Line by line, we are examining the lease ready for next Friday. Although we are representing ourselves we have sought Counsel’s opinon to ensure we are on the right track. As well as focussing on the detail, we also recognise the importance of looking at the document as a whole. Jem has purchased a book on legal cases relating to service charge and we discuss, disect and dream about the service charge every day. The Swedish show is down and Richard Boyle, an ex HMS artist will be artist in residence during the next few weeks. We have missed his quirky original juxtaposed images in his space and looking forward to seeing the Exhibition Space transformed a la Boyle. I hope he brings Mrs Doubtfire!
Litigation is definitely not one of the ‘top 10 things to do before I die’. The case mangement conference is a week on Friday. We live in a bubble and sometimes it is difficult to feel the temperature outside. I know there are much worse things going on in the world, but this is case is all consuming. We will be facing 2 judges because the solicitor for the other side is Stepehen Wrigley, a part-time judge. His partner David Smith is the company solicitor and as well as the company secretary for the Harrington Factory Company. A bit complicated.
This is very important! All studio providers should check whether or not they qualify for small business rates relief. At the moment small businesses in premises with a rateable value less than £6000 per annum qualify for 100% reduction. Yes it is free rates for 2011-12. Normally, there would be a 50% reduction but the government has temporarily increased the relief until Oct 2012. This means a reduction in next year’s rates too. More details can be found on the Business Link website which explains it much better than me. http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?itemId=1086075891&type=RESOURCES My friend is the new studio manager of a studio group and I mentioned this to her. The studios operates as a business (rather than a charity) and she was unaware that the group qualified for a reduction. As the relief is backdated April 2010 they also stand to get a refund.
Barton House in Chilwell is onyl 10 minutes from the studio. 5 of us from HMS went to look round today as we are considering putting forward a proposal for the Carnival of Monsters – a festival of contemporary arts to be held in Oct. I have to admit the title didn’t inspire but having visited the site I’m absolutely won over. http://www.carnivalofmonsters.co.uk/ From domestic spaces to massive industrial huts, the buildings will provide fantastic environments for large-scale installations in airy Barton Hall and Docking Shop 2 whilst more intimate work will suit Trent Villas. The biggest problem is the short time frame. I am currently involved in 3 different projects on 3 different continents – all to be finished by Nov. Oh and a court case.
The Swedish show looks amazing and we were really hoping for a good turnout on Sunday. Sunshine, happy people and a great exhibition meant we all had a party. Torbjorn and Eva stayed over for a few days and it has been great rediscovering local attractions. We drove over to Sherwood Forest and the Major Oak at the end of a busy day. We weren’t disappointed in the old oaks that have been around for 800yrs. I bought a booklet on Southwell Minster as my knowledge is sketchy and it is always a good place to take visitors,
