Around 85 businesspeople from Newark and the surrounding areas gathered at the YMCA for the May meeting of the Newark Business Club.
After the welcome from chairman Simon Gabbitas, the roving mic was passed from person to person, giving everyone the opportunity to introduce themselves and their businesses with lots of first time visitors in the room.
With over 30 years experience in family law, Nick invited us all to have a coffee with him to discuss anything family law or even some of his other passions like Mansfield Town FC and Notts County Cricket.
Ringrose Law is over 100 years old and been based in Newark since 2010 with their office on Castle Gate overlooking the roundabout. They specialise is all areas of personal law and have recently opened offices in Nottingham, Peterborough and Grimsby.
42% of marriages end in divorce and Nick is able to help should things not work out with your spouse. Things like pre marital agreements can assist with a divorce and aren’t just for the rich and famous. They aren’t automatically binding and enforceable but courts will use them as a basis for divorce.
There are a number of requirements for a valid pre marital agreement such as the agreement must be signed no later than 28 days before the marriage and Nick can talk you through the remaining requirements.
Pre marital agreements are also a fraction of the cost of a traditional divorce and if you would like more information from Nick, or to grab a coffee, please contact him on nick.aspley@ringroselaw.co.uk
Next on the agenda was the business card draw. The winners of a write-up each were David Stewart of In Residence, a first-time visitor, and Ron Finnegan of Framework, a regular attendee.
The charity Framework has been helping homeless people – and people at risk of homelessness – in the Newark area for around 20 years.
In the last 12 months Framework has supported 50 rough sleepers to move off the street, helped 109 to access supported accommodation locally, and supported a further 337 people to remain in their own homes.
The centre for Framework’s accommodation services in Newark is Russell House which houses 15 people. It is always full and has a waiting list, however Service Manager Caron Blair invites anyone in need of emergency accommodation to get in touch. The Street Outreach Team engages and supports rough sleepers to get off the streets and into accommodation. If you are sleeping rough, or know someone who is, call 0800 066 5356.
The housing crisis is exacerbating homelessness.
The lack of affordable social housing means that rough sleeping figures are skyrocketing, and more people are being pushed into precarious living situations.
Additionally, inadequate government policies fail to address the root causes, perpetuating the cycle of homelessness.
With a lack of affordable alternatives, individuals are left vulnerable to the harsh realities of life on the streets, amplifying the societal impact of the housing crisis.
For more information on our services, or to make a donation, please visit www.frameworkha.org.
Framework campaigns actively to engage public support for its work: Newark resident Ron Finnegan from the fundraising team would be delighted to hear from anyone wishing to support the charity via fundraising@frameworkha.org.
After the break, Simon announced that James Fountain would be stepping down from the committee. James has been part of Newark Business Club for 20 years with roles including Chairman and Action Group Chairman but has recently sold Bazzoo and now plans to take time with his family, sailing and wild camping.
An update from Newark Town Centre Partnership came next with Penny Taylor MBE, Vicky Cozens & Matt Lamb sharing developments and how we can help. The purpose is to bring together ideas and events to help people visit, stay and return to Newark-on-Trent.
Just last weekend, over 8,000 people visited with 4 main events taking place, the Small Business Showcase, Plastic Ocean Show, Newark Castle Open Day and Race to the Castle 2024. Of those, 37% were new visitors. Matt Lamb also discussed the town centre masterplan and long term plan for towns fund (LTPfT). The market place is the heart of the community and a space to celebrate excellence, education and creativity. The plan is to create a connected town that embraces the riverside.
The LTPfT Fund is up to £20m of funding over 10 years into high streets, regeneration, transport, connectivity, safety and security. If you have an idea that would fit into LTPfT Investment Plan please submit it before 1st August 2024 to try secure the funding – Matt.Lamb@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk
Before wrapping up the meeting, Simon shared some events happening including Action Group meeting Monday 20th May 6pm at The Organ Grinder. Michael will also be discussing and collecting ideas for LTPfT Fund.
A date for your diaries is The Newark Business Club Summer Event on 19th July (evening) and further details will be released in due course.
Finally, you can catch the latest episode of the Newark Business Club podcast on Radio Newark YouTube page here.
Newark Business Club’s next meeting will be on 7th June at 6.45 am at the YMCA.
We are delighted to announce the following Patrons for 2024: Gusto Group|Funding Round|Reflect Recruitment|Barcode Warehouse|Motorfinity|PeachyEvents|Radio Newark
The YMCA catering team offer a range of delicious breakfasts which are available to purchase.
Please Book your tickets online
YMCA Community and Activity Village
Lord Hawke Way
Newark
Nottinghamshire NG24 4FH
For sponsorship opportunities, contact chairman@newarkbusinessclub.co.uk