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Fox and Thomas Conveyancing Manager Jo Thompson was recently awarded a Rotary Pride in Workmanship Award at a ceremony in Goondiwindi.  Jo was nominated for the award by the Directors of the firm in recognition of her success in her role, loyalty to the firm’s business and dedication to our clients’ best interests.  In preparing the nomination Director Kay Rhodes sought comments from some of the real estate agents Jo works with regularly.  Just a few of these comments were: “…she carries out the clients’ instructions to the letter, 100% each on every time.” “Jo is inspirational, but humble.” “…complete confidence in her professional advice and competency…” “Doing business with her is easy.” “I know the job will be done well, and she has a sense of humour that helps in the tough times…”

Kay said, “The enthusiasm of Jo’s co-workers and the agents she works with towards her nomination is a testament to how fitting this recognition truly is.”

Fox and Thomas is pleased to announce the appointment of Melissa Fitzpatrick as a director of the firm effective 1 July 2008.

Melissa’s practice is based in Brisbane where she started with the firm as an associate when that office opened in early 2007.  She has extensive experience in a wide variety of corporate services including business sales, corporate reconstructions and industrial relations.

As many of the firm’s existing clients broaden their operations beyond agribusinss, they are increasingly likely to benefit from the experience that Melissa brings to the firm.

Managing director Norman Fox said the appointment is recognition - not just of Melissa’s outstanding talent as a lawyer and her exceptional client service - but also the show of faith she made in joining a firm which at that time did not have a Brisbane presence.  “Eighteen months on and the office, now with 2 directors, 2 other solicitors and 3 support staff, has gone from strength to strength in attracting and retaining a wide variety of work”, Mr Fox said.

Melissa joins existing directors Norman Fox, Kay Rhodes, Michael Cowley and Paul Paxton-Hall.

For quite some time the inability of a superannuation fund being able to borrow or invest in geared unit trusts has meant that better wealth creation alternatives could be found through other forms of geared investments e.g. family trusts.  However with changes to the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act (SIS) in September 2007, these borrowing restrictions have been relaxed and, with that, significant alternative wealth creation strategies through self-managed superannuation funds (SMSF) have been opened up.

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