Somerset National News: UK Export Finance helps Manchester events firm expand in Gulf

Thursday January 26^th 2012
UK Export Finance has worked with Lloyds Bank to help Manchester-based WRG Creative Communication win new business in Qatar.The opening of WRG's offices in Doha in 2009 placed the company in the perfect position to pitch for a number of high-profile events, including the 20th World Petroleum Congress and the Arab Games. But the contracts for these events demand both performance and advance payment guarantees.Lloyds had supported WRG since July 2006, but regional trade director Martin Morgan realised that the scope for WRG to win additional contracts meant that the company could need extra facilities.Martin said:“We knew from the outset that we were looking at potentially significant numbers in terms of bank guarantees. On one project alone,...

Somerset National News: Less than one week left to send in your tax return

Thursday January 26^th 2012
There's less than one week left to send your 2010/11 tax return to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), if you want to avoid a penalty.All outstanding 2010/11 Self Assessment returns must be sent online to HMRC by 31 January 2012. If you send your return after that date, you will receive a £100 penalty – even if you have no tax to pay or you pay your tax on time.The longer you delay, the more you'll have to pay. If your tax return is three months late, you'll have to pay a penalty for each additional day it is late. If it's six months late, you'll have to pay a further penalty and another, final penalty, if it's 12 months late. Together these could add up to a penalty of £1,600 or more.The week running up to the 31 January...

Somerset National News: Police searching for 'dangerous' escaped prisoner.

Thursday January 26^th 2012
Police are continuing to hunt for an escaped prisoner who walked out of custody when two guards were threatened at gunpoint as he arrived at a Suffolk Hospital.Andrew Farndon, of the age of 26, was serving an indeterminate sentence for causing GBH (grievous bodily harm) was being taken by a taxi to hospital in Bury, St Edmunds.Detective Cheif Inspector Nick Bennett said people should not confront Fardon or the gunman under any reasons.Farndon previously escaped from court by leaping from the dock in 2007.

Somerset National News: Duchess of Cornwall starts

Thursday January 26^th 2012
Schoolchildren across the UK are invited to come up with ideas for food to be put on the menu to be served at Buckingham Palace to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.The Duchess of Cornwall launched the British Food Fortnight competition while on a visit to a school in Swindon.Pupils from the top four winning schools will see their ideas made into reality by royal chef Mark Flanagan.The students are then invited to help serve the meals at the palace, attending the events will be the Queen and the Duchess.The Cook for the Queen competition is open to 10-15 year olds in all primary and secondary schools within the UK.British Food Fortnight is in its 11th year, and due to the Olympics it has been renamed for this year Love British...

Somerset Local News: Outrage over Stephen Hesters £963,000 bonus

Friday January 27^th 2012
A £963,000 bonus in shares has been awarded to RBS boss Stephen Hester who is now coming under strong criticism for accepting the bonus.
Lib Dem minister Jeremy Browne commented on Mr Hester saying he is "a public servant" and should turn down the bonus.
The Unite union commented saying that it was "disgusting" that the bonus has been accepted.
Labour said the UK government pledges to curb executive pay were "utterly worthless".
The bank is 82% owned by UK Taxpayers after being one of the banks included in the Government bailout.
UK Financial Investments said the bonus, which is on top of Mr Hester's £1.2m salary, "reflects the significant contribution he has made towards rebuilding RBS in 2011" they went on to further try...

Somerset National News: Vicar Jailed for Fake Marriages and Church Shame

Friday January 27^th 2012
A vicar behind dozens of fake marriages has been jailed and told by the church he has brought scandal to the church.Reverend John Magumba has recorded weddings and given out marriage certificates so illigal immigrants could stay in the UK. He conducted 28 'sham' marriages before he was caught, he even headed a selection of Church of England committee meetings aimed at stamping out the problem.Today he was jailed for 2.5 years for conducting the illegal weddings from two churches in Rochdale.Members of the CoE are appalled by his actions and are in outrage.