Tie-up increases legal expertise

TWO of Oldham’s oldest legal firms have merged.

Partners Michael Norcross and Frances Jolley, from Booth and Middleton, have become consultants at Wrigley Claydon and moved to the Union Street offices of the borough’s longest established business.

Booth and Middleton, which closed its town centre Queen Street offices in December, will vacate its Manchester Road, Hollinwood, offices, which will be put on the market.

Mr Norcross (57), and Ms Jolley (52), both from Grasscroft, will take their conveyancing expertise to Wrigley Claydon’s division.

Mr Norcross also has experience in wills, trust and probate matters and Ms Jolley is a member of the Law Society Children’s Panel.

These disciplines will now be available to existing Wrigley Claydon clients, said senior partner Paul Vincent.

He added: “The Booth and Middleton client base will now have access to the wide range of services available through the new, larger practice including company and corporate law. employment and litigation and intellectual property expertise.”

The name Booth and Middleton, which can trace its roots to the early years of the 19th century, will remain on the merged firm’s letterheads. Two members of staff have also joined.


Cut-price courses on offer

CHAMBER members in Oldham can benefit from Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s reduced prices for business training courses.

Fees have been cut by up to 50 per cent during April to help companies during the economic downturn.

A variety of courses are offered in areas including health and safety, management development, office skills and finance.

Courses are provided by Business Support Solutions, and the offer is currently available to all businesses.

Donna Whelan, from Business Support Solutions, said: “In an economic downturn there is always a temptation to cut spending on training, but it is a false economy.”

Visit www.business-support-solutions.co.uk


Club meets

CLOUGH Manor in Rochdale Road, Denshaw, is the venue of the next Women in Business Club meeting.

There is to be a wine tasting and networking event on April 23, from 8pm, costing £15 per person.

To book a place e-mail organiser Barbara Jackson — barbara@millersflorist.co.uk — or call Barbara at Miller’s Florist, Huddersfield Road, Oldham, on 0161 633 5842.

Anyone wishing to profile their business with a stand can do so.


Trust to double support

THE Prince’s Trust has announced plans to double the number of young entrepreneurs it supports each year in a bid to create more sustainable start–ups during the recession.

The Trust said it will offer one–to–one business training to thousands of unemployed 18 to 30–year–olds this year, alongside grants to test their business ideas in the current economic climate. The expansion will be funded by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.