Author: Laaibah Bhatti

When it comes to the local community, we love the chance to help out!  We believe helping young people take the right step is crucial. This month we attended the Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy careers event in association with learning to work where students had the opportunity to hear first-hand about the many career paths open to them.

The event is hugely important for the young people of Slough. Not only does it raise awareness of the many different career opportunities but also promotes the employability skills that employers and the local economy need to achieve growth. 

To allow students to benefit the most, Learning to Work has facilitated a careers event for students and business volunteers to interact and provide hands-on activities to help engage. Parents were also given an allocated timeslot to allow them to access careers advice and opportunities in the surrounding areas.

There was approximately 1600 students ranging from Year 7,8,9,10,11 (Ages 11-16).

Students had many questions inquiring about all the different routes to becoming a solicitor as well as planning their potential careers.

It was a pleasure giving these enthusiastic young minds the advice they needed to pursue their law career.

We would like to share with you some snippets from the event :

As a business owner, it’s your responsibility to do everything within your means to limit risk and keep the business running smoothly. From opening your business, setting it up or incorporating it properly, opening bank accounts, registrations for VAT, PAYE and setting up premises, there is a lot to be done.  As your business becomes more successful, it also becomes more vulnerable. There are many potential disasters that can harm your business, which means you need to be prepared and take legal advice on aspects you are unsure of.

Ensure you have a shareholder’s agreement – On starting a company with more than one shareholder, shareholders are often advised to make a Shareholders’ Agreement, in order to further regulate the way business between them is to be conducted and how the profits of that business is to be distributed. Disagreements on business matters will almost inevitably occur at some point throughout the company’s existence. A good agreement will put in place a mechanism to help resolve disputes. Disputes could otherwise severely hinder the progress of the business and be particularly costly.  A serious shareholders’ disputes can also lead to an ultimate demise of the business if not handled correctly.

Put in place an employment contracts – An employment contract (and ancillary employment documents) is something that is introduced as one of the first documents that a new employee will receive and will need to sign. It outlines the employee’s role within the company as well as the various details regarding the job itself such as working hours and various agreements between both parties.  Getting the basics right for your employees from day one avoids problems in the future.

Intellectual property infringements – Businesses take reasonable steps to protect fixed assets, like their stock and equipment. Trademarks, patents and copyrights can all also add value to your business. Whenever businesses introduce something to the world, there’s a risk they might be copied. This risk is amplified by the internet, which makes it easier for unique IP to be stolen.

Insure your business – Insurance is one of the major aspects of businesses. You should obtain liability insurance (as well as employers liability insurance). This will come in handy if a client slips and falls in your business premises for instance! An insurance regarding errors and omissions will provide ample coverage in case a customer accuses your business of not living up to the contract or agreement.

At Aston Bond we are here to help you implement the steps which will ensure that your company is well-protected and prepared for growth. For more information or assistance, please contact us on 01753 486777.

Apprenticeships are rapidly changing the workplace as we know it.

According to data from the national apprenticeship service, 92% of companies that have taken on apprentices believe this led to a more motivated and satisfied workforce.

Apprenticeships are often seen as a less traditional way of entering the work force but they provide a unique opportunity to earn while you learn.

” Joining Aston Bond as a digital marketing apprentice was such an amazing decision. I am so glad I took the step to join the world of work where I have gained a vast amount of skills, confidence and mindset to be the best digital marketer I can be “.

” I would like to take the chance to thank the lovely team here at Aston Bond who have shown me enormous support which has helped me to flourish in my apprenticeship and give me the kick start to my career ” .

This Friday 27^th January Kulbir Conner ( Head of Conveyancing solicitor ) and Laaibah Bhatti ( digital marketing apprentice) attended the business networking event.

We are proud to announce that we have been a member of BNI for over 20 years and are still going strong.

BNI is an organisation set up for business professionals who help each other grow their businesses. Each week, in thousands of communities across the globe, members meet with other trusted business leaders to build and nurture lasting relationships and pass qualified business referrals.

This was a great opportunity to get together and commemorate the last 25 years of business networking.

Laaibah gave a speech on how greatly she appreciated the support of all her fellow colleagues as a Digital Marketing Apprentice at Aston Bond!

We would like to share with you some snippets…