Press Releases

Palmers Solicitors, a leading law firm in Essex, is excited to announce its continued support as a sponsor of the South Woodham Ferrers Rotary Swimarathon.

Now in its 21st year, the Swimarathon has become a local favourite, uniting teams of swimmers for a fun and energetic relay event.

This year, the Rotary Club has chosen to support two remarkable causes, Cancer Research UK and Open Road, ensuring that all funds raised go directly to these vital charities.

Teams of up to six swimmers will take part in a 40-minute relay swim, followed by 5 minutes of “mayhem,” where all participants swim together for the finale.

Kimberley Portas-Bailey, Project Manager at Palmers Solicitors, said: “We’re really proud to be sponsoring the Swimarathon again this year. It’s always such a fun and lively event, and it’s great to see our local community come together to support such worthy causes.

“We’d love to see as many people as possible getting involved, whether by signing up a team or donating to support the swimmers. Every little bit helps, and it’s all for a great cause.”

This year’s event will take place from 21st to 23rd March 2025 at South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre.

It’s a perfect opportunity for local families, friends, and businesses to get involved, have fun, and raise money for those less fortunate.

To register a team or to find out more information about the Swimarathon, please visit the official event website www.swfswimarathon.co.uk

Essex-based Palmers Solicitors is thrilled to be named a finalist in three prestigious categories at the upcoming Rochford District Business Awards 2025.

The firm has been shortlisted for the Community Impact Award, Employer of the Year, and SME of the Year.

These awards, launched by Rochford District Council, recognise the exceptional achievements and contributions of local businesses over the past year.

Following last year’s win, Palmers is eager to retain its SME of the Year title while aiming to secure victories in the other two categories.

Over the past year, the practice has reinforced its commitment to the community by prioritising staff wellbeing and expanding its team.

The firm has also been highly active within the local area, engaging with future talent at careers fairs and supporting charitable causes through events like sponsored runs, a carol concert, and raffles.

Gina Newman, Practice Manager at Palmers Solicitors, commented on the firm’s shortlisting:

“Being shortlisted in three categories is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team.

“We are committed to making a positive impact in the community, not just through the services we provide, but by actively supporting local initiatives and creating opportunities for growth within our team.

“We look forward to celebrating with other fantastic local businesses at the awards evening.”

The firm would like to thank the sponsors and organisers of the Rochford District Business Awards for their efforts in highlighting the successes of local businesses.

The winners will be announced at a special celebration evening on Thursday 13 February 2025, at The Rayleigh Club.

Palmers Solicitors is delighted to announce the winners of its festive ‘Guess the Name’ competition, which has successfully raised £93 in support of the Polly Parrot Appeal.

The fundraiser invited staff and clients across Palmers’ offices to name four adorable Christmas-themed teddy bears, all in aid of the children’s wards at Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital Trust.

After much anticipation, the winners were:

• Basildon Office – Karis Mowbray
• Thurrock Office – Paulina Matthews
• South Woodham Ferrers Office – Wendy Savill
• Rayleigh Office – Mrs Wisby (client)

The winners were invited to Palmers’ offices to collect their cuddly companions and celebrate their contributions to this meaningful cause.

Kimberley Portas-Bailey, Project Manager at Palmers Solicitors, said:

“We are thrilled with the success of this year’s ‘Guess the Name’ competition. It’s been fantastic to see such enthusiasm from our staff and clients, all while supporting the vital work of the Polly Parrot Appeal.

“Every penny raised will go towards helping children and their families during challenging times.”

The Polly Parrot Appeal supports paediatric patients and services, including children’s oncology and neonatal intensive care, as well as providing comfort for young outpatients and children visiting loved ones in hospital.

Palmers Solicitors would like to extend bear-sized thanks to everyone who participated in the competition and contributed to this wonderful cause and wish everyone a Happy New Year.

This Christmas, the team at Palmers Solicitors once again joined forces to support the Polly Parrot Appeal, raising funds to make a meaningful difference during the festive season.

Embracing the holiday spirit, the Palmers team held a best-dressed competition across their five offices for ‘Christmas anything day’, encouraging staff to swap their usual attire for something festive.

From classic Christmas jumpers to full-on costumes, everyone accepted the challenge enthusiastically.

After much deliberation, the ‘Best Dressed’ award went to Gina Newman for her amazing Rudolf costume. It was clear she was all in and she was very happy with her prize.

In addition to the dress-up festivities, a raffle was held with a range of fantastic prizes, including Amazon vouchers, prosecco, Yankee candles, chocolates, and more.

Lucky winners included:

• Gemma Johnston
• Debbie Bransgrove
• Kimberley Portas-Bailey
• James Foley-Bronze
• Helen Jago
• Sharron Keenes
• Izzy May

Through these festive fundraising efforts, Palmers Solicitors successfully raised nearly £200 for the Polly Parrot Appeal, supporting vital services for young patients and their families.

Kimberley Portas-Bailey commented: “It’s always wonderful to see our team come together for such an important cause and have a great time while they do it.

“The Polly Parrot Appeal does incredible work, and we’re proud to play a small part in supporting them, especially during the festive season.

“Congratulations to all of the prize winners, we hope everyone enjoys the holidays”

Palmers Solicitors remains committed to giving back to the community and looks forward to continuing their support for charitable causes in the future.

When you take out a commercial loan, you may have to put up some assets as security against the loan in case there is a default on the loan.

This gives a lender the right to claim the asset and sell it to recover what they have lent to you.

However, in some situations, you may seek to release the security and gain full control over your asset again.

When would security be released?

Security on a loan may be released in a number of circumstances, including:

• Repayment – If you have repaid the loan, then you have the right to seek release of your asset, provided you have satisfied all other conditions.
• Refinancing – You may have the option to refinance the loan, which may adjust the collateral needed.
• Substitution – In some cases, the lender will accept a substitute security if both parties agree, although this is less common.

The most common scenario is that security is released once you have satisfied all conditions relating to your loan, including full repayment with any relevant interest and costs.

How do I release my security?

This will depend on the type of security, but generally you will require some signed documents, such as Form DS1 or a deed of release, from the person to whom you have granted security.

A deed of release does what it says on the tin – releases you from your legal commitment to provide security to your lender once the loan has been repaid.

Form DS1 may be used to release you from security on a property, which will need to be submitted to HM Land Registry.

If your company has provided the security, any deeds may need to be submitted to Companies House.

If this is straightforward and the lender cooperates, the cost for this is likely to be in the region of £600 to £900 (plus VAT and disbursements) as a minimum.

In more complex circumstances, costs can rise quickly, so it is important that you seek advice from an expert when seeking to release security on a loan.

For advice on drafting and signing commercial loan agreements, please contact Dashna at DashnaMorarji-Sagoo@palmerslaw.co.uk or by calling 07903 631780.