JMW Solicitors has published results from a new survey of 1,000 respondents revealing that half (50.05%) of Britons do not understand the grounds on which a will can be contested. Despite this, 80% of Britons claim to know what it means to contest a will - highlighting a significant gap in the public’s understanding of wills and their provisions. To contest a will, there must be grounds to suspect any of the following: Lack of testamentary capacity The person who made the will was not of sound mind when giving instructions about the distribution of their assets. Lack of due execution A will must be signed in the presence of at least two witnesses, and it must appear that the person making the will intended to give effect to its contents. Fraud or forgery A will that has been forged or altered in any way. Undue influence The person who made the will was manipulated or coerced into making certain provisions in their will. Lack of knowledge or approval The person who made the will did not know of the contents of the will or approve of its contents. Poisoning of the mind False statements made to the testator about someone who otherwise may have benefitted from the will with the aim of encouraging the person to change the contents of their will. Further results show a lack of knowledge on time limits to contest a will or issue a claim against an estate. More than half (56.59%) of respondents did not know that a will typically needs to be contested within 12 years of the deceased's passing. Similarly, 56.38% were unaware of the six-month time limit to bring a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. However, two-thirds (65.75%) of Britons understand that they can challenge the distribution of an estate in cases of intestacy. In light of these findings, Alison Parry Head of Wills Disputes at JMW Solicitors said: "Our survey results highlight the importance of public education on wills and probate matters. Understanding the legal complexities surrounding wills could prove vital in safeguarding potential inheritances. We are committed to providing the necessary guidance to help people navigate this often confusing area of law."

Businesses now have just three months to upgrade their technology systems for voice and broadband connections or risk falling behind and face serious restrictions. Experts from TelephoneSystems.Cloud have urged UK businesses to upgrade their old legacy telephone systems before they get trapped in their legacy setup in September. As part of the Big Switch - which will see the switch off of all analogue phone systems in the UK in two years time - many providers are currently phasing out all legacy lines, with the aim of moving all customers onto digital based systems. September’s Stop Sell deadline means providers will cease selling these traditional phone lines, meaning those who fail to upgrade risk normal operations and falling behind. In three months' time, businesses will no longer be able to make any changes to their old legacy telephone systems, trapping them with their current size and setup. This is specifically important to those companies moving into new offices, as they will be limited now to only digital installations and can no longer move their old phone systems to new offices. For example, this autumn those on analogue systems will not be able to amend broadband bandwidth capacity, restart any stopped phone lines, nor amend direct dialling in (DDI) ranges. Other cancelled changes in three months time include mitigating to non-ultrafast products, increasing or decreasing ISDN channels, converting single lines to multi-lines (and vice versa). Experts are urging businesses to upgrade from analogue to digital based lines now, else risk falling behind and not having the ability to amend their current systems. SImply tasks such as adding a new employee to an ISDN system can become impossible. Alongside upgrading from analogue lines, many consumers may also need to upgrade their broadband services and any other equipment which currently operates on the legacy system, such as ADSL, FTTC & G.Fast. Analogue systems are services which have provided the foundation for both broadband and voice connections for many years, but it won’t be available for much longer. In three months time ‘Stop Sell’ comes into play - and all sales of copper-based lines will cease, leaving many businesses at risk from catching up if they don’t upgrade their tech now. From September analogue telephone systems will no longer be available to buy for new supply, as well as the introduction of restrictions for the migration of the services. Businesses who have not upgraded their systems in time before the Stop Sell, will seriously struggle to provide voice services, as well as risking issues affecting broadband. Companies need to ensure they are future-proofing their services, else risk falling behind and be unable to get back on board with systems such as changing broadband capacity and increase/decrease ISDN lines. Those businesses who are currently providing legacy copper-based services are being urged to act now and upgrade all plans before the Stop Sell is introduced. Failing to upgrade could potentially lead to falling behind competitors, with a significant loss in business, revenue & paying clients along with a huge increase in pricing, as wholesale prices of Stop Sell products will be rapidly increasing. Juliet Moran, founder of TelephoneSystems.Cloud said: “We are urging all businesses who haven’t already to upgrade their phone systems and connectivity before sales halt completely in September. This is now a three month warning to all business owners to upgrade your old analogue systems imminently else risk seeing your business fall behind become a reality." “But not upgrading before the Stop Sell deadline in September seriously risks your business falling behind from your competitors and large price jumps - potentially leading to loss of customers and revenue." “The risk is huge should a service get accidently cancelled, or the need for growth occurs, as old services can no longer be brought back online and systems will no longer be able to expand." “If you’re not upgrading from your analogue telephone system before the deadline in September, providers will no longer be able to support your businesses which currently rely on these legacy systems.

Thousands of children will benefit from a £92,000 donation to reduce their stress while in hospital, thanks to kind-hearted colleagues at Tesco stores across Birmingham. Stores in the city and across the Birmingham area started raising funds last summer, with the aim of helping youngsters at Birmingham Children's Hospital. The grand total has now been presented to the hospital, and to show their appreciation the hospital’s charity has recognised Tesco as one of their 100 Heroes for 2023, celebrating the retailer’s charitable efforts. Miranda Williams, head of public fundraising at Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity, said: "We are simply blown away by the phenomenal amount raised by Tesco, its incredible colleagues and generous customers. It will help improve the experience of our young patients greatly." “The money raised will support our Virtual Reality (VR) Appeal, helping to purchase VR headsets which can transport our young patients into a lifelike, three-dimensional world where they can – for a short period of time – forget about why they are in hospital and the medical procedure they’re about to receive. We’re so grateful to all the Tesco stores across Birmingham.” The stores chose Birmingham Children's Hospital to benefit from their fundraising because of its importance to the city and to many Tesco colleagues. Tesco Community Champions throughout the Birmingham area helped lead the fundraising efforts in Tesco’s larger stores. Kevin Twynholm, store manager at the Tesco New Oscott Extra store in Sutton Coldfield, said: "It became very evident that we had chosen the right charity, as stories quickly began surfacing of just how many of our colleagues had used the hospital’s services or knew someone that was supported by the care available." "Our goal was to raise funds for the hospital’s VR project but we never thought we'd raise so much money, which goes to show what people can do when they put their minds to it." "Each store and colleague involved has done something truly amazing which will make a very big difference to so many at the hospital." "We want to thank everyone, including our customers, for the generous donations, and we can't wait to see how we can support Birmingham Children's Hospital long into the future.” The £92,000 raised will go towards supporting distraction therapy and play for children in the hospital who are undergoing procedures. The experience can sometimes be traumatic for patients, and so distraction therapies, like the VR Headsets, can help to reduce any anxiety. Each store throughout Birmingham was able to decide how colleagues would raise funding. Many held raffles and competitions using teddy bears donated from the children's hospital, and others held book sales, dressing-up days, and sponsored runs. The hospital's large teddy mascot was also passed throughout stores in Tesco's signature online delivery van to boost efforts. To find out more about Birmingham's Children’s Hospital Charity, visit their website here

The North West’s Fastest 50 businesses have been unveiled by Ward Hadaway with medical technology manufacturer and supplier Hologic being named the North West’s fastest growing business. The company was crowned the overall winner on Friday 9 June, at a prestigious event at the Royal Exchange Theatre, hosted by Manchester law firm Ward Hadaway, supported by Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. Hologic also picked up the award for the fastest growing large business whilst Manchester-based Apparel Brands, a leading clothing retailer, scooped the gong for the fastest growing medium-sized company. Family-run construction business Jamieson Contracting, based in Tameside, took home the trophy for 2023’s fastest growing small business. Jamieson provides a range of construction and engineering services to private, public and third sector organisations across the North of England. The North West Fastest 50 Awards, now in their 10th year, recognise the region’s most dynamic and innovative businesses that are continuing to grow and prosper. This year, the Fastest 50 companies shared a combined profit of £348 million and celebrated an increase in turnover of £3.4 billion since 2020. Businesses large and small came together in central Manchester to learn more about the collective progress they’re making and how this is driving the North West forward as one of the UK’s strongest economies. The keynote speech was delivered by entrepreneur William Lees-Jones, the managing director of JW Lees, one of the region’s most recognised and successful brewery businesses. Liz Bottrill, executive partner of Ward Hadaway’s Manchester office, said: “The Ward Hadaway North West Fastest 50 Awards provide a platform to recognise and celebrate the incredible achievements of businesses across the region. It goes without saying, businesses are continuing to face huge challenges in today’s trading environment." “However, as our Fastest 50 list reveals, this has not stopped the success and growth of businesses in the North West. At the awards ceremony, we celebrated the innovation, drive and dynamism of North West businesses that make the region such a vibrant and successful place to do business. Well done to all of those companies that have made the list, especially our winners, it’s very well deserved.” At the event, the winners of three main categories - small, medium and large - alongside the overall fastest growing business of the year - each received an award for their continued success. Hologic was a double winner at the event, taking home the award for overall fastest growing business of the year and fastest growing large business. The company, which develops diagnostic products, medical imaging systems, and surgical products dedicated to championing women’s health, has achieved an average turnover growth of nearly 120% in the last three years. James O’Sullivan, site director at Hologic, said: “It’s an absolute delight to win two awards today not just in the large category but for the overall fastest growing business in the North West. We’re driven by a passion and purpose to enable healthier lives, everywhere, every day and it’s amazing to be recognised for the vital work we do to help healthcare professionals provide quality, person-centred care. We can’t quite believe we’re the overall fastest growing business in the region - we’re thrilled.” The success stories shared at the Ward Hadaway North West Fastest 50 Awards serve as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders in the region, reinforcing the message that the North West is a fertile ground for growth and a place where ambition, dedication and innovation thrives. Chris Fletcher, GMLSIP Director and Policy Director at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, concluded: “It was a great honour for the Chamber to once again partner with Ward Hadaway on the North West Fastest 50. This year felt extra special after a four-year break to get back together in person with some of the region’s very best businesses and celebrate their success and efforts. As the UK’s largest Chamber being involved with this award is fantastic and it’s great to play a part in celebrating the best that business in the North West has to offer.” The full 2023 North West Fastest 50 list can be viewed here

Wakefield Council’s Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth are today calling on the Government for more action on levelling up. The senior Councillors have written to Secretary of State Michael Gove MP. They are urging him to set out if there will be a further round of levelling up funding, say when it will happen, end the costly and time-consuming process of Councils competing against each other for investment, and explain how Wakefield benefits from being selected as a ‘Levelling Up Partner.' The move comes after the Council’s three funding bids were unsuccessful in the last round of levelling up funding, announced in January 2023. This left key parts of the Council’s vital regeneration plans unfunded. Government help is central to securing further investment into the district. Cllr Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “Investment into our communities is essential as part of our aspirations to spread opportunity to every part of our district. We have huge ambitions that will transform the district for residents and businesses. But without the funding we cannot drive our plans forward, and that’s why the mixed messages and lack of information coming from Government is so damaging." “We need clarity on if, and when, future funding will be made available. And if it is, there needs to be a fairer process in place, based on need, than we’ve seen before. No more expectation that local areas should compete against each other for limited funds." In March, Wakefield was announced as one of 20 Levelling Up Partnership areas. The Council is now calling on the Government to see tangible benefits from this partnership. Cllr Michael Graham, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said: “We want everyone, no matter where they are, to have access to great facilities and to live in a community they can continue to be proud of." “But we now have huge concerns that our selection as a levelling up partner may not actually lead to anything material for Wakefield. The programme has been slow to take shape and to be properly defined. And unfortunately, at the moment it seems to be yet another example of the Government not delivering for our district." “I’d urge the Government to clarify what funding we will get as part of our Levelling Up Partnership, to help us move forward with the ambitious and exciting plans that we have.” The Council’s letter outlines how it’s especially important for places which were unsuccessful in the Levelling Up Round 2 bids, including Knottingley and South Kirkby, to be at the heart of any upcoming discussions. Cllr Jeffery added: “We are urging the Government to recognise the importance of providing funding to help Knottingley and South Kirkby. And to give us the chance to secure further investment that would make a major difference in our towns.”

Jacqueline O'Donovan, managing director of O’Donovan Waste, has been invited to join the esteemed judging panel of the National Building and Construction Awards (NBCA). The NBCAs showcase and celebrate the achievements of the industrious, hardworking and enterprising building and construction businesses. The awards comprise of 19 categories that allow any UK construction business to enter, with all submissions meticulously scrutinised by subpanels of four judges who will be looking for significant and sustained performance over the last 12 months. Jacqueline has previously been recognised for her outstanding leadership and vision winning several prestigious business and entrepreneurial awards including PwC ‘Privatebusinesswoman of the Year’, Growing Business Awards ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ and has twice been awarded the ‘Director of the Year’ title by the Institute of Directors (IoD). The O'Donovan business has previously been an NBCA winner, recognised for having invested substantial time and resources into ongoing health and safety training, cultural and technological innovation, and for its continuous work to surpass and exceed standards for safety and best practice in the sector. Jacqueline commented, “The awards are the perfect opportunity to recognise and reward the work of some of the exceptional dedication and talent that we see in the construction sector. I would encourage others in the sector to get involved and I look forward to working with my fellow judges on the panel to select those who have gone above and beyond to deserve the industry recognition such an award will bring.”

Gallagher Property has achieved outline planning permission for a new industrial-led business park at Swatland Farm, near Paddock Wood in Kent – the largest project of its kind the company has ever undertaken. The plans for the 20-acre site is an expansion of Paddock Wood’s existing employment zone onto land north and south of Lucks Lane. Comprising of seven industrial units totalling more than 200,000 square feet of employment space. The units will be sub-divisible, so can be tailored to the needs of prospective occupants. Enabling the site will involve a major package of works including earthworks, building a new access road, utilities, services and installing drainage. Once it’s complete, the park could support up to 2,200 jobs in the town, which is set for significant residential expansion with up to 4,000 new homes currently being proposed. It’s a highly sustainable location, being just a short walk from Paddock Wood town centre and mainline rail services to Charing Cross, Ashford International, Strood and Tonbridge; it will also link up with other neighbourhood and community infrastructure including new schools, sports facilities, a wetland park and a town-wide system of paths and cycle routes being developed under the Council’s Local Plan. Once it’s complete, the park could support up to 2,200 jobs in the town, which is set for significant residential expansion with up to 4,000 new homes currently being proposed. It’s a highly sustainable location, being just a short walk from Paddock Wood town centre and mainline rail services to Charing Cross, Ashford International, Strood and Tonbridge; it will also link up with other neighbourhood and community infrastructure including new schools, sports facilities, a wetland park and a town-wide system of paths and cycle routes being developed under the Council’s Local Plan. Joe Heathfield, Property Development Manager, Gallagher Property added that: “This is the biggest employment site project we’ve ever managed to secure planning for; it’s a great result for us. Once we’ve discharged the planning conditions, we can get work under way: given its size, the whole job will probably take us around a year to complete. We’ll be marketing the site during the enabling works to determine the exact layout and composition of the seven units, depending on what the occupiers require.“

Leading infrastructure services company FM Conway will continue its partnership with West Sussex County Council having been awarded two works packages estimated at £8m across the council’s new Highways Services Contract. West Sussex County Council continues to invest in its highway’s infrastructure with an emphasis on local roads and footways across the county, supported by FM Conway who has been operating on the Highways Maintenance Contract since 2020. The business has now been awarded Lot 4 for 2023 to build on its existing partnership with West Sussex to support these ambitions, as well as to drive new innovations and sustainable solutions which benefit the local communities, businesses, and all visitors to the county. The new programme of works, which started in April 2023 and runs for 1 year, will see FM Conway use its self-delivery expertise to focus on two works packages, which includes Resurfacing Principal and Local Roads, as well as Footway Reconstruction and Small Works across a total of 105 sites in West Sussex. The business has been selected in part for its commitment to delivering innovation through recycled materials to achieve net zero carbon working practices. FM Conway is well established in the region thanks to its highly advanced Newhaven Asphalt Plant and privately-owned HGV fleet, both of which enable a surety of supply and a focus on materials recycling across its local operations. After recently delivering planned carriageway and footway resurfacing packages for West Sussex County Council in 2022, this latest contract award will now enable FM Conway to enhance its growing network in the South East of England and build upon its existing relationship within the county. Paul Padfield, Surfacing Director at FM Conway, said: “We are excited to continue our relationship with West Sussex and place a keen focus on the circular economy through our use of high-percentage recycled aggregate and single-layer solutions." “Our drive for new innovations and sustainable working practices means we can work together with West Sussex to introduce greater efficiencies and more importantly, reduce carbon emissions and network disruption across the county.” Matt Davey, Assistant Director for Highways at West Sussex County Council said: “We are pleased to be continuing to work with FM Conway as we continue to invest in the County’s highways and footways, providing a safe and durable travel network for residents and visitors alike. FM Conway’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon working practices aligns with the County Council’s own overarching commitment to tackling Climate Change through the work we do.”

Bus passengers across Kent and Medway will be able to travel completely free over the weekend of 24 and 25 June, thanks to a collaboration between Kent County Council and the bus companies, paid for with funding from the government. This initiative has been coordinated to support the Kent Big Weekend, organised by Visit Kent, which is promoting more than 70 tourist attractions across the county with many offering free or reduced cost entry. The Free Bus Weekend is funded by the Department for Transport through Kent’s Enhanced Bus Partnership Schemes. Passengers can just turn up and travel for free on any bus within Kent and Medway up to 8pm on both days and it is hoped that as well as supporting the Kent Big Weekend, this initiative will encourage more people to use buses again following the pandemic, to discover new places, visit friends or family and to help reduce the number of cars on Kent’s roads. KCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, David Brazier said: ‘We are very grateful to the government for providing us with the funding to support our Bus Service Improvement Plan." “Reduced use of buses and increased operating costs means that there is a real challenge for operators to sustain their services. This is one of a number of new initiatives that we hope can improve our network and encourage greater bus use helping to make services sustainable in the future." "Greater use of buses would also help with improving air quality through having fewer cars on the road and therefore less pollution." Richard Holden, the Parliamentary under-Secretary at the Department for Transport, said: “People up and down the country deserve a modern, reliable, and affordable public transport system. That is why we have allocated £35 million to Kent County Council for it to invest in its bus services." “We hope that Kent residents can enjoy the free bus weekend and continue to use local services.” For more information about the Free Bus Weekend check out their website here .

Kent Trading Standards officers will be targeting illegal vape products designed to entice children in a series of enforcement operations throughout the summer. It follows a visit to Kent by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who saw first-hand the colourful designs that are being directly marketed at those under the age restriction to purchase. The Prime Minister visited Kent Scientific Services (KSS) site at West Malling and was shown a trailblazing laboratory test, developed by KSS Scientist Punil Sanatcumar, analysing the dangerous ingredient levels in vapes which are being imported and getting into the hands and lungs of those under 18. The visit was an opportunity to focus on the actions being taken to tackle the problem of underage sales, and Mr Sunak promised to close the legal loophole, which allows retailers to give away free samples to children. Head of Trading Standards Steve Rock, who spoke to the Prime Minister and the government’s Chief Medical Officer Sir Chris Whitty, welcomed the move. He said: “Over the next few weeks, we will be carrying out targeted enforcement activity to crack down on these child-appealing novelty products and those aimed at younger people, and our officers will be in a number of locations across Kent. This is part of the ongoing successful work we were able to show the Prime Minister at KSS, which includes seizing these illegal vapes at the ports.” The brightly-coloured packaging of these illegals vape products is designed to appeal to teenagers Speaking in Kent, Mr Sunak said: “I am deeply concerned about the sharp rise in kids vaping and shocked by reports of illicit vapes containing lead getting into the hands of school children. "My daughters are 10 and 12, and I don't want the way vapes are marketed, promoted and sold to be attractive to them.” KCC Leader Roger Gough said: "Both Kent Trading Standards and KSS are at the forefront of protecting the health and safety of Kent residents in ways that are not necessarily obvious. I am delighted that their efforts in the sale of dangerous and illegal vapes has been recognised at this high level."

Family firms are different, a real force for good and that can only be a good thing. The obvious thing that makes family businesses stand out from their non-family counterparts is the ‘family factor’ and this is something that can be used to the competitive advantage of the business if harnessed in the right way. Sadly, all too often family business is portrayed as ‘small business’ rather than the reality that those in the know understand: family firms can be big business, take JCB, Wal-Mart, BMW, ALDI and many others and the myth has been blown away, but fundamentally it is more important that family firms are recognised for the positive values they bring to the economies and communities in which they operate. Rather than focusing on the sensational headlines around sibling disagreements, nepotism or inter-generational issues there are real positive attributes possessed and demonstrated by family businesses the world over on a daily basis which helps to show that family firms are a real force for good too. Family firms are generally seen as good employers, trusted and respected businesses, even more so when the family name is above the door and the business has been around for generations and the benefits associated with being a family business can be great. These benefits can even result in the family business deriving competitive advantage as a result. Here are ten benefits that family firms have: 1 – Values Family values can be translated into the way that the business operates, the culture of the family firm, and these can be passed from generation to generation as well as from family members to other employees. There is an immense level of pride amongst family members to respect the business, their predecessors and in many cases to act as stewards to pass on the business to the next generation and the values that underpin the family and the family business add to the essence of the family firm. 2 – Long Term View Family firms are recognised for taking the long term view, not always focusing on the short term financial performance and results of the business. A patient and often cautious approach can help to align resources and plans too. 3 – Loyalty Research has proven that shared values and vision amongst family members with clear and open communication of their goals and objectives can result in greater loyalty from family members too. 4 – Retention Employees of family firms are often cited by the family as an ‘extension of the family’ or as part of the ‘extended family’ and consideration and support of employees to such an extent can provide an incredibly loyal workforce who enjoy the work environment, the support of the family and the way that they are treated. 5 – Legacy Making a difference and creating a legacy is something that can come from a family in business and there are lots of examples where family firms are integral to the community in which they operate. Building on the efforts of previous generations and continuing the family tradition, protecting the name and the values that it upholds are also drivers for subsequent generations to continue in the same manner and to continue to give something back. 6 – Trust & Integrity Research has proven that the very nature of the family ownership can engender more trust from stakeholders and customers alike, and more and more family firms are celebrating their history and legacy in the brands that they are developing, recognising that it can be to their competitive advantage. 7 – Innovation Due to their governance and ownership structures family firms can be more innovative. In many cases, they recognise the need for innovation as part of their strategic planning to keep the business relevant and current and as such are able to respond to change and take on opportunities as they arise more quickly than some of their non-family counterparts. 8 – Entrepreneurship Successful family firms can be a breeding ground for entrepreneurship, supporting the next generation in their pursuit of new opportunities, either through opportunity, training, career progression or encouragement. 9 – Respect Many family firms are massively involved in their local communities and give back in many ways which engenders significant respect from the communities in which they operate. 10 – Relationships Whilst it may not be seen as the ideal situation for some, families that work successfully together get to spend more time together and sharing a drive towards goals for the business can be a bonding and fulfilling journey. Successful family firms reap the benefits and have structures in place for clear and effective communication, helping to minimise the risk of disagreements or conflicts arising. This enables them to focus on the business, with shared goals and commitments to getting the right results and without any doubt, when it all comes together, family business is different but can be a resolute force for good and secure competitive advantage too, further generating better financial results and performance that is of benefit in the long term too. Celebrate the strengths of family business. They are a force for good and provide significant benefits to communities around the world.

This international compost awareness week Chapel Break Infant School pupils got their hands dirty learning how food waste and garden trimmings can find a new lease of life. Composting experts shared top tips with the children on how to turn what could otherwise be thrown away into nutritious compost for growing vegetables, plants and flowers. The event marks the launch of Norfolk’s new home composting campaign titled ‘Composting, make your garden grow’, which encourages people to start composting to help the environment, cut waste, and create a nutritious free resource for their garden. Cllr Eric Vardy, Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, said: “It can seem like a little piece of magic when you first use compost you’ve made at home. It’s a great way to reduce waste and save money so we’re offering cut price compost bins, and lots of great hints and tips to help people to get composting at home, and make your garden grow.” Compost bin offers, and support from Norfolk’s expert Master Composters, are available to residents as well as schools. People across the county will also be able to take advantage of free beginners composting workshops this spring and summer. To find out more, order a cut price compost bin, or join a free composting workshop, visit the Norfolk recycles website here