Herald - Issue 423

Page 60 • The HERALD • 12th May 2022 v THE HERALD - SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES v ASK A PROFESSIONAL While reaching old age is viewed as somewhat of a milestone by many, it is o en associated with a combination of deterioration and health problems. No one likes to think about losing the ability to manage their own a airs, but a staggering 820,000 people in the UK have some form of dementia. e truth is, there are a multitude of factors that can impact someone’s ability to make coherent decisions, regardless of age or physical health. So, what happens if you lose mental capacity? is is where a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) comes in to play. In choosing to have an LPA in place, the nominated attorneys can then make decisions on your behalf. is should be someone you trust and feel con dent they will act in your best interest. e process of putting an LPA in place can only be done whilst you have mental capacity. It is o en thought that, if an LPA has not been created, a family member or partner can make decisions on your behalf – but this is not the case. If you would like your loved ones to be able to make decisions in the event of you losing mental capacity, you need an LPA in place or an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA). Anyone who is over the age of 18 and has the mental capacity to do so, can put an LPA in place. Although it can only be used a er the documents have been registered with the O ce of the Public Guardian. If you no longer have the capacity to complete an LPA, the Court of Protection then appoints a Deputy to manage your a airs. is is o en a costly process, and the Deputy may not always be made aware of your preferences or wishes, and may not even be a family member. Here atHeritageWillWriting, we o er a no-obligation service, within which we can discuss your needs and requirements. Call us today on 023 8087 9243 or email info@heritagewillwriting.co.uk WHY YOU SHOULD NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE OF AN LPA by Heritage Will Writing Solent LEP seeks Business Leaders to Shape Economic Future for the Region e Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has announced it is looking for local business leaders to join its Board of Directors, and welcomes applications from all parts of the Solent region, and from all backgrounds. e LEP is a business-led partnership tasked with driving the economic success of the Solent area and those joining the Board will play a key role in supporting the Solent economy to grow. Rachael Randall, Solent LEP Chair, said: “ Strong business leadership has never been more important for our local economy. LEP Business Directors play a critical role in developing the immediate programme of support provided by the Solent LEP, as well as shaping the region’s longer-term strategy to unleash our area’s distinctive strengths that can power our economy to increase productivity and support our communities to prosper in a fast-changing world. We are committed to driving green growth in the area and establishing the Solent as a globally leading decarbonisation cluster and I would encourage any business leader with a passion for supporting our local economy to apply.” Alongside strategy development, the LEP is a major investor in the Solent economy and is delivering a growth programme valued at over £1.8bn supported by a LEP investment of more than £270m. e Board of Directors is made up of business, education and local authority Directors and they are the rst LEP in the country to have a fully elected Board. Solent LEP Business Director positions are undertaken on a voluntary basis. Rachael said: “ The future of our economy in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic looks very different and we have a unique opportunity as an area to shape this. We want to ensure the Solent can benefit from a diverse range of views and experience on this journey and are committed to having a Board which embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity within our economy. We are therefore particularly keen to encourage applications from female business leaders and business leaders from ethnic minority backgrounds. If you’re willing to play a key role in enhancing economic prospects within the area we would love to hear from you.” e application process for Solent businesses to join the LEP as Business Members is also now open. Membership of the LEP is free and Business Members are integral to shaping the work of the organisation. ere are many ways members can get involved with the LEP and Business Members have the opportunity to vote to elect Business Directors to the Board. e Solent LEP will also shortly be opening an application process for business leaders and representatives from the voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors to join the LEP’s Business Support Investment Panel and Skills Advisory Panel. Any individuals interested in these opportunities are also encouraged to register their interest now. e closing date for Business Director candidate and new Business Member applications is 23.59 on Tuesday 17th May 2022 . For more information and how to apply please visit: solentlep.org.uk