With the country in the grip of the harshest winter in recent memory it is a good time to share some helpful ice advice that I recently read. This is not about how to clear off your windscreen, but about legal exposure. For all the complaining and hand-wringing over this country’s so-called ‘compensation culture’ the fact remains that  legislation exists about ice, and any personal injury claims made are about enforcing that.

The primary bit of law to be concerned about is The Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957. This has ramifications for both businesses and organisations as well as private citizens. Of relevance to everyone is the government’s ‘Snow Code‘ which deals with the legality of clearing snow and ice from pavements yourself.

The snow code points out that, while there may technically be no law stopping you from clearing snow and ice from public places you could still end up in hot water legally if you do. There is a possibility that you could be sued or held legally responsible if someone is injured on a path you have cleared, according to the advice. Though for the private individual doing about snow and ice is legally the safest course for avoiding personal injury claims this is the polar opposite of what the situation is for those with responsibility for public places.

If you have control of a public space it is your duty to prevent injuries from occurring. What this means is that you have to take “all reasonable care” to try to negate the hazards posed by snow and ice.  What is considered reasonable however is not set in stone and is dependent on circumstance.

Knowing what is counts is reasonable can be a little confusing. Fortunately there is some pretty clear advice on the topic from personal injury solicitors.   The general rule of thumb is that the larger the public space the more that needs to be done. this is true of shopping areas and supermarkets as well as other areas. Also fro employers – the larger you are the more you will be expected to do to protect your employees – for instance by clearing ice from your car park.

As the year draws to a close it is time to look forward as to what 2011 may bring in the world of investment. It goes without saying that it is best to rely on the experts for detailed financial planning, but there are a few trends that look to be pretty sure things for the coming year – and plenty of others where the outlook is much less clear.

All that glitters is not gold, but there is a strong strand of opinion that holds that gold should be a strong prospect for 2011. This year the price of the precious metal has reached record highs. In general economic instability and worries over the future of financial institutions tends to drive the price of gold up.

Though it has been predicted that the price of gold will continue to rise in 2011. Judging the future performance of  investments is foolish, and has been the road to ruin for many. Record highs for something are not always a sign that the price will continue to increase. The most brutal examples of this have tended to be on the stock exchange over the years.

One area where the predictions of a bumper year for investors is also predicted by some analysts is property. Specifically property around the site of the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The redevelopment that is occurring has the potential to increase property prices in the area dramatically. Investors should be wary however as the price they pay now may be artificially inflated, and not represent good value in the longer term as the market tends towards equilibrium values.

There are so many factors involved with predicting the performance of investments that you should be very wary of anyone peddling certainties. This is especially the case as much of the information that is available is untrue or inaccurate – there are too many people out here with much to gain from keeping you in the dark.  So what should you investment portfolio look like for the coming year? The only certainty is that investment management professionals know more about it than you.

Volkswagen continues to exceed all expectations and even has a few surprise announcements. Throughout the month of October, VWC sold a nice double figured number of 10% more then it did in the preceding year. Demand for the reliable and trusted cars, and vans remains strong in the U.S., Europe, and most of all China.  Regional sales in China were up a massive 34% from the previous year. The in house van hire brand also continues to be strong.

Although positive sales is to be expected, the real news is that Volkswagen is gearing itself to expand even further. Autoweek has reported that the manufacturing titan is potentially buying a stake in Ferrari, a subsidiary of Fiat.

Volkswagens official stand on the matter is ‘No comment’  However Volkswagen may just be testing the wasters before making any major announcement. Ferrari is the Fiat Groups most well known and profitable brand, and will undoubtedly not allow it to be bought out without a substantial price tag, if at all. Earlier in the year there were also the rumours that VWC were looking to purchase the  Alfa Romeo brand, which nothing ever came of.

If a controlling stake in Ferrari were bought under Volkswagen it would become a powerhouse of high end sports cars with Lamborghini, Bugatti and Porsche all taken under the giants wing.

Earlier in the month head of Fiat, Sergio Marchionne, went on to say that he was seeking to raise more capital for the Fiat and Chrysler partnership by selling off a percentage of  Fiat, but maintaining a 51% controlling stake.

Volkswagen chairman, Ferdinand Piech, had also previously mentioned the idea of an additional well branded line to the Volkswagen collection. Although, it should be noted that both of these are speculation and no official plans by either VW or Fiat have been announced.

The speculation only makes sense that if Volkswagen has enough capital to throw around, buying up every little brand they please, and that Fiat is looking for a cash boost, it would be a beneficial deal for both.