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WomansWork

The Notebook For Lincolnshire

April 2013

Hi Readers Well, British Summer Time is officially here – even if the weather isn’t! Hopefully April will bring us some much needed sunshine, in the meantime - read on and enjoy! Page 1 Your News Page 2 Opportunities and Your Arts &

Crafts Page 3 Your Arts & Crafts and Holistics Page 4 Events Page 5 Your Books and Articles Page 6 Articles Page 7 Articles and Networking Page 8 Networking Page 9 Training and Useful Information Page 10 Useful Information, Your Websites

and Deadline

Your News Divine Lincolnshire at Lincoln Cathedral Saturday 6th April – Sunday 21st April, Monday - Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm Sunday 1.00pm - 4.00pm at Lincoln Cathedral Minster Yard, Lincoln, LN2 1PX. Art exhibition 'Divine Lincolnshire' - the history and mystery in a rural landscape. An exhibition of illustrations cel-ebrating the techniques of the pen and ink tradi-tion by Lincolnshire artist Karen Devereux. Con-tact 01522 561604 or visit www.visitlincolnshire.com/events

Spring Plant Fair and Open Gardens Sunday 28th April, 12.00pm – 4.00pm at Aubourn Hall Gardens, Harmston Road, Aubourn, Lincoln, LN5 9DZ. Adults £4.00, children (under 16) free. Spring Plant Fair - all proceeds for Macmillan Nurses & NCCPG. Contact 01522 788 224 or visit www.visitlincolnshire.com/events

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Opportunities

LawWorks LawWorks is a charity which aims to provide free legal help to individuals and community groups who cannot afford to pay for it and who are unable to access legal aid. It covers a wealth of different areas including employment, property and

charity law. It also offers fact sheets and access to volunteer lawyers. For more information visit: http://lawworks.org.uk/

Your Arts & Crafts

Gemini Craft Designs Ltd. Based in Lincoln, Gemini Craft Designs Limited works in glass and wood to create unique handcrafted gifts. Along with handcrafted jewellery, ornaments and wall art

we offer a bespoke service of designing and creating items to your individual requirements. We can offer a full wedding package designing and making matching jewellery for the whole wedding party – pendants, ear-rings, bangles for the ladies and tie pins, cufflinks for the men. Gemini takes commissions for both the wood carvings and glassware. If you are interested in either the wood or glassware have a look at the website or contact us on 07952 215257. www.gemini-craft-designs.co.uk

Unique Cottage Studios

Family Pottery Class (Half Term) Tuesday 9th April, 10.00am – 12.00pm. £8 each or £25 for a family of four. Great creative half-term fun using air-dying clay - create creatures or pots to take away with you and maybe paint at home! Suitable for all ages but parents must stay with children under 8 years of age.

Adventures in Printing Friday 19th April, 10.00am - 12.30pm. £15. Time to practice and experiment with techniques and materials. Enjoy the creative, supportive atmosphere of the studios. Suitable for all levels

of experience.

Goldwork workshop with Brenda Scarman Thursday 25th April, 10.00am to 4.00pm. £45. This workshop begins with an explanation of how to use some of the wonderful array of metal threads available. Usually worked directly on silk, some of the techniques covered in this fantastic workshop: padding with felt, couching, applying pearls and chip work.

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Make a Traditional Rib Basket Friday 26th April, 10.00am – 4.00pm. £55. Learn to make a round basket with handle with tutor Alison Walling of Lincoln Willow. Once you have learnt the process you will be able to experiment at home, trying your hand at producing different shapes with an array of materials. Suitable for first timers. All tools and materials supplied.

For more information about all the above Unique Cottage Studio events ring 01775 766698 or email info@uniquecottagestudios.co.uk to book.

Stained Glass Workshops Strawberry Glass has a range of stained glass workshops running in March at the Studio in Spalding, and Gillian and David will also be tutoring at the Skills Heritage Centre at Lincoln Castle. Most of the workshops are suitable for beginners with tools and materials provided and you will take a completed panel home with you. For information and booking contact Gillian on 07714 458813 or gillian@strawberryglass.co.uk For more details take a look at the website: www.strawberryglass.co.uk

Holistics Spirit Fair Sunday 7th April, 10.00am – 6.00pm Meridian Leisure Centre, Wood Lane, Louth LN11 8RS. £2. For more information call Andrew on 0844 414542

or visit www.spirit-fairs.com

Close - Feeling More – Holding Less: a Day of Yoga Sunday 28th April, 10.00am – 4.00pm at Welbourn Village Hall, Beck Street, Welbourn, Lincoln LN5 0LZ. Members £25, Non-Members £35. Tutor Bill Wood. For more information contact Julie Nelstrop on 01400 272280 or email julie.nelstrop@talktalk.net

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Events #JellySkegness Wednesday 17th April, 10.00am onwards at

The Storehouse Coffee Shop, North Parade,

Skegness, Lincolnshire, PE25 1BY.

Jelly is – co-working – collaborating – creativity –

chat – coffee.

What: A monthly event for solo workers to come

together to work and chat. Just bring your laptop,

grab a coffee (and maybe a cake) and get to work

in a lovely friendly atmosphere with like-minded

people.

Who: freelancers, home workers, solopreneurs,

small business owners, field workers – in fact,

everyone is welcome to drop in co-work,

collaborate and chat. Other than a laptop you can

bring your notebook, craft or just yourself, it’s a

great time to clear your diary and think of new

ideas.

No need to RSVP just turn up.

Enquiries: tim@kindofdigital.com or tweet Tim

at@timmy666

#JellyLincoln

Wednesday 22nd April, 10.00am onwards at

Coffee Aroma, 24 Guildhall Street Town Centre,

Lincoln LN1 1TR.

What: A monthly event for solo workers to come

together to work and chat. Just bring your laptop,

grab a coffee (and maybe a cake) and get to work

in a lovely friendly atmosphere with like-minded

people.

Who: freelancers, home workers, solopreneurs,

small business owners, field workers – in fact,

everyone is welcome to drop in co-work,

collaborate and chat. Other than a laptop you can

bring your notebook, craft or just yourself, it’s a

great time to clear your diary and think of new

ideas.

No need to RSVP just turn up.

Enquiries: tim@kindofdigital.com or tweet Tim

at@timmy666

Bank of England Event Tuesday 23rd April, 12.00pm - 2.00pm at Springfields, Spalding. £10.00+VAT breakfast included. This is your chance to find out about the current state of the Lincolnshire economy.The Bank of England Events provide you with the opportunity to hear the latest economic information, directly from the Bank of England’s experts. The event is designed to stimulate discussions on any aspect of the economy, enabling you to be better informed about the local economy conditions. To book please telephone Natasha Clegg on 01522 523333 or email Natasha.Clegg@lincs-chamber.co.uk

Behind the Scenes @ Danwood Wednesday 24th April, 7.30am – 9.30am at Danwood, Witham St. Hughes. £12.50+VAT. For over 40 years Danwood has been the area’s most trusted partner for the supply of office printing equipment and document solutions. We will find ways to save you time, money and effort – allowing you to focus more energy on your customers! At our state of the art distribution facility, located just off the A46 at Witham St Hughs, you will be given a short behind the scenes tour of the workshops and warehouse facilities of a nationwide distribution centre. During the course of the event guests will be able to network freely with other attendees, gaining valuable contacts and raising the awareness and profile of their business. To book please email Natasha.Clegg@lincs-chamber.co.uk

Helping SMEs Win Local Authority Business Wednesday 24th April, 9.00am – 12.30pm or 1.00pm – 4.00pm at The Epic Centre, Lincolnshire Showground, Grange-de-Lings, Lincoln, LN2 2NA. Free. Procurement Lincolnshire is holding two free half-day events in April for SMEs. We’ll be telling you about a range of upcoming opportunities to bid for public sector business. You’ll also find out about our procurement ‘top tips’ and how to improve your

chances of success.To book email: natasha.clegg@lincs-chamber.co.uk

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Your Books

A Modern Military Mother: Tales From The Domestic Front Line By Clare

Naughton. My favourite chapter is called Bumholes. Which is your favourite chapter? But be careful because if it's Bumholes – you might be tricked into writing I love Bumholes – which is a bit wrong. Available from Amazon

www.amazon.co.uk

Direct Selling Success By Yogeeta Mistry

Getting it right can be the best financial decision you ever made! Coaching you to getting it right is the aim of Direct Selling Success, giving you the know-how, the mindset training and coaching to learn the skills so you get the confidence to soar to the heights you truly

desire. Available from http://directsellingsuccess.co.uk/

Articles The Myth of the Common Law Wife

The myth of the common law wife runs deep, more than 50% of women believed that

cohabiting couples won the same rights as those who are married after living together for a number of years. That’s potentially a lot of women in the unknown as to their rights. The Law Commission in

2007 put forward proposals to give the same rights to cohabiting couples as married couples so as to ‘reflect the growing prevalence and public acceptance of cohabitation.’ Which means unmarried couples are still in legal no-man’s-land. Rights for cohabitants are very limited. Unlike in divorce there is no automatic right to make a claim against assets held in the sole name of their former partner. Due to this difficult position cohabiting couples are left dependent upon property and trusts law when their relationships break down which is difficult and costly to pursue successfully. The rights for divorcing couples are a stark contrast to those of cohabitating couples. Divorcing couples are able to make claims against all assets including; businesses, pensions, savings and properties. Furthermore, divorcing couples are able to claim for maintenance payments in their personal capacity. Cohabiting couples only being able to claim maintenance for the benefit of their children. When the children are grown up if parties are not married it is not possible to pursue a maintenance claim through the Courts. A couple ran a successful business, and had been in a relationship for thirty years; however the family home and business were both legally owned by Mr Collins. Ms Curran was effectively without any assets of her own. Ms Curran had trusted that she would be provided with a "fair share" of the assets if the relationship broke down. *** Word Of Advice – Put it in writing Whether an asset is to be held in joint names or one party's sole name, a document clearly stating what the parties intend for each one to own allows for transparency and certainty. Asserting your rights without a written agreement is fraught

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with difficulty, and in the absence of such clarity, the court will interpret the intention based on fairness, by looking at the behaviour of both parties during the period of ownership. Both financial and non-financial contributions can be taken into account. But the extensive examination process of the relationship can prove costly, time-consuming and most worrying of all the outcome is uncertain. The best way for anybody purchasing a property or a business with anyone else - be it a partner, a friend or a family member - is to have a formal document such as a cohabitation agreement or a declaration of trust. To protect oneself legally record each party's intentions in a legally binding document at the outset. This can be prepared by a lawyer to record each person's share, who has contributed what, and what will happen should the asset be sold or if the relationship breaks down. Couples should also be beware that financial liabilities can last even longer than unhappy memories. Take advice and straight forward steps at the beginning of a relationship to protect yourself should things not work out as expected. It can spare you considerable cost financially and emotionally if the relationship ends. Camilla Choudhury – Khawaja LL.B Hons LL.M Barrister. Visit www.thewomenslawyer.co.uk

Successful Flexible Working The term flexible working describes a working arrangement that has some degree of flexibility: how long, where and when employees work and can include part time working, term time working, job sharing, flexitime, annual hours, working from home, mobile/tele working and career breaks. Legislation requires flexible working to be implemented by all companies. Working at home is the most commonly offered option with women are more likely to use flexible working compared to men. The benefits of flexible working can be much improved organisational performance, however, there can be barriers to its implementation. The main one appears to be operational pressures. Other barriers: need to maintain customer/service requirements, inability to effectively manage flexible workers, existing organisational culture and the attitudes of senior

managers.There are more barriers for larger organisations than micro businesses. The biggest obstacles can be the nature of the work and little relevance to the work. An employer may refuse flexible working request for a business-related reason which includes:

the burden of additional costs

detrimental effect on the ability to meet customer demand

the inability to reorganise work among existing staff

the inability to recruit additional staff

where it will have a detrimental impact on quality and performance.

Having a flexible working request refused can be quite a shock, so employers should consider how to effectively communicate the process. The following tips may help:

Establish a clear process for how flexible working works in the organisation.

Ensure that there are clear roles and responsibilities for employees, line managers and HR.

Assess the current levels of support offered to line managers and ensure it is sufficient.

Invest in ongoing communication and raising awareness.

Assess how conducive the organisation culture is to flexible working – and take action accordingly.

Make use of pilots and trial periods in order to highlight potential problems with flexible working arrangements.

Build in opportunities and mechanisms to monitor and evaluate progress with flexible working.

A flexible working information pack with an application form that allows the employee to describe the existing working pattern, the proposed changes, the impact the change would have on the role, workplace and colleagues with suggestions of how the impact could be dealt with would allow the employee to think through the implications for their request and to overcome any rejection.

Sandra Beale www.sjbealehrconsult.co.uk

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Alternative Pet Medicines Help your dogs to stay healthier for longer and reduce the need for medicines in later life by trying some of these simple but effective pieces of advice I have picked up over the years.

If your pets are suffering from itchy skin, excessive moulting, anal gland problems, bad odours or breath then a simple change in diet may work. Some foods are specially formulated (and often hypoallergenic and additive free) for specific problems and may get rid of them. Food companies will normally send you free samples to try.

Apple Cider Vinegar can be used in combatting fleas, ear mites and infections and itchy sore skin.

For an upset stomach, try cooked white rice. Cook rice according to package directions and feed to your dog for a couple of days.

Cod liver oil and Glucosamine can help older dogs with stiff joints – an improvement can be seen in approx. 6 weeks.

Hydrotherapy and swimming can improve mobility in an aging dog, and speed rehabilitation from operation or stroke.

Professional training or therapy such as Behavioural training or Tellington Touch can treat the source of behavioural problems such as stress, anxiety and car sickness. Having a dog is an expensive responsibility as we all know but sometimes there are some preventative measures, some simple treatments or complimentary therapies we can put in place to limit the unnecessary expense allowing us to buy them that special toy instead! There are many alternatives to try for our beloved pets but of course if you’re worried you should always seek a vets advice. *** For further information contact Tracey on 07534 404932, or visit www.isispetcare.com

Networking

Lincoln Business Networking

Wednesday 3rd April, 8.00am - 10.00am at Doddington Hall, Lincoln, LN6 4RU. £12 per person. These twice monthly 4Networking meetings are relaxed, friendly and open to everyone. For more information www.4networking.biz

Talk Networking Lunch

Thursday 4th April, from 12.30pm - 2.00pm at Mama Liz's, Stamford, Lincs. We are completely focused on gaining you new business through the power of networking. We are completely transparent and offer you no yearly sign-up fee and no business lockout. Call Felicity for further details or to book your place on 01780 483 888 or email invitation@talkresults.co.uk

Grantham Business Networking

Wednesday 10th April, 8.00am - 10.00am at The Farrier, Premier Inn, Harlaxton Road, Grantham, NG31 7UA. £12 per meeting. 4Networking meeting are relaxed, friendly and open to everyone. For more information www.4networking.biz

The Marketing Club

Wednesday 10th April, 5.30pm - 8.30pm at Eliot Suite, Bishop Grosseteste University, Longdales Road, Lincoln, LN1 3DY. Cost £24 per year plus £12 per meeting (includes a delicious hot meal). Speed networking, clinics and educational workshops aiming to maximise the return on your marketing budget. For more information and to book call 01673 859100 or visit www.makemarketingmatter.com

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North Lincolnshire Business Network Free Silver Event Friday 12th April, 6.30pm - 7.00pm at Heslam Park Rugby Club, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, N. Lincs DN16 2AG. Free. North Lincolnshire’s Launch of NUMIS, Free Silver. This event will let you know how to earn extra CASH giving away Free Silver. Please contact Jon Conroy on info@jkcproperty.co.uk to book. Everyone who attends will receive FREE Silver For more information please visit: www.northlincsbusinessnetwork.co.uk

Total Networking Event

Tuesday 16th April, 6.00pm - 6.00pm at De Vere Belton Woods Hotel, Belton, Nr Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG32 2LN, £15 per meeting. Monthly networking opportunity – This is your key monthly networking opportunity & this month we're very pleased to be holding a joint meeting with the Grantham Business Club at their normal venue - Belton Woods Hotel. . For more information www.totalnetworking.co.uk

Lincoln Business Networking

Wednesday 17th April, 8.00am - 10.00am at Doddington Hall, Lincoln, LN6 4RU. £12 per person. These twice monthly 4Networking meetings are relaxed, friendly and open to everyone. For more information www.4networking.biz

Women in Business Network Tuesday 23rd April, 12.00 - 2.00pm at The William Cecil , St Martins , Stamford , PE9 2LJ. £24 per person, including lunch. WIBN is a Business Networking organisation for women only. It is a network created for women, by women. Contact Barbara Hodgson on 0844 324 4034 for further details and to book.

Work Wise Women - Fun Networking for Ladies

Tuesday 23rd April, 7.00pm – 10.00pm at Upstairs at Abbys, Abbeygate, Grimsby, DN31 1JY. £26. We provide a forum for like-minded business women from different backgrounds to meet, representing a cross section of businesses in the

North East Lincolnshire area. Work Wise Women Cruise Evening Special with Guest Speaker Sharon Allen, Cruise Specialist. You are guaranteed as always to meet someone of interest to you or your business as good networking can be fun! For more information contact Sarah on 07946 600711 or visit: www.workwisewomen.co.uk

Grantham Business Networking

Wednesday 24th April, 8.00am - 10.00am, at The Farrier, Premier Inn, Harlaxton Road, Grantham, NG31 7UA. £12 per meeting. 4Networking meeting are relaxed, friendly and open to everyone. For more information www.4networking.biz

Lincoln Business Club Meeting Friday 26th April, 6.50am onwards at The Trust Suite, Lincoln City Football Ground. £3 (includes tea and coffee) Speed networking, educational speaker and introductions, no need to book. Visit: www.lincolnbusinessclub.co.uk

Forward Ladies Networking Business Breakfast at Barclays

Friday 26th April, 9.30am - 11.30am at Barclays Bank Lincoln, Barclays Business, Tritton Road, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN6 7AR. From £15 inc. VAT. Paige has been practising a range of therapies in Lincoln for 16 years. From maternity reflexology, acupuncture, and sports massage to tai chi. She'll tell us how she came to the UK from the US and built up a successful business in the centre of Lincoln while also managing a family of three boys!There'll also be time to network as we enjoy our breakfast. For more information visit: www.forwardladies.com

The Business Club - Lincoln Every other Monday, 6pm at The Bentley Hotel, South Hykeham, LN6 9NH. A healthy balance of speaker events and participative workshops ensures that members get more than just sales leads and referrals from their membership. Guests are encouraged to attend a meeting without charge, in order to sample what the Club can deliver. Contact Mike Stokes on 07887 651394, or e-mail mike.stokes@the-businessclub.org

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Training

Start Up Business Seminar Tuesday 9th April at Barclays Crusader Road, 3 Crusader Road, Off Tritton Road, Lincoln, LN6 7AR. Free. If you thinking of starting a business then this world class seminar is for you. It will give you the tools you need to take your business idea from the drawing board to the real world. To book call 0844 887 2568 or visit www.nbv.co.uk

How to Create Great Videos for Your Website

Wednesday 17th April,12:00pm, Free Webinar. Videos are increasingly important on your websites for good rankings and they enhance your visitors experience on your site. In this webinar you will learn how to create great videos

for your home business. To book visit: www.ihubbub/webinar

Twitter For Beginners

Wednesday 24th April 2013 – 12:00pm, Free Webinar. Have you been thinking of using Twitter for your business? Or have you started using Twitter but not too sure how to use it to grow your business? Nicky Kriel, who is a Social Media Coach and Trainer, will run the Twitter Master class to inspire you to get going and to use Twitter confidently. She has helped hundreds of small businesses to use Twitter effectively as a marketing and public relations tool. Visit: www.ihubbub/webinar

Useful Information

HMRC

E-learning

Driving Instructors: www.hmrc.gov.uk Painters and Decorators: www.hmrc.gov.uk Construction Industry: www.hmrc.gov.uk Childminders: www.hmrc.gov.uk Young Farmers: www.hmrc.gov.uk Agricultural business: www.hmrc.gov.uk UKTI (Exports): www.hmrc.gov.uk UKTI (EU Trading): www.hmrc.gov.uk Foster Carers: www.hmrc.gov.uk Shared lives: www.hmrc.gov.uk Hair and Beauty: www.hmrc.gov.uk

In addition to the e-learning, we hold webinars, either pre-recorded or live, and people can enrol on these through the website - www.hmrc.gov.uk

Real Time Information HMRC have produced online videos that are on the HMRC YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com. They cover what is happening and when and are available 24/7, so everyone can access this information at their convenience.

Business Payment Support Service If you're worried about not being able to meet payments owed to or due to be paid to HMRC, you may wish to find out more about the Business Payment Support Service and how it might be able to help you. Visit www.hmrc.gov.uk

Free Business Advice For Small and Medium businesses HMRC are currently running a series of free informal advice days for those new to business and for those who need some help with understanding their tax obligations, including RTI. We recommend booking as this will help you to plan your day with us. From www.business-events.org.uk just enter your postcode or location, and choose “Tax” from the “Topic” drop down menu to give you direct access to the events in your area.

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Alternative Dispute Resolution – ADR For Small and Medium businesses, HMRC is running an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) trial aimed at helping resolve tax disputes in compliance checks. If you feel that you can go no further with an HMRC caseworker, find out more and how to apply at www.hmrc.gov.uk The application process takes 10 minutes and will give you a decision within 30 days as to whether they can help your dispute.

Your Websites www.insideout-creative.co.uk How to write a great marketing plan, and where to start’. There’s an abundance of advice online, sometimes that alone causes confusion. With ’12 things every marketing plan should consider’ to ’5

steps to marketing planning’, but what we think people want is something that provides structure and clarity, not just ‘advice’. So

we’ve developed our own user-friendly guide to marketing planning, one that is simple, easy to use and asks questions in plain English. Our template offers guidance throughout the process of creating a solid, well-structured plan tailored to your business or start-up idea… all you have to do, is fill in the gaps. Let us know how you find the whole experience – because if it’s not working for you, we want to make sure that we can improve it for others.

www.iqwoman.co.uk

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Deadline May 2013 Edition Please send your information no later than 12 noon on Wednesday 24th April. To make life easier please send your information to us as soon as possible at simplesolutions4business@talktalk.net Take care and speak to you again soon,

Amanda and Helen simplesolutions4business@talktalk.net

© WomansWork Design, edit and layout by Lesley Kershaw, Amanda Cowling and Helen Mountain ©2013 Disclaimer: Your items are always welcome regarding forthcoming news, events, opportunities, training etc. to be included in The Notebook. However, any services, products, events etc. included in this secion are not necessarily endorsed by The Notebook or WomansWork. It is the responsibility of all The Notebook readers to use their own judgement at all times. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication before distribution. However, all readers must satisfy themselves to its accuracy. All subscribers to The Notebook must ensure they own the copyright of the information and logos entered for submission.