v THE NEXT HERALD IS OUT ON 8TH JANUARY v Page 68 • The HERALD • 11th December 2025 ASK A PROFESSIONAL Looking for a Bookkeeper? Sole Trader - Limited Company Self Assessment, Accounts, Payroll Please call Johanna on 023 8089 9365 What is a Lasting Power of Attorney? by Heritage Will Writing Losing the ability to make decisions is the stu of nightmares. But it happens to many of us. And quite o en without warning. It may be caused by a serious car crash or a stroke or a whole ra of other nasty things that life throws at us. If you do lose mental capacity, who would you prefer to make decisions on your behalf? Your spouse? Your son or daughter? Or someone from social services? You can choose now by lling in a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), a legal document that appoints one or more people you trust to act on your behalf. It’s useful to note here that attorneys have a legal responsibility to act in your best interests. Without an LPA in place, the Court of Protection will appoint a deputy to handle your nancial a airs and make decisions about your health and care. e deputy made indeed be a family member. Or it may not. e court will decide whatever it believes is in your best interests. Make life easier for your loved ones by appointing someone to manage your a airs if you lose mental capacity. Contact Heritage Will Writing on: 023 8087 9243 or email: info@heritagewillwriting.co.uk OPUS LAUNCHES NEW OFFICE BRINGING EXPERIENCED INSOLVENCY EXPERTISE TO THE SOUTH COAST Opus Restructuring and Insolvency has expanded its national footprint with the launch of a new Southampton office, headed by experienced insolvency practitioner Mike Field, who joins the rm as a Partner. e opening of the South Coast o ce marks another milestone in Opus’ continued growth and commitment to providing high-quality restructuring and advisory services, from local specialists, to businesses across the UK. With a career spanning nearly 40 years, Mike brings extensive experience in business recovery, turnaround, and corporate nance. He has worked with ownermanaged businesses across all sectors, including marine engineering, manufacturing, technology and property, and has a strong network of professional intermediaries across the South Coast. Commenting on his appointment, Mike said, “Having grown up and worked across London and the South Coast, I know the region’s business landscape well. This is an exciting opportunity to start building a strong Opus presence in Southampton to support local businesses in these challenging times, working alongside like-minded colleagues who share the same energy and optimism. What struck me most about Opus is the positivity and shared purpose; it’s an environment that really inspires collaboration and progress. We will be able to announce more news on the growth plans in the local office in the coming months.” e Southampton o ce forms part of Opus’ strategic plan to expand its regional presence and strengthen its national reach, ensuring local access to seniorlevel expertise. Tim Dolder, Managing Partner at Opus, added, “Mike’s appointment and the launch of our Southampton office demonstrate our continued Mike Field investment in experienced talent and regional growth. His depth of expertise, sector knowledge and commitment to supporting businesses make him a perfect fit for Opus. We’re delighted to welcome him to the firm.”
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