Gef’s Daily Roundup

Local People Get New Desk

Douglas-based law firm DQ Advocates has announced the appointment of two new trainees. Lizzie Beard has joined the firm as a trainee advocate and David Cowin as trainee paralegal.

Lizzie, who obtained a first-class honours law degree from the University of Liverpool, has already completed her Legal Practice Course (LPC).

She said: ‘Ultimately, I am striving to become a member of the Manx Bar and a practicing advocate. The team at DQ has been incredibly welcoming and I look forward to gaining experience across a multitude of practice areas that DQ can offer me during my final year of training. Longer term I hope to specialise in Employment Law. It is already apparent to me that DQ supports career progression, as well as development opportunities. I’ve learnt a lot in a short space of time and am excited for this next stage in my career.’

David, who completed his A-levels last summer, is currently undertaking a law degree online with the University of Essex. The undergraduate is working part-time as a Trainee Paralegal whilst he completes his studies.

He said: ‘DQ has provided me with a unique opportunity which allows me to continue my studies whilst gaining on-the-job learning. The plan is that, as I progress through my law degree, my role at DQ will evolve – providing a wider variety of opportunities and challenging tasks. This will give me the chance to practically apply the theory I am learning.’

Farming

UCM and the Manx National Farmers Union have joined forces to launch a trial of new courses for the agricultural industry.

The five courses will be run as a trial, with further courses planned. UCM is rolling out the courses following consultation with the MNFU which identified courses to support the farming community or where there is a legal requirement.

The courses include: Tractor Driving & Related Operations; Basic Stockmanship & Welfare; Safe Transport of Animals (short journey); Telehandler Award and Computers for Farmers – Basic Book Keeping and use of Social Media.

Kerry Birchall, who runs UCM’s professional courses offering, said: ‘We’re delighted to be offering these new courses which are specifically developed and tailored to the needs of our fantastic local agricultural industry. It’s been a pleasure working with the Manx National Farmer’s Union on this project. Partnerships like this enable us to run courses which are highly relevant to the Island’s business community to help them develop further. I look forward to working with them, and other industry partners, on our new offering.’

Golfer Retires

Welsh golfer Gareth Bale has announced he is retiring from his hobby as a professional footballer. Bale, who played for Southampton, Spurs and Real Madrid in his spare time, is a two-handicapper and has his own course in the back garden of his Cardiff home.