Bowdon Business Club - News

Misunderstandings of Co-habiting Couples

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 18:25:05 +0000

Recent research carried out by the insurance company Direct Line shows that 38% of cohabiting couples living in the UK are unsure what they are legally entitled to if their partner died without leaving a Will. One in ten cohabiting couples wrongly believe that they would automatically inherit their partner’s share of any property they lived in together.

The Myths and Misunderstandings of Co-habiting Couples

However, this is not necessarily the case. A surviving partner will only inherit property if they own the property jointly as Joint Tenants (in which case it passes to the survivor regardless of any Will), or if the partner owned the property and they specified that the property should pass to the survivor in their Will. To describe this as a shock for the survivor, when they are having to deal with everything that follows a close bereavement, is a massive understatement. This can be made all the more tragic if there are other family dynamics at play. As the old adage can be reconstructed to say ‘where there’s NO Will, there’s a relative!’.

Throughout the past year, the Covid pandemic has focused many people’s minds on their own mortality and, across the legal profession, there has been an increase in instructions for Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney. However, despite this there is still a chasm with co-habiting couples who have made a will being substantially less than those who are married or in a civil partnership. More than half of married couples living in the UK have written a will, whereas amongst co-habiting couples the figure is only 26%.

In 1996 there were 1.45 million cohabiting couples in the UK, but by 2016 the number had increased to 3.3 million and this is expected to continue increasing. Despite this trend, the law is still very much geared towards married couples. The term Common Law Wife/Husband/Partner has no legal status and purely means you are living together. If a partner dies, unless they are married or in civil partnership, the surviving partner has no right to inherit anything unless provision has been made in the deceased’s Will.

So, what does this mean in practice? Assets held jointly (as joint tenants) will usually pass to the surviving partner. So, for example, unmarried couples might have a joint bank account where either can sign cheques and payments and if one partner dies, the account automatically passes to the surviving partner. A property or other asset and investments owned jointly (as joint tenants will also automatically pass to the survivor). The deceased’s share of assets will still be assessed as part of their estate for probate and Inheritance tax. Consideration should also be given to who is nominated as the beneficiary of your pension or recipient of any life assurance.

Many co-habiting couples may have children from previous relationships and may also have children together. Whilst they would probably wish to ensure their partner was provided for when they die, many also want to ensure their share will pass to their children when their partner dies. Not having a Will ensures your partner is NOT provided for on your death (the flowchart below shows which of your relatives would share your estate rather than your partner, if you die without a Will). This can mean legal action is the only option for the partner to claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, in respect of assets they may have considered joint in all but name. Equally, if there is a Will, it is important to take advice over the protection the Will provides for children. All bets can be off if you leave everything to the surviving partner, trusting they will see your children right after your death. The message must be that if you are in a relationship, but are not married, you should take steps to ensure your partner is provided for on your death as well as protecting your children, if you have any. This involves both of you writing Wills, and may also involve putting other measures in place such as Trusts. To consider this further, please give me, Andy Pearson a call on 07967 426546 for an initial chat.

Dynamic Estate Planning

16 Dimple Park, Egerton,
Bolton BL7 9QE,

United Kingdom

Contact: Andrew Pearson

Dynamic Estate Planning

Shooting Tasty Sweet Interiors

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 23:18:10 +0000

Ian Cartwright Shoots Tasty Sweet Interiors

“It's nice to get your teeth into a good commercial job”,

I thought, having been commissioned to photograph one of Wilson Fink's shiny new kitchens by Mark Slater fellow member of Bowdon Business Club, As the kitchen is probably the most used room in the house, I wanted to give him a new spin, less predictable than the usual kitchen photographs. Utilising my Advertising Photography and Family Portrait skills, I suggested we include the family who lives there, doing something they normally do in their own kitchen.

The job was over 7 months in the planning, what with waiting for a sofa, then the COVID-19 pandemic, then a birthday, then a holiday, followed by quarantine and a boiler break down. The father of the house even broke his neck in Majorca!

I wanted good weather, so at the eleventh hour, the shoot was put back by a day. Eventually, it all came together, and, as well as the 'standard' images from several viewpoints, I also caught the family enjoying baking cookies. They were scrumptious, too!

I brought my studio lighting with pale amber gels to supplement the daylight. I even brought a fake branch to cast believable shadows over the lovely seamless Corian worktop/table.

We finished with a nice portrait of the father and his daughter with their delicious cookies proudly displayed.

Ian was once called a ‘Master of light’ by a Brazilian assistant he had in the nineties. This job presented a tricky technical challenge with actual daylight combined with simulated daylight from studio flash. ‘Real people’ rather than models, need to be controlled to some extent, but not ‘posed’ or they can look false. Not only did Ian provide images with the family, but also more conventional images from all angles with the room empty of people, as well as showing details and the connected utility room. The verticals were ‘corrected’ in post-production.

Ian’s approach to interiors is to be as faithful to the mood the designer or architect intended, using extra lighting usually to simulate daylight. He can follow a shoot list or can make intelligent decisions about what are the important features.

f you have a project needing expert lighting you would like to discuss, call Ian Cartwright on +44 161 485 2318 or +44 7712 863 864 or email [email protected]

Caramel Photography

Cheadle Cheshire SK8 6NL England, UK

Contact: Ian Cartwright

...caramel is sweet

The business club during lockdown

Sat, 30 May 2020 16:29:33 +0000

Having been a member for 7 years I knew the format of the meeting like the back of my hand so was looking forward to getting my teeth into the new experience of Group Leader for 2020 without having the added complication of getting used to the format of the meetings!

With a supportive team of members with lots of experience and a tried and tested format I began my role in office with a head full of ideas and passion for furthering the group and maintaining the excellent success of previous years.

However ……working in a GP practice provided me with a heads up with regard to the impending pandemic which was fast approaching. At the beginning of March, the Governing Committee met and a few precautionary changes were introduced as we were already becoming aware of the risks of meeting large numbers of people in closed areas. The area where members gathered for initial coffee and chats prior to the meeting was transferred to the main room so members could distance themselves easily. Members were asked to leave a space in between other members when they seated at the table for breakfast, and subsequent meeting, and those who chose to stay at home had their decision respected.

Prior to the announcement of full lockdown it had already been decided to cease face to face meetings for the foreseeable future.

As a UW distributer I was already familiar with Zoom meetings and was keen to use this facility to introduce some continuity of the meeting and maintain an equilibrium. Using the same format as the face to face meeting, to ensure the structure and familiarity was maintained, we embarked on our first Zoom meeting the following Friday! It was agreed a slightly later time of 8 am would be appropriate as it provided a balance between those who were still going into the workplace and those who were unable to. Also, members were bringing their own breakfast!

A few weeks in, it was suggested that we introduce a social zoom to continue to support each other personally. We are lucky to have a member who hosts a pub quiz and was willing to share his skills so it made sense to combine the two! So our Wednesday Zoom quiz was born.

Timing during the meetings was an issue in the early days as it was difficult to gage how much time was available and how much members had to say, we also had crunching of cornflakes and slurping of coffee before mute all was discovered.

As we enter the 11th week we have come a long way, members are adapting their businesses to accommodate this new way of working, we have introduced one to ones, share screens to show photography and information, and new members have joined the group. We have donated £3000 to our four designated charities and individual members have raised another £1200. We have serenaded those with lockdown birthdays and shared each other’s experiences both personally and professionally. We now have virtual backgrounds and most members have perfected the art of coordinating unmute, talk, mute! We are introducing brain storming sessions to focus on individual members and share ideas of developing their businesses. We are continuing to look out for each other and share business referrals.

Who knows how long this will go on for but in the meantime we are maintaining the fabulous non for profit business group that has been so successful for so many years. If you are interested in joining us on one of our Zooms as a visitor please do not hesitate to contact us.

Jo Forrest

Utility Warehouse Discount Club

Contact: Jo Forrest

Jo Forrest can unlock great savings for you via the Utility Warehouse a club discount scheme that lets you buy your utilities and telecoms services at a discount.

COVID-19 Pandemic charity support

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 18:21:59 +0000

Bowdon Business Club support their charities during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Bowdon Business Club made their first donations of the year this week to each of their 4 supported charities.

Whilst our shopping may be restricted, toilet rolls scarcer than moon dust, our freedom limited to one excursion from the home per day, the daily dilemma of which box set to watch and not knowing if jobs or businesses will be there when normality is restored, one thing is certain - in these unprecedented times, charities more than ever need our support. Their work does not cease, volunteers are constantly needed, and basic items still need to be bought.

For those whom hardship is normality, life is going to get even harder. The Bowdon Business Club has donated £500 to each of their supported charities to help them in these unbelievably hard times. If you can help with a donation, however small, please consider our charities.

Greater Together Manchester

Imagine walking into a church hall and seeing a collection of around 16 single beds laid out around the walls of the room. All the beds neatly made, each having a chair next to it, and each about 2 metres away from its neighbour. No screens, no curtains, no privacy. Now imagine that 16 total strangers are going to occupy those beds tonight. Think about the volunteers who will be there offering those guests food, a place to wash and perhaps some clothing. The alterative is that they spend another night in a shop doorway!

GTGM Just giving page

MedEquip4Kids

A healthcare charity dedicated to supporting the NHS in its hour of need. From now on they will be fundraising for medical resources wherever they are most urgently required to tackle the coronavirus outbreak. Together we can face this challenge and provide NHS staff with the equipment they need to deliver lifesaving care.

MedEquip4Kids Just giving page

Act4Africa

Like many countries fighting COVID-19, Uganda is currently in lock-down. In poverty-stricken rural communities there is a dangerous information gap regarding the coronavirus. Here, harmful myths are spread in the absence of knowledge. Act4Africa’s Ugandan team is experienced in engaging deeply with rural communities to deliver health education. They are currently delivering life-saving information and hygiene resources to the community as well as PPE to rural health centres. Act4Africa are at the frontline of action on the COVID-19 outbreak in Uganda. They are a small Altrincham charity and work on a tight budget. Any donation will help them maintain critical services and respond rapidly to the growing need during this crisis.

Act4Africa donations page

Walking With The Wounded

This progressively isolated period can have negative effects on mental health, and for a significant number of forces veterans, this too is their daily reality. Too anxious to leave their houses, lacking confidence, purpose, structure to their days but ultimately, too ashamed to ask for help. Walking With The Wounded delves into the deepest, darkest corners and pulls people out of their situation. Now, more than ever, they need that hand to grasp.

Walking With The Wounded donations page

Greater Together Manchester

Church House
90 Deansgate
Manchester
M3 2GH
United Kingdom

Contact: Craig Savage
Night Shelter Coordinator

Changing Lives and Communities Together
Registered Charity Number: 1167704

MedEquip4Kids

The Appeals Office,
5th Floor, 90 Deansgate,
Manchester
M3 2GP
United Kingdom

Contact: Evelyn Glarvey
Projects Co-ordinator

The children’s health charity.

Act4Africa

Act4Africa Registered Charity No 1092074

Contact: Sarah Istephan

Marketing and Fundraising Manager

Act4Africa address inequalities through gender justice, health, education and sustainable livelihoods.

Walking With The Wounded

Contact: Joel Oxeberry
Corporate Sponsorship & Development Manager

42 Canada Street, Manchester M40 8AE

Walking With The Wounded is registered as a charity in England & Wales

Registered charity number No. 1153497) and in Scotland (No. SC047760)

New Year Resolutions How to keep on track

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 22:33:56 +0000

How to get back on track with your New Year Resolutions

Heading into every New Year there is always so much looking forward, so much anticipation towards what we want to achieve in the coming year. In January many people pledge to eat more healthily, to exercise more and, the big one, to eat less SUGAR. Sugar is one of the worst products we can put into our bodies. It is reported to be more addictive than cocaine. It is something that makes most people gain weight and once we consume it, our bodies crave more and more of it.

Break it down into steps to make it more manageable

Go back to your notebook. Write your resolution in the centre of the page and then make a mind map around it of all the ways you can make this happen and achieve your resolution. Don’t write down ‘eat 5 fruits and vegetables a day’ if you don’t have the time, capacity or commitments to make this happen. Equally, don’t write ‘exercise everyday’ if you know this is simply unachievable as it will evoke feelings of being a failure if you don’t do it which may well lead you off track.

Make steps manageable and realistic in YOUR life. Things like ‘try a new piece of fruit or veg 3 times a week’ might be a more reasonable plan. Remember, small steps ultimately build bigger change and achieve better results.

Be prepared to formulate different ways to achieve your resolution

The way you planned to achieve your resolution may not actually work, so it is good to have a Plan B. Success is all about being prepared.

Be prepared to be flexible because sometimes life can’t be planned and you may need to adapt. Flexibility doesn’t mean failure, it means taking a small diversion.

Have someone to hold you accountable

Perhaps a partner or friend could join in with you or at least take some healthier meals with you, or go with you to an exercise class or just simply go out walking with you. It is much harder to say no and give up on your resolutions when you have someone on your side supporting you.

Be kind to yourself

We are our own worst critics. When something isn’t going well or right or happening as fast as we would like we can so easily beat ourselves up about it. Don’t. Instead, be kind and talk kindly to yourself. It is essential to success and for being in the right mind set.

Track your progress and reward hard work

Go back to your notebook and use it to document your daily progress. Spend 5 minutes at the end of each day writing down how you are getting on and what you achieved that day. Also, note what you hope to achieve the following day. Set yourself an intention. This can be good for reassurance when things are getting tough to read over what you have written. Of course, a little treat for your hard work is always good. Reaching a milestone in your resolution or just for sticking to your plan over a week or fortnight deserves a simple reward. Something relatively cheap and easily obtained and non-food related if your goal is to lose weight. Maybe have a long, luxurious bath or download a book to listen to, something for personal development is always a good reward. Something that fits with your budget and is not disproportionate to the achievement.

Speak to people who inspire you and surround yourself with positive people

No matter what your goal, there will surely be people you know who have already achieved something similar. Reaching out to them, asking how they did it is a great way to gain extra motivation. A few words of inspiration from them or a great tip you had not thought about maybe all you need to help you progress through the coming weeks and months. Remember, staying positive is hard, so do not hang around with negative people. Be mindful of the Law of Attraction.

Revaluate at the end of the month

Look back over your progress and give yourself a pat on the back. It is an opportunity to assess whether what you are doing is achieving what you want? If not, make some small adjustments. If it is, then brilliant, continue with more of the same.

Adapted from an article written by Amanda Brookes, blogger & serious foodie

Juice PLUS+

Get more out of life

Contact: Sally Haywood

Juice Plus+ is the way to a new life

Wanting a healthier lifestyle?

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 22:26:42 +0000

Finding the right place to start living a healthier lifestyle can be a challenge for many. We might strive to live a healthier lifestyle, but getting the courage and mind-set ready to start is often what holds us back.

Wanting a healthier lifestyle? Where to begin?

Eating right, exercising regularly and still finding enough time for family, friends and our own individual needs can seem like overwhelming goals. That’s why it is always recommended not to attempt to achieve and conquer everything all at once, but to start with baby steps and setting some realistic and manageable goals. Small changes you make today, can lead to some terrific health benefits further down the road.

So what are you waiting for?

Start your new journey to improved health by making ‘One Simple Change’.

More fuel for your busy life!

Fruit and vegetables provide your body with important phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals. Ideally, they should be consumed every day. Your health will benefit, and you will feel more comfortable in your skin.

Experts recommend five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. To be honest, that is not always easy to achieve.

You can start improving your diet by replacing empty calories with full-value choices. A balanced nutrition includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains – foods that are as close to their natural form as possible. It won’t be long before you realise just how good your body responds and feels about ‘whole foods’. And before you know it, because our bodies crave lots of what we put in, your cravings will change from less healthy fat or sugar laden meals to healthful nutrition! Start to read food labels. Think about where your nutrition is coming from. Think about how much it has been processed. And if you are short of time and not managing to eat the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables, helps is at hand. Juice Plus+ bridges the gap by supplementing your diet with the most important active ingredients in fruits and vegetables. High quality, organically grown whole fruits and vegetables fresh from the fields in the form of a capsule. Easy, affordable and convenient.

Hydration

Another easy change you can make is to start monitoring your fluid intake. Did you know that we don’t function at full capacity when we are dehydrated? The institute of Medicine recommends adults to have about 13 cups = 3L (men) / 9 cups = 2.2L (women) of water per day? Get yourself a good sports bottle and keep track of how what it holds and how many times you refill it throughout each day. Remember, food provides about 20% of water intake as well and many fruits and vegetables are more than 90% in water by weight. Increasing your water intake in this way will soon have you functioning better in no time!

Exercise/Daily Movement

Exercise might be a tough one and is often the biggest challenge for people to overcome. With so many demands fighting for your attention every day, it may be a challenge to find time for an hour trip to the gym. So, start with simple activities you can incorporate into your daily routine. Take the stairs not a lift if you work in an office block or deliberately leave things you need for the day upstairs so you have to go up and down them more frequently at home before you leave for work. Most people look at exercise as a means to burn energy and manage their weight. Instead, think of exercise as a great way to gain energy and stimulate your body and mind. Try waking up an hour earlier once a week and putting in some exercise whilst the rest of the household still sleeps. One simple change can make a big difference in how you look and feel.

Sleep More, Stress Less

When was the last time you felt you had great, quality sleep on a regular basis? Getting a good night’s sleep can greatly impact your outlook on life and, in turn, your health and wellness. Find yourself drifting off in front of the telly then waking up and realise you’ve missed the programme you sat down to watch? Simple changes, such as getting a good night’s sleep or taking time for a relaxing hobby, are easy ways to help manage stress and improve your well-being in the long-term. Turn off all things digital at least an hour before you go to bed. This will give your mind chance to wind down and relax. Take a long, luxurious bubble bath or fill a hot water bottle and make your bed nice and warm to climb into. Empty your head by making notes in a notebook so that you do not have things praying on your mind whilst you try to sleep. Once you start going to bed earlier, your body will adjust, come to expect it and you should find you are rewarded with more vitality, less stress and better focus as time goes by.

Juice PLUS+

Get more out of life

Contact: Sally Haywood

Juice Plus+ is the way to a new life

Curves, curves, curves!!!!

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 22:23:40 +0000

High specification Miele Appliances set off the Dust Grey High Gloss Handleless Door in this kitchen.

Curves, curves, curves!!!! That was high on the wish list for our client Andy.

High specification Miele Appliances set off the Dust Grey High Gloss Handleless Door in this kitchen.

As part of the design we allowed the furniture to flow from the oven, over the sink, onto a peninsula accommodating the hob and the continuing to flow around the corner to the dining area.

A flush mounted ceiling extractor gives clear access to interact with the family whilst cooking.

An “in column” wine cooler really sets off the social use for this kitchen, another delighted client.

Wilson Fink

Fitted Kitchens and Lifestyle Furniture

Contact: Mark Slater

Address: 84 Bury Old Road, Whitefield, Greater Manchester M45 6TQ

Back to the Future with Emma

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 11:01:53 +0000

Back to the Future with Emma – DSE Workstation Design.

Say hello to ‘Emma’, a life-sized representation of how we could look in 20 years’ time if we continue working with poor posture and inadequate DSE workstation design.

Walking through most office settings, I usually see several people with the wrong DSE workstation design setup for them. The ill-effects can take years to develop and a new life-sized model called “Emma” brings to life the potential impact of modern workstations on our bodies.

A team of experts in occupational health, ergonomics, and well-being was commissioned by office equipment firm Fellowes. They surveyed over 3000 workers in the UK, France and Germany, and confirmed the effects that office workplaces have on employee health.

Model specialists Helix 3D Ltd created a life-sized model called “Emma” to demonstrate the potential effects on our bodies. “Emma” has developed many health problems as you will see below.

“The Work Colleague of the Future report shows that employers and workers really need to act now and address the problem of poor workplace health”. William Higham

The effect on staff health, morale and productivity is well known. Since 1990 employer’s have had legal requirement, under the DSE (display screen equipment) regulations, to carry out a DSE workstation risk assessment for a:-

New employee
New workstation
Change to existing workstation or the way it is used
User complaint of pain or discomfort

Changing Office Environments

Increasing numbers of people work with computers, laptops and related equipment. In the old days of a personal desk, a worker would set up their chair, foot rest and monitor based on their personal preferences. We now see open plan spaces, shared desks, hot-desking and home working. This means that office workers can no longer assume that the chair and monitor has not been changed by the previous occupant. Rarely has the individual been trained so will not know to adjust the workstation back to their settings.

For taller or shorter people the average chair and desk setup won’t be suitable. Special requirements may also apply for an employee with a disability or pre-existing health condition.

The use of laptops provide other problems as workers often use them in a mobile environment. Ideally laptops should be used with an adjustable shelf but very often they are used on normal seating in a café, client office or train.

While the legislation applies to employers for office, mobile and home workers, it is also in the interest of self employed workers to both understand and use their office equipment safely.

Warning Signs

Typical signs of incorrect working practices include:-

neck pain
shoulder pain
back pain
swollen or painful wrists
eye strain
migraine
sick days

The long term effects displayed by “Emma” can take years to develop but that look into the future is something we should all investigate for our own health and to prevent future legal claims.

If you haven’y trained your team in DSE, Ergonomics and workplace design, or carried out a DSE risk assessment, get in touch to arrange it. You can call Michelle on 0161 298 1040 or complete the contact form.

Michelle Hay Training

Contact: Michelle Hay ACIEH Tech IOSH

Michelle Hay Training Works every day.

Traditional Shaker Style

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 23:11:06 +0000

Mark Slater from Wilson Fink has accrued a wealth of experience over the years interpreting clients wishes and turning their dreams into a reality.

Here he balances classic style with a contemporary touch resulting in a stunning kitchen.

Although modern, contemporary kitchens are very popular, many people still prefer the warm, homely feel of a more traditional Shaker style door. There is a beautiful compromise, however. Grey, in all its shades, is currently the favourite colour by far, but matched with a truly rich Georgian Blue in the same Shaker style, with handles in a full horizontal position means that a traditional kitchen takes on the compromise and balance of styling (note the internet-connected Fridge Freezer though!!).

The 2 tall doors to the left of the Range give hidden access to the full utility room. This example is one we have recently completed in Moston for Dave and Lyndsey who are delighted with the finished product.

Wilson Fink

Fitted Kitchens and Lifestyle Furniture

Contact: Mark Slater

Address: 84 Bury Old Road, Whitefield, Greater Manchester M45 6TQ

Behind the Times

Sat, 18 Jan 2020 17:54:28 +0000

This is deliberate and has become quite a tradition.

Bowdon Business Club is Behind the Times

This is deliberate and has become quite a tradition.

BBC's annual outing is always delayed until January, but there is always plenty of festive good will going around the table. We returned to Yara in Altrincham where they put on a good spread for us. The food is described as as Lebanese, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and vegetarian friendly with vegan options. After first checking with us for allergies, they gave us a two course banquet with a wide variety of dishes including pitta bread, hummus, falafel, haloumi, sausages, salad, aubergine dip, chicken kebabs, sea bass, and rice. A particular favourite of Mark Haywood's is their very tasty lamb chops of which he managed to demolish four. Nothing left on the bone! He might have managed another, but they were also popular with others.

We must have tested the tolerance of other customers, as our table was at number eleven on the volume scale. I was silly enough to help someone finish their chocolate fudge cake after already having had an ample portion of a version of egg custard with crushed pistachios. When I weighed myself this morning, I had put on 7 pounds in one day! Instant New Year's resolution!

Bowdon business club is more than a collection of money-hungry businessmen and women. It is a gathering of friends who genuinely enjoy each other's company. Business happens to get done without the pressure you can experience with some rival groups. From time to time, we organise outings to suit various tastes, to inform, educate and entertain our members, rather like that other institution with the same initials.

Caramel Photography

Cheadle Cheshire SK8 6NL England, UK

Contact: Ian Cartwright

...caramel is sweet