• FESTIVALS AND EVENTS • PODCASTS • MUSIC • BUSINESS UPDATES • RELATIONSHIP ADVICE • FUN STUFF
DIGITAL MAGA ZINE
#STAY CONNECTED DORSET Summer 2021
UK CAMPSITES TOP BARS IN DORSET
BOURNEMOUTH WELLBING EXPERIENCE ENTERTAINING YOU FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME
PONY DAYZ RIDING SCHOOL FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN
Woodcutts Farm, Woodcutts Lane Wimborne BH21 4JJ 01258 421990 07523 907438 ponydayzridingschool@gmail.com
www.ponydayz.co.uk 2
CONTENTS CAMPERVAN BREAKS p4 CAMPING p6 FESTIVALS p10 BEST BARS
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SOLICITOR HOLIDAY ADVICE
p18
Amber Kelly – Video Editor
WELLBEING p20 APP RECOMMENDATIONS
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FINANCIAL ADVICE
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BUSINESS p26 ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES
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Rebecca Woods – Video Editor Summer is out so we have added some places to visit in the UK including top campsites. Many people are spending holidays on the coast - even in VW Campervans so we feature the best bars in Dorset to visit and festivals worth booking. Most of all - have fun and make the most of the summer!
Kerry Phillips – Graphic Designer
Lins
Lindsey Legg hello@stayconnectedmagazine.co.uk
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Lindsey Legg – Managing Director
f o g n i m a e r D UK HOLIDAYS
s y a D Dub
After being stuck inside for the best part of a year, it is safe to say that holidaying is on everyone’s mind. WITH International travel restrictions many peopl are looking for alternative holiday options. 4
UK HOLIDAYS
It is time to get creative with holidays. If you are bored with Airbnb’s, why not get adventurous? Explore some of the most naturally beautiful landscapes that the UK has to offer with the freedom of being in a brand new campervan. Spending the majority of the year inside has had such an effect on us. Lockdown has had an effect on many of the general public, especially mentally and physically.
It has been hard for many to feel social, so why not unite the family for a family weekend away. Campervans encapsulate freedom. Picture the breeze gently tickling your face through the window, as you look out over the luscious scenery. There’s no need to be on grid with this camper. Included with air conditioning, heating, solar panels and shower. All bases are covered, so no need to stress, let Dub Dayz take
care of your holiday entirely. Beat the rush to book space at a costly camp site, hire a campervan through Dub Dayz. The VW campervan is equipped with everything you’ll need. With room for 2 in the pop top roof, 2 on the fold down rib seats, there is also a pop up awning that sleeps two. What a great way to spend your time on he open road... www.dubdayz.co.uk
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camping
Top #3 Camping Sites in the UK Youtube is the second most popular search engine, the first being Google. It is also a brilliant website to get camping tips and tricks. Haze Outdoors is a popular Youtube channel with 67.7k subscribers. Featuring wild camping, bushcraft, foraging, hiking, spear fishing, free diving and cooking this channel offers informative and funny videos. If you want inspiration and to learn skills to help you survive in the wild this is the channel for you. The host regularly compares camping kits on a budget and is ideal for beginner and advanced wild campers. He informs his viewers on camping responsibly whether that be on a campsite or out in the
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wild. It’s a great video and engages the audience with his northern humour. Although wild camping and bushcraft has its appeal for many, for those with younger children it might seem like a nightmare. Hence Stay Connected have compiled a list of the top 3 camping sites in the UK for you to tick off your Summer bucket list.
#1
Glenmore Campsite
camping
the outdoors. Enjoy a refreshing stay surrounded by nature, with the stunning views of both landscapes and mountainous views with complete forest immersion. The site is complete with everything you would expect. The campsite has toilets, showers, hardstanding and electrical hook up available, and pets are even welcome to join on your family holiday!
Visitors are often attracted by the Cairngorms National Park. A stunning site of natural beauty, mountains, lochs, heathland, and forest. One word of warning, if you and your family are planning on staying at Glenmore campsite, just been wary how low temperatures can get during winter. Cairngorms National Park becomes one of the UK’s finest ski and snowboarding runs during Winter.
Scotland is a beautiful and underrated part of the UK. Why not use your next holiday to explore some of the natural heritage sites found there? Aviemore is a place of natural beauty and peace. With stunning woodland surroundings it’s easy to forget that you are still in the UK! Glenmore campsite, Aviemore, is a brilliant place for families that enjoy
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camping
Low Wray Campsite
Located in Cumbria, England, is Low Wray Campsite. Windermere is nearby, one of the lake districts most famous lake. To make the most of the waterside location ensure you take part in the family activities such as paddle boarding, canoeing, or kayaking. The National Trust campsite is
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complete with motorhomes, pods and glamping if you don’t fancy traditional camping.The glamping option is a brilliant way to explore the outdoors and to reconnect with nature if you do not want to bother with bringing all the camping gear. With the tree tents or woodland safari tents available, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
#2
camping
#3 This campsite is the ideal family get away, situated on a 15 acre farm in Bodmin, Cornwall. With vast amounts of wild space to explore, chose from pitching your tent in the field without electricity and mod comms or go experience the luxurious side of the farm with the glamping elements that they have integrated into the site. Choose from Poppy, Daisy or Bluebell the three bell tents that are found on the Mena farm. Ideal if you love the feeling of camping
Mena Farm but want to experience the more comfortable and convenient elements of being in a bell tent. In the bell tents you’ll find a double bed with a memory foam mattress for an unbelievably soft nights sleep.There are also two single futon beds, so the bell tents are a great option for a party of four. There is also the necessary utensils for cooking and preparing your food so no need to bring the kitchen sink with you! Although there’s no electricity in the bell tents, there’s a gas stove, water carrier, cool box, ice packs, solar and batter lanterns, power pack to charge phones, cutlery, crockery and firepit.
If you fancy a completely different experience altogether then try the glamping cabins: Kingfisher and Woodpecker.They are light, spacious but cosy cabins that are fully equipped with the ingredients for a brilliant and relaxing stay. There’s a fitted kitchen area with a fridge, microwave, gas cooker, extractor, sink, kettle and toaster. With an en suite, living area, double sofa bed, dining table and chairs this glamping cabin is ideal as it sleeps up to four. Unpacking will be a dream as you have a dedicated parking space with your outdoor picnic area and garden.
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FESTIVALS
Covid and
festival season
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FESTIVALS PODCASTS
The team at Stay Connected love a good festival, but it is difficult to plan ahead and particularly this year. The fate of thousands of festivalgoers rests on whether Covid-19 plans go smoothly, assuming that the infection rate remains low. Cultural and creative sectors are among the worst hit from the pandemic, with the jobs at risk ranging from 0.8%-5.5%. Museums, live music and festivals are some of the venue-based sectors that have been hardest hit by COVID-19 and specifically social distancing measures. The huge drop in money going into these venues has had a huge impact, especially on
sustainability and employment. The experts are warning that music festivals and large events that are planned for this summer may not go ahead. The Isle of Wight festival has already been postponed until 16-19 September, from the original dates of June 17th-20th. Alongside Glastonbury, a huge festival that is not taking place this year. Download festival has been cancelled for the second year in a row also. Boomtown has been postponed to August 2022 . Burning Man, a non UK festival held in Black Rock Desert in Nevada USA has also been cancelled, for the second year in a row due to COVID-19. This predicted ‘wave of cancellations’ could be seen as the
UK’s Government issue. Germany, Austrian and many other mainland European governments have agreed to underwrite insurance schemes to help companies to feel confident and supported to continue with festival plans. It seems that the roadmap to freedom is going to plan, seeing as the high street seems to be going smoothly, so it begs the question why festivals are being postponed? Get in touch with the team at Stay Connected, tell us what festivals you are looking forward to! Has your favourite festival been postponed? Let us know at hello@stayconnected magazine.co.uk
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& a e s n u s dfest n a s Festivals
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Festivals
t Sandbanks is all about the glamour. The surroundings definitely exude style, luxury and high-end. Even the Tesco express matches its environment, being described as a “millionaires playground” with over twenty different champagnes to choose from. Sandbanks is home to the famous, including: Harry Redknapp, Graeme Souness ,Tony Pulis, and celebrity interior designer Celia Sawyer. It also has the fourth highest land value in the world. If you live in such a chic area of course you know how to party, and posh. The Sand Polo is a date in the diary that you do not want to miss.
Year in year out, this brilliant event hosts the most glam members of the south coast, and the masses that travel throughout the UK to arrive at this event. The Sand polo has been described as an incredible and glamourous event. Commonly known as “Britian’s Palm beach”, the event is located on the extremely wealthy peninsula that is known as Sandbanks. It is always a good idea to prebook tickets in advance, as they usually sell out rapidly when the dates are announced. If you are lucky enough to call yourself a ticket holder, keep the 9th and 10th of July free to enjoy one of the most beautiful and exclusive beaches in the world.
Food and drink stalls are found throughout the event, so rest assured you will be well topped up with drink and food all night. If you are lucky enough to be one of the early birds that bagged a gold tier ticket you won’t have to worry about food and drinks as your ticket comes with a champagne reception with canapes, lunch with wine and an afternoon tea. The Sand polo is the biggest beach polo event in the world. With the spectators close to the event it is clear to see why people flock here from all over the world. If you want to rub shoulders with the most exclusive and glamourous company, the Sandfest is for you! www.sandfest.co.uk
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bars
best
bars in Dorset If you are after cool mysterious vibes with an interesting atmosphere, Smokin’ Aces in Bournemouth is a great spot to drink at. The staff are super helpful with helping you chose your drink and they have a vast array of cocktails, whiskeys and liquors. Perhaps you see something that you want that isn’t on the drinks menu, don’t fear, the staff
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Dorset is a beautiful and wellknown holiday destination in the UK. It is a county that is filled with beautiful scenery but also has the elements of the city life that is guaranteed to keep anyone happy. If you are eager to explore what night life is like in Dorset, this article will run through Stay Connected’s guide to the best bars in Dorset.
will accommodate with certain cocktails that aren’t on the menu. There is an upstairs and a downstairs to Smokin’ Aces. The lounge downstairs has a bar but more cosy seating, with more subdued music. There is a real focus downstairs on the experimental cocktails and Irish whiskey. Unlike upstairs, The Rogues’ Gallery has a cocktail menu and its own whiskey list.You’ll find a range of products down here that you won’t find anywhere else.
Smokin’ Aces also offer a range of tasting and cocktail classes which can be tailored for your specific needs. Ideal for a birthday for family members or friends who love a cocktail or want to know a bit more about whiskey. If you were not looking, this might be a bar that you would walk past. It is quite a small bar but there’s such a brilliant vibe that comes part of the parcel with this venue, it’s worth a visit! www.smokin-aces.co.uk
bars
Chaplins is an awardwinning independent bar located in Boscombe, Bournemouth. The bar is well known for its quirky live music 7 nights a week and phenomenal beer gardens that are south facing. Complete with sign posts, and sunshine this is a bar with great atmosphere. Voted Campaign for Real Ales (CAMRA) Pub of the year, Chaplins is also a Great British Pub Award winner. You will find it located in the heart of Boscombe, close to the Victorian Royal Arcade and the O2 Academy. If you are into your ales or love a good cocktail, why not enjoy it in Chaplin’s Cellar bar. Not only is Chaplins great for a drink but it is a restaurant too. With Chaplins coming #92 out of 544 restaurants in Bournemouth, the food reviews are glowing. The food has been described ”very tasty” as and great www.chaplins-bar.co.uk value for money also.
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bars If you enjoy quality food and drink with a stunning view of Dorset’s sandy coastlines, you’ll enjoy The Pig on the Beach, in Studland. This establishment is also a hotel so you can make a whole weekend out of it. Enjoy all that the restaurant has to offer, the 25 mile menu in which they aim to get at least 80% of the fresh ingredients will be sourced within 25 miles of the restaurant. At The Pig on the Beach, it all starts in the kitchen garden. With the ethos of the place revolving around fresh local produce, foraging and gardening equals great food! Growing and finding the food for the simple, uncomplicated yet elegant menu. Combining garden and sea in such a tasty way, this is a place you’ll need to try. Summer down Poole Quay is bustling. With lots of tourists and locals combined, Poole Quay is a great destination for a lovely night on the town. Just down the old town high street, tucked away is Tin of Sardines, a gin bar situated right next door to a quaint old fashioned sweet shop. Choose from sitting inside or take a table outside for views of the Quay and the sunseekers nearby. After a few drinks, why not indulge in a cheese and meat board? They offer plenty of food and drinks options to choose from, so you’ll be merry before you get bored of your drink!
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www.thepighotel.com Although this bar could be considered quite pricey, it is worth it for a special occasion to celebrate with friends. www.tinofsardines.co.uk
best
bars
bars in Dorset continued...
nd u o r a walkspit, then f Wind to one o s head osiet pub the crset in do
If you’re looking for a fun filled family day out, then why not talk a walk to Windspit. This disused is located in the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset. It is also the location where a previous Doctor Who episode was filmed. In May 2021 the quarry was used for a forthcoming Star Wars television series: Andor.
Once you complete the walk around Windspit, you’ll need to grab a drink at one of the cosiest pubs in the heart of Dorset. The Square and Compass is a rustic traditional pub that has withstood the test of time. Established in … The Square and Compass serves award winning beers and ciders, including traditional home pressed cider made by the owner. Why not sample their no fuss simple good
food which consists of tasty hot homemade pasties and pies with a variety of fillings. In the Summer chickens run free in the beer gardens, so feel free to sit outside and enjoy the gorgeous English sunshine. Live music is also played on a regular basis, with bands and artists playing at the pub on evenings and Sunday afternoons throughout the year.
www.squareandcompasspub.co.uk
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legal
Holidays with the kids: your children, your choice? Holidays abroad to green list countries may be now legal, but are they advisable? Family lawyer Rita Gupta explores how separated parents may have differing views on the safety and appropriateness of travel.
Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should As a parent, you are constantly making judgement calls on the suitability of actions involving your children, and assessing the risks and benefits involved. Holidays abroad were often a dividing issue between ex-partners even before the COVID pandemic struck. Separated parents have always needed to seek agreement from their ex-partner to take children abroad. However, getting that agreement isn’t always easy when ex-partners may not consider it appropriate, or have concerns over the kids spending an extended period of time with the other parent.
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Travels in times of COVID There are further considerations for separated parents; • Is that holiday destination ‘safe’ in terms of COVID infection levels? • Will your children need to quarantine on return, extending their stay with their other parent by two weeks? • Is it simply a risk too far for a week in the sun?
Discussions, not promises Whatever you do, don’t promise the kids you’ll take them abroad this summer! Travel restrictions are evolving all the time. Holidays need
to be discussed with their other parent first, before making plans or discussing it with the children.
Uncooperative co-parents If your ex-partner doesn’t agree that you can go abroad with the kids, or you refuse permission for them to go, there are legal steps that can be taken. You can apply for a Specific Issue Order or a Prohibited Steps Order from the family court. However, you would need to have good cause to apply, as the courts do not have the capacity to deal with all requests at present. Ultimately, the focus of the court and all professionals involved will be the welfare of the child.
legal
What that welfare consists of can differ between parents, and so a compromise has to be reached.
Letters and mediation One way to seek your ex-partner’s consent is with a child arrangement letter. The letter comes via your family lawyer, so it is seen as impartial and easier to agree to than endless phone calls, emails or texts. If that doesn’t work, you can use mediation, with an impartial mediator helping both sides come to an agreement. LGFL use mediation to help separated parents to reach an agreement on all sorts of issues that they have very different views about.
Holidays at home in 2021 If you both fundamentally disagree, why not holiday in the UK? You don’t need your ex-partner’s permission to take children on a UK holiday, just a reshuffle of child arrangements if required. After all, a holiday with your children is about relaxing and having quality time together, wherever that may be. The pandemic leads to very strong views on travel and activities. Even if you were still in a relationship, you may have differing views. The most important thing is to make decisions in a measured manner and try to strike a happy compromise, or seek expert advice.
SPECIAL OFFER Rita Gupta is offering Stay Connected readers a 1-hour initial fixed-fee consultation to discuss your situation. (For qualifying clients, T&Cs apply). Rita Gupta - Director - LGFL Ltd www.lgfamilylawyers.co.uk 01189 735521
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wellbeing
Bournemouth
wellbeing EXPERIENCE Summer is slowly becoming more than just a dream. The sun is starting to beat down on us, and in the beam of sunshine it can be easy to lose sight of what is important in life: time to relax. With the hustle and bustle of life you may find that you don’t have enough time to focus on unwinding at the end of the day.This can have serious effects on your mood, appetite and sleep.
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Yoga is an excellent daily practice to get into.Yoga is not about being good at something but about being good to yourself.The practice allows you to give yourself time to think, move and feel better. It is a practice that originated in India around 5,000 years ago and this ancient form of exercise has been noted to have plenty of health benefits. Whether you suffer from poor posture, want to improve your core strength or simply want to become more flexible, yoga is for you.
Stay Connected have researched the best yoga poses for staying cool this summer. Grab yourself a cold water, a yoga mat or a towel so that you can be comfortable whilst working on the floor. Ensure you have enough open space to move freely. Perhaps try doing your yoga practice in the garden during a hot sunny day!
Down facing dog This is a beginners move. It requires putting your feet and hands flat on your yoga mat or towel.This pose energizes and rejuvenates the body, by deeply stretching your hamstrings, shoulders, calves, hands and spine.You also build strength with your arms as you continue your yoga practice and you will see the difference over time. Regular practise of the downward facing dog move can improve digestion, back pain and help prevent osteoporosis. Be sure to check with your doctor if you are worried before doing any yoga pose. Do not practice downward facing dog if you have severe carpal
wellbeing
tunnel or are in late term pregnancy. Avoid doing this pose if you have back arm or shoulder issues, or if you have high blood pressure or inner ear issues.
Childs pose This pose is easy to achieve. Kneel with your legs tucked under yourself comfortably and then stretch your arms out parallel to one another. Firstly, kneel on the floor with your knees hip-width apart. Rest your palms on top of your thighs.Then on an exhale, lower your torso between your knees. Extend your arms alongside your torso. Put your palms flat to the floor and relax. The benefits of doing child’s pose regularly are that it releases tension, helps to reduce stress and anxiety, it lengthens and stretches the spine. Whilst gently stretching the hips, thighs and ankles this pose also helps to calm the mind and body, so is ideal for the benefiting you on the inside and out.
Tree This is a slightly more advanced pose, so make sure you’re feeling steady on your feet for this one. Begin by taking a moment to feel both your feet firmly on the floor with your weight evenly distributed
on each foot.Then shift your weight into your right foot and lift your left foot off the floor. Keep your right leg straight but don’t lock the knee. After, bend your left knee and bring the sole of your left foot high onto your inner right thigh. Press your foot into your thigh and your thigh back into your foot with equal pressure.This will help you keep both hips squared toward the front so your right hip doesn’t jut out. Try to focus on a spot on the wall that you can help to balance yourself with.Take 5 to 10 breaths, then lower your left foot to the floor and repeat on the other side.
If you want a more guided way to explore yoga this summer then be sure to check out Fiona Tew, a health and wellness coach who will help you achieve all of your lifestyle goals. Every Saturday morning Bournemouth Wellbeing Experience teach classes on the beach between Durley Chine and Bournemouth Pier. Choose from one or all of the following classes; BodyWorkout 7.15am-7.45am Yoga 8.00am-8.45am Meditation 8.45am-9.15am These unique and enjoyable classes are aimed to deliver results for every person that attends regardless of age, body shape or current fitness level. The instructors will offer modifications to accommodate all levels of fitness. Bournemouth Wellbeing Experience offer a fun, friendly and welcoming environment for the complete novice starting their fitness journey to the advanced fitness fanatic. Please check out their page @ bournemouthwellbeingexperience Book your place through our Facebook event page or websitebournemouth wellbeingexperience.com If it rains, we now have an indoor venue if it rains.This will be, The Collingwood Hotel, 11 Priory Road, Bournemouth BH2 5DF
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apps
apps If you have a smartphone, why not get the best out of your phone with these new apps. We cover shopping, kids, fitness and entertainment apps. Plus one extra app that we thought is a great concept!
kids KHAN ACADEMY KIDS is a fun and educational app including games and interactive books. Suitable for children from ages 2-8, this app is brilliant as it is free and makes educational content fun. On this app children can learn reading, language, writing, maths, social-emotional development, problem solving skills and motor development. Khan Academy Kids includes games with drawing elements, storytelling and more. To make matters even better the app is totally free. Forever. With no ads or no subscriptions necessary, this app integrates screen time with education which is a win-win!
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Shopping BUTTER is an app where you can spread the
cost of online orders, ranging from holidays, clothes, home items, sportswear and staycations.You can stay on top of your finances as the app shows all of your upcoming payments, purchases and balances. Choose from brands like Argos, IKEA, Apple, Laura Ashley and so much more. Enjoy the freedom of being able to pay later, splitting the cost between 2-4 payments. Be flexible by using the change date of payment feature, so the app works around your financial situation. However, be cautious when using the app, as late repayments can cause you financial issues and can make damage your credit score.
Health & Fitness ONE YOU COUCH TO 5K is a free app developed by Public Health England. An easyto-follow programme, perfect for those new to running who may need a little extra support and motivation. In this app you can choose from 4 trainers, from comedians Sarah Milican and Sanjeev Kohli, BBC presenter Jo Whiley and Laura, who have helped over 2 million people start their running journeys. This app is flexible around the user, so whether you want to complete the programme in as little as 9 weeks or you would rather take it at your own pace, it is completely up to you! It also has an easy-to-follow countdown timer, to be able to see, as well as hear, how long you have left of each run. As well as being compatible with music players, the app dips the volume of your music when your trainer is talking.
apps
Entertainment LAKE: Colouring Books is a free (to some extent) app. Although it does offer in app purchases, it is worth investing in this app for the mindfulness it will provide you with. Relax and paint the stress away! If you’ve had a stressful day, try to dedicate 10-15 minutes a day to colour in on Lake and feel your stresses drifting away. “A beautifully designed, best-of-breed colouring app.” - Apple, Inc. The colouring pages in the Lake app are all created by indie artists who love what they do and put their heart into what they create. By subscribing to Lake you support these indie artists as part of every subscription fee is shared directly with them.
Background image courtesy of william-hook-unsplash
1 SECOND EVERYDAY: VIDEO DIARY This app allows you to make video diary entries each day to ensure that you can keep day-to-day memories. It is an add free app, and free to use. If you don’t know what pictures to add, there is an auto add feature that will generate memories for you. You can also add notes and leave private messages to yourself about how you feel during your day. Collaborate with friends on videos to remember your life together. Experience unlimited back up to secure you memories, and never lose them again!
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BUSINESS
A pandemic financial plan for all the family Lawrence Down Financial Planner | Lester Brunt Wealth Management Senior Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management Dickens House, 15 West Borough, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1LT t: 01202 695801 m: 07967 000275 l.down@sjpp.co.uk www.lesterbrunt.co.uk
To receive a complimentary guide covering wealth management, retirement planning or Inheritance Tax planning, contact Lawrence Down on 07967 000275 or email L.down@sjpp.co.uk
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Ensure a safe financial future for yourself, your parents and your children during the coronavirus pandemic Members of the sandwich generation, those individuals in their 40s, 50s and 60s who are bringing up their own children while also providing care for their parents, face increased financial strain in the best of times. Pulled in different directions, they are also trying to save for their own retirement during a critical period in their working life. In the current coronavirus crisis, the sandwich generation is facing additional challenges, with the pandemic impacting jobs, businesses, schools and home life. It’s the perfect storm of financial, emotional and time pressure. You might be in a senior role at work and have to juggle management responsibilities with the challenge of working from home. Or you might have been furloughed from your current role and face the prospect of a cut in income. Added to this, there are concerns about the performance of your pension and other investments given
recent stock market falls. So, amid this perfect storm, what can members of the sandwich generation do? A financial adviser can help to work out your priorities and put a plan in place to build wealth for the future. In the meantime, here are some tips on how to support your parents and your children – while also taking care of yourself. How to help your parents Whether your ageing parents live with you, by themselves or in a care home, this is an anxious time. And while money is never an easy topic to talk about, having a conversation will allow you to plan for this period of uncertainty more effectively. Do you have a clear understanding of your parents’ assets, income sources, living expenses and debts? Do they have life insurance or long-term care insurance? Are they claiming all the benefits they are entitled to? Involving a financial adviser at this point can remove emotion from the equation and restrict the discussion to the facts and figures – for example, if you need to adjust your financial plan due to a change in circumstances
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BUSINESS caused by the coronavirus crisis. Talk to your parents about financial scams in order to help prevent them from falling victim to online or telephone fraud. Keep in regular contact (via phone or digitally) and make sure they’re aware that you’re happy to discuss any money concerns that they may have. And though it is a difficult subject, it’s important to check that your parents’ affairs are in order. Will creation and legacy planning will be front of mind for many people during this time of uncertainty, and it’s worth taking a look to make sure everything is up to date. Also note whether they’ve specified who can legally take control of their finances should they become unable to make decisions on their own. How to help your children Whether your children are younger and home from school, or older and back living at home after their university has closed, or they have been laid off from their job, they will likely need increased emotional – and possibly financial – support. Thinking about money as a family, rather than each generation trying to manage alone, is a great place to start, and has the added benefit of introducing younger generations to financial planning. Ask yourself: what are you currently paying for childcare or schooling? Are you saving for a child’s education, or to help with a firsthome purchase? Are loans and gifts to your children being structured in the most flexible or tax-efficient way? The impact of the coronavirus
may change the answers to these questions, and a financial adviser can help you identify what to prioritise and how to adapt to current circumstances if needed – while still saving for the future. Pensions and Junior ISAs are great opportunities to give children a financial head start, and it’s worth contributing even in times of volatility. In the Budget in March 2020, the annual allowance for a Junior ISA was more than doubled to £9,000. A parent or guardian must set up the Junior ISA, but anyone can pay into it, and there is no tax to pay on any income or gains. And even small contributions into a child or young person’s pension can make a big difference over the long term. How to help yourself Remember, to continue caring for your children and your parents, you need to take care of yourself. It can be tempting to try to predict the future, or react to events as they happen. Talking to a financial adviser can help you make a financial plan in a calm, rational way, rather than reacting to news stories or your own emotions. Putting the right plan in place will allow greater opportunities to build wealth over time – fulfilling your retirement plans while still supporting other generations. If you can, continue contributing to your own pension and savings. Sacrificing saving today could result in financial strain tomorrow. In addition, life insurance and financial protection are relevant now more than ever – we may not like to think about death, serious illness and long-term sickness,
but they’re especially important if others rely on you financially. Use your time in lockdown to give your budget a spring clean. Are there monthly costs that you could eliminate or reduce? Are you using available tax breaks? You may even find there is an opportunity to make the most of a fall in share prices and invest for the future. When markets have dropped, it can be a good time to save and invest. It may seem counterintuitive, but you are buying cheap stocks. Look after you and yours. If you have any questions or concerns about intergenerational financial planning, just ask a financial adviser. We’re here to help. The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested. The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time and are dependent on individual circumstances. Lester Brunt Wealth Management Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products
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business
What is the biggest mistake people make in business? The fact is that people make many mistakes in business, which is why 80% of businesses that have formed this year will of gone bust or ceased trading within five years. That’s not because of the coronavirus or the current economy that’s in tough times. So, what is the biggest mistake people make in business? There are clearly many mistakes, and whilst within this post and video I’m not going to discuss all of them, I am going to discuss what I believe is the biggest reason that businesses fail. Before I do so, I want to clarify one thing, and that is – I’m not just saying this because I’m in marketing. I’m saying it based on my 26 years of experience working with thousands of businesses in
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hundreds of industries and seeing the same mistake being made again and again and again. That mistake is not being good enough at sales and marketing! Let me ask you a question – on a scale of 1 to 10, with one being awful, five been average, and 10 being truly outstanding, how good are you and how good is your business at selling and marketing the products you provide?
The truth of the matter is that 99.9999% of the businesses that I come across could definitely improve. They could improve their website. They could improve their social media. They could improve their email marketing. They could improve their advertising. They could improve their effectiveness when they go out networking and when they attend exhibitions, et cetera, et cetera et cetera.
business
What is intellectual property (IP) and why does it matter to your business? Most people have some vague knowledge of what trademarks, copyright and patents are; but few can explain the difference between these and fewer still can explain why they are important to business value. Some people refer to IP as creations of the mind - hence the use of the word intellectual. The key however is the word property I doubt very much that you leave the door to your house wide open when you go out for the day, so why then leave your intellectual property open to copying, mimicking or even theft?! IP can incorporate your logo or catchphrase; your blog; video; design; software; algorithms; innovation; your client list or pricing; even some trade-craft knowledge as to how to do something more efficiently, etc. Intellectual property encompasses all things Brand, Reputation, Innovation and Knowledge; for most businesses these aspects have been hard earned and acquired over many years, with not insignificant financial investment. IP is too expensive to ignore but it does not have to cost the earth.
Some IP rights are free to use for example unregistered rights like copyright and trade secrets; but also branding via social media, which can be a good and fast way to establish a brand in a marketplace. IP can be licensed. We are all used to paying copyright license fees for example to access music, books and movies, usually via a platform. I once knew a man who sold his comedy club business but retained the rights and generated good income for many subsequent years by licensing the brand name to the various new owners. The most commonly licensed forms of IP are copyright; brand names (trademarks including digital aspects: domains, websites, social media); patents; designs and even trade secrets. IP can also be used to develop value in partnerships, BD and for investors. First you need to identify your IP, then make sure it is protected and finally that you are developing value in your business with it. You will have intellectual property in your business. The key is to know what makes your business unique and stand out from the rest, finally to know how you can best defend that uniqueness.
John Pryor E: john@exaltip.com P: +44 7587 885 131 www.exaltip.com
First you need to identify your IP, then make sure it is protected and finally that you are developing value in your business with it.
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