Stewart Fletcher & Barrett Supports ‘Breastacular’ Event

Stewart Fletcher & Barrett is showing its support for the local breast cancer care unit by sponsoring a table at the ‘Breastacular’ charity dinner and auction on the 16th September.

The event, which promises to be a top night out, will include a champagne reception, dinner, auction, raffle and live band, and will be held at the Ambleside Club inNuneaton. It has been organised by a group of local ladies under the ‘Breastacular’ name: Angela Hammonds, Paula Inglis, Louisa Bosworth, Gemma Brining, Rachael Stinton, Rachael Clarke, Fiona Brown and Anna Riley.

They describe themselves as: “just a group of Nuneaton Girls who would like to arrange a dinner to support the Breast Cancer Care Unit at George Eliot Hospital.” The aim of the event is to raise money towards buying a Sentenial Node Biopsy machine costing £15,000.

Angela herself has just recovered from two years of treatment for breast cancer, and was treated at the unit, as were her mother and her sister. She explains: “This is a way of repaying and supporting the unit and the brilliant service they provide for women in the Warwickshire area.”

 The event looks set to be a roaring success, with all 16 tables sponsored by local businesses, who have also contributed by providing auction and raffle prizes which include a stay in a holiday cottage inCornwall, an Aston Martin for the weekend and a helicopter ride.

Senior Partner Paul Carvell said: “We are really pleased to be able to support Angela and the other Breastacular ladies in this fundraising effort. They have done a sterling job organising this event, and all of us at Stewart Fletcher & Barrett wish them the very best with it. We will also be keeping a collection tin in reception after the event so that anybody who can’t attend and wishes to make a donation can do so.”

Bribery Act – Be Prepared

Do you have a clear and effective anti-bribery policy in place? If not, whether your business is big or small, you’d be best advised to look at this as a matter of urgency, as the new Bribery Act came into force as of 1st July this year!

This legislation represents one of the biggest changes to UK laws regarding business and commerce for decades, and getting it wrong could end up costing you a lot more than you bargained for – as the maximum penalty for bribery will rise from 7 to 10 years imprisonment, and/or an unlimited fine. However, if a company can demonstrate that it has adequate procedures in place for the prevention of bribery, the fact that it is using its best endeavours to comply with the law will offer a good degree of protection.

The Bribery Act replaces existing anti-corruption rules, and introduces a new corporate offence of ‘failure to prevent’ bribery. This means companies that cannot demonstrate that they have implemented adequate procedures to prevent corrupt practices could be exposed to unlimited fines as well as other collateral consequences, such as debarment from government business.
This is yet another layer of red tape for beleaguered businesses to negotiate, but once again there is no excuse for not knowing it. Stewart Fletcher & Barrett is committed to trying to get the message across to government that red tape is ruining businesses. Indeed, senior partner Paul Carvell has raised these concerns with MPs, and a new government initiative aimed at cutting red tape has been launched.

He explains: “What you need to know is that the definition of what constitutes bribery is actually far wider than ever before, and encompasses things that may have previously appeared innocuous. It is vital for businesses to realise that bribery is a lot more than just a legal issue – it demands a holistic approach that includes ensuring you have the right processes, controls and company culture. Unfortunately, this is likely to represent yet another cost to businesses.”

If you would like to find out how we can help you minimise that cost, call us on 02476 384171.

To add your voice to the government initiative, visit the website: http://www.redtapechallenge.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/home/index/