe, the Chief Executive of FareShare, the national food charity, said: "Unfortunately, we live in a world where many people do not have access to food in general - good-quality food specifically - while at the same time millions of tons of perfectly fine food are being disposed of. In the UK alone, the extent of food poverty is staggering, as millions of people with low or no income find it harder to access affordable, nutritious food."

Wiltshire Farm Foods and apetito appear passionate about giving back to the community, fostering a strong partnership with Fareshare and making clear their stance on sustainability and the war against waste.

A partnership with Fareshare benefits both parties, saving on disposal costs, avoiding food waste to land fill, and most of all helping the disadvantaged, giving them access to nutritious and tasty complete frozen ready meals.

The food that Wiltshire Farm Foods provides is subject to the same rigorous tests every meal undergoes, with absolutely nothing wrong with the donated products – every meal delivered through this scheme has attained the usual high standards.

Emma Goodman, Marketing Manager for apetito explains: “It may be the product varies slightly from the weight given on the packaging, and therefore unsuitable for sale; however it would be against everything we stand for if these products were sent to landfill instead of benefiting the communities in which we operate in.”

So there are cost-effective, responsible schemes out there for waste which retailers can join to limit their impact on the environment. For conscious consumers WRAP is running a campaign entitled “Love Food Hate Waste” with a horde of helpful tips at www.lovefoodhatewaste.com to encourage us to do our bit and alleviate some well-deserved Western guilt.

Make A Meal out of Weigh Loss

2008-06-12T17:05:00.002+01:00

As popular TV presenter Fern Britton comes under fire for admitting to gastric banding, are there less drastic and deprivating options available?

Fern Britton’s svelte new physique has attracted plenty of favourable media attention, as a woman who historically found it difficult to fight the flab. Attributed to good diet and embarking on extensive cycling tours, after two years Britton resembles her digitally enhanced Ryvita figure.

However, after it was recently revealed a gastric banding operation played a part in her weight loss, the press have been banding around accusations, from misleading her fans to abusing a position of trust within the public eye.

As a society we shouldn’t come down so hard on someone making an active and healthy effort to lose weight, no matter the method. Levels of obesity in the UK have soared to epidemic proportions, expecting to cost as much as £45 billion a year by 2050 to pay for growing incidents of diabetes, strokes and heart disease as well as the loss of earnings by those too heavy to work.

It’s no wonder that over the past year, the number of people having gastric bypass surgery in the UK has risen by 41%, to 3,459 operations in all. But this is not a simple procedure and not without risks. A gastric band operation is a form of weight-loss surgery where a surgeon puts an adjustable silicon loop (like an elastic band) around the upper part of the stomach to make a smaller pouch, leaving a tiny gap leading to the rest of the stomach.

This makes you feel full after eating only a very small amount. The operation - done with keyhole surgery - is reversible, and involves a general anaesthetic and usually an overnight stay. Studies show that, on average, people lose between 50% and 65% of their excess weight within two years after fitting.

One in 2,000 people die as a result of gastric band surgery, and for between 10% and 50%, the operation is unsuccessful. The procedure is very painful, and any surgery carries a risk of infection, bleeding, blood clots or heart attack - and the dangers rise if you are obese. According to the British Obesity Surgery Patient Association (BOSPA), studies suggest that one in 10 people will need a further operation at some point, as gastric bands can slip, erode into the stomach, leak or become infected. It is also possible to sabotage your gastric band by grazing constantly, and still managing to take in too many calories.

All in all a daunting diet tool, and it’s no wonder Britton was loathe to be seen supporting such a measure, but are there less drastic, effective means of weight loss for those unfamiliar with their kitchens?

The equation is simple - regular exercise alongside healthy eating is key - but for those unable to cook it’s all too easy to fall into bad habits, surviving on fat laden snack foods that need minimal preparation and cooking time. The good news is there are pre-prepared products out there you can eat.

Wiltshire Farm Foods, the leading provider of nutritious frozen ready meals prepares all their meals in-house at their headquarters in Trowbridge, Wiltshire. An experienced team of chefs create each recipe, with every meal frozen immediately after production, locking in their vitamins and goodness.

At every step an expert team monitors the nutritional content of every product, conducting daily tests and working alongside top dietitians to ensure they’re healthy, address dietary requirements and taste great.

Sue Baic, consultant dietitian for the brand explains how: “We make sure each dish is nutritionally balanced and satisfies a wide range of dietary needs. For example, we provide special products for people with diabetes, those needing low-salt, low-fat diets, vegetarian and vegan, and people seeking milk, egg and gluten-free products. We also offer Kosher and ethnic dishes, so whatever your requirement, Wiltshire Farm Foods has the meal to match.”

The company’s Reducing range is specially designed, low calorie main meals and desserts, with mains consisting of less than 320 calories, and desserts under 75 calories. A sensible weight reducing diet for women is usually between 1000 and 1200 calories a day, with 1500 for men.

Leytonstone resident Carol Seear lost nearly 20 pounds after using Wiltshire Farm Foods following an incident where she was mugged. The assault last year marked the start of a healthy diet, as Carole explains:

“I was left bruised down my right side and couldn’t get out to the shops. It meant I had to order ready-made meals direct to my door, but as it turned out the food was much healthier than my normal diet and the weight fell away!

Although I’ve now fully recovered, I’ve stuck to the food delivery service for my meals. I look and feel better than I have done for years, and best of all there’s no washing up!”

Carole, 60, who has diabetes, had tried to diet several times before but this is the first time she has had any success. She now weighs 14st and is closing fast on her target of 10st.

You can choose from traditional classics like Cottage Pie, tasty Liver & Bacon Casserole, tangy Pork, Leek & Mustard Casserole, succulent Roast Chicken Breast & Stuffing or treat yourself to Venison in Mushroom & Ale Sauce from the Gourmet range.

All main meals come complete with accompaniments, and summer heralds some seasonal dishes you’ll simply snap up – Monkfish with Peas & Pancetta Bacon, and aromatic Spanish Chicken inspired by the Basque region of Spain.

Dieting has never been more enjoyable, with no need to deprive yourself or opt for drastic measures. Give it a go – a little willpower and some nutritionally balanced, nutritious ready meals will go a long way.

Neale Carter Announced as New Chairman of Flotech ltd.

2008-06-10T16:57:00.003+01:00

Sensornet chief executive officer Neale Carter has become chairman of Flotech Limited (Flotech), an advanced completion company with proprietary technologies. The company is committed and focused to serve the Middle East & North Africa operating companies in optimising their reservoir challenges including:

Managing the inflow of fluids
Providing positive economic returns with cost effective solutions
Providing simple inflow and isolation solutions
Reducing well construction costs, e.g. rig time
Ensuring long term well bore reliability
Providing effective production optimisation methods.

Flotech currently has two product offerings: the FloMatik passive flow control coupling; and the FloSeal isolation packer.

Neale Carter, Sensornet CEO says, “I am delighted by this opportunity and look forward to making a real difference in enabling operating companies to optimise their reservoir challenges.“For more information please visit Flotech’s website on: www.flotechltd.com or email Sensornet on enquiries@sensornet.co.uk.

Sensornet awarded Smart Water Injector DTS contract by major Middle East NOC

2008-06-10T16:55:00.001+01:00

ensornet, the global provider of the world’s most advanced monitoring solutions, has been awarded a contract to supply two Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) systems for smart water injectors from a major Middle East National Oil Company.

The contract, worth approximately $1.3M, involves the installation of passive inflow control devices (ICDs) which will enable an evenly distributed injection profile along the open hole horizontal section of the injector wells. The installation is scheduled to take place later this year.
The DTS systems will deliver real time data which will dramatically enhance the operator’s understanding of reservoir injectivity performance and sweep efficiency. In addition to providing crucial injectivity profiling data, the DTS systems will also be used for stimulation optimisation. Sensornet’s proprietary SureSightTM sensing cable will provide high resolution temperature measurements to continuously monitor the stimulation operation in real time. This will provide data on the targeted zones which will enable the operator to make informed decisions to adjust the stimulation program if required.

The operator intends to deploy this innovative technology on a significant number of its power water injector wells in 2009 creating considerable financial and logistical savings.
Mark Watson, Sensornet VP Middle East commented: “We are delighted to be awarded this major contract and look forward to working with the operator on this exciting project. Monitoring and understanding reservoir injectivity performance is a key issue for the operator. By providing fully distributed data, the operator is able to instantly act on results gathered, which not only reduces uncertainty about individual well performance, but will also facilitate reservoir and production engineers ability to make significant improvements in overall field reservoir management, which will ultimately provide enhanced production.”

About Sensornet Launched in 1998, Sensornet provides the world’s most advanced asset monitoring solutions, using real-time distributed temperature and strain measuring systems. Sensornet provides the complete Digital Monitoring package to the global oil and gas industry, and offers its own temporary and permanent DTS installation capability. The company is rapidly expanding and has offices based globally in Europe, North and South America, the Middle East and Asia.

Sensornet’s award winning technology is supported by a highly qualified and experienced technical, operations and management team, which has provided multi-million dollar turnkey solutions to many of the world’s leading blue-chip companies. From system engineering and design, to data interpretation services and post delivery support agreements, Sensornet is a full solution provider. www.sensornet.co.uk

Summer Made Simple With Wiltshire Farm Foods

2008-06-05T17:25:00.001+01:00

Celebrate this summer, and liberate yourself from the kitchen with Wiltshire Farm Foods

As temperatures rise and energies wane, Wiltshire Farm Foods launches its sizzling new summer menu, with over one million delicious ready-prepared fuss-free meals delivered to homes across the UK every week.

If cooking leaves you cold, or if you fancy a well-earned break from boiling, chopping, and the rest, give Wiltshire Farm Foods a try. The company’s talented team of chefs have been busy creating delicious dishes bursting with seasonal flavours for the long, warm days ahead. Adding to their extensive range of over 200 meals and desserts there are no less than fifteen new recipes to choose from.

There’s a feast of meal ideas, ranging from Roast Chicken with Apple & Brandy Sauce made with real bramley apples and sweet brandy, to hearty Pork & Leek Sausages complemented perfectly by superb Somerset cider gravy and colcannon mash. Or, for something a little different why not try lively Spanish Chicken in an aromatic sauce inspired by the Basque region of Spain?

Settle down and send your senses to Italy with classic Spaghetti Carbonara, made up with tender chunks of chicken in an irresistibly creamy mushroom, pancetta bacon and cheese sauce.

For a traditional treat why not try the premium Chicken, Leek & Double Gloucester Pie? Encased in flaky puff pastry with lattice top, this pie is packed with prime chicken pieces and a wonderful double Gloucester and cheddar cheese sauce with tangy leeks. You could add one of the tempting new side dishes of Baby Baked Potatoes with Sea Salt & Rosemary or perhaps the colourful Vegetable Selection?

No meal is complete without Pudding and Wiltshire Farm Foods does not disappoint. The company as showcasing some tantalising new desserts, including a wonderfully tempting hot Very Berry Pudding sponge, bursting with zesty flavours of redcurrants, blackberries, blackcurrants and raspberries. Alternatively feel like the cat who got the cream with the delicious Custard Tarte made with authentic West Country Cream, topped with nutmeg.

Not forgetting the new addition of three great tasting Ice Creams, made by Marshfield Farm near Bath. Made with only natural ingredients, such as nutritious milk from cows grazing the farm’s lush organic pastures and cream from neighbouring farms. You’ll find it hard to choose between Very Vanilla, Toffee Fudge Fiasco and Succulent Strawberry - or you could always stock up with one of each!

The new menu has been carefully crafted by Phil Rimmer, Wiltshire Farm Foods Head Chef and his team, ensuring their meals combine nutritious, tasty ingredients with elements ideal for the hotter summer weather.

Phil says: “One of our most exciting new recipes is Monkfish with Peas & Pancetta Bacon. We wanted to increase our range of fish dishes and add something a little different.”

Seafood has also influenced the introduction of heavenly Prawn & Coconut Curry, including both king prawns and North Atlantic prawns along with lemon grass, lime and coriander for an authentic Thai flavour.

“The rice is scented with Sicilian lemon oil and as soon as you put the curry and rice together in your mouth there’s an explosion of flavour!” Phil explains.

Established over 16 years ago, Wiltshire Farm Foods regularly delivers meals to many satisfied customers living throughout the UK.

Ben Haynes, director of Wiltshire Farm Foods comments: “Whether it’s a hearty main meal or a light summery dessert you’re after, our mouth-watering summer dishes start from just £2.50 for mains and £1.20 for puddings – giving you great value as well as great taste. And our summer menu caters for a range of special diets so customers can enjoy flavoursome meals, irrespective of dietary needs such as diabetes, moderate salt, high fibre, low-fat and gluten free.”

Easy to order by phone or via the internet, meals are delivered free of charge to the customer’s front door by friendly, caring drivers. Dishes can be heated from frozen using a conventional oven or microwave, so a delicious meal is only ever a few minutes away.

For a free copy of the Wilshire Farm Foods Summer Delights Menu please phone 0800 773 773 or visit www.wiltshirefarmfoods.com to shop online.

Another Hold On Interest Rates

2008-06-05T17:23:00.001+01:00

Today’s meeting of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee decided that bank rates should stay at 5.0%. This means there has been no movement in the Bank rate since the 0.25% cut on 10 April.

The Bank is concerned about the level of inflation, which at 3.0% is ahead of government targets. A report published by the Bank during May expressed fears that inflation could get out of hand if interest rates were lowered. But many people are harbouring a suspicion that inflation is already ahead of published figures. Rising fuel, utility bills and food costs (which are estimated to be up 6% on last year) means that people have no choice but to spend extra on life’s essentials. Many luxury goods have dropped in price, which might be comforting if you’re shopping for a new TV but no use at all if the weekly budget doesn’t stretch to cover your child care costs.

Economists are divided into those who think interest rates will have to rise to keep inflation in check, and those who think they will fall but probably not until late in the summer or early autumn. Rising interest rates will put pressure on the demand for pay increases and will affect an economy already in slow-down mode, but for the home owner they could be disastrous.

Those with high mortgages are feeling the pinch, and not just because the mortgage repayments have risen. Other essential costs are now so high that careful budgeting is required if the income and outgoings are to balance. With no interest rate drop in sight, no end to what seems like ever increasing petrol prices, and murmurings that food has been too cheap for too long, what can the hard-pressed homeowner do?

Budgeting is vital to stay afloat. It can be useful to check your own inflation rate by looking back at bills from six months or a year ago, seeing what has risen the most and targeting those items as ones on which you need to economise. If you are unable to meet your mortgage repayments it is worth asking your mortgage or loan company if they can help by reducing interest payments for a period of time, or extend the term of the loan to make repayments more affordable.

If you need to sell up to pay off your debts you are unlikely to find much encouragement in the housing market, which continues to slow. The Halifax reported a drop of 2.4% in house prices during May, continuing the downward trend. It’s not all bad news as the drop will help first time buyers get on the housing ladder and, over time, stimulate the market, but it remains gloomy reading for anyone wanting to sell quickly.

With Property Rescue you WILL be able to sell your home because they promise to make a guaranteed offer for any home in any location, and in any condition. Simply call them for details and a no-obligation valuation of your home. Don’t leave financial problems unattended or pretend they’re not happening; these decisions are painful and difficult but are always better tackled head-on. The advice from Property Rescue is free and in confidence.

Burglar Alarms

2008-05-28T16:53:00.002+01:00

Quick2fit offer a huge range of burglar alarms to ensure that you can quickly and easily secure your home against any intruding burglar. Quick2fits range of wireless burglar alarms make installing your alarm incredibly easy. As long as you have basic DIY skills you'll have absolutely no problems.

The alarms are also modular. This means you can buy new sensors, contacts and control panels and add them to your wireless burlgar alarm system at a later date. These alarms are future proof - if you move house, or extend the home your in now, you'll have no problem resizing your alarm for maximum security.

Take a look at our full range of burglar alarms

How to sell your home

2008-05-28T16:48:00.002+01:00

Are you reading this article and wishing you were somewhere else? If so, you might be one of the thousands of people who have a ‘For Sale’ board outside their homes. You are desperate to move house but because the property market has slowed almost to a standstill you are stuck. No matter how much you improve your home or drop the price, nothing happens.

When these market conditions persist it pays to explore the options. Many people assume that the only way to sell your home is through an Estate Agent. But there are choices and there is action you can take. Let’s examine the options:

The Estate Agent
The traditional route to selling property, Estate Agents can still be successful. If your home is desirable, keenly priced and in an attractive location, then you might be one of the lucky ones. To give yourself the best chance of a sale make sure you appoint an agent who is active in the area where you live. That might seem an obvious statement but too many people pick an agent from a nearby town or village simply because they have a reputation for valuing houses at high prices. In this type of market you must be realistic about price if you want to sell and your agent must work hard for you and know the area. Get competitive quotes on fees, not necessarily so that you can select the lowest, but so that you can compare and negotiate to get a good deal. Look at other properties on that Agent’s books to see if they are comparable to yours. It’s pointless trying to market a one bedroom city flat through an Agent that deals mainly in country houses.

The Internet
Not so long ago the internet was heralded as a new and inexpensive way of selling houses, but this has – in the main – failed to materialise. It is, however, possible to market your house using the internet and the most commonly used route is via a site specifically designed for internet sellers. The cost will be much less than an estate agent, but offers no guarantee of success. Check out the search engine rankings of the site you plan to use and see how many properties they are offering. See if other homes are for sale in your area and try to get success figures before you agree to pay any fees.

Through a Private Sale
Many people have never heard of a ‘private sale’ and don’t know what is involved. Property Rescue is a company with strong financial backing and the ability to make a guaranteed offer for your home. If you accept that offer a private sale will follow. This means that your home will be sold within a set time period – often a very short space of time if that’s what you want – and there is no chance that the sale will fall through once the offer has been accepted. There is no need to use Estate Agents or prepare a Home Information Pack, offering substantial financial savings. Property Rescue guarantees to make an offer on all types of homes in any location, thereby offering a failsafe route to a certain sale.

If selling your home is getting you down, contact Property Rescue. They will arrange to carry out a valuation on your property at no charge to you. They will also explain in detail exactly what is involved so that you are clear about what will happen before you make any commitment. There is no obligation and you are free to walk away if you wish. Selling houses today is difficult but with Property Rescue it can be a whole lot easier.

Wiltshire Farm Foods Celebrates Sixteen!

2008-05-28T16:45:00.001+01:00

The leaders in the home delivery of nutritious ready meals make merry, and believe it’s better to give than receive

Trowbridge-based firm Wiltshire Farm Foods are celebrating sixteen years in the frozen food industry, delivering nutritious ready meals direct to the home for those unable, or simply unwilling to cook.

The brainchild of Ben Walden, a local Wiltshire farmer and local factory-owner, the brand was founded in 1991, to run alongside his supply of frozen ready meals to Local Authorities.

Having identified the need for private home delivery of meals to aid the aging population, the idea was originally piloted in-house, with plans to achieve national coverage and deliver outstanding products and service, positioning Wiltshire Farm Foods as the country’s leading provider of frozen ready meals.

After Wiltshire Farm Foods was rolled out to the South West the concept flourished as people embraced the notion that ready meals could taste as good and be as healthy as something prepared in the home - and if not more healthy than their chilled counterparts after stringent safety checks.

Achieving full UK coverage in 1997, Wiltshire Farm Foods now operates a network of 66 outlets and has earned a reputation for delivering first class service, winning the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in outstanding innovation in the provision of tasty and nutritious meals.

Ever adaptable, with ranges suitable for many dietary requirements including diabetic, gluten-free, low-fat, moderate salt, milk and egg free, vegetarian, ethnic and soft and pureed to name but a few. The brand recently expanded a luxury line in the shape of Select, a refined range of mouth-watering main dishes, inspired by restaurant dishes and free from artificial flavours, colours, enhancers and hydrogenated fats.

In order to celebrate their success it appears the old adage rings true, as the firm gives away a special present at the end of their month-long birthday banquet of carefully selected customer and staff favourites.

For every cold dessert order received online during May Wiltshire Farm, Foods will donate 10p to the PDSA, the UK’s leading veterinary charity, caring for more than 300,000 pets in need. The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals are available for aid if any pet falls ill and the owner cannot afford the veterinary costs.

They also promote responsible pet ownership, as well as awarding the PDSA Dickin Medal; recognised as the animal world’s Victoria Cross as the highest British honour for animal bravery in military conflicts.

Choose from tantalising treats like strawberry tarte, packed with fruit, or creamy white and dark chocolate ganache, or a summer fruits cheesecake on a biscuit crumb base, topped with raspberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants and a strawberry glaze.
To indulge both the PDSA and your sweet tooth simply visit www.wiltshirefarmfoods.com, or for a free brochure call free phone on 0800 773 773.

First Quarter Repossession Figures

2008-05-20T11:03:00.001+01:00

Recent repossession statistics show that there is no slow down in the housing crisis.

The current figures must be seen against the backdrop of 2007, which had been forecast to be a bad year by the Council of Mortgage Lenders even before the credit crunch hit. But despite these predictions, 2007 ended with the actual number of repossessions standing at 27,100, well below the 30,000 the organisation had expected. This represents less than 1 in 400 mortgages, but remains an increase on the previous year of around 21% and means that repossessions have been steadily rising over the last 8 years.

The Council of Mortgage Lenders has set the expected number of repossessions for 2008 at 45,000, blaming factors such as the issues currently affecting the global economy and the restrictions on lending. If they are correct, 1 in 300 homes will be taken back by lenders this year. With such a marked increase in their forecast, are the experts at the CML on track?

According to the statistics published by the Ministry of Justice on 9 May, the first quarter of 2008 shows a 9% rise in possession orders over the last quarter of 2007. If this trend continues then the CML’s forecast is very near the mark. The 9 May figures represent a 17% growth in the number of homes repossessed when compared to the same three months in 2007.

It should be remembered, however, that there are 11.8 million mortgages in the UK and the current figures are not even close to those experienced during the property crash of the early 1990s. No-one would argue with the fact that the market is seeing a slow down, but the jury is still out as to whether it qualifies as a ‘crash’.

The human factor in all this is that every one of these statistics represents heartache and distress for those who lose their home and have to accept the financial consequences. Many people think that repossession is inevitable, but that’s far from the truth. Even if mortgage payments cannot be kept up and threats are being received from lenders there are still options. The golden rule is to communicate with your lender if you are having difficulty in meeting your repayments – and talk to them before the situation gets out of hand. If your home is under threat you can avoid repossession by selling to Property Rescue, who will guarantee to buy it at a valuation they will prepare for you. This service has provided a lifeline to many families who have been just days away from repossession taking place, demonstrating that it is never too late to take action.

If mortgage arrears are getting you down and your home is under threat, don’t delay. Contact Property Rescue in total confidence to stop repossession. Their experts will not pressure you into making a decision that you’re not happy with, but they will be pleased to explain everything to you in a straightforward manner, without any obligation.

Special Diets Made Simple

2008-05-20T10:54:00.002+01:00

Accounting for allergens, dietary requirements and taste preferences can be a tricky business, so why not make it as simple as search, save, send?

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) estimates that currently as many as 30% of the UK population believe they are intolerant or allergic to one or more foods, with dairy products attributed as the most commonly avoided food types.

Dairy (17%) was closely followed by products containing nuts (14%), and gluten (13%), while as many 11% of Britons avoid particular fruits, and look to eliminate caffeine (9%), sugar (9%), fish (8%), eggs (7%), and spicy foods (5%) from their diet.

Whilst only 57% had the condition formally diagnosed, allergies are recognised as on the rise in Britain, and unfortunately labelling laws are often inadequate at protecting those who may be harmed by ingredients in prepared foods. The term “free-from” is not legally defined, so shopping can often be a confusing or miserable experience for those with specific dietary requirements.

One organisation not shying away from shouting about their ingredients is Wiltshire Farm Foods, the leader supplier of frozen ready meals. At headquarters in Wiltshire an experienced team of chefs create each recipe, with every meal frozen immediately after production, locking in their vitamins and goodness.

At every step an expert team monitors the nutritional content of every product, conducting daily tests and working alongside top dietitians to ensure they’re healthy, address dietary requirements and ultimately taste great.

Sue Baic, consultant dietitian for the brand explains how: “We make sure each dish is nutritionally balanced and satisfies a wide range of dietary needs. For example, we provide special products for people with diabetes, those needing low-salt, low-fat diets, vegetarian and vegan, and people seeking milk, egg and gluten-free products. We also offer Kosher and ethnic dishes, so whatever your requirement, Wiltshire Farm Foods has the meal to match.”

The Wiltshire Farm Foods Special Diet Guide is an authority for any customer with dietary requirements, offering information, advice and detailed nutritional information on every Wiltshire Farm Foods product. With a comprehensive contents guide and easy-to-use colour-coded symbols you can determine at a glance if your chosen meal is suitable for you.

Sue comments: “Nothing in our meals is hidden or omitted – everything from weight of meat or fish to calories, salt and potassium content is observed and each year we produce an updated guide for our customers with particular dietary requirements. This innovative booklet is a source of sound advice on what to consider when following a variety of special diets or finding meals suitable for those with food intolerances."

Total transparency is a refreshing concept amongst food manufacturers, and in an even bigger step forward Wiltshire Farm Foods have unveiled a high detail Dietary Search function on their website. Using a simple tick box and exclusion technique, you can filter their products to your personal preferences.

Search by dietary suitability, like gluten-free or moderate salt, "free-from" ingredients, and even relevant nutritional values - for example if you are controlling the amount of potassium or fat in your diet. However it’s not exclusively for those with medical requirements and allergies, you can also exclude any ingredient not to your taste preference, like the oft maligned sprout!

The function allows you to craft a personalised menu, automatically saved and available to recall at the touch of a button. You can even forward via email to a friend, relative, or client, who may be pleasantly surprised by the sheer choice they are afforded despite dietary limitations.

Give it a go - access the search at http://www.wiltshirefarmfoods.com/search_diet.asp, and make your special diet simple.

Wiltshire Farm Foods is the leading supplier of nutritious, frozen home ready meals throughout the UK. If you'd like more information about this topic please call Jenene Blackmore on 01225 756081 or e-mail Jenene.Blackmore@apetito.co.uk

Adidas Trainers

2008-05-16T12:06:00.001+01:00

Adidas is one of few labels that everyone knows, with the Adidas trademark 3 stripes creating one of the first super brands! Here at Office we have one of the best selections of Adidas trainers, in a wide range of colours and styles, from Stan Smith to Superstar. Office also have exclusive to Office, Adidas trainers like the EC1. Why not visit office.co.uk today and have a look through Office's extensive range of Adidas trainers.

Furley Page Sponsors Premier Business Event

2008-05-16T10:55:00.001+01:00

One of the south east’s leading law firms, Furley Page, is sponsoring B2B ’08 – Kent’s premier annual business to business event organised by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce (KICC) at Ashford International Hotel on June 24.

More than 120 exhibitors are taking part in the exhibition which features free business seminars presented by Furley Page; free business advisory sessions available throughout the day from KICC’s business support team; a free tea and coffee station available all day, and a networking lunch from noon to 2pm.

Furley Page, which has offices in Canterbury, Chatham and Whitstable, is supporting the event as part of its dedicated community sponsorship programme.

Peter Hawkes, senior partner at Furley Page, said: “The exhibition started out 22 years ago as an informal networking event among chamber members and has now grown into one of the major business events in the county.

“As well as being a key networking opportunity in the county’s business calendar, it’s also a cost-effective way of promoting your business.”

Furley Page, which has an information stand at the event, is presenting three business seminars:

Frequently asked Employment Law Questions from 10.30am – 11.30am with members of the employment law team
Debt Recovery and Credit Control from 1.30pm – 2.30pm with Martin Kingman – debt recovery and insolvency manager
Tax Efficient Commercial Property Purchase from 3pm – 4pm with Simon Ludden – financial planning manager.

For further information on the exhibition and to book your networking lunch (£18.50 plus VAT) go to www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk and click on Events Diary.

Sensornet Unveils Innovative Digital Flow Profiling System

2008-05-13T16:17:00.001+01:00

Sensornet, provider of the world’s most advanced monitoring solutions, announces the development of its revolutionary real time Digital Flow Profiling system which is set to aid increased production, reduce operating costs and improve recovery

The company, which has offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, and celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, has developed its ground-breaking Digital Flow Profiling application together with its industry-leading partner FloQuest which can accurately locate fluid entry points across an entire reservoir and identify fluids present.

Wells that will benefit from Digital Flow Profiling include:
• Conventional and complex
• Multilateral
• Intelligent oil or gas producer/injector
• Long horizontal
• Wells with infrequent or no production logging technology (PLT) deployment

The system provides continuous PLT-type data in highly deviated and complex wells without the costs, risks and deferred production issues associated with conventional logging techniques. As well as monitoring the flow distribution in production and injection wells in real time, the system also provides information often not accessible with traditional production logging technology. Traditional techniques often only provide a snapshot of what is really happening in the well and are potentially more expensive to run.

Zonal flow allocation is determined using Sensornet’s industry-leading Sentinel Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) technology. With a resolution of 0.01°C every one metre along the wellbore, the Sentinel system is applicable in wells where many other permanent monitoring solutions fail to identify thermal events. The ability to provide updates every 10 seconds also allows transient events to be analysed, providing a new dimension in DTS interpretation.

The Digital Flow Profiling system was recently deployed by a Middle East operator to understand flow distribution in a complex well. By monitoring the well using the industry-leading Sentinel acquisition unit, Sensornet identified accurate flow distribution and delivered a system to achieve total coverage of the well with no further impact on installation and operation. Within minutes of running the completion, the Digital Flow Profiling solution provided real time data gathering and interpretation, and complete temperature profiles were captured, validated and delivered to the client in real time.

Compared to the alternative of a horizontal well intervention on coiled tubing, the operator saved more than $300,000 on service company charges and at substantially lower risk.

Central to the Digital Flow Profiling system are the advanced interpretation capabilities provided by the FloQuest software. A highly efficient data management and visualization front end enables rapid data analysis and processing. With comprehensive flow and thermal simulation engines FloQuest enables the accurate inversion of DTS data to flow distributions, providing Virtual PLT information from temperature profiles.

Sensornet chief executive officer Neale Carter said: “The correct analysis and interpretation of flow distribution and content in oil and gas wells can have a significant impact both financially and logistically on a well’s production life and, ultimately, the success of an operation.

“With conventional technology there is a gap between what an operator believes is occurring along the well and what is actually happening. Our innovative technology and the Digital Flow Profiling application close this gap and enable full understanding of flow contribution in real time.

“Digital Flow Profiling provides a better understanding of the zonal properties of a well and a dramatic improvement in response to production or injection changes which can provide real benefits to the operator in terms of reduced downtime and optimised production and injection rates.”

About Sensornet
Launched in 1998, Sensornet provides the world’s most advanced asset monitoring solutions, using real-time distributed temperature and strain measuring systems.
Sensornet provides the complete Digital Monitoring package to the global oil and gas industry, and offers its own temporary and permanent DTS installation capability. The company is rapidly expanding and has offices based globally in Europe, North and South America, Middle East and Asia.

Sensornet’s award winning technology is supported by a highly qualified and experienced technical, operations and management team, which has provided multi-million dollar turnkey solutions to many of the world’s leading blue-chip companies. From system engineering and design, to data interpretation services and post delivery support agreements, Sensornet is a full solution provider.
www.sensornet.co.uk

About FloQuest
Founded in 2006 FloQuest is a UK based company working on a number of international projects concerned with near wellbore modelling and in-well data management. In addition to industry leading near wellbore flow modelling solutions FloQuest provides software for the visualisation and interpretation of distributed temperature and other downhole sensors. FloQuest’s unique software with optimised workflows allow clients to easily access and better utilise production data ensuring maximum return on their monitoring investments.
www.floquest.com

Low Income Earners Lose Out Under New Tax Regulations

2008-05-12T16:32:00.002+01:00

Local Colchester business Compare and Save draws attention to new income tax rules, which may affect salaries earners if you earn between £5,032 and £15,074.

It’s fair to say that most people don’t know how income tax is worked out and so are unaware of how changes to the tax system will affect their earnings.

Shockingly, it is those who earn below the official poverty line of £16,492 who will be worst hit by the changes.

The old system

Every adult in the UK is entitled to a tax-free allowance (dependent on age and circumstances). This changes each tax year and increased on April 6 from £5,225 to £5,435. You do not have to pay tax on anything you earn up to this amount, if you have the standard tax code.

Anything you earn over this amount is taxable income. In the past, pay was based on a tax-band system as follows:

Taxable Bands Allowances 2007-08 (£)
Starting Rate = 10% 0 - 2,230
Basic rate = 22% 2,231 - 34,600
Higher rate = 40% over 34,600
In the tax year 2007/08, if you earned £8,000, for example, you would not pay tax on the first £5,225. On the next £2,230, you would have paid tax at 10%. On the remaining £545.00 you would have paid tax at a rate of 22%.

This means that, under the old system, someone earning £8,000 would pay £342.90 in tax and take home £7,349.10 each year (after taking into account National Insurance deductions).

Goodbye 10% band

In the 2007 Budget, the Chancellor announced that the 10% starting rate tax band would be abolished as of April 6 2008, and instead any earnings above the tax-free allowance would be charged tax at the ‘basic rate’ level of 20% (reduced by 2%, from 22%).

This effectively means that people will be paying double the tax on £2,230 of their earnings.
Under the new changes someone earning £8,000 would now pay £513.00 in tax and take home £7,207.60 each year (after National Insurance deductions as well) meaning they would be £141.50 worse off each year.

This is even taking into account the fact they have gained an extra £46.85 in their annual pay packet as a result of the increase in the tax-free allowance from £5,225 to £5,435.

Using a tax calculator which shows year on year differences, we researched which salaries showed a loss under the 2008/09 figures compared to the figures for the 2007/08 tax year.
The research indicates those earning between £5,932 and £15,074 a year will find their monthly pay packets lighter from now on, with year-to-year losses ranging from £0.02 to £152.40.

Emma Skinner, editor at compareandsave.com said: “Compareandsave.com was shocked to learn that the new tax changes were going to affect those living below the poverty line.”

“The recent increase in prices by the big six energy companies, and the increase in the cost of mortgage repayments, will now have more of a negative impact on those people in the affected salary bracket as the tax changes reduce the pay they receive. This is going to send more people spiralling into financial difficulties.”

“We think those affected by these issues would benefit from managing their money in the most effective way possible by budgeting their monthly outgoings and comparing financial products for cheaper and more cost-effective deals.”

Kneehab- A revolutionary new product for Complete Knee Rehabilitation

2008-05-12T16:30:00.001+01:00

KNEEHAB®, from neurotech, is a unique, innovative and clinically proven, garment or ‘thigh wrap’ based Electrical Muscular Stimulation (EMS) device designed specifically to treat quadriceps atrophy (thigh muscle wastage).

Clinical research has proven EMS technology to be an effective treatment for quadriceps atrophy, which is associated with almost all knee injuries. The use of EMS and KNEEHAB® can significantly reduce your rehabilitation time and improve your quality of life

Anyone who suffers from muscle weakness in the knee will benefit from using KNEEHAB. Muscle wastage can result from a wide range of conditions, injuries or surgeries affecting the knee such as ACL Reconstruction, Knee Replacement Surgery, Ligament Damage, Arthritis, General muscle Weakness and many more.

The benefits of KNEEHAB:
• Clinically Proven: Clinical research has shown EMS and KNEEHAB to be effective in treating thigh muscle weakness and to significantly reduce rehabilitation time, thereby helping you return to normal activities faster.
• Easy to Use: KNEEHAB is a garment based (thing wrap) ‘all in one’ product. Once it has been initially set up, you just strap it to your thigh and switch the unit on.
• Home Therapy Convenience: KNEEHAB is ideal for home use and can be used at a time that suits you. KNEEHAB’s design enables error free and repeatable treatment at home.
• Comfort: The incorporation of MULTIPATH technology ensures the most comforatable and effective contractions.
• Pre-op/ Post-op Strengthening: KNEEHAB can be used both pre and post operatively to limit muscle wastage and speed recovery.

MULTIPATH:
KNEEHAB incorporates MULTIPATH, a patented breakthrough stimulation technology developed by neurotech which enables KNEEHAB to deliver highly focused, accurately coordinated and comforatble quadriceps contractions.

There are two channels within MULTIPATH®, Channel 1 and Channel 2. Channel 1 directly activates the VMO muscle, which is the main stabilizer of the knee. Channel 2 activates the bulk quadriceps muscle which provides a strong, comfortable and highly effective contraction, or activation of the muscle

MULTIPATH works by sending co-ordinated electrical pulses through the electrode pads on the skin. The co-ordination between the pulse strength and delivery results in an advanced form of EMS technology with greater comfort for the patient and stronger, more effective contractions of the muscle which results in better outcomes and faster recovery times.

Kneehab is now available for web purchase, at www.neurotech.co.uk

Top Notch Furley Page Lawyers Promoted to Partners

2008-05-12T16:26:00.002+01:00

Two top ranking lawyers at south east law firm, Furley Page - recommended by Chambers UK and Legal 500 - have been promoted to partners.

Susan Jennings, 35, of Whitstable, heads the corporate team at the Thames Gateway office at Chatham. With a background advising a broad range of UK and multi-national companies – notably in the automotive, manufacturing and distribution sectors, she has extensive corporate and commercial law experience from working with individuals on business start-ups to restructuring and sales or acquisitions of multi-million pound companies.

She commented: “I have always wanted to work for Furley Page, given its reputation for excellence. The firm is committed to providing a quality service to its clients and part of my role is to promote the fact that we can offer specialist advice to businesses as well as individuals in a friendly and commercially pragmatic way.”

Anne Blenkinsop, 45, of Hythe, is a specialist in the family team at Canterbury. She has wide-ranging experience in dealing with all aspects of relationship breakdown – particularly involving issues over children; separation and pre-nuptial agreements, and financial and cohabitation disputes.

She has a special interest in the area of financial disputes between cohabiting couples (including same sex couples) and is developing a niche practice.

Anne said: “I am proud to become a partner in Furley Page and also be part of a fantastic family law team which has doubled in size since I joined in 2004 and is renowned for the high calibre of its work and expertise in its field.”

Peter Hawkes, senior partner at Furley Page, added: “Susan and Anne have both have made an outstanding contribution to developing our business and enhancing the reputation of the firm.

“These promotions to partnership status will strengthen our teams in two of our most important areas – namely corporate and family. I am pleased that we are able to make appointments in the private and business client fields, reflecting our commitment to expand the firm across a diverse range of disciplines.”

Coast Digital launch free usability guide: Time to tune up your website?

2008-04-29T17:25:00.001+01:00

Today Coast Digital publishes a new 24 page guide on the subject of usability. The publication is designed to help businesses unlock the commercial potential of their websites by resolving usability issues.

As increasing volumes of business move online there’s never been a better time to ensure your website is in good shape. Establishing good usability is a key success factor; it’s essential for achieving sales; conversions and positive branding; and represents a huge commercial opportunity.

Time to Tune Up your Website? offers advice to make websites work more efficiently and effectively. Packed with essential do’s and don’ts and guidance on selecting the right type of usability analysis, the publication explains how to drive up revenues without spending more on advertising ensuring maximum ROI.

Robin Moore, usability consultant at Coast Digital comments: “The internet is a highly competitive space. If you’re seeking to optimise website performance, usability should be a key consideration. Our guide will help businesses to understand its potential and assess the issues for themselves.”

Download Time to Tune Up your Website? at www.coastdigital.co.uk/publications.

10p Tax Rate Cut Looks Set to Add to Debt

2008-04-29T10:06:00.002+01:00

Gordon Brown and Allistair Darling are facing opposition from their own back benchers over the controversial removal of the 10p tax rate band. By no means will everyone lose out from this cut, but some could have debt problems exacerbated by unexpected reductions in their pay-packets.

Of particular concern are younger people who are already suffering because their fixed rate term has come to an end and their mortgage repayments have shot up, or they have just got on to the housing ladder and their income is already stretched. The 10p tax rate abolition will affect people under 25 who don’t quality for working tax credit and don’t have children, plus those working part time without children.

The cut coincides with steep rises in fuel and petrol prices, plus higher supermarket bills. World economies are concerned about the cost of food and urging us to be less wasteful – a lesson we should all learn – but cutting back on a few groceries is almost certainly not the cure for those who face real debt problems. Whilst the 10p rate cut is unlikely to push anyone into serious debt, it could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.

Credit card debt is endemic in today’s culture but that may have to change as the banks and other lenders start tightening the purse strings. Last summer (2007) the UK’s consumer debt rose higher than our level of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a critical indicator of the state of the British economy. This was fuelled by the ease with which almost anyone could borrow money, regardless, it seemed, of their credit rating or ability to pay.

When debt gets out of hand it is a major cause of stress, family problems and even breakdown. If you are facing debt problems the best course of action is to talk to your lenders and take advice from voluntary or charitable organisations that will be able to help you budget and, in some cases, liaise with lenders or creditors on your behalf. These people are non-judgmental and have resources at their fingertips to help you.

If your home is under threat of repossession or your levels of debt are serious enough for you to consider bankruptcy, then you need to take action. You might want to sell your home so that you can make a fresh start or raise cash to pay off your loans; relocating to a cheaper area may be an option, or moving into rented property might give you the chance to get yourself back on a solid financial footing.

In the current housing market, selling is not easy. Talk to Property Rescue about their guaranteed offer for your home, plus their sell and rent back scheme. There are no hidden costs in the offer they make, you don’t have to pay for a valuation on your property, and everything is done in complete confidence. There is no obligation to proceed and you won’t be subjected to ‘hard sell’ tactics. Property Rescue could be the answer to your debt problems. Give them a call today and move on with your life.