News

Have you made your wishes clear?

If the unthinkable were to happen and you died suddenly, if appropriate, the hospital will approach your family to ask if you wanted to donate your organs. How would your family respond? Do they know how you feel about the subject? A simple conversation can make a difference. This week is Organ Donation Week. From...
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Reprieve for care sector after verdict on workers who sleep in

The financial pressures on the care sector are never out of the news for long. However, employers providing round-the-clock supervision or care to the elderly and infirm, vulnerable adults and young people are breathing a sigh of relief following a recent judgment on entitlement to the national minimum wage. Richard Porter,...
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Thompson Smith and Puxon Shortlisted for Prestigious Legal Awards

Local law firm Thompson Smith and Puxon (TSP) has been shortlisted for the Law Society’s prestigious Excellence Awards, the highest accolade for law firms in England and Wales, in the Marketing and Communications category. Thompson Smith and Puxon Chief Operating Officer, Sean Stuttaford, who heads the Marketing team, said “We are delighted to...
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The Importance of Effective Communication in your Conveyancing Transaction

Laura Finnigan, TSP Director, who leads the Residential Property team, discusses the importance of effective communication when dealing with your legal advisor, whatever your matter may concern, but, in particular, highlights some of the pitfalls and problems that can occur when purchasing a property if you don't tell your advisor something which you may...
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Business Succession and Planning for your Death: Sole Trader

Have you given consideration to what will happen to your business if you die? The legal position varies depending on the structure for the business, but in all types of business, having in place an effective succession plan can help to ensure that the transfer of your business goes as smoothly as possible and...
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Employer’s guide to self-employed status following the Supreme Court decision in Pimlico Plumbers

If you use self-employed contractors to deliver services for your business, then you need to familiarise yourself with the Supreme Court’s decision in the Pimlico Plumbers case. In a stark warning to employers to get their contracts in order, and to ensure they reflect the reality of agreed working arrangements, the court ruled that a...
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Business Succession and Planning for your Death: Sole Director-Shareholder Companies

Have you given consideration to what will happen to your business if you, or your co-owner, die? The legal position varies depending on the structure of the business, but in all types of business, having in place an effective succession plan can help to ensure that the transfer goes as smoothly as possible and...
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What is “Down Valuing”?

There have been a growing number of articles in the media recently relating to “Down Valuing”, but what is it? Marie Crawley, Chartered Legal Executive in the Thompson Smith and Puxon (TSP) Residential Property team, explains. “Down Valuing” occurs where a surveyor or mortgage valuer reports to a lender (your...
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Fly-Tipping: A “Rubbish” Problem for Rural Communities and the Countryside

Fly-tipping  - the illegal dumping of rubbish and household waste - is an ever increasing problem. Last week, on Wednesday 25 July, Tendring Council issued a warning after two separate cases of fly-tipping in the Tendring area. The Council warn that householders should be aware that rogue-traders, who are not licensed for waste disposal, are...
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Clacton Air Show Rotary Club Charity Car Parking

TSP is pleased to once again sponsor the Clacton Rotary Club Charity Car Park for this year's Air Show. Taking place on Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th August, this year's Show will, as usual,  feature impressive aerobatic displays and a variety of entertainment over the two days. Last year the sun shone...
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Don’t Shoot the Messenger

Marcus Price, Director, Solicitor and Family Law team leader, gives his thoughts on the decision handed down by the Supreme Court yesterday in the case of Owens (Mrs) v Owens (Mr). Marcus hopes that the judgment will encourage a long overdue revision to the...
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Lasting Power of Attorney – Preventing Abuse of Power

A Lasting Power of Attorney for Property and Financial Affairs (LPA PFA) is a legally binding document which you (the Donor) can use to give authority to someone (your Attorney) to make decisions on your behalf about your property and financial affairs at some point in the future...
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Business Succession and Planning for your Death: Partnerships

Have you given consideration to what will happen to your business if you or your co-owner die? The legal position varies depending on the structure of the business, but in all types of business, having in place an effective succession plan can help to ensure that the transfer goes as smoothly as possible and...
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Is Your Property Registered at the Land Registry?

During the last 90 years, the Land Registry has been compiling a central register of property and land in England and Wales. It is now compulsory to register with the Land Registry any sale, purchase, deed of gift, mortgage, new lease or assent (which is a transfer following the death of the legal owner)....
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New SFE Report Warns of Looming Incapacity Crisis

A new report, which can be downloaded here, from SFE (Solicitors for the Elderly) and independent think tank Centre for Future Studies, reveals the UK is leaving medical and care preferences to chance. The report looks at the ever-increasing number of people living with dementia which, combined with the failure to...
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Record Flights at the Brantham Teddy Bear Parachute Challenge

The annual Teddy Bear Parachute Challenge took place at St Michael's Church Brantham on Saturday 30 June 2018. The weather was lovely once again and this, combined with a light breeze, made for unprecedented record-breaking flight times from the brave Bears! As usual, each Bear, wearing a parachute designed by their Trainer, was launched from...
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