News: Oxley & Coward gets to The Point with new offices in Rotherham

Oxley & Coward Solicitors has moved to a new, larger office location in Rotherham as part of its ongoing expansion plans. The move marks a significant milestone for the firm as they continue to broaden their services and enhance their presence in the region.

The well-established name in the legal sector, has been serving clients in South Yorkshire and beyond for over 233 years, providing expert legal advice in areas ranging from family law to personal injury and corporate services. The decision to relocate to a more spacious office reflects the firm’s continued growth, both in terms of its client base and team size.

The new office, located at The Point, Bradmarsh Business Park at Templeborough provides a modern, professional space that will support the growing needs of the firm and offer an improved environment for both staff and clients. The move is part of Oxley & Coward’s strategic vision to remain at the forefront of the legal industry while continuing to support the local economy and create more job opportunities in the area.

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Richard Sheppard, Managing Partner at Oxley & Coward said: “Due to continued growth, and to allow our teams to work in more collaborative way, we have said goodbye to our old office at 34 Moorgate Street which we have been in for over 90 years.

"Our new offices at Bradmarsh Business Park places us right in the middle of the vibrant industrial and business centre that has developed around Sheffield Road over the last few years. Although we will be welcoming clients to our new offices we have retained our offices at 46 Moorgate Street so that clients preferring to come into the town centre can still do so by appointment. The new reception is just further up the street from the 34 Moorgate Street building.”

Rothbiz reported in December that a planning application had been submitted for 34 - 46 Moorgate Street for an internal conversion from offices to 16 apartments across three floors.

The legal firm is a patron at Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce.

Shane Young, Operations Director at the chamber of Commerce, said: “The relocation of Oxley & Coward is a fantastic example of how local businesses continue to thrive and grow. As a valued Chamber Patron, Oxley & Coward’s move to larger premises signals their success and ongoing investment in the region. It’s a great boost for Barnsley and Rotherham, showcasing the dynamic, entrepreneurial spirit that drives our local economy forward. We look forward to seeing the firm continue to flourish in its new home, and we are excited to continue working alongside them as they expand their reach and capabilities.”

Oxley & Coward Solicitors website

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News: Office to resi conversion in Rotherham town centre

Another office building in Rotherham town centre could be converted into flats according to recently submitted plans.

The Rotherham town centre masterplan of 2017 confirmed the need for more housing and leisure uses as a way to develop economic vitality, bringing more life, activity and spending back into the town centre and moving away from the traditional retail market.

A planning application has now been submitted for 34 - 46 Moorgate Street, which is close to Rotherham Town Hall.

The plans, from Century Grove Ltd, show the proposed internal conversion from offices to 16 apartments across three floors.

Provisional drawings from Mark Smith - Architectural Design, show a mixture of 1 and 2-bed flats.

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34 - 46 Moorgate Street is currently home to Oxley & Coward Solicitors and proposals would see around two thirds of their town centre office footprint converted.

A number of legal firms have moved out of Rotherham town centre in recent years. Malcolm C Foy to Moorgate Crofts business centre, Parker Rhodes Hickmotts from Moorgate Street to Templeborough and Foys from All Saints' Square.

The plans for 34 - 46 Moorgate Street state that "the building will be upgraded internally with sound reduction insulation to comply with the current building regulations" and the council's Environmental Health department don't foresee any issues with a change of use.

Officers from Environmental Health said: "The area is mixed commercial / residential in nature. A site visit has also been undertaken and it was evident that noise levels in this area were relatively low."

Other residential conversions in the area have taken place along Moorgate Street and also include Douglas House, formerly offices for Norton Finance, and Maya Property Developments converting a disused office building on Ship Hill.

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News: 2016 Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards - the winners

Barnsley distribution and warehousing company, Universal Components UK Ltd, were awarded the top prize at this year's Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards event.

Having won the the ASD Lighting/Rotherham United Excellence in International Trade award earlier in the night, Universal Components walked away with the Business of the Year award, after triumphing over the competition as the winner of winners.

The ceremony, hosted by radio personality Andy Giddings, was this year held at Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham with nearly 500 guests in attendance to celebrate the achievements of the shortlisted individuals and organisations, sponsored by RNN Group.

Rotherham companies recognised on the night with a salute to business included Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP who were celebrating 225 years in business, Eric Twigg Foods for their 50th year in business and Carlton park Hotel who are celebrating their 35th year.

The most promising new business went to Jump Inc. The leisure company opened its first site in Rotherham last year and has since opened trampoline parks in Sheffield and Leeds. Highly commended in the same category was Bliss Internet, the Rotherham-based ISP that establish superfast broadband for the community of Treeton.

Rotherham United's Community Sports Trust was the winner in the Community Impact award recognising the activities led by the community development programme that works across the borough of Rotherham in deprived areas. Youth project, Team Katalyst, which offers a variety of coaching, educational and recreational products from its Rotherham base, was highly commended.

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Rotherham-based Vertex Access won the Design & Innovation award. The Templeborough company provides industrial rope access operatives for a variety of operations as an alternative for expensive methods such as scaffolding - from abseiling to drones. Rotherham testing laboratory, ALcontrol was highly commended.

Molly Charlesworth of the host venue, Magna, was highly commended in the Apprentice of the Year award and Carlton Park hotel was highly commended in the new Leisure & Tourism category, as were Jump Inc. Innovative Rotherham firm Roy Hatfield was highly commended in Business Growth award.

The Skills Development award went to The Source Academy. Based at Meadowhall, the flagship centre provides state of the art training and development facilities with a focus on the retail and service sector. A Rotherham base opened on the High Street in 2011.

Andrew Denniff, chief executive at the Chamber of Commerce, said: "As always the evening was superb, reflecting all that is best in our City Region. My congratulations go out to all our winners and especially Universal Components, the Business of the Year.

"Our guests can certainly say that they were part of the "evening of the year" in the Sheffield City Regions business calendar, and all our shortlisted entrants can congratulate themselves in contributing to another successful event."

This year also saw the Chamber present their Charity of the Year award to Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children, who received £3,000 in prize money, supported by Secure Power.

A full list of results is as follows:

The Enterprising Barnsley Most Promising New Business Award
Winner – Jump Inc.
Highly Commended – Bliss Internet
Highly Commended – Hatfield Energy Ltd

The Rotherham Together Partnership Business Community Impact Award
Winner – Rotherham United Community Sports Trust
Highly Commended – Berneslai Homes
Highly Commended – Team Katalyst

The Steelphalt Harsco Design and Innovation in Business Award
Winner – Vertex Access
Highly Commended – ALcontrol Laboratories
Highly Commended – Spin Print Solutions

The Julie Kenny CBE, DL Apprentice of the Year Award
Winner – Ricky Curtis of Palmer Construction Ltd
Highly Commended – Kairon Flowers of Interserve Learning & Employment
Highly Commended – Molly Charlesworth of Magna

The Visit Rotherham Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Award
Winner – Calypso Cove Waterpark
Highly Commended – Carlton Park Hotel
Highly Commended – Jump Inc.

The ASD Lighting/Rotherham United Excellence in International Trade Award
Winner – Universal Components UK Ltd
Highly Commended – Numill Ltd
Highly Commended – Tadano UK Ltd

The Airmaster/Mitsubishi Digital and Creative Award
Winner – DEB Chartered Accountants
Highly Commended – Hydra Creative Ltd
Highly Commended – Spin Print Solutions

The Jeremy Neal Skills Development Award
Winner – The Source Skills Academy
Highly Commended – Jump Inc.
Highly Commended – Merlinsoft Ltd

The Brook Corporate Developments Manufacturing Excellence Award
Winner – Numill Ltd
Highly Commended – Building Product Solutions
Highly Commended – The RTN Group

The RNN Training Business Growth Award
Winner – Capital B Media
Highly Commended – Crystal Clean Service Ltd
Highly Commended – Roy Hatfield

The Academy for Chief Executives Business Person of the Year Award
Winner – Michelle Bailey of Active Response Security
Highly Commended – Lisa Pogson of Airmaster Air Conditioning Ltd
Highly Commended – Matt Travis of Enzygo Limited

Charity of the Year Award – In association with Secure Power
Winner – Newlife
Foundation for Disabled Children
Highly Commended – Barnsley Hospice
Highly Commended – Hallam FM’s Cash for Kids

Chamber website

Images: Tom Austen / Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber

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News: Solicitor's warning over equal pay ruling

A recent legal case for equal pay could impact on small businesses according to Rotherham solicitors Oxley & Coward.

The case in question involved 251 classroom and nursery assistants comparing their terms of employment with male manual workers (refuse collectors and groundsmen). The men were paid substantial bonuses on top of their basic pay and the women claimed paying such bonuses to men doing jobs of 'equal value' was discriminatory.

When the case reached the Supreme Court, the judges ruled the tribunal's approach was exactly right and that whether or not it was feasible for the men to work in the same workplace as the women was irrelevant.

Having won the right to compare themselves with their male counterparts at other sites, the way is now open for the women to establish their work was of 'equal value' to those men they chose to compare themselves with. While another triumph for equal pay, the ruling could well impact on pay settlements in other sectors - with small businesses the most vulnerable.

Recommended reading: 4 Crucial Steps for Handling Small Business Redundancies Without Facing a Tribunal

Amy Cusworth, employment law specialist at Oxley & Coward, said: "The decision should be seen as a warning for all businesses to take a long hard look at their attitude to pay. Clearly it is now going to be a dangerous approach to favour one employee over another, thinking such things are private, when as this case shows, the reality is they rarely are.

"Having a pay policy that withstands transparency is going to be the safest route for the future. If the policy you have fails this test, then now might be the right time to start reviewing your approach to equal pay."

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News: Presidential visit for Rotherham solicitor

President of the Law Society, Lucy Scott-Moncrieff paid a recent visit to Rotherham solicitor, Oxley & Coward to hear about their innovative approach to the challenges brought about following changes made to Legal Aid, and to find out more about the firm's "Pay as You Go" initiative.

Dating back to 1825, the Law Society represents solicitors in England and Wales, offering training and advice, lobbying the government and promoting the profession. The president has been on a mission to gather good ideas and best practice, in order to share her findings with other legal practitioners.

The controversial changes to Legal Aid have been at the forefront of many minds in the legal profession and the president was keen to learn more about Oxley & Coward's novel approach to tackling the issue.

From April 1, Legal Aid was reserved for the most serious cases, forcing everyone else to find a way of funding the legal services they need or go it alone. Oxley & Coward has been determined to come up with a solution; and while nothing can replace Legal Aid for those facing divorce and child contact arrangements, the firm has devised a Pay as You Go scheme in an attempt to bridge the gap.

Sarah Scott, partner and head of the family department at Oxley & Coward, said: "Our approach to Legal Aid has been described as "unbundling", but after our meeting, Lucy and I agreed to refer to it as Pay as You Go, as it's a description the public is familiar with and can more easily relate to.

"Lucy seemed really interested in what we are doing to assist those clients who can no longer rely on Legal Aid and we are delighted she thought our scheme worth discussing in person and her visit was much appreciated. It demonstrates that matters of great legal importance like this are not just discussed in London."

"On behalf of Oxley & Coward and Rotherham, it was my pleasure to welcome the Law Society President to South Yorkshire. The visit was always intended to be low-key and informal, yet Lucy and I had a very constructive meeting concerning the changes to Legal Aid, while still finding time to show the President around the town and sample some Yorkshire hospitality with tea and cakes at Sophisticakes on the High Street."

The Oxley & Coward Family Department undertakes a wide variety of legal work and is currently the largest family department in Rotherham. Colin Musgrave has recently been promoted to associate solicitor in the department.

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News: New commercial appointment at Oxley & Coward

Abigail Watson has joined Oxley & Coward as the Rotherham solicitors' new company commercial solicitor, taking over from Rebecca Stopford in April.

An already impressive career has seen Abigail work at City firm DLA Piper for several years, where she specialised in non contentious company and commercial law matters prior to joining Oxley & Coward and has considerable experience of working on business asset and share sale and purchases and other business transactions common to the practice of commercial law.


"It's an exciting time to be joining Oxley and Coward and I am really looking forward to the challenge," said Abby (pictured) when commenting on her appointment. "The firm obviously has a very long history, but there is a very forward looking attitude here too which businesses can relate to and I'm looking forward to meeting the local business community and playing my part in continuing to deliver the high standards of service they have come to expect from us."

Peter Hedley, practice manager at Oxley & Coward, said: "We are delighted to be able to welcome Abigail to the team. The role of company commercial solicitor is a key one for the practice and Abby's City experience is going to be a big advantage for us and our clients."

Abigail will be able to advise Oxley & Coward clients on a wide variety of commercial law matters, including business acquisitions, company formations, reorganisations and restructuring, together with joint ventures, partnership agreements, shareholder agreements and commercial contracts where Abigail's experience will prove invaluable.

"Oxley & Coward always recruit the very best people the profession has to offer and securing the talents of a solicitor of Abby's calibre is always pleasing," added Peter. "The clients we currently serve have come to rely on our professional and experienced service and Abigail's appointment demonstrates in a way no one can miss that our ambitions for the practice and our clients remain as high as ever."

Abigail will get the chance to meet with members of the local business community as Oxley & Coward host its next Business Breakfast networking event on May 16.

Oxley & Coward website

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News: Oxley & Coward on late payment culture

Rotherham's Oxley & Coward Solicitors has highlighted the changes to the law that aim to eradicate the culture of late payment found in Europe and the UK.

More power is being given to suppliers who are pursuing debts with commercial businesses now expected to pay supplier invoices within 30 days, unless both agree a longer (60 days maximum) time limit.

Statutory interest will now be a minimum 8% above the European Central Bank's reference and interest will start to run automatically if the period for payment is not specified, or where it is deemed to be "grossly unfair." Interest charges will automatically kick in at 30 days from the latest date of receiving the supplier's invoice or receiving or accepting goods or services.

The right to claim compensation for reasonable costs incurred in recovering a debt is another important change that now takes effect when the amount exceeds the established fixed charge sum of 40 Euros.

Amy Cusworth, employment law specialist at Oxley & Coward, said: "This law sends a strong message to those who fail to meet debt obligations within an adequate time frame. But business needs to recognise the new provisions will not apply to contracts made before 16 March and your contract terms, or the terms imposed by the customer must not override the legislation if you want to make use of it."

The updated legislation made under Directive 2011/7/EU will be implemented in the UK using S1 2013/395 under The Late Payment of Commercial Debts Regulations, 2013 and creates a powerful new incentive for debts to be settled within the new 30 day period.

"As well as the tighter control of the length of time customers can take to pay an invoice, the law is on your side to claim a more generous rate of interest on late payments," added Amy. "At 8% this is considerably higher than most current commercial contracts, but if you have, say, a lower  rate of interest hidden away in your contracts, you will not be able to claim this new statutory rate so the message is you should now be checking your contractual small print carefully!"

Oxley & Coward website

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News: Oxley & Coward add to commercial property team

Rotherham solicitors, Oxley & Coward has appointed Brad Whiteley to its commercial property team.

The move comes after the promotion of Anthony Ogley to head of department in the wake of senior partner Barry Long's retirement in 2012.

Brad joins the firm having spent five years as a real estate paralegal with Irwin Mitchell LLP and his role within the commercial property team at Oxley & Coward will see him working primarily for private clients, but he will be dealing with all aspects of commercial property, including acquisitions and dispositions and landlord/tenant work.

Brad Whiteley, real estate paralegal at Oxley & Coward, said: "Joining a firm with such a strong local reputation as Oxley & Coward is a dream come true.

“The commercial property department here is going from strength to strength and it's a great opportunity to join a firm of such long standing and I'm looking forward to being a part of the firm's growing success story."

Anthony Ogley, head of Commercial Property at Oxley & Coward, added: "We are delighted to be able to welcome Brad to our property team. Business is booming for our department and while bursting with work is great news, Barry's retirement last year means we have been looking to enhance the team to give strength in depth and Brad fits the bill perfectly.

"Our policy is always to recruit the very best people the profession has to offer and Brad's talent and experience will prove invaluable in ensuring the department continues to live up to the high standards we set ourselves.

“We work for a clutch of NHS Trust clients and their portfolio interests are never static. The broad range of our client base has served us well and they know they can count on us for a professional service and Brad's appointment demonstrates this is something we take seriously."

Oxley & Coward website

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News: Oxley & Coward mean business

Rotherham's Oxley & Coward Solicitors has pencilled in another business networking event for later this year after a successful event earlier this month.

The event was in partnership with Rotherham-based financial advisors, Hawley & Wood and attendees were treated to a business breakfast followed by pure, uninterrupted networking.

Rebecca Stopford, commercial partner at Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP, said: "This event followed the same format of informality as the primary objective is to bring together local companies that might be able to help each other out and perhaps benefit from our expertise at some point in the future.

"Now the breakfast format is set and people know what to expect, we're starting to see a range of suppliers, clients and business contacts develop relationships with each other - which is now turning into actual deals being done.

"We'd like to thank Hawley & Wood for their support and hope even more local businesses will join us for future events."

Simon Hawley of Hawley & Wood, added: "We were delighted to support Oxley & Coward and its clients and partners in assisting with this innovative networking breakfast.

"There was no set agenda and no lengthy presentations, leaving attendees free to network at their leisure. We were able to assist several people on the morning with various financial queries, and we look forward to getting involved again with similar events in the future."

Oxley & Coward website

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News: Keolia launches in Rotherham

Two enterprising Rotherham students have launched Keolia, an internet business that they first began developing at the age of 14.

Now 16 and studying at Rotherham College of Arts & Technology (RCAT), Joshua Walker together with his classmate and now colleague Samuel Sheldrick officially launched their business in August, specialising in web hosting, domain names and script installations.


The project developed whilst the young entrepreneurs were studying for their GCSEs and Joshua benefited from a period of work experience at Plusnet Broadband in Sheffield where he was given a lower specification server, which they no longer used and hardly worked. Joshua managed to kickstart the server and now uses it for his own business.

Before launching the business, they sought legal advice from Rotherham solicitors, Oxley & Coward, including their free website legal health check, in order to get everything right first time.

Joshua Walker, founder and CEO of Keolia, said: "Samuel and I were really eager to launch Keolia and it is a great feeling to be finally underway.

"We have already spent a good two years from 2009 developing the business throughout school and coursework and are grateful for the sound web and business advice from Oxley & Coward. We already have some local clients on the books and we are looking forward to expanding Keolia with new network services in the months and years ahead."

Rebecca Stopford, partner and business expert at Oxley & Coward, added: "When you start in business there are so many issues to consider, Joshua and Samuel were keen to know it all. They must be some of the youngest entrepreneurs we have ever worked with in these areas and we wish them every success for the future."

One high profile customer is Rotherham MP Denis MacShane, who said: "I am very impressed with the quality and professionalism of these two young entrepreneurs. There is loads of business talent in Rotherham if we know how to release it. My website is the best it's ever been and I am glad to link up with Keolia."

Keolia website
Oxley & Coward website

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News: Oxley & Coward host business networking breakfast

Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP in partnership with HSBC's local team in Rotherham is hosting a second Business Breakfast on August 4.

The event starts at 7.45am, with breakfast followed by uninterrupted networking until 9.00am and is free to attend, with a suggested donation by delegates to the Bluebell Wood charity.

Rebecca Stopford, commercial partner at Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP, said: "Our first Business Breakfast in April was really popular so in response to all the positive feedback we are delighted to be hosting another.

"For anyone who didn't attend the first breakfast, the format is very informal and aims to bring together local companies that might be able to help each other out in the short-term and perhaps benefit from our expertise at some point in the future."

Several delegates in April exchanged business cards and set up appointments to talk to each other about providing reciprocal products and services and Oxley & Coward remain committed to acting as a catalyst to this process, by helping local businesses to help each other where possible, growing the local economy and prospects for the region generally.

Rebecca added: "We'd like to thank HSBC for all their support. Their help means we are now well on the way to making these Business Breakfasts a regular feature in the local business calendar."

Rhiannon Higgins, premier manager at HSBC, said: "We were delighted to support Oxley & Coward and its clients and partners in assisting with these innovative networking breakfasts. There are no set agendas and no lengthy presentations, leaving attendees free to network at their leisure. We will be on hand to assist people with Business and Personal banking queries, and we look forward to getting involved with similar events in the future."

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News: Oxley & Coward discuss temp workers’ rights

Businesses need to prepare to deal with new regulations controlling the rights and benefits temporary workers are entitled too, says Rotherham's Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP.

After October 1, any workers supplied by a temp agency who have worked for 12 weeks with the same company, will become entitled to the same rights and benefits as workers hired directly by the company.

This means temp staff will be entitled to the same wages or salary, the same overtime payments, the same annual pay increases, the same holidays and rest breaks as permanent workers of a similar grade hired directly by the company. Temps will be entitled to certain benefits, such as use of the canteen or crèche, although they will not be entitled to join the company's pension scheme or be entitled to redundancy payments.

Amy Cusworth, commercial law solicitor at Oxley & Coward, said: "Employers will need to act fast if they have not yet made preparations to comply with the regulations. They must look at their employee benefits and consider which are covered by the regulations and which are excluded.

"If they rely on agency workers to a substantial extent they must look at how they comply and what the cost of compliance will be.

"With planning, there are ways in which companies can take charge of the situation," added Amy. "For example, they could decide to change what is offered to permanent employees, or they could consider whether it is feasible to change their policy and use workers who are genuinely self-employed instead of agency workers, which would take them outside the scope of these Regulations.

With well over a million temporary/agency workers in the UK, many business stand to be affected by the changes and Amy also has a warning for any employer who thinks they can sidestep the rules in October: "What companies cannot do, is move agency workers between different jobs or to change their job description every 12 weeks. These are obvious ruses that are prohibited and will attract a fine."

Oxley & Coward website

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News: Oxley & Coward secures St John Ambulance contract

Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP of Rotherham has successfully tendered for a prestigious new contract with the nation's most respected first aid organisation, St John Ambulance.

The contract is for the provision of commercial property legal services and Oxley & Coward is one of six firms appointed to represent St John Ambulance in relation to all its property transactions involving both its existing properties and the acquisition of any new properties across the north of England.

St John Ambulance has a mixed portfolio of over 100 properties in the area and their buildings are used to train members of the public and volunteers in first aid so they can be the difference between life and death.

David Heelas, Head of Property at St John Ambulance, said: "We were impressed by Oxley & Coward's highly professional yet personal approach throughout the tender process. We know that we are dealing with a firm which understands our needs and which has the capabilities and expertise to deliver in this part of the country."

The Rotherham solicitors are also representing a Paris-based company in its merger acquisition of a UK engineering company and representing a North Wales based property development company in relation to its Wales based residential development site acquisitions and site set ups.

Anthony Ogley, partner and head of property at Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP, said: "The recent merger acquisition and our representation of the North Wales property development company are excellent examples of this firm operating at a national and even international level.

"We have the expertise to represent all clients whether local or national and our regional cost base makes us a highly competitive option for a broad spectrum of clients.

"Whether it be Commercial Property, Company Commercial, or other legal work that needs handling on a local or national basis, prospective clients might find our approach very refreshing, and the bills even more so."

Oxley & Coward website

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News: South Yorkshire firms team up to seal M25 deal

Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP of Rotherham and Hart Shaw Corporate Finance of Sheffield recently assisted G.G.S. Compressors Limited, trading as G.G.H. Hire, on the acquisition of Hire Mate Limited for an undisclosed sum.

Both Hire Mate and GGH supply plant and equipment to the construction and utility sectors with the combined turnover being over £4.2m.

Rebecca Stopford, Commercial Partner at Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP, said: "Whilst the initial negotiations were agreed on a handshake it was essential that the legal process provided protection and an acceptable structure for future trading between the parties.


"We were delighted to prepare the required legal documents fulfilling the brief of being succinct, commercial and expedient.

"As with many deals now, the use of email can circumvent any geographical issues and speedy delivery of documents. Alike with Hart Shaw we have many clients from the south of England and London who recognise that quality, efficient services at a reasonable cost can be obtained here in South Yorkshire and particularly from our two firms."

Steve Bell, Corporate Finance Associate at Hart Shaw added: "Whilst G.G.H. is based within the M25 we have provided ongoing strategic support to assist the Directors with their long term growth plans.

"It was essential that the legal process reflected the amicable nature of the initial agreement and it was clear that Rebecca and the team at Oxley and Coward delivered practical, professional advice within this spirit."

Oxley & Coward website
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News: Oxley & Coward offer advice on bad debt

Rotherham's Oxley & Coward solicitors have put together a number of tips to help small, owner-managed businesses keep the cash flow flowing.

While the supplier-business is trying to get its invoices paid as quickly as possible, the customer is trying to pay as late as possible - a state of tension that leaves many businesses worrying how to make sure invoices are paid promptly but at the same time retaining its customers by keeping them on side.

Amy Cusworth, commercial law solicitor at Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP advises: "It comes down to making sure that problems don't arise. This means clear, fair and reasonable terms of business and taking care to make sure that the customer knows them.

"The customer must also be clear about the price and if the charge or fee is based on time, the supplier must keep customers informed of time spent and reminded of what that means in terms of cash. It's worth looking at interim billing as well, as it helps both the supplier's cash flow and avoids a large debt building up for the customer."

Other top tips from Amy include:

- Invoices should be delivered promptly; an invoice delivered a month or more after the work is completed or the goods supplied can simply cause irritation
- The invoice should state when it is due for payment: the customer's accounts department cannot be expected to be familiar with the supplier's terms of business
- If the invoice is not paid on the due date, an efficient credit control system must kick in and must operate like clockwork. Credit control should not start with aggressive threats; too much aggression too early may undermine good relations with the customer and can be counter productive. Start with a gentle reminder before moving up through the gears
- If the invoice remains unpaid the creditor should not take any action without first running a credit control check on the debtor; there is no point in wasting time and money chasing someone who is insolvent
- If the debtor is solvent but is likely to defend the claim, the creditor should see a solicitor at this stage to discuss the options. These might include court action or mediation
- If the claim is simple and unlikely to be defended, a creditor might consider a do-it-yourself approach either in the traditional way through the small claims courts
- Finally, when chasing another business or a public sector body for payment, the creditor has a statutory right to interest and compensation, even if their terms of business say nothing.

"Credit control starts with clear, fair and reasonable terms of business that provide effective tools for enforcement," added Amy. "They are the foundation of good customer relations and should be given the priority they deserve, but they also need reviewing on a regular basis, as both business and the law change. An expert can ensure that they are unambiguous and will achieve the desired result."

Oxley & Coward website

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News: Oxley & Coward promote new property chief

Rotherham Solicitors Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP has announced the promotion of Anthony Ogley to further develop the work of the property department.

Anthony has made such an impact in the nine months since he rejoined the firm as a Partner in April 2010 that the current Section Head Barry Long, who remains as Senior Partner of the firm, has awarded him with the top job.

Anthony began his career at Oxley & Coward following in the footsteps of not only his great uncle Frank, but also his father James. He left to become an associate solicitor with Geldards LLP for two years. From here, Anthony went on to become an associate solicitor with Nabarro LLP, prior to making a return to Oxley and Coward.

Anthony said: "Given my family history and starting my own career at Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP I have become really attached to the firm and its values.

"Now more than ever people need local experts they can trust and Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP have been delivering that in Rotherham for over 200 years.

"Barry has done an amazing job and I am delighted to not only be in a position to build on this but also to be part of the continued development of Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP's future success."

Anthony specialises in the core areas of development and site acquisition, investment sales and corporate support work.

Past cases in the healthcare and regeneration sectors involved medical centre development and funding, re-financing and some asset management, so Anthony is no stranger to handling the varied caseload a busy Property Department deals with on a daily basis.

"Having worked alongside Anthony I know the Property Department is in extremely capable hands," said Oxley and Coward Practice Manager Peter Hedley. "Anthony's skills developed and matured in his time away from us and his talent and experience will prove invaluable in ensuring the Department and the firm as a whole continues to live up to the very high standards we set ourselves."

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News: Director deadline looms

Rebecca Stopford, Commercial Partner with Rotherham's Oxley and Coward Solicitors LLP, is warning local businesses that the September 30 deadline is fast approaching for every company to have at least one director who is an individual and not a corporation.

In the past it was commonplace for subsidiary companies of a group of companies to have just one director - and for that director to be a corporation rather than a real person.

Under the provisions of the Companies Act 2006, this is no longer allowed. From October 1, every company must have at least one director who is a "natural person" as the act puts it: that is to say, an individual (living!) human being as opposed to a corporate entity.

Transitional provisions gave companies with a sole corporate director a period of grace to appoint a real person as a director, but this grace period expires at the end of the month. After the 30 September, any company that remains without at least one individual 'natural person' director will be liable to a fine of £5,000 plus a daily default fine until the situation is resolved.

Rebecca said: "Clearly any company still in this situation must now act very quickly and take legal advice as to the formalities required to appoint an additional or replacement director.

"Oxley and Coward have a great deal of experience in helping companies who find themselves in need of urgent advice, but all concerned really need to act now to avoid the threat of punitive fines."

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News: Oxley and Coward investing in future talent

Oxley and Coward Solicitors LLP of Rotherham are continuing to press ahead with its training programme for new solicitors, despite the current challenging economic conditions.

The firm's three trainees are working through a 24 month programme, with each trainee gaining experience in at least three legal departments. They are constantly assessed before they are adjudged to have completed enough areas successfully to become fully fledged, qualified solicitors and practitioners of Law.

The training provided by Oxley and Coward is part of the Professional Skills Course (PSC) for lawyers and is one of the final stages on the path to becoming a fully qualified solicitor. It gives trainees the opportunity to put into practice what they have learned in a real life situation and also gives the law firm the opportunity to assess the skills of potential new talent.

Amy Cusworth, who is coming to the end of her training contract has been working with Rebecca Stopford in Company & Commercial Law and has recently been helping Rebecca to advise clients at this year's Enterprise Show, held last month at Meadowhall.

Richard Sheppard, Oxley and Coward's partner and training principal, said: "Not many solicitors of our size take on so many trainees. The number we take on has grown over the last few years and we see it as a real investment in future talent.

"Taking on trainees is of course not cheap, particularly in today's difficult economic climate, but Oxley & Coward remains optimistic and committed to encouraging and developing the skills of the local talent of the future. In return, our current trainees have rewarded us with the highest levels of commitment and hard work.

"I am delighted with the progress they have made, and expect all of them to pass their PSC with flying colours."

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News: Rotherham solicitors look at uncertainty as an opportunity

Local law firm Oxley & Coward Solicitors of Rotherham is urging people to view redundancy and this time of uncertainty as an opportunity rather than a threat, because it could in fact be the catalyst for very positive change. Oxley & Coward's Company and Commercial Partner, Rebecca Stopford said: "We don't want to downplay the stress, worry and inconvenience of potentially losing your job. What we would say, however, is that many great businesses and new careers have sprung out of adversity. And it's those who react positively and make a positive choice to make changes that tend to fair the best in the long run. If you have been employed for some time you should have a tidy sum of redundancy money. A redundancy pay-off may be just what you need to invest in that great business idea you have always dreamed of." One local firm that Oxley & Coward recently helped was B Thornton & Sons of Masbrough where Kevin Rowbottom become the boss of his own bakery where he has worked as an employee for 27 years.
Oxley & Coward website
Rotherham

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News: Kevin uses his loaf in becoming business owner

With the help of the Commercial department of Rotherham Solicitors Oxley & Coward, Kevin Rowbottom is now the boss of B Thornton & Sons bakers in Masbrough, Rotherham, where he has worked for 27 years. "For £2 a week every Sunday, I washed the bakery van,” explains Kevin. “The connection was made from there on, and I started at the bakery proper 27 years ago, doing deliveries and odd jobs. I have worked there ever since. It has been my life for almost 30 years so when the opportunity came up to buy it, I was naturally interested." As well as help and advice from Oxley & Coward, Kevin is grateful to Alliance & Leicester, South Yorkshire Investment Fund, and UK Steel Enterprise, all of whom have worked co-operatively in helping secure Kevin’s buy-out of the bakery with loan funding. Corporate finance and accountancy services have been provided by Allotts, another Rotherham firm. The bakery operates from 10pm-6am producing thousands of bread cakes a day for local shops, supermarkets and sandwich businesses across Rotherham and South Yorkshire. It employs 8 people and all the bread is made traditionally.
Oxley & Coward website

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Rotherham

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