Herald - Issue 422

Page 64 • The HERALD • 21st April 2022 v THE HERALD - Proud to be part of your community v ASK A PROFESSIONAL Helen Sparks Mortgages & Financial Services Offering professional advice since 1985 Mortgages Residential Life Time Equity Release Buy to Let – first time landlords Property Portfolios Help to Buy Insurance Buildings & Contents Insurance Life Assurance Critical Illness Income Protection Private Medical Insurance YOUR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS This firm usually charges a fee for mortgage advice. The amount of the fee will depend upon your circumstances and will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity. Some forms of buy to let mortgage are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. 023 8084 4108 helensparks@btconnect.com Helen Goodall T/A Helen Sparks Mortgages & Financial Services is an appointed representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network, a trading name of First Complete Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority What happens If We All Die Together? by Heritage Will Writing Tragedies happen, I’m afraid. Just pick up any newspaper or watch the news on TV. Yes, the chances of you personally being involved are low. But planning for all eventualities can at least ease some of the pain of those you leave behind. Something o en overlooked in do-it- yourself wills is a residue clause. But it’s a subject close to the heart of any decent will writer. You may have made speci c bequests but what happens to the remainder? And what happens if a named bene ciary dies before you or at roughly the same time? Your will should re ect this. For example, if a bene ciary dies, the bequest passes to their children or grandchildren. We always recommend a third or fourth residue backup clause. If no family members survive, you may want your estate to pass to friends or a charity. Without a residue clause, the rules of intestacy apply to any money or possessions remaining. And that could mean part of your estate not going to whom you intended. Friends and charities would certainly be frozen out. Make sure your will covers all eventualities by contacting Heritage Will Writing on 023 8087 9243 or email info@ heritagewillwriting.co.uk UK businesses who show commitment to manage the social, environmental and economic e ects of its operations responsibly are to be recognised at one of the most prestigious award ceremonies in the national award calendar. e Corporate Social Responsibility Award for the SME National Business Awards 2022, which take place at the iconic Wembley Stadium, has been announced and those businesses with a track record of putting their ethics at the heart of what they do have been invited to enter. “There are so many businesses in Britain that shine a light with their commitment to carry out their business in an ethical way.” said Damian Cummins, Events Director. “It is therefore right that one of the most prestigious business awards events in 2022 recognised these businesses with their own specific award.” “ The Corporate Social Responsibility Award recognises businesses prioritising their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices and demonstrating a commitment to change.” Damian continued. “Whether it is minimizing environmental externalities, promoting volunteerism among company employees, donating to charity or any other embracing and delivering an ethical service then this award is for you.” e SME National Business Awards 2022 are a credible opportunity to support and share a vision to raise the pro le of industrious, hardworking and enterprising SMEs from across Britain. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are businesses whose personnel numbers are 250 employees or less and are recognised as being responsible for driving innovation and competition across economic sectors. CSR isn’t a particular programme, it’s what we do every day, maximising positive impact and minimising negative impact. e SME National Business Awards 2022 are made up of 18 categories that allow any successful business in the UK to enter. All entries are judged by a panel of national judges. Robert Reich, American economist, professor, author, lawyer, and political commentator earlier this year said that “The meaning of ‘corporate social responsibility’ is if a certain action improves the corporation’s bottom line, there’s no point in labelling it ‘socially responsible’. It’s just good business.” “Robert was right when he said CSR is simply good business.” Damian Cummins continued. “With that in mind this is the opportunity for any business in Britain that is ‘doing good business’ to shine that light and showcase their success on a national stage.” SMEs across Britain can enter this prestigious award by going to Award Categories | Events & PR (www.eventsandpr.co.uk ). Britain’s Most Ethical Businesses to be Recognised on a National Platform