Stacey Solomon - Update

Stacey Solomon has TV committments on Tuesday morning, 25th May, so will now be appearing in Queens' Gardens, Hull at 3.00 p.m and in Wednesday Market, Beverley at 5.00 p.m. on Tuesday 25th May and not as previously advertised.

Stacey Solomon to help launch QualitySolicitors Lockings

X-Factor star Stacey Solomon will be in Hull on Tuesday 25th May at the grand opening of QualitySolicitors Lockings' office in Lowgate. Stacey will also be meeting the public in Queens' Gardens at 10.00a.m. - so come along and meet her there.

Stacey will be moving on to our Beverley office in Wednesday Market for the grand opening there at 1.30 p.m.

QualitySolicitors Lockings

Launch day has finally arrived and a new chapter in the firm's history opens today as the firm rebrands as "QualitySolictors Lockings."

QualitySolicitors selected Lockings to become one of the 15 "founder partners" based on excellent feedback from the people that really matter - the general public. That's the reason for the tag-line "Chosen by you."

Managing partner of Hull’s QualitySolicitors Lockings Richard Allen said: “We are delighted our dedication to the highest levels of customer service has been rewarded in this way and are honoured to become part of QualitySolicitors."

Craig Holt, Managing Director of QualitySolicitors said: “What the legal market is desperately missing is a recognisable,customer service-focused, national brand – a household name that people can rely on without having to spend hours researching and choosing between dozens of local law firms.

“Already, the Co-op and Halifax are starting to offer legal services.They view the legal market as ‘easy pickings’ because of the traditional,stuffy image of a law firm.

“Our new network of branches will blow that perception about law firms away. We can do everything the likes of Co-op or Halifax can do in a customer service sense – only better, because our branches are real law firms not supermarkets or banks playing at it.

“In the future going to a branch of QualitySolicitors for legal matters will be as familiar and as easy as going to a branch of Barclays for banking or Thomas Cook for a holiday.

“I know Richard [Allen] and his team look forward to providing [clients] with the excellent service that led us to choosing them as one of the very first QualitySolicitors firm in the UK.”

Breaking news - Suspension of HIPs confirmed

The new coalition government has acted swiftly to suspend the requirement for sellers to produce a Home Information Pack before marketing their property.

Housing Minister Grant Shapps called the packs “pointless red-tape” that was “strangling the housing market."

Eric Pickles, CLG Secretary said: “The expensive and unnecessary Home Information Pack has increased the cost and hassle of selling homes and is stifling a fragile housing market.

“That’s why I am taking emergency action to suspend the HIP, bringing down the cost of selling a home and removing unnecessary regulation from the home buying process.”

RIP HIPs?

It seems that Eric Pickles the new CLG Secretary is set to announce the suspension of the requirement for sellers to have a Home Information Pack before marketing their property with effect from 21st May 2010.

There will be a further posting as news breaks.

New arrival in the Family Department

The Family Department has welcomed the arrival of Maurice Stewart who has joined the firm as a solicitor. Until recently Maurice was a partner in another local firm.

Maurice brings a wealth of experience and, as a member of the Law Society's Children's Panel, will specialise in the conduct of child care proceedings and advocacy in the Family Proceedings and County Courts.

Another testimonial for our personal injury department

In acknowledging receipt of his cheque for damages, Dave Foad, a client based in Norfolk said

"I was very pleased with the fantastic service. I was always kept well-informed of developments, and I always had all the options set out for me so that I could make the important decisions about my case and my recovery without feeling pressured."

Three Peaks Challenge Update

Edward Wolverson reports that he completed the 26-mile “Three Peaks Challenge” in just under eight and a half hours last Sunday, beating his previous best time by well over an hour. His colleagues have not been able to prise anything further from him, however, save for the odd growl of pain.

Including Gift Aid, Eddy has now raised £57.69 for the Hull Memory Clinic and £76.92 for the Sheffield Cats’ Shelter. Donations are still welcome, however, and those wishing to sponsor Eddy can do so either by visiting his JustGiving page at http://www.justgiving.com/wolverson, or by contacting him directly in Lockings’ personal injury department.

Edward Wolverson tackles the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for charities

This coming weekend our personal injury department’s Edward Wolverson will be participating in a 26-mile sponsored fell walk to raise funds for the Hull Memory Clinic, where his wife practises, and a cats’ shelter in Sheffield.

“The Three Peaks Challenge” encompasses three mountains in the Yorkshire Dales National Park: Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. Eddy is hoping to improve on his previous personal best and complete the challenge in under 10 hours.

The Memory Clinic provides assessment and support for people in Hull suffering with memory problems, including Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia. The clinic is being renovated as part of the King’s Fund Enhancing Healing Environment Programme, which aims to transform the building’s out-dated internal environment to create a welcoming and comfortable environment designed around patient needs.

Monies pledged in sponsorship ‘the old-fashioned way’ will be put towards the cost of a number of bespoke pieces of artwork created by local artists, which are not covered by the King’s Fund’s grant. These specially-commissioned pieces will adorn the clinic’s revamped reception once the building work has been completed in October.

The Sheffield Cats’ Shelter is a small charity which has helped to re-home cats and kittens since 1897. They receive no lottery funding or state aid, and are solely funded through the contributions of their supporters. All the sponsorship monies that Eddy is able to raise online will go directly to the shelter.

Those wishing to sponsor Eddy can do so either by visiting his JustGiving page at http://www.justgiving.com/wolverson, or by contacting him directly in the personal injury department.

Remember to visit the blog next week to see how Edward fared.

Challenge Bike Ride update

"The hardest thing I've ever done on a bike" was Neil Oakes's reaction when asked how he had done in the Brian Robinson Sportive (see previous post). 77.4 miles of uphill and down dale - the last 15 miles in torrential rain - battling headwinds made for a very tough event. Neil finished in a respectable (but for him slightly disappointing time) of 5hrs 57 mins. Still, there's always next year........

Challenge Bike Ride

Neil Oakes, Partner in charge of Residential Conveyancing and cycling nut, is tackling the "Brian Robinson Sportive Ride" on Sunday 25th April. It's a 75 mile road circuit based around Huddersfield and "Last of the Summer Wine" country around Holmfirth, featuring some big climbs and sweeping descents. With nearly 300 riders taking part and the weather set fair it should be a good day out.

Visit the blog next week to see how Neil got on.

Praise for Edward Wolverson

Edward Wolverson of our Personal Injury department has won praise from three clients whom he assisted with their injury claims. All have been kind enough to submit testimonials and these are reproduced below.

"Edward provided me with an exceptional level of service. I can't believe how quickly he and his colleagues turned my claim around, and I'm delighted with the compensation I received."
- Stephen Gaylard, Somerset

“Edward provided me with a great level of service throughout my claim. He was always friendly and knowledgeable, and his communications were timely and informative. I never felt left out of the loop, and in the end I couldn’t have been happier with the result.”
- Patrick McGlone, West Midlands

“I was very pleased with how Edward dealt with my claim, particularly in how he always kept me updated and was there whenever I needed to speak with him. He always kept my particular situation in mind and advised me of all the options open to me, and I’m marvellously happy with the end result.”
- Andrew Gilbert, Nottinghamshire

Congratulations to Edward on jobs well done.

Recent licensing successes

Paul Holland, our licensing specialist, has had a number of notable successes lately.

Paul recently obtained a licence for the owners of The Town House, a cafe bar in Saxon Way, Hessle. The Town House is, locally, the first premises of its kind in a predominantly industrial area.

Paul has also obtained a new licence for La Cena restaurant in Brough for our client Darren Parker. This is a second outlet for Darren, as Paul acted for him several years ago when he opened Ciao Caffe on Chanterlands Avenue, Hull.

Perhaps Paul's biggest recent success was in connection with Shine, operating in Jameson Street, Hull. Shine previously had a 24 hour licence but due to inadvertence during a company re-organisation the licence lapsed and the owners contacted Paul and instructed him to apply for a new licence. Humberside Police took the opportunity to object to the grant of the new licence - despite that fact that the premises had previously traded until 5.00 a.m the Police now wanted all activities to end by midnight. Paul persuaded the Licensing Sub Committee to grant a licence permitting the sale of alcohol to 4.30 a.m with the premises to close by 5.00 a.m

The lighter side of conveyancing!

Property law does have some humorous moments as the following stories illustrate:

An enquiry in the following terms was made concerning a built-in fish tank at a property. "Please confirm that the built-in fish tank and the fish are included in the sale price." The sellers' solicitor, known for his sense of humour, replied "The built-in fish tank and the fish are included in the price; however the water will be removed!"

The same solicitor, on receipt of a deed which had evidently been mauled by the seller's dog, in acknowledging receipt of it sent a bone and asked that this should be passed on to the seller' s dog with his compliments!

We are currently grappling with this enquiry: “Our client would be grateful if your client could confirm exactly where the kitchen of the property but was unable to locate the same when she went for a telephone point is at the property. Our client understood that this was in the further look round.” Answers on a postcard please!

We were also once asked if a key could be released before completion so that the buyer could lay carpets and “perhaps destroy some items of furniture.”

If only they could talk....

Clients Michael and Christine Charlesworth keep Connemara ponies and have recently used the services of Cheryl Leaning at our Beverley office to purchase a new paddock for their charges.

Mr & Mrs Charlesworth write: "We are very pleased the purchase of the land went through without major problems, due we are sure to your expertise. If the ponies could talk they would also thank you as they were deep in mud after the wet winter. They will be delighted to get onto dry ground”.

Junior Lawyers Easter drinks evening

The Junior Lawyers Division of the Law Society will be holding a drinks evening on Thursday 1st April 2010 from 5.00 p.m. at the Revolution Bar in Lowgate, Hull. All are welcome to attend.

Becky cheers them on!

Becky Spencer, secretary in the claims department, will be cheerleading for charity this weekend at Hull's KC Stadium.

Dove House Hospice in holding an annual fun run and Becky's cheerleading team, the Electric Allstars, will be there to cheer the runners on.

Staff Training Afternoon

Clients are asked to note that the Beverley office will close at 2.30 p.m. and the Hull office will close at 3.00 p.m. on Wednesday 31st March 2010 for staff training. We apologise to our clients for any inconvenience this may cause. Both offices will re-open as usual at 9.00 a.m on Thursday 1st April 2010.

Commendation for staff at Hull and Beverley offices

Client Mr A Nichols of Brandesburton has commended staff at both our Hull and Beverley offices for their sensitivity of approach and efficiency. Mr Nichols writes:

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and compliment you on the efficiency of your services. In recent months I have called upon your services for two very different reasons.

"The first was when my wife was in the last days of her life at Castle Hill Hospital where your will-writing representative and secretary came to the bedside to draw up new wills. This was done with great consideration and sensitivity.

"The second time was in connection with the purchase of a property. This business was dealt with in a very professional and swift manner and I was always kept well informed.

"On both occasions I was pleasantly surprised at the invoices - very reasonable!

"I would have no hesitation in recommending Lockings to family and friends, both Hull and Beverley offices."

Kelly Guy based in our Hull office, dealt with the preparation of the clients' wills, whilst the property purchase was dealt with by Craig Schofield at Beverley. Congratulations to both of them on a job well done.

Email Kelly or call 01482 300241
Email Craig or call 01482 300503

Cheryl joins Festival Committee

Cheryl Leaning, Private Client Specialist at our Beverley office, spent last Wednesday evening stuffing over 3000 envelopes for the Beverley Folk Festival. Cheryl is the newest member of the Folk Festival Advisory Committee.

Cheryl says “I was a volunteer steward last year. I had a great time but felt there was more I could offer. I was delighted when they invited me to join the Advisory Group. I’ve already found them a maypole and hope to help make this year’s festival, which takes place over the weekend of 18-20 June, bigger and better than ever”.

Cheryl is looking forward to meeting The Proclaimers who are headlining this year’s event. Tickets are already selling fast and are available at http://beverleyfestival.com

Increased benefits payments for mesothelioma victims

Government proposals to raise the amount of compensation paid to people suffering from mesothelioma, the asbestos-related cancer have been agreed by Parliament this week. The measures, which will see payments made under the Pneumoconiosis etc (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979 increase by 1.5 per cent and payments made under the Child Maintenance and Other Payments Act 2008 increase to similar levels, were agreed without a vote in the House of Commons on Wednesday evening (10 March 2010).

Work and Pensions Secretary Yvette Cooper announced the increases, which will take effect on 1 April 2010, as part of a raft of measures to support people with asbestos-related diseases, including a consultation on establishing an Employers’ Liability Insurance Bureau which would mean a central database for the insurance details of companies who are no longer trading.

Richard Swaine, partner at Lockings who specialises in employer's liability claims, welcomes the increase and proposals for a central database and says that "These benefits payments are often vital to victims struck down with this invariably terminal illness because the claims for civil compensation take time and often the victim has died before any compensation is paid. Sometimes it is not possible to find insurers for defunct companies, particularly the smaller ones, so the central database will be a great help because it will assist in identifying defendant's employers' liability insurers much quicker. This will help to speed up the civil process and will lead to more victims having redress.”

If you or a member of your family has been affected by mesothelioma please feel free to contact Richard Swaine for a free consultation on 01482 300251 or at rbs@lockings.co.uk

Widow awarded £100,000.00 in compensation

The widow of a former Capper Pass worker who was exposed to asbestos dust whilst working at their smelting works in Melton, Nr Hull in the 1960s has recently been awarded £100,000.00 in compensation following the death of her husband.

Richard Swaine, partner at Lockings who specialises in employer's liability claims ran the case for the widow after the death of her husband in September 2008 from the asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma. Richard says “Few people realise that claims of this type can be made so long after the exposure to asbestos took place. Claims can be brought even when the premises have long since closed down and the claim can be made for the benefit of the families left behind by this devastating illness.”

In a note to Richard after the case concluded his client wrote “The way in which you kept us in touch and involved with the case throughout was impeccable, you are an asset to the firm a BIG – BIG thank you goes to you all.”

Law Commission proposes changes to intestacy laws.

If you die without a will you are said to have died 'intestate' – and at the moment the laws of intestacy are very strict as to what happens to your money and other assets.

More than half of the adults in the UK do not have a will – and this means bad news for unmarried partners if one dies intestate. Under current laws, cohabiting couples have no automatic right to inherit if their partner dies intestate as blood relatives take priority. A bereaved partner may even need to go to court to prove that they had a 'financial dependency' on the intestate.

But now the Law Commission wants to give cohabiting couples the same right to inherit as married couples if a partner dies intestate. Couples who have lived together for more than five years or have children together should be treated as if they are married if one partner dies without making a will, according to the Commission.

Any changes to the law will be a long time coming, though – so the best advice is that you should make a will to ensure that you take care of those that you leave behind, especially if you are unmarried and co-habiting.

Read more at http://www.lawcom.gov.uk/intestacy.htm

For more information email Paul Holland in our Wills and Probate department

No requirement to wear a cross

There has been much publicity in the case of the British Airways worker, Nadia Eweida, who alleged that her employer had discriminated against her by preventing her from wearing a Christian cross with her uniform.

The Court of Appeal last week held that it was not indirect discrimination for an employer’s dress code to prevent a staff member from wearing a cross as a visible neck adornment because it was not a requirement of Christianity that adherents had to wear a public display of their faith.

The case may well now proceed to the Supreme Court.

Law Gazette: Home Buyers at Risk

Jessica Hurst, trainee solicitor in the property department, writes:

An article in the Law Society Gazette this week has highlighted the risk faced by house buyers who do not obtain a full survey before purchasing a property.

According to consumer watchdog Which? one quarter of buyers find fault with their properties after moving in and it costs on average £2,500 to put these problems right.

The law operates a ‘Buyer Beware’ principle when purchasing property and it is important that buyers are satisfied that the property is structurally sound before entering into a firm commitment to purchase. Often buyers are tempted to rely on lender’s valuations, but these are rarely sufficient and in particular it is highly unlikely that buyers could seek compensation from a valuer for losses arising from a negligent survey.

A comprehensive survey commissioned by the buyer offers greater legal protection and peace of mind to the buyer. Lockings recommends that our clients should give careful thought before buying a property without the benefit of a survey. For further advice speak to your conveyancer.

Seminar on "Improving Networking Skills."

Neil Oakes will be presenting a seminar on "Improving Networking Skills" at 1.00 p.m. on Thursday 25th February 2010, repeated on Thurday 4th March.

Business networking is something that does not come naturally to most people. The idea of the seminar is to give some confidence boosting tips and advice to "first time networkers" and hopefully demonstrate that networking is not quite so daunting as one might fear and that it can actually be quite fun!

Anyone interested in attending should contact reception to book their place. The seminar is worth 1 CPD point.

Land Registry Protect Your Property Campaign

Your property is probably your biggest asset. Fraudsters are targetting property where there is no mortgage or the owner lives elsewhere. They try to "steal" the property by using forged documents to impersonate the true owner.

One way of protecting yourself is to ensure that the Land Registry has up to date contact information for you. The Land Registry will register up to three addresses for you - including an email address - and it is important to use this facilty particularly when you own a property and reside elsewhere.

The Land Registry website (click on the title above) has a link to a form so that registered owners can update their contact information.

U.K. House Prices on the Rise

A report in the Wall Street Journal suggests that U.K. house prices rose at the fastest pace in almost three years in February, but signs that public-sector employment is set to fall sharply suggest that may not be sustained.

According to property-listings company Rightmove's latest index, released on Monday, house prices in mid-February rose 3.2 on the month and were also 6.1% higher on the year. That compared with a 0.4% monthly increase in December and a 4.1% year-on-year rise.

Rightmove said the sharp rise in asking prices may prove to be too much for some potential buyers, although in the south of England a higher level of demand has coincided with a fall in the number of new properties to come onto the market.

Familiar name joins residential property team

The firm is pleased to announce that Roger Ricketts, a well known name in the local conveyancing scene, has joined the practice with effect from Monday 15th February 2010. Roger has a wealth of contacts with local builders and developers and we look forward to expanding that aspect of our business.

Roger will be based at the firm's Hull office in Lowgate.

Testimonial for conveyancing partner

Simon Fisk of Auditel Limited (www.auditel.co.uk) recently engaged Neil Oakes of our Residential Conveyancing Department to assist in the sale of a property. Simon writes

“Neil provides an excellent service based on expert knowledge & considerable experience. Every aspect was explained in simple terms & carried out extremely efficiently. I was similarly impressed with the professionalism of Neil's staff.”

First Post

This is the first post on the newly created Lockings blog.

The aim of the blog is to keep staff and clients alike abreast of the latest news and developments at Lockings. Anyone may submit copy for publication on the blog. This may be a story about a particularly good result in a personal injury damages case; or a testimonial received from a client for a job well done; or indeed something outside the office such as being involved in a sponsored walk or a charity event.

Please submit copy for inclusion to Neil Oakes.