Post on 07-Mar-2016
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January 2013
Your VIeW INTo NorTh hampshIre LIFesTYLe Free
“New Year,
New Name,
New Ideas”
This month will see the
inaugural Basingstoke
Entrepaneur roadshow, an
event designed to help
people who want to start
their own business or who
have done so obtain help
to take it further.
North Hampshire Life
3
Contents page 5
“home energy monitoring systems”
page 6“New Year - New Ideas”
page 9“Looking for (free) Deliverance”
page 10“switching energy supplier”
January 2013 - Issue 9Firstly I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and all of us here at “North hampshire Life” would like to wish you a very
happy New Year. Now I’m not sure about you, but with most if not all shops closed for just one day over the Christmas
period, the holiday season seemed to fly by quicker than normal. Funny how people still seemed to be panic buying as if
the end of the world was upon us! and on that note, it’s good news to hear that Nasa has decided that aposphis is not
going to be paying us a direct visit in 2036 but it will be considerably closer than anything else has been in most of our
lifetimes. (apophis is a near earth asteroid weighing some 26,990,000,000 kilograms which Nasa at one point gave a
2.7% chance of coliding with the earth. anybody else watch Bruce Willis in armageddon over Christmas?)
For those of you wanting to leave the workplace and set up your own business we have a great article about an event
which will be taking place on the 31st January 2013. some great guest speakers will be on hand to pass around their
knowledge and advice but with places limited, it is suggested you book your place in plenty of time.
energy does appear to be a central theme in our first edition of 2013 with an article on home energy monitoring systems
and another on the benefits of switching suppliers. Later on in the year we are hoping to have an article from a local
company which produces some of the best energy monitoring products in the world, based right here in North
hampshire.
so whilst you’re waiting for next months edition, start thinking of how you can become the next Branson or in a few years
time, the latest addition to Dragons Den.
regards
Chris & mike
Designed, produced and
published by
mike peates
Chris Wright
3 holman Close
Bramley
hampshire
rG26 5XD
01256 881452 (mike)
01256 881233 (Chris)
www.northhampshirelife.co.uk
editor@northhampshirelife
Twitter @northhantslife
https://www.facebook.com/locipannum
printed by:
Greenhouse Graphics
Bramley
01256 880770www.greenhousegraphics.co.uk
Contact us for all your
advertising or editorial news:
editor@locipannum.co.uk
Features editor
megan Collins Quinlanwww.collinsquinlan.co.uk
4
5
If the mainstream media are correct,
in-home monitoring equipment could
be the way of the future. In fact, we
could all be watching our energy use,
checking for water leaks and turning on
our heating from nothing more than our
mobile phone and an Internet connection
within a few years.
Wireless monitoring equipment may
sound like something from a star Trek
episode, but in just a few years all of our
homes will be fitted with a basic unit
thanks to a government program which
will offer us smarter energy systems. a
smart meter will be fitted in all uK
homes by 2019 and are designed to allow
us to keep a closer watch on our energy
use. They will also automatically send our
gas and electricity readings to our
supplier. The hope is that we will all be
able to use less energy because we have
better information about how much we
are using.
But this is just the beginning of this new
technology. If you want to be ahead of
the crowd, you can buy a system now
and start monitoring your home's energy
use from wherever you are – even the
other side of the world.
HOW dO tHey WOrk?
home monitoring systems use a router to
connect your home's information to the
Internet, where you can access it from a
secure site. The types of information they
can retrieve and store include what your
energy use is, what your water use is and
even what each individual appliance is
doing.
You will also
have access to
graphs and
your system
can even alert
you via text
message or
email when
you have
reached a pre-
set energy use
figure.
all of this is
achieved
through the
use of a
central hub in
your home
which is
connected to
the appliances
or meter you
wish to
monitor. If you
have solar panels or other renewable
energy sources, you may be able to
connect to these as well.
WHy is tHis usefuL?
over time you will be able to build up a
picture of what your energy usage is and
therefore you can learn about when and
how you can reduce
your spending. Clearly
this will allow you to
save money and to
moderate your use.
The only way to reduce
your energy bills is to
use less energy and
knowledge is power
when it comes to this.
There is a very good
chance that you will
remember to turn off
your lights if you get a text message
reminding you – for example.
any draWbacks?
at the moment these systems can be
pricey and you may be expected to pay
an ongoing fee to get access to the
website to see your information
remotely. It is possible that you will end
up saving enough money to make this
worthwhile however.
There are also some concerns about
privacy issues with regards to home
monitoring. The fact is that a third party
will have knowledge of your energy use
and could possibly save or sell this
information. There is also a possibility
that your home could be open to cyber
thieves who could hack into your Internet
connection. some privacy groups have
expressed concern regarding this, but it is
up to you to ensure that your privacy is
protected and to never go ahead if you
are worried. Just ask your supplier what
their checks and balances are.
WHat is tHe future?
Well the future is already here, but is not
necessarily available to all of us. It is
expected that home monitoring systems
will be able to link to your burglar and
fire alarm as standard and will even allow
you to monitor the functions of your
home – turning on your heating, opening
your curtains and switching on lights all
at the touch of a button on your mobile,
tablet or computer.
Whether you want to get as technical as
this is up to you, but in the meantime,
simple monitoring of your energy use is a
great start and could even save you
money. What more is there to say?
Home Energy Monitoring Systems
an example of an OWL home electricity monitoring unit
The Future Is Here Megan Collins Quinlan
6
as this article is being written, it is
that quiet pause between the
Christmas and New Year
festivities when some will be back at
work others will be enjoying a break.
No matter which category you fell in to,
it is the time of year for new hopes and
dreams to be explored and resolutions
to be made.
Did your resolution include ‘Firing Your
Boss’ and setting up your own
business? or maybe you do not want
to go and work for someone else
and would rather set out on
your own? The
thought is
exciting but
the
reality
can
appear
daunting.
Whether you
want to turn a
hobby into a
business or you
have invented the
next ‘big thing’,
getting started is the
biggest step and greatest
leap of faith. But it needn’t
be a leap onto the unknown.
This month will see the
inaugural Basingstoke
entrepreneur roadshow, an event
designed to help people who want
to start their own business, or have
done so and decided they need some
help to take it further. Not only do the
exhibitors have products and services
to help you, in the main they are
people just like you and can pass on
invaluable experience. They have
travelled the same path and can pass
on the lessons they have learned.
In addition to entrepreneurial
exhibitors we also have an extremely
inspiring line up of speakers all of
whom have a different background
and are now successful
business owners. You may
remember a previous
article on
Basingstoke
Laughter house,
the owner, Jan Jack,
will be telling of her
transition from secretary to
comedian. Linda Cheung is the owner
of local business Cubesocial, one of the
fastest growing start ups in the last 12
months. Linda has recently spoken at
conferences in Berlin and Greece.
agnes Cserhati is an entrepreneur
Coach, she landed on these shores
aged 17 and by the age of 19 had won
her first entrepreneur award. michelle
rodger is travelling all the way from
scotland to demystify ‘Crowdfunding’
an alternative form of finance for your
business. all of these ladies have an
inspirational story to tell and places
are limited.
The roadshow itself is an example
of what can be achieved with no
start up money, no experience,
an idea, a passion and hard
work. It started as a
solution to help small
(micro) businesses
showcase their
products and
services to larger
businesses
without having
to lay out
large
amounts
of cash
to do
so.
The
roadshow
has given them
the opportunity to do
so at a fraction of the cost
of other local exhibitions. Whilst
the primary aim is to help local
entrepreneurs, larger businesses are
invited to discover products and
services available locally to them.
If you want to ‘Fire Your Boss and Ignite
Your Imagination’ go to the website
www.yesyoucanevents.com for more
information and to register for this free
event. alternatively, turn up on 31st
January at Viewpoint, Basing View,
Basingstoke from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Basingstoke entrepreneur roadshow is
being sponsored by Be offices and
Dream Idea uK.
New Year - New IdeasMike Peates
Help for those starting OR RUNNINGA new business
7
8
9
The general public will get anything
delivered these days. You’ve
probably noticed that as you wait
behind a large van parked in your
street. Nearly every supermarket offers
to get your groceries to your door. The
sunday papers (usually late) slipped
through your letterbox, oil for your
heating, the weekly joint, a new
washing machine, something bizarre
bought on ebay… all are supplied at
your door.
Now you can get your pet food
delivered. No more emergency trips to
the supermarket or trudging down to
the pet shop on a wet evening to feed
Fido or get grub for the goldfish.
Companies like oscar pet Foods
actually specialise in delivery come-
hail-or-shine, preferring a free visit in
their colourful van to opening a shop.
But there’s a lot more to door-to-door
delivery nowadays. It’s not just about
saving you time and
petrol money, but
offering you a new kind
of personal service.
rather than being one
of the many miserably
meandering around
food aisles with a
trolley, you now get
individual attention
with advice,
information and a
friendly face.
Take the oscars
approach. of course, they deliver a
range of pet food to suit every breed
and budget, but they can also talk
about your pet’s nutritional needs or
behavioural issues. They can regularly
monitor your pet’s reaction to the
food. They ensure you are happy with
your choice and offer other kinds of pet
care. Delivery is not just about handing
over a bag of food once a month, but a
continual support to
benefit you and your
pet.
many people of
course love delivery.
For the elderly it is
the chance of regular
company and
conversation. Busy
mums no longer need
drag whining children
down to the shops. Working pet
owners can end a hard day’s work
playing with their pets rather than
shopping for them.
so why not consider delivery yourself
from the pain of shopping?
The oscars pet Foods franchise is a
leading nutritionist and pet food
supplier, offering free delivery and
personal pet advice on your doorstep.
each franchisee is specially trained to
offer its range of quality pet foods to
suit all animals. every customer
receives a free taste trial to ensure
they are completely happy with the
food, as well as advice about costs – for
example, feeding a Labrador with
oscar’s premium range is only 71p/day.
For more information contact Jean on
01256 880393 or visit www.oscar.co.uk
advertisement
Looking for (free) Deliverance
10
With energy prices increasing by
an incredible 7.6% on average
since last November and the
indication that prices are likely to
continue rising for the foreseeable
future, many of us will have considered
switching to another supplier either for
a cheaper tariff or for a fixed rate. add
to this the fact that energy companies
are now viewed in the same way as
real estate agents and car salesmen
when it comes to trust and we have
some very good reasons for not staying
loyal to any one company.
The peace of mind which comes from
knowing that your energy bills will be
set for the next year or two is
invaluable, but is the process of
switching really as easy as the
television adverts tell us? Well, in most
cases the answer is yes, it is easy, but
you need to be aware that it is a
lengthy process and may involve a little
legwork from you at certain stages of
the switch.
searcH Out tHe best deaL
Your first port of call should be a
comparison site to see which tariffs will
suit your needs. You will be asked a few
details including what you currently
pay for your energy or what specific
tariff you are on. You will also be asked
if you want any particular features
from your energy tariff. Your options
here include a green tariff, a duel fuel
tariff, a provide your own readings
tariff and a pay by a direct debit tariff.
In most cases, reading your own meter
and paying your duel fuel bill by direct
debit will cost you less.
If you choose not to use a comparison
site, you will need to call each of the
energy suppliers in your area. In the uK
we only have six major suppliers and a
handful of smaller ones, so this won't
take too long.
Don't forget that the cheapest deal
may not be the best one for you. You
should always take into account any
tie-ins, the cost of cancelling, the
reviews for the supplier in terms of
their customer service and whether
they meet your needs in terms of
extras such as insulation deals,
cashback or bonuses.
once you have your choice decided, you
simply inform your new supplier that you
would like to go ahead and they will start the
process of switching on your behalf.
nOW Wait...
This is the part where you may find
yourself waiting for phone calls and
emails and wishing the companies
involved would just hurry up.
realistically it will take 5 – 6 weeks for
the switch to be completed and during
that time you may hear very little from
either supplier.
Finally towards the end of this time you
will be asked to supply a reading from
your meter for the new supplier who
will pass it on to your old supplier. This
will be the basis upon which your final
bill will be calculated. If you are lucky,
you may receive a cheque from your
old supplier or you may be one of the
unlucky ones who will need to pay
them.
at this point you should take an active
role in the switching process. Double
check that they have the correct
readings and that you are being
charged accordingly. It will be very
difficult to go back and challenge a
reading at a later date. also ensure that
your new supplier is starting you on the
correct reading.
aren't suppLiers being fOrced tO give us tHe
best deaL?
sort of... The regulator ofgem has
recently introduced some new
legislation which will ask the energy
companies to suggest the best tariff for
their customers on a regular basis. This
means that once a year you may
receive a letter which will tell you how
to switch to the tariff they think is ideal
for you. They are also being asked to
have fewer tariffs and to simplify how
they are worked out.
The government have claimed that this
new legislation will ensure that all
customers get the best possible tariff,
but in reality, it is up to us to make sure
that happens. Your energy company
may send you a nice letter telling you
about their plans and even explain to
you how to switch, but unless you pick
up the phone or click your computer
mouse and take the first steps, you will
languish on a higher tariff than you
need.
essentially, lowering our energy costs is
a challenge in the current climate, but
it is possible to get the best deals if you
are willing to accept that it is your right
and your responsibility to switch and to
do so on a regular basis.
Switching Energy Supplier Is it really as easy as the TV suggests? Megan Collins Quinlan
11
Dispute Resolutionadvertisement
With the possible exception of
september, January is usually the
busiest month for Family Lawyers
and, while the reasons for that are
obviously distressing, there is one positive
to bear in mind. For those of you who find
yourselves in the position of contemplating
separation, the dissolution of your civil
partnership or divorce – or who have
encountered difficulties with regard to
contact with children over the festive
period – there are now more options
available in the form of Dispute resolution.
Dispute resolution encompasses mediation
and collaborative law, both of which are
alternative methods to the traditional
approach usually taken by solicitors,
whereby relationship disputes are resolved
as a result of a formal application being
made to the Court.
The main difference between mediation
and collaborative law is that, with
mediation, both parties attend without
lawyers, while the mediator – who may
well be an experienced Family Lawyer – will
assist the couple to reach an agreement
which is best for their family, but without
giving legal advice or ‘acting’ for either of
the parties.
In the collaborative law process, by
contrast, the parties will attend meetings
with their respective legal advisors, both of
whom will be specially trained and must be
experienced Family Lawyers. The
collaborative lawyers will advise and assist
the parties in reaching an outcome which
suits them.
Both methods of Dispute resolution take
an holistic approach as to what is best for
your family, which is not necessarily the
‘best deal’ that one of the parties may
receive if the case went to Court.
The Government has changed the rules of
litigation so that, in most cases, anyone
wanting to make an application to Court, is
required to attend a meeting (called a
mIam) during which Dispute resolution is
discussed and encouraged, before the court
application can be made. Clearly, therefore,
the Government supports mediation and
other forms of dispute resolution as a cost-
effective method of resolving family
problems.
rowberry morris has an outstanding
reputation in conventional court litigation
and all of our Family Lawyers are very
experienced. however, we also have both
mediators and collaborative lawyers
available in our offices, so can offer a
complete range of services, not just
traditional litigation. We aim to ensure that
parties adopt the right approach at an early
stage in the process of resolving their
family disputes.
If you have need of our services, please do
not hesitate to call either myself or email
one of the team for an appointment. start
the year with a bold move!
If the spectre of separation, civil
partnership disputes or divorce cast a long
shadow over your Christmas, make sure
that the next festive season is a completely
different story from the last.
Julie Gallimore
rowberry morris, sherfield
house, mulford’s hill Tadley
rG26 3XJ
Free parking at rear of office
0118 9812992
www.rowberrymorris.co.uk
e mail: office@rmtadley.co.uk
Dispute resolution encompasses mediation and collaborative law