Banbury-based law firm Spratt Endicott Solicitors has been granted permission to appoint a non-lawyer partner.

Martin Hughes, non-lawyer head of Commercial Recoveries at the leading regional law firm, has now been appointed a non-lawyer equity partner at the firm.

There are still very few firms nationwide to be given permission by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to appoint partners who are qualified in other disciplines.

John Spratt, senior partner at Spratt Endicott Solicitors, says: “With Martin’s experience we have a combination of non–lawyers and lawyers who will take responsibility for the delivery of a coherent business plan which will ensure the delivery of our ultimate objective – to provide exceptional client service. Martin has been with the business for a number of years during which he has built up the Commercial Recoveries department from a minimal client base to a successful team which has consistently been highly ranked by Legal 500. Martin’s well-earned promotion reflects his dedication and commitment to the firm.

“The changes to the structure of the legal profession will allow us to increase the value and knowledge we deliver to our clients, as in the past law firms have been constrained in their thinking, regulation and capital. These changes will really allow us to take advantage of the opportunity to manage our law firm, particularly our substantial Commercial Recoveries department.”

Martin joined Shoosmiths Solicitors in 1990, where he headed up both the Banbury and Reading Debt Recovery departments until a demerger in 2002 saw the Banbury practice become Spratt Endicott. Martin transferred with the business and has continued to build on the success of the department. Over the years Martin has won numerous clients including major financial institutions, OCS, Brookstreet and Manpower.

Martin says: “I thoroughly enjoy working at Spratt Endicott and I’m delighted to have been awarded this promotion. Our team of 30 has a wealth of experience and continually strives to provide excellent client service and sound advice. I look forward to working with the team to continue building on our success.”
Martin has over 25 years’ experience of credit management and is a member of the Institute of Credit Management. Prior to joining Spratt Endicott Martin was Head of Sales and Purchase Accounting for GKN Autoparts.

A new temporary car park is set to open in Banbury at the end of June creating up to 90 new spaces. It is situated on the site of the old Spiceball Park Building and is likely to be in operation for 18 months.

The new area will be accessed through the existing Spiceball North car park and will have two dedicated ticket machines.

Ample lighting will also be provided to ensure users feel safe during the dark winter months.

Charges will be the same as other long stay car parks and are as follows:

70p for up to one hour; £1.40 for up to 2 hours; £1.90 for up to three hours, £2.40 for up to four hours and £3.00 for over £4.00 hours.

The Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) promotes the mild version of real ale throughout May and National Mild Day is Saturday May 8. Hook Norton brewery is backing this initiative with the launch of a brand new beer as part of its 'Brewers Selection' series.

Hook Norton SDM - special dark mild - at 4.6 per cent ABV has a fruity flavour typical of the English dark mild.

Hook Norton MD James Clarke commented: 'We wil be using Bramling Cross Hops in the beer which I cannot remember using before. I certainly haven't brewed with them and they will give the beer a rich and fruity dark nose - with a hint of cherries and blackberries. The hopping will be light overall however."

SDM is the second mild in the Hok Norton range of essentially English ales with a modern twist - the north Oxfordshire brewer also produces Hooky Dark at 3.2 per cent ABV a contemporary version of an old afvourite. It is mild, sweet and thirst quenching.

Banbury law firm, Aplins have shown confidence in the future property market by recruiting commercial property solicitor Nick Pugh to their firm.
Nick joined Aplins in January and has over ten years of experience in the property sector, having qualified with an Oxford Law firm and later going on to develop his expertise within Oxfordshire.
In his new role Nick will be working closely with businesses and developers to advise them on sales, purchases and leases of all types of commercial property from shops and offices to mobile telephone masts and wind farms.
Nick says: “It’s an exciting time to be joining Aplins and I am delighted with my new position. The commercial property market has been through stormy times, but recent months have seen improvements. I believe that my appointment will help to strengthen Aplins position, allowing the firm to take advantage of the recovering market.”
Partner, Philip Waters adds: “We are confident about the future and continue to strive for growth. We are delighted to have recruited Nick to the firm. Not only does he have a background of providing a top class level of service to clients, but his appointment enhances the range of services that we are able to offer.”

Brethertons Solicitors has opened an office at Berkeley Square, London to strengthen their International offering. The move sees Brethertons increase its office network to six UK offices. 
The move is designed to serve and build upon the company’s International offering and to expand its overall reach along the M40 corridor.
The Brethertons International Group acts for clients from all over the world: be they UK businesses expanding their operations abroad; companies seeking a presence in the UK; individuals from outside the UK settling here or individuals emigrating abroad.  The firm has very good relationships with many overseas lawyers notably in China and India and work with them on a wide range of International legal transactions.  Brethertons are Members of the Law Society International Law Group, International Hague Convention Panel and British Spanish Lawyers Association. 
Shaun Jardine, Partner explains: “2010 marks Brethertons 200 year anniversary, for 200 years we have embraced a heritage of community involvement and interest.  With the opening of our London office, we enhance our position to serve our increasing number of International clients and to expand our UK reach along the M40 corridor.  This acquisition will improve Brethertons ability to provide its national and international clients with enhanced service level.”

Mercedes-Benz of Oxford is inviting drivers eligible for the Government-backed Motability Scheme to enjoy an exclusive offer on the phenomenally popular A-Class.
Motability drivers who call on the expertise of the fully accredited Langford Lane retailer can now enjoy the prestigous A 160 Classic SE 5-door BlueEFFICIENCY for just £499 deposit, which is £300 less than the manufacturer’s normal cost.
More than 500,000 drivers nationally are signed up to Motability and those who take advantage of Mercedes-Benz of Oxford’s A-Class opportunity will find that prestige motoring really doesn’t have to come at a high price. What’s more, they will find that the 1.5-litre A-Class is an affordable luxury in every sense, the frugal model using the manufacturer’s advanced BlueEFFICIENCY technology to return 47.1mpg (combined) and also benefiting from a specification that includes air conditioning, electric front windows and mirrors and speed-sensitive power steering.
Customers can use their allowance to contract hire or hire purchase the acclaimed
A-Class, along with a host of other models from the Mercedes-Benz and smart fortwo ranges that are available at Mercedes-Benz of Oxford. For ultimate peace-of-mind motoring the worry-free packages include the cost of the vehicle together with insurance and maintenance.
As Simon Bradshaw explains, Mercedes-Benz of Oxford’s Motability Specialist, the A-Class is immensely well suited to the needs of Motability customers.
“It really is a fantastic car for disabled drivers and our existing Motability customers really like the quality, but also find it very practical thanks to the elevated driving position, ease of access, spacious interior and array of safety features,” said Simon.
“This Motability opportunity really is one of the best available and if anyone would like further information or arrange a convenient test drive, I invite them to call me on 01865 371077.”