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Buying Canvas Artwork

Art in general has become more accessible for the consumer to purchase.

Art is far more accessible to buy and view right now. Even famous works of art are being loaned out to local galleries so a wider audience can see them.

There is less stuffiness regarding art. Artwork can now be ordered more readily in bespoke art commissions or particular colours and themes can be stipulated. A few years ago, this was an absolute no go area, the artist ruled and what they said was final. There are a number of artists now offering an easier to reach bespoke service, both by way of approaching the artist but also in terms of cost.
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Tags: Art
Category Art |

Mens and Womens shoes – how they have become fashion essentials

The fashion industry is now as much about footwear as clothing.

What we wear on our feet has become as, if not, more important than what clothes we wear in recent years.

Certain footwear brands have become absolute musts for the fashion savvy. In magazines, on television and on the high street, we are constantly seeing simple clothing styles but paired with footwear that is anything but simple and plain. You can guarantee that in every glossy magazine or gossip site, there will be at least one image of a celebrity in a pair of show stopping shoes or boots. Shoes are the new fashion statements and also status symbols for this generation.

To fully confirm the importance and evolution within the footwear industry including mens shoes and womens shoes, we are now seeing brands such as FitFlop that not only give you a work out whilst you wear them but they have health benefits as well. FitFlop are no ordinary flip flops at all. They have an innovative, patent pending
Microwobbleboard™ hidden in the EVA sole that is designed to give you a workout while you walk. The heel is thick and firm to absorb shock, the toe area is mid-density and the midsole is soft centre. This gives you a slightly unstable surface on which to walk on (although you will never notice as they are so comfortable) which helps to:

1.    Provide your legs and bum (glutes, hamstring, calves and thighs) with a muscle workout and help to tone these areas.
2.    Burn more calories than you would do when walking in a normal pair of shoes.
3.    Improve posture.
4.    Provide relief from plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, chronic back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis, from lower limb oedema, and restless leg syndrome.

Not only is the industry seeing new footwear brands launching but there are also a number footwear brands that have had a renaissance recently. One such brand is Dr Martens, namely the iconic 1460 boots. The Dr Martens 1460 launched in the 1960’s, originally built for work-wear, the combination of comfort, durability and stylhave ensured that the 1460z is still as popular as ever. With 8-Eyelets, famous yellow stitching, two-tone grooved sole and distinctive footprint these boots are classic in terms of mens boots and womens boots.

And who would have thought even 5 years ago that wellies would be a must have even in the summer! The rise in popularity of festivals coupled with the inevitable rain and mud has firmly put wellington boots on the fashion map. But whatever the weather, music taste or style, Wellington boots are the one item no seasoned festival-goer would ever be without. Thankfully the Hunter Wellies collection provides not only comfort and protection from all weather conditions but offers a wide range of products for the fashion conscious.

Women have always traditionally had a passion for shoes but due to the latest mens shoes brands, men are starting to get that passion too. Brands such as Hudson, Boxfresh and Fly are designing fashionable footwear that stands out from the crowd including stitching details and colours other than black and brown.

Tags: mens shoes, Shopping
Category Shopping |

Employment Law – Appraisals and Authorised Leave

The complexity of legislation can often result in many employers, who haven’t sought employment law advice, being taken to a Tribunal on “technicalities”.

A HR advisor will help you to resolve even the most complex of issues, protecting you from the legal loopholes which employees will so often exploit.
Compliance with employment law is just one of the many challenges which employers face. Even if you chose to employ your own internal resource, issues and claims will undoubtedly arise which require additional and unpredictable costs. With tribunal claims rising year-on-year, our services will provide affordable protection for your business with access to the very best employment law advice and HR support.

What is an appraisal?
An appraisal is simply an assessment of an employee’s performance, potential and development needs. It provides an opportunity to take an overall view of their work, to look back on what has been achieved during the reporting period and to agree objectives for the next.

What are the benefits of appraisal?
Appraisals help to improve employees’ job performance by identifying strengths and weaknesses, determining how their strengths can be best used and any weaknesses overcome. Appraisals also help to reveal problems and inefficient work practices which may be restricting progress.

Am I required to carry out appraisals?
There is no legal requirement to operate an appraisal scheme. There are however some aspects of employment legislation that affect employee appraisals. Appraisal records may be used by employers to support their defence in employment tribunal claims. These are particularly relevant where the claimant was dismissed for poor performance. Conversely, the claimant may strengthen their own case by citing the absence of any form of appraisal process.

I have a small business – is an appraisal scheme right for me?
Smaller companies can certainly benefit from having an appropriate appraisal scheme. Indeed, the task of appraising employees is usually easier because managers are more likely to know each employee well. It is important however that the scheme is designed to meet the particular needs of a smaller company and is not over elaborate. Mhl can help design the right system for you.

The above is intended to provide information of general interest about employment law but does not give legal advice.
What is Authorised Leave?

Authorised leave is a term generally used to describe absence from work to which an employee is entitled either by legislation or by company policy. Failure to comply with the employment law legislation can lead to costly claims against you.
What leave must I give employees by law?

Annual Leave
You must give employees at least 5.6 weeks paid holiday each year. This can include Bank/public Holidays. You cannot give pay instead except if they leave your employment.

Time off for Dependants
You must allow employees reasonable time off to cater for emergencies involving someone dependent on them. You do not have to pay them for the time taken off.

Maternity leave
All pregnant employees are entitled to up to 52 weeks maternity leave, regardless of when they started working for you.

Antenatal care
An employee attending an antenatal appointment on medical advice is entitled to paid time off for this.

The above is intended to provide information of general interest about employment law but does not give legal advice. Seek an employment law specialist for advice.

Tags: hr, law
Category Legal |

Otterburn in Northumberland for a complete getaway

Otterburn is situated in the North East of England in the county of Northumberland.

Otterburn is a small, idyllic village around 30 miles north of Newcastle in the Northumberland National Park and within the Cheviot Hills. In fact, it is located just 16 miles from the Scottish borders which makes it a fantastic place to stop off when visiting Scotland with Edinburgh only 75 miles away. For walkers staying in Otterburn, the Cheviots are a must to visit with nearly 40 peaks over 500 metres in height.

The major sites to see around the area are Hadrian’s Wall and Alnwick Castle of recent ‘Harry Potter’ fame, although there are a host of other attractions like  Beamish, Bamburgh Castle, Cragside House, Wallington House, St Aidan’s Winery, Barter Books, Northumbria Craft Centre, Otterburn Mill, Kielder Forest and the Northumberland National Park to name just a few in the area.  If you fancy a day in the city Newcastle is under an hour’s drive away with its famous Metro Centre and its many, many, many shops providing excellent retail therapy!

The charm of Northumberland is its rolling countryside, diverse wildlife and heritage which come in abundance. Driving on roads such as the A696 is a pleasure running from Otterburn right down to Newcastle through some lovely villages. You will also drive past some of the most stunning castles in the whole of England. Having been part of the Roman Empire, Northumberland has more castles than any other county in England. Bamburgh being the most famous and imposing of all the castles sitting on the Bamburgh coast. It is also the largest inhabited castle in England. Alnwick Castle is a mere 27 miles from Otterburn. Alnwick Castle celebrated its seven hundred years anniversary last year so it’s a great time to embrace the history, art and breathtaking scenery. You can take a stroll down the Alnwick Gardens or simply explore. A great venue to take the whole family.

Northumberland has one of the lowest population densities in the United Kingdom and it really does make for a complete getaway when visiting this area. There is space, room, endless unspoilt countryside but at the same time, some of the friendliest and accommodating people you’ll meet on your weekend away or holiday.

There are only a handful of Northumbria hotels in the Northumberland National Park which again accentuates the feeling of space and complete lack of overcrowding. You feel as if you are a world away from the pressures of modern life and yet Newcastle and its airport are under an hour away and Morpeth, Hexham and Jedburgh even closer.

When staying in one of the Northumbria hotels, you will be spoilt for choice of local produce. Northumberland is a paradise for game due to its landscape but the Cheviot lamb absolutely has to be sampled as well as the seafood which is often described as some of the best outside of Scotland.

Tags: hotels, northumbria
Category Travel |

Ombudsman for the double glazing & conservatory industry

The double glazing and conservatory industry has little regulation.

Whilst standards of product are getting better problems still occur with miss selling methods, badly installed products, unfulfilled remedial work and lengthy guarantees which are not honoured (due to traders going out of business or having an unwillingness to make good on their promises).

The general public still have a deep-rooted and long standing distrust of the industry.

Many installers believe that the quality of membership of most Trade Associations and Installer Schemes doesn’t lend itself to the grouping of highly professional businesses who are customer focused.

The lack of consumer protection is considered appalling by many who experience problems.

Most trade associations/ installer schemes do not have any “teeth” when called upon to intervene with complaints between installers and customers.

If the installer has been unprofessional or carried out unsatisfactory work and refuses to co-operate with the customer or trade association there is little any one can do until now.

The only legitimate options left for consumers were: (a) The Citizen’s Advice Bureau, (b) Trading Standards or (c) a trip to the local solicitor or county /high court. The former two can advise but often fail to persuade an intransigent installer to give the consumer satisfaction and the latter can be daunting and very often costly to the complainant.

The Ombudsman Scheme has an extensive Accreditation Procedure. This helps members achieve a higher standard of service, administration and consumer satisfaction. The Ombudsman Scheme has extensive legal powers to investigate complaints made against members. Any decisions made are legally binding and enforceable under the terms of The Arbitration Act 1996. Members have signed a legally binding contract at the point of entry into the scheme allowing the Ombudsman to investigate and thereby agreeing to abide by any decisions made.

The complaints process (consisting of conciliation, mediation, independent inspections and ultimately, if necessary, arbitration) is a totally free service to the consumer/complainant.

This provides a level of protection hitherto unavailable in this industry to consumers.

In short, the scheme is long awaited, very well received by installers, the industry, consumer groups, the press and general public.

The Ombudsman Scheme is a powerful way to help bring renewed consumer confidence and enhance the image of the industry and also in giving double glazing advice. Members promote professionalism, competency and customer care, combined with a robust form of legal redress for justified complaints.

Category Home |

Destination Cartmel

The medieval village of Cartmel is situated on the edge of the southern Lake District. The 12th century Cartmel Priory typifies this village both in architecture and history. It is still used for worship today as it has been for over 800 years and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

The other main attraction for visitors to Cartmel is the racecourse. With the first recorded race said to have taken place on the mid 1800’s, Cartmel races continues to grow in stature and popularity year on year. The creation of a new grandstand, with the back drop of the beautiful southern Lake District coupled with catering to rival any top race event has really put Cartmel on the map.

Cartmel is very much becoming a gastronomic destination. Cartmel and its surrounding villages have some of the best examples of Lake District gastronomy in the whole of Cumbria and the Lake District. Even though many of the restaurants and public houses are located within historic buildings, the food served is right in the 21st century using the finest locally sourced produce that is found in an abundance in the south Lakeland area.

Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding is one of the most famous exports from Cartmel. The pudding is now sold all over the United Kingdom and even world with high class restaurants in London serving this still handmade in Cartmel pudding.

With its top quality food, beautiful historical buildings, race course and spectacular scenery, it’s not hard to believe that Cartmel attracts a cosmopolitan visitor. Luckily, Cartmel offers some stunning Lake District self catering properties. If you are looking for Cartmel self catering accommodation, what better place to stay in than a beautiful Grade II listed manor house or a beautiful double-fronted period property.

Nearby attractions also include Holker Hall (a stately home with lovely gardens and grounds and a cafe, Cark-in-Cartmel), the Lakeland Motor Museum (In addition to vintage and classic motors, the museum now features of faithfully recreated period shop fronts and also has a themed gift shop. It is now located at its new site in Backbarrow, on the main A590) and Brantwood (an historic house & gardens which used to be the home of John Ruskin with a shop, café and terrace on the east side of Coniston Water).

Tags: cartmel, self catering
Category Travel |

Luxurious Windermere Hotels

For years now Windermere and its surrounding areas have been popular with a broad range of people.

Windermere is a popular destination for people of all ages, all tastes and all interests. Of course, Windermere is very famous as a base for walking the Lakeland fells and for doing many other outdoor activities but more and more visitors are coming to Windermere for a bit of luxury.

To add to the already long list of Windermere’s attributes and lures comes luxury. Windermere has some of the most stunning buildings with many of the larger residences being luxury hotels. In recent years, some of the luxury hotels have taken their attention to detail to another level. They have refurbished, redesigned, added on, decorated and paid even more attention to detail than before. Windermere now has some of the best hotels in the country and more than rival some of the famous hotels in south.

Dining has become a more prevalent factor in many hotels these days. Hotel restaurants often used to be of a pretty poor standard even when the hotel itself was of a high standard. Michelin starred restaurants are now common practice in hotels with big name chefs taking control at these luxury complexes.

Windermere couldn’t be in a better location for a restaurant to obtain top quality produce. Cumbria the Lake District has some of the finest local produce in the country from lamb and sausage to cheese, bread and cream. It really isn’t hard to understand why the Lake District is also now home to some of the finest restaurants in the north of England. Being relatively close to the coats means even the freshest seafood can be found.

Attention to detail is key for a luxury hotel from the service to rooms and outside areas. One hotel in Windermere which has seen recent refurbishment has produced a collection of rooms without compromise, most with patio doors leading onto the gardens and with either spa baths or hot tubs. They have also created luxury suites in a renovated Lake house with many having stunning views over a private lake. Constant refurbishment is essential in luxury hotels for complete perfection. Its gardens are as well looked after as the inside of the hotel with different seating areas. Their aim was to create a terrace that comprised different ‘rooms’ for people to sit in.

This has been created by breaking up the terrace with different materials and features such as ponds with water features and raised beds. During the day, the south-facing terrace enjoys the sunshine, and at dusk the sunset can often be enjoyed with pre-dinner cocktails. On warm evenings the terrace is candle lit. Pathways lead from the terrace to the south gardens and to the wild meadow and llama paddock.

The special services available sets luxury Windermere hotels apart from the rest. Organisation of spa treatments for example, private dining rooms, chauffeurs and touches such as the turning down of bed covers at night.

Category Travel |

A bar bill which helps you get a great nights sleep at the Brooklands Hotel Weybridge

Buy a bottle of vintage Krug at the super chic Brooklands Bar this Summer and stay the night in a super suite with our compliments.

Why not treat yourself to a bottle of Krug Vintage Champagne from the bar at the new Brooklands Hotel on any Friday, Saturday or Sunday between the 18th of June and the end of August and enjoy a complimentary luxurious stay in one of the critically acclaimed super suites. With an iconic, art deco inspired interior, the world’s most historic motor racing track running through the reception, hot tub overlooking the Mercedes track, critically acclaimed spa facilities and vast super suites, the new Brooklands Hotel in Weybridge, Surrey has to be seen to be believed. And with this unique offer, there is no longer any excuse not to.

The Super suites at the Brooklands Hotel consists of one or two bedrooms and a huge living and dining area.  The average size of this combination is vast, 100 square metres, and as an extra special touch, some of these suites also benefit from their own decked terrace areas overlooking the track. You can enjoy your Krug Vintage Champagne at the bar in Brooklands or we can have it delivered, chilled to your super suite and private terrace upon your arrival. Use of the spa and its unique meditation room, outdoor hot tub, steam and sauna facilities, the next day is also with our compliments.

Located next door to Mercedes Benz World and within the legendary Brooklands motor racing circuit, Brooklands Hotel Surrey is just minutes from the A3, the M3 and the M25, 17 miles from Heathrow and 33 miles from Gatwick. Aiming to be one of the finest luxury hotel Surrey, Brooklands prides themselves on their personality, individuality, and an unparalleled level of service.

A bottle of Krug Vintage Champagne at Brooklands costs £385.00 per bottle.  To book your Krug ‘Champagne and Super Suite Summer Special’ please contact Reservations on reservations@brooklandshotelsurrey.com or visit http://www.brooklandshotelsurrey.com.

Category Travel |

Dog Friendly Cottages

A beloved pet is a large part of family life, so why should it be put in a kennel when the family go on holiday?

Sending a pet to a kennel whilst you are on holiday can be inconvenient should there not be a kennel local to where you live, expensive and many owners hate the thought of having to leave their dog or pet when they go away. Taking a dog abroad has its problems with quarantining etc but if the holiday is in the UK, so why not take your pet? It is now far easier to take your pet away with you without compromising on the choice of holiday. In fact, there are now pet friendly hotels which a few years ago, was almost unheard of.

Self catering holidays are an ideal type of holiday when taking a pet away. A self catering property has the space for the dog as many are like home from homes and it enables the ease when feeding and the storing of pet and dog food for example. The Lake District is heaven for dogs with endless walking routes and for the owners, the spectacular scenery coupled with an excellent range of dog friendly cottages to stay in. Not all Lake District self catering cottages allow dogs, so asking prior to booking is advisable but properties that do allow pets are becoming increasingly more available. Some even let pets go free which makes taking a pet with you far cheaper than kennelling. After all, it is reported that there are around 27 million pets in the UK with 43% of UK households having at least one pet.
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Category Travel |

The various sectors of law found in a solicitors practice

A general law practice means nearly all sectors and aspects of law are covered allowing all legal services to be carried out under one roof through specialized departments and solicitors.

Company Law is complex and is constantly changing. If you own or run a business it can be impossible to keep up with developments within commercial or employment law. This is where specialists can be a huge asset, as it is their job to ensure that they are constantly keeping up to date with developments, so you don’t have to. Commercial specialists have a wealth of experience in dealing with any commercial legal issue, and are exceptionally respected within the legal community. With our existing clients ranging from national and international Companies to small companies or business startups, you can be assured that regardless of what legal advice you need, our commercial law team will be more than capable of ensuring you receive the advice and results you need.

All conveyance work undertaken is handled by experienced conveyancers, who ensure that throughout the entire conveyancing process, you are kept up-to-date, and that you always understand each step of the process in full. This allows us to guarantee that your move is as smooth and as stress free as possible, exactly as it should be.

Employment law is probably one the fastest moving areas of law, so an expert employment law team will ensure that their clients and themselves are always at the forefront of each development. This ensures that an employment law team is always able to offer the very best advice and representation, to both Business’ and Individuals alike.

By ensuring that personal injury specialists are continuously keeping up to date with the most recent developments in the field of injury claims, a solicitors practice are able to considerably maximise the compensation which you may be entitled to.

Solicitors in Hull operate on a completely no-win-no-fee basis, and are pleased to offer a first free interview to advise you on your claim and how it may be funded.

Below are just some examples of what personal injury claims we are able to deal with:
Road accidents
Accidents at work
Industrial Deafness Cases
Asbestos Claims
Accident in the street or other public place

A solicitor will offer a sensitive and efficient service, and are able to ensure that you are always advised and guided in the best possible way. Whether you wish to make your own Will, need help and advice when somebody has passed on, or when someone has been taken into care, they are always able to offer legal advice or services designed to help.

Lasting Powers of Attorney allow you to nominate someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapable of doing so. We can assist you with drafting and registering these important documents. If someone has already lost capacity we can also assist with an application to the Court of Protection.

Hull solicitors are also able to assist in Inheritance Tax planning.
Wills drafted
Wills stored free of charge
Long term care planning
Inheritance planning
Help and advice when somebody dies
Lasting Power of attorney Court of Protection
Preparation and Administration of Trusts

Litigation experts provide assistance and representation both in the Court and Tribunal, or, through mediation or other alternative dispute resolution method. Providing the most discreet and professional litigation service earns a solicitor a very good reputation and makes them one of the experts in this field, whilst at the same time always providing a fast, efficient and cost effective service.

Just some of the Litigation services a solicitor provides are:
Construction disputes
Contract disputes
Litigation arising from commercial transactions or commercial contracts
Professional negligence
Litigation arising from disputes over the ownership or occupation of property
Company disputes
Partnership disputes

Category Legal |