Lodders Life Issue 10

SHARING OUR NEWS, VIEWS & EVENTS AROUND OUR COUNTIES & BEYOND

welcome

This year marks a decade of Lodders Life, and we’re delighted to be bringing you a special 10th anniversary edition of our magazine.

Following our last issue, the political and economic environment has continued to be particularly turbulent, but we are cautiously optimistic that the election result marks the beginning of a period of calm and political stability in the UK.

I am pleased to report that despite the unsettled market, we have continued to chart a path of sensible growth and development, and an exciting year lies ahead for the firm. We have expanded our presence in Birmingham with prime city centre offices at 1 Newhall Street to bolster the ongoing growth and

Editor: Angela Howard

E: marketing@lodders.co.uk

Editorial:

Lucy Faulkner, V Formation

Beckie Barrett, V Formation

Photography:

David Warren Picture Team

William Elson

Martin Fox Photography

Alex Mason

Videography: William Elson

Lodders Life is produced for Lodders by: Reach Marketing www.reachmarketing.co.uk

development of our Family Law, Business Services, Real Estate, Construction, and Dispute Resolution teams. We are also looking forward to taking our marketleading Private Client offering to the city. Read all about our new offices and their impressive sustainability credentials on pages 16-18.

We are also immensely proud to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of our Cheltenham office this year (p25), having grown the team and our breadth of services significantly since 2013. Lodders has been instructed by many leading Gloucestershire businesses over the years - a notable achievement considering that these clients were traditionally served by more long-established Cheltenham firms.

In support of our consistent flight to quality and excellence, we have made several senior appointments across the firm including private client partner Dawn Oliver (p26), people and culture director Grace Walton (p27), and IT director James Hamilton (p29), as well as growing our own talent through promotions and bringing on new trainees.

We hope you enjoy the read and would like to thank you for placing your trust in Lodders and being a valued member of our network.

Lodders Solicitors LLP - our offices:

Stratford upon Avon

Number Ten Elm Court

Arden Street

Stratford upon Avon

Warwickshire CV37 6PA

T: 01789 293259

Birmingham 1 Newhall Street

Birmingham B3 3NH T: 0121 2000890

www.lodders.co.uk

Glensanda House 1 Montpellier Parade

Cheltenham

Gloucestershire GL50 1UA T: 01242 228370

Henley in Arden 16 High Street

Henley in Arden

Warwickshire B95 5BW T: 01564 792261

@lodders-solicitors-llp

Cheltenham

Blending tradition

care

with pioneering health technology

Bespoke nursing care provider Taylor & Taylor Care operates four high-quality care homes located across Oxfordshire and Warwickshire, with a fifth home in the pipeline.

Afamily business, Taylor & Taylor

Care is now in the hands of the second generation, with Charles Taylor taking the helm in 2020.

Having joined the family business straight out of university, when it was owned and run by his parents, Charles has been immersed in all aspects of running the group from a young age, from operations and finances to management of the homes for the benefit of their residents. He works alongside his siblings who have also taken on roles within the business, all committed to upholding its reputation for excellence and ethos that blends quality of care with quality of life.

A research scientist by training, Charles had to shift his mindset and adapt his approach to business when starting out. He explains, “In the early days, I was focused on the logic behind the business and its operations, but quickly learned that business is all about people – forming strong relationships and networks is crucial. I also quickly learned the value of letting people in when making senior decisions and openly communicating the vision for the business to build a team that truly believes in what it’s delivering.”

Through focusing on the following three elements of social care planning, Taylor & Taylor Care makes sure every day is fun and different for its residents:

1. Something to do

Facilitating vibrant and personalised activities that people genuinely enjoy, whether this is chess, watercolour painting, knitting, or something else.

Nurturing a well-connected culture

Esmere Gardens Nursing Home in Moreton-in-Marsh is Taylor & Taylor Care’s latest home. Newly constructed, it welcomed its first residents in spring 2024. Charles’ vision for the home was a place that bridges the gap between a care home and the local community. “My first experience of care was doing a Duke of Edinburgh volunteering session,” Charles says. “Back then, the idea of a care home conjured up an image of a dark building on a hill that your grandparents disappeared into, and the local community knew very little about.

With our care homes, we like to build a strong connection with the community. Some of the ways we achieve this is by working with a local charity in each of our locations, holding fundraising events at our homes, and opening our doors to local people. In addition, we host various activities within our homes, including Parkinson’s groups, dementia cafes, and farming groups, allowing people to see the facilities first-hand as well as benefit from our staff’s expertise.”

2. Someone to love

Ensuring residents have the opportunity to form connections and remain close to friends and relatives. Sometimes this can be a Zoom call with family, or other times a private family dining experience at the home. For celebratory events, its Savoy-trained chef provides families with their choice of menu and wine, and the family have ownership of the space. They can even pay a visit to our on-site ‘pub’, The King’s Arms, which evokes a comforting sense of British culture.

3. Something to look forward to

Arranging fun events that residents can look forward to and talk about for months afterwards. Across its care homes, the team has organised visits from farm animals, Shetland ponies, classic cars, and even army tanks. The goal is to make sure that there is something for everyone.

Innovating care

With the younger generation often comes a new, fresh vision for the family business that can help it to adapt to changing market conditions and even expand into other new areas. This is perfectly exemplified by Charles, who is spearheading Esmere Gardens’ Plus Ten Care healthcare platform. The innovation, which has been designed by Taylor & Taylor Care, uses artificial intelligence (AI) to complement usual care methods and analyse residents’ health data to identify early signs of illness or deterioration, ultimately helping to inform decision-making and support better health outcomes.

Charles believes that if health data can be used more effectively, people will be able to live longer and healthier lives.

“By leveraging health data, we can make better care decisions. Currently, the care system relies on humans to spot issues. But this is highly subjective, and sometimes things can be missed.

Sadly, infections like UTIs are often only identified when someone experiences a fall, so identifying and treating them before it gets to this point is crucial. Plus Ten Care uses wearable technologies to monitor where residents are in the building to identify any sudden shifts in movement patterns, which can be an indicator that something may be wrong. Carers can then explore the issue and make a judgement on the intervention required.”

“The platform will continue to evolve,” Charles adds. “It is very much an additive process, and we are looking to partner with universities to find out how we can utilise the data we collect.”

Stronger together

As well as heading up Taylor & Taylor Care’s technology drive, Charles is chair of the Oxfordshire Care Homes Association, which represents over 60 care homes in the region. The voluntary role sees him engage with local NHS and councils to act as a voice for the care industry, facilitating wider strategic conversations on behalf of the region’s care homes, representing their interests and sharing good practice amongst members. Charles believes collaboration in the care sector is key. He concludes,

“As care providers, we are all doing the same job, which is often a very difficult one. By getting together, asking questions of the regulators, and discussing possible solutions to the challenges we all face, we can have a real impact and collectively ensure we are delivering the very highest standards of care.”

Planning for the future

Recognising the importance of considering succession planning early on, especially as their care home portfolio develops and grows, the Taylor family enlisted the help of Lodders to restructure the financing of their existing homes, as well as the development of new ones like Esmere Gardens. At the same time, Lodders commenced the family’s succession planning, ensuring arrangements are in place to facilitate a prosperous and sustainable future.

Charles Taylor E: charles@tandtcare.co.uk

Leanne Lawrence E: leanne.lawrence@lodders.co.uk T: 01789 206134

Bromwich Hardy: 10

In the very first issue of Lodders Life, we spoke to Tom Bromwich, one of the founders of Coventry-based property consultancy Bromwich Hardy. Established in 2008, the company has forged a reputation as one of the leading commercial property specialists in the area.

10years down the line, Lodders continues to work with Bromwich Hardy, collaborating on commercial property transactions. We caught up with Tom to discuss the current state of the market and find out what the team has been up to. What does the market look like for you now?

“Bromwich Hardy has grown really well since 2014. We have doubled our headcount and are now a 14-strong team. Whilst the markets are good, transactions have slowed due to the uncertain economic and political environment. As a firm, we have worked hard to keep up momentum.”

Any surprising growth areas in the market?

“The biggest surprise has been the growth in rents, particularly industrial rents, which have continued to rise until this year. Nobody predicted how quickly they would grow. The pandemic saw increased demand for warehouse space due to the growth of online shopping, and this has arguably had a lasting impact on the industrial rental market.”

Can you tell us more about your position at Get A-Head Charitable Trust?

“I have had the honour of being chairman of Get A-Head, which supports people with head and neck diseases, for 10 years now. My involvement with the charity actually began 15 years ago, when my twin brother was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. John Watkinson, the founder of Get A-Head, is the surgeon who operated on my brother. Since this time, it has been a pleasure to see the charity grow, with this year marking our 30-year anniversary. Like many charities, the pandemic knocked us back, but we came out of it fighting and are pleased to be hosting our special anniversary gala ball this year, as well as getting involved in some major national initiatives.”

Bromwich Hardy was a fellow sponsor of Atlantic charity rowers, the Brightsides. Why did you decide to get involved?

“It was an amazing experience to sponsor the Brightsides team alongside Lodders and other companies in the region. I have personally known the team’s skipper Rod Adlington for a long time and was delighted that he nominated Get A-Head as one of the two charity beneficiaries. Upon learning about the mammoth challenge the team was planning to take on, we did not hesitate to offer our support and are truly in awe of what they have achieved.”

Supporting sports and athletics is part of Bromwich Hardy’s commitment to the community – what role does sport play in the company’s culture?

“As a company, we’re sports mad and have always been keen to give back to our local community. For many years, we were the main sponsor of Kenilworth Rugby Club and now proudly sponsor Coventry Rugby Club. We go and watch matches and even have the players come in and talk to us about things like teamwork and self-discipline. In addition, we are sponsoring a local Coventry boy to go to America to participate in the World’s Strongest Kid competition, and a local girl who is making her way in the clay shooting world with an ambition to shoot for Team GB in the Olympics. I personally take a lot of inspiration from their dedication and determination!”

What’s next for Bromwich Hardy?

“We have been lucky enough to receive several regional awards in recognition of the team’s exceptional work. Going forward, we will strive to maintain our position as the number one commercial agent in Coventry and Warwickshiresomething we are very proud of.”

www.bromwichhardy.com

Tom Bromwich E: tom.bromwich@bromwichhardy.com

Teamwork makes the dream work

It was indeed a dream, or perhaps a crazy idea, that West Midlands turkey farmer Rod Adlington had back in the summer of 2022 – to row 3,200 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, unassisted.

However, in January 2024, that dream became a reality as Rod and his crew, Guy Minshull, Alex Perry and Anna Williams – also known as the Brightsides – successfully completed the row in 52 days and 18 hours, becoming the first mixed crew and fastest team to take on the C-Map Atlantic Dash Regatta.

In completing the row, the Brightsides have helped raise more than £150,000 for Meningitis Now and the Get A-Head Charitable Trust. As a trustee of

Meningitis Now, Rod has been fundraising for the charity since the devastating passing of his son Barney from meningitis aged just three years old.

Rod first approached Lodders in 2023 to ask for the firm’s backing and support in the Brightsides’ incredible pursuit, which we were very pleased to provide.

To find out more about the row, we caught up with Rod and Guy at a celebratory afternoon tea hosted by the team’s sponsors.

Left to right: Alex Perry, Guy Minshull, Anna Williams, Rod Adlington

THE BRIGHTSIDES

What is the most asked question about your experience?

Guy: I think it’s the toilet facilities that people want to know about the most. Obviously, the en-suite facilities weren’t great – they consisted of a bucket!

Rod: If they don’t ask that question, you know they want to, and you tell them anyway.

Guy: The sores and blisters were a close second.

Rod: We used beeswax for those though. We hadn’t tested it out but started using it and it was amazing. Claw hands were a problem though, with our fingers getting locked.

Guy: It was sitting down that was the most painful. We had a variety of cushions, but they never really made much difference!

What frightened you the most during the row?

Guy: Weather-wise, I wasn’t massively frightened. We had a storm one night when we had to get the power anchor out and turn the boat back 180 degrees. We were sideways onto the waves which were 50ft - that felt like an eternity, but realistically was probably only a few minutes.

Rod: The fear of failure was probably more frightening, as well as the fear of one of us becoming injured. I don’t know what we would have done. The boat was so small - there wouldn’t have been anywhere to put anyone to convalesce, and we would have had to be rescued.

Guy: We were lucky we had no sickness or stomach bugs, and we all stayed healthy!

Were there any times of day when rowing shifts were harder than others?

Guy: The worst for me was the 4am till 6am shift. The witching hour. Getting out of your bunk at 4am was tough.

Rod: The afternoons in the heat were also brutal – I found those hard with the relentless sun. In contrast, rowing at night was a great experience. You can lose yourself very easily. Some nights it was pitch black. The hardest thing at night was dealing with cross winds as you couldn’t see the waves coming, nor the flying fish!

Did you have any food cravings?

Guy: It was fresh fruit towards the end and simple things like a sandwich and crisps – basically something other than dehydrated food.

Rod: Lots! We had Haribo and tinned peaches stashed in a locker that was a little bit harder to get to. When we got into those, they were heaven.

Guy: It was also nice to get on land and use proper cutlery again and feel a bit more civilised.

What have you found to be the most rewarding part of the experience?

Guy: The support and response we’ve had has been overwhelming. People who you wouldn’t dream would have the slightest bit of interest have said they were glued to it and followed our progress every day. It’s been really humbling.

Rod: The whole feeling of kinship that everyone was coming with us. It felt like we were part of a family.

Is there anything you learnt on the row that you have applied to your day-to-day business?

Rod: The interesting thing I learnt is that when working on your own, you have parts missing, but as a team, it can really work. You can apply this to a small business and work together as a team to focus on strengths rather than failings.

What top tips would you give to anyone planning some kind of expedition?

Rod: Choose your team mates very wisely.

Guy: Get a strong team behind you and be very honest about what you want and what you expect.

What’s next? Have you had any thoughts about taking on any more endurance challenges?

Rod: Maybe the North Pole? I keep mentioning it, but nobody is putting their hand up.

Guy: The North Pole wouldn’t appeal to me – it’s got to be warm. Rowing the Amazon would be good. If you are rowing a river, you’ve got something to see.

Rod: The organisers of the Atlantic Dash want to form a community of people who have completed the event. We are only in the second year, but as time goes by, it will be nice to pull together all the participants and share our experiences. At the start of our race, some of the guys who raced last year came over to see us off which was fantastic.

Left to right: Guy Minshull and Rod Adlington

From tea to broadcasting:

Birmingham’s Typhoo Wharf

The Construction and Engineering team at Lodders advised leading developer Stoford Properties Ltd on the redevelopment of the former Typhoo Tea factory in Digbeth that is set to become the BBC’s new Birmingham headquarters.

The new landmark 84,001 sq ft custom-built broadcast centre, located on Bordesley Street, is the largest office pre-let in the city of Birmingham in the past three years. When it completes in 2026, the scheme will house several BBC editorial teams, including The Archers, BBC Asian Network, BBC Newsbeat, BBC Radio WM and Midlands Today.

Stoford is committed to retaining the historic legacy of the almost 100-yearold factory but also delivering a pioneering scheme using low carbon principles. The reuse of the original iconic 1930s building will be the heart of the Typhoo Wharf scheme and is on target to achieve a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and EPC ‘A’ rating.

Heidi Brennan, partner and head of the Construction and Engineering team at Lodders, was instructed to draft, negotiate, and advise on the full suite of construction documentation required for the project, involving a major refurbishment of the partially existing building and new-built aspects.

She says: “I have a longstanding relationship with Stoford, serving as the company’s lead construction adviser for more than 10 years, and so was delighted to be appointed to deliver this landmark scheme.“

“It is a privilege to be involved in this iconic project for Birmingham, which will be the city’s first net zero carbon building under construction, and we look forward to playing a part in the scheme’s continued development.”

Typhoo Wharf scheme

Over the next decade, Stoford plans to deliver up to 800,000 sq ft of new residential, office and hospitality accommodation around the new BBC building. The wider scheme will see more than 10 acres of underutilised land around Typhoo Wharf and the adjoining canal basin transformed into a new mixed-use neighbourhood characterised by attractive public spaces and open thoroughfares.

The scheme will also benefit from a new tram stop and is just a couple of hundred metres from the planned HS2 Curzon Street terminus.

Of Lodders’ support, Stoford director Gerard Ludlow, says: “Lodders’ Construction team always do a great job for us, and we knew we could count on them to navigate the complexities of this scheme and get us to site. They are an integral part of our team – always focused and committed to every project and an all-round pleasure to work with.”

Heidi Brennan E: heidi.brennan@lodders.co.uk

T: 0121 2000891

renewable energy

Exploring the rise of opportunities available to landowners

Alastair Frew, head of the Renewables team at Lodders, offers his advice to landowners looking to branch out into renewables.

“The renewables sector is rapidly evolving, driven by the UK’s goal to reach net zero by 2050, and achieve decarbonisation of the electricity grid by 2035. It is important that landowners seek specialist advice with regards to renewables, particularly if approached by an operator or developer looking to install a scheme on their property. If you pool the right expertise to support your renewables project, whether this be specialist accountants and lawyers or engineers, you have a much better chance of making your scheme a reality.

“Lodders’ team of renewable energy experts can help ensure landowners get the deal, whether they are developing land to produce solar energy for a whole new settlement, erecting a single wind turbine, putting in an energy from waste plant or gas reserve power station, or even installing a row of public car-charging points.”

Alastair Frew E: alastair.frew@lodders.co.uk T: 01789 206117

Left to right: Hugh Taylor, Roadnight Taylor; Peter White, Gopsall Accountants; Alastair Frew, Lodders; James Collier, Howkins & Harrison; Nick Green, Savills; John Rouse, Lodders; Simon Murrells, Innova Renewables

With a growing number of landowners seeking to generate new income streams by exploring renewable energy options, Lodders’ Renewables Conference brought together landowners, land agents, farmers, and their advisers with specialist developers and industry experts to explore the opportunities and routes into the world of energy generation, storage, and transmission.

Marking the start of a new era of ongoing change for land management, the conference, held at Merevale Hall, Atherstone, provided insights into how renewables projects are steered from the drawing board stage right through to build.

Alastair Frew, partner and head of the Renewables team at Lodders explains:

“There is growing interest in renewables within the landowner community, and we are supporting more individuals than ever through the complex documentation required to create renewables schemes on their land. These can range from solar PV developments, battery storage schemes, and wind farms, to installing gas generators or anaerobic digestion equipment.

“There were clear themes running through the talks on the day, including the National Grid Electricity System Operator’s (NGESO) Connections Reform coming into force in January

2025, the continuing demand for solar PV, and the need for battery storage in certain locations, to feed the nation’s seemingly limitless demand for electricity which is in turn driven by internet cloud storage and data centres. We also tackled the thorny question of hydrogen – when will this technology come of age?”

Providing practical guidance on renewables opportunities were the following speakers:

• Simon Murrells of Innova Renewables, who presented a developer’s guide to renewables projects. He explained the full development life cycle of a project from site selection to operation, highlighting the key benefits of investing in renewables to landowners.

• Nick Green of Savills, who discussed what goes into making a good development site, and the importance of ensuring land and property is suitable for hosting energy projects.

• Hugh Taylor of Roadnight Taylor, who highlighted the NGESO’s upcoming move from a first-come first-served to a first-ready first-served approach. With a significant number of projects in the queue awaiting connection to the National Grid, Hugh emphasised the importance of projects having the option to lease and being ready to submit planning.

• Peter White of Gopsall Accountants, who discussed how the change in land use impacts tax position, which is important for succession planning. Alongside, John Rouse, partner in the Private Client team at Lodders, explained key considerations for estate planning and the importance of taking a commercial approach.

• Finally, James Collier of Howkins & Harrison, who provided an overview of the renewables market, looking at solar and battery storage opportunities from a landowner’s perspective and considerations for the future of a scheme.

James Collier, partner at property advisers

Howkins & Harrison, shares how the firm works with landowners to get the best value from renewables projects and trends in the farming sector.

“When a landowning client is approached by a battery storage or solar developer, part of our role is to ensure the heads of terms reflect market trends, including ensuring that the rent and option premiums are competitive. Different clients will have different requirements and priorities, but with NGESO’s Connections Reform and the likely over-supply of battery projects, it is increasingly important to find a developer who has the best chance of getting the project to energisation.

“With the Basic Payment Scheme disappearing and some uncertainty and volatility in agricultural economics, we are seeing many more clients thinking harder about the future than they may have done before. Some of the older generation with no clear succession plan are now very keen to explore other options, whether this is selling the land, having it contract farmed, or looking for a solar or battery storage deal to give them a solid income base.”

The Background

Richborough way

As one of the UK’s leading land promoters, Richborough uses its land, planning and commercial expertise to identify sites, securing planning permission on behalf of landowners and development partners in the most efficient, value-creating manner.

Established in 2003, Richborough is owner-managed by Paul Campbell, chief executive, Jonathan Bloor, managing director - western division, and James Bradshaw, managing director - eastern division, who grew the business organically through recycling capital into projects, before securing private equity investment into the business in 2022.

This investment has allowed Richborough to push its business to the next level with six residential regions and one commercial division across the UK, promoting edge of settlement sites to large sustainable urban extensions. To support this regional structure, Richborough has expert teams made up of planners, surveyors, and former housebuilders, as well as specialist teams in design, technical, disposal and finance.

Left to right: James Mottram and James Bradshaw

Partnerships

In essence, Richborough is about partnerships, whether these are with farmers, charities, or corporate clients that don’t have the specialist expertise or risk appetite to navigate the complex planning system. Today, Richborough has more than 200 projects ranging from small green field extensions of 50 to 100 homes, to 1000 to 2000 home urban extensions.

Hospital Lane

The Richborough team strives to create high quality, sustainable developments that integrate sympathetically with their surroundings; it works closely with the local community to complete and enhance existing infrastructure.

In line with this ethos, Richborough secured its development partner, Persimmon Homes, a 75-acre residential development site in Bedworth, Warwickshire.

The Richborough way

James Bradshaw says: “The Richborough way is for our teams to really get under the skin of a project, understanding the site, its opportunities and constraints, as well as our client’s requirements. For the development on Hospital Lane, Bedworth, this was especially important, given the role the landowner plays in the local community and the community benefits that the project will deliver.

“We always engage with the local parish or town council and other key stakeholders facilitating engagement and input, where stakeholders, including members of the public, can provide feedback that can be incorporated into our proposals.

“This particular project provides community facilities, as well as large areas of green infrastructure that will bring the site to life, benefitting both the existing community and new residents of the scheme.”

The future

Despite well-publicised planning issues that the sector has faced over recent years, the land market has been strong, largely due to a lack of available development sites.

James continues: “Greenbelt is often misunderstood. We have to remember that the green belt policy was introduced under the 1947 Town & Country Planning Act, and we are now in 2024. Release of greenbelt in a sustainable manner will help greatly to deliver homes where they are needed the most, in sustainable locations, to help with the ever-growing affordability issues faced, particularly for young people who struggle to access both the private and rented housing sector.

“Given the new Labour government’s positive rhetoric and imminent policy changes around planning and housing delivery, we are positive about the market’s health and stability moving forwards.”

Located on Hospital Lane, Bedworth, this site was allocated in Nuneaton and Bedworth District Council’s local plan. Richborough worked closely with the landowners, the local Nicholas Chamberlaine Charitable Trust, to ensure high-quality residential planning permission, including private and 25% affordable homes, retirement accommodation, retail use, a local community centre and green infrastructure that will benefit the wider community. www.richborough.co.uk James

Birmingham: a blueprint for the future

In a significant step towards environmental sustainability and modernity, Lodders has made 1 Newhall Street its new Birmingham home.

L odders has operated an office in Birmingham for eight years at St Paul’s Square, where our top-ranking Family Law team is based along with members of our Construction, Business Services, Real Estate, and Dispute Resolution teams. By expanding our footprint in Birmingham, we aim to provide a platform for continued growth across the firm, whilst also bringing our market-leading private client offering to the city.

1 Newhall Street sits at the heart of the city’s business district, with Lodders’ offices spanning 6,500 sq ft. The newly refurbished building offers a plethora of state-of-the-art sustainability features, ensuring we meet the highest standards of energy efficiency and staff wellbeing.

Sustainability features

High specification offices

The offices at 1 Newhall Street have been meticulously refurbished to provide a highspecification work environment. This includes secure cycle storage, complete with full-size lockers and showers at the basement level. Such amenities aim to encourage Lodders’ employees to opt for more sustainable commuting options, reducing the overall carbon footprint associated with daily travel.

Efficient water and energy systems

A key aspect of the refurbishment is the installation of new domestic water services, featuring localised, energy-efficient hot water generation. This system ensures that water heating is as efficient as possible, minimising energy wastage. Additionally, new mechanical and electrical installations throughout the building further enhance its energy performance, contributing to lower operational costs and reduced environmental impact.

Innovative lighting solutions

Lighting plays a crucial role in both the functionality and energy efficiency of office spaces. 1 Newhall Street boasts new interior LED lighting, including suspended feature pendant downlights and Thorn Jupiter LED suspended line lighting. These lights are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly efficient. The integration of efficient PIR lighting controls with passive movement sensors and daylight dimming capabilities ensures that lights are only used when necessary, significantly reducing energy bills and enhancing sustainability.

Climate control and air quality

The building’s climate control system features heating and cooling units with linear bar diffusers, ensuring a comfortable and consistent indoor environment. This system is designed to be energy-efficient, maintaining optimal temperatures while minimising energy consumption.

Transportation and accessibility

1 Newhall Street is designed to support various sustainable transportation options. The property includes five motorbike spaces and 20 cycling spaces, accommodating employees who prefer these eco-friendly modes of transport and promoting a healthier workforce.

Energy performance

1 Newhall Street has achieved an impressive EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of A, reflecting its high standards of energy efficiency. This rating underscores the building’s commitment to sustainability and its role in reducing environmental impact.

The Lodders team oversees the project in Birmingham

Consistent flight to quality and excellence

Of Lodders’ new Birmingham office, managing partner Paul Mourton says: “We are delighted to be expanding our presence in Birmingham with a fantastic and well-located office in order to build further on our strong growth and allow us to service our clients’ needs most effectively, across a full range of commercial and private law services. The move will bolster our plans to create new jobs and importantly enable us to recruit a wider and more diverse pool of talent. In addition, the new premises provide us with a new blueprint of what Lodders’ offices look and feel like, with sustainability features that ensure we meet the highest standards of energy efficiency and staff wellbeing, building on our existing, established culture.”

“Our new space at 1 Newhall Street will support our consistent flight to quality and excellence. As the firm’s client base continues to grow, our fantastic new facilities in Birmingham will provide us with the opportunity to accelerate this growth across multiple practice areas.”

The prime city centre offices will also support the ongoing growth and development of Lodders’ wellestablished Business Services and Real Estate groups and their offerings to Birmingham businesses.

Rethinking the working environment

The story of our new Birmingham office began during lockdown, when we were beginning to think about reopening Lodders’ offices. Time away from the offices allowed us to reassess our working environment more critically. The heightened awareness of infection risks, combined with the need for social distancing, gave us a fresh perspective.

To better align our offices with our growth ambitions, we knew we needed a brand-new space that could accommodate our evolving working practices.

We teamed up with office design specialists Rhino Interiors to help us on this journey and imagine what our refreshed working environment could look and feel like. The company ran a workshop that brought together staff across all departments of Lodders to discuss what was and wasn’t working in our existing office space and functional aspects like the ideal layout and health and wellbeing features. These activities, together with a personal questionnaire for each staff member, helped Rhino to build a compelling profile of Lodders and the size, style, and cost of the sort of office we needed. The next step was finding the right building and Lodders was supported in its search by independent commercial property consultancy, Siddall Jones.

Our new Birmingham office address is: 1 Newhall Street, Birmingham, B3 3NH

10years on

Charting Lodders’ evolution and growth

In the second issue of Lodders Life, we spotlighted George Campion, who had just celebrated his fifth anniversary as non-executive chairman at Lodders. For this issue, we sat down with George to explore how his role and the firm have evolved.

Can you tell us about your professional background and your role at Lodders?

“I’m an accountant by profession and have held various senior roles throughout my career, starting at Andersen and then at Deloitte. At Andersen and Deloitte, I was the senior partner in Birmingham, led the Tax Practice in Central and Eastern Europe, and headed the Real Estate division in the Midlands.

“Here at Lodders, I work closely with the leadership team, providing financial, commercial, and strategic advice and stewardship.”

What do you most enjoy about your role, and how has it changed?

“I really enjoy working with professional people. My background is in managing and leading accounting practices, so it was quite a change to be involved with a firm of solicitors. There are a surprising number of differences between accountants and solicitors! However, the enjoyment comes from the people – walking into the office to smiling faces and collaborating with a great team.

“When I first joined, Lodders was a small firm of around 50 people, with most of the partners approaching retirement. My initial role involved bringing in new talent. Despite the changes in personnel, the culture has remained constant, which is something that really sets Lodders apart.”

What achievements are you most proud of during your tenure?

“A significant achievement is the firm’s growth and diversification. We’ve quadrupled in size and expanded into new areas such as family law, litigation, and business services, which we didn’t have before. Additionally, surviving the global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic were major challenges that we navigated successfully. The transition to online operations virtually overnight during the lockdown was particularly impressive.”

In your view, what makes Lodders such a great firm?

“Lodders is unique; we are neither a city law firm with a corporate scale nor a high street solicitors practice. Instead, we occupy a distinctive space as a regional player with a strong reputation in specialised areas.”

Legalupdates Tackling legal and compliance hurdles

Small businesses are increasingly facing challenges with their legal arrangements, whether these are non-existent or ineffective contracts leaving them open to disputes with customers or suppliers, or unintentional infringement of other companies’ intellectual property.

Though commercial and contract law can be a minefield, it is crucial that early-stage businesses take the time to get it right. Stuart Price, partner and head of Lodders’ Commercial Law team explains:

“A healthy business is built on strong foundations, and the importance of legal support when developing and growing a business cannot be overstated. It is essential that businesses do not just muddle through with their legal documents.”

The CLEAR subscription options

CLEAR LITE

£475/mo + VAT

Unlimited phone/video calls on new matters (each call time max 30 mins)

1 contract review per month (up to 1000 words)

Invitations to relevant Lodders seminars and webinars

Invitations to exclusive CLEAR Club events

Access for 1 person in your business

With these challenges in mind, Lodders has developed its own subscription legal service to help support entrepreneurs and owners to protect and grow their businesses.

Introducing CLEAR

The new offering – CLEAR – has been designed for companies that need legal advice from time to time but have limited budgets for legal spend or lack in-house support. With three different levels of subscription, it gives access to a range of legal documents from non-disclosure agreements and terms and conditions to IP licences and supplier due diligence questionnaires.

Stuart Price E: stuart.price@lodders.co.uk T: 01789 339117

CLEAR

£975/mo + VAT

Unlimited phone/video calls on new matters (each call time max 60 mins)

2 contract reviews per month (up to 1000 words)

1 legal document which may be adapted for your business

Invitations to relevant Lodders seminars and webinars

Invitations to exclusive CLEAR Club events

Access for up to 3 people in your business

CLEAR BESPOKE P.O.A

Price on application

Initial legal audit to establish legal need for next 12 months

Work identified timetabled and payable monthly

Remote attendance at quarterly Board meetings

Invitations to relevant Lodders seminars and webinars

Invitations to exclusive CLEAR Club events

Access for up to 5 people in your business

What are the advantages of an EOT?

An Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) is a specific type of employee benefit trust, which is created to enable a trading company to become owned by its employees.

Employee ownership offers a compelling option for business owners seeking to sell or partially exit their businesses as part of succession plans. With this in mind, Graham Spalding, head of Lodders’ Business Services Group, highlights some key advantages of setting up an EOT.

How does it work?

The existing owners of the company set up the EOT, with a newly formed trustee company typically handling the purchase of shares on behalf of the trust. Employees, former employees, and select relatives and dependents can benefit from the EOT, although they don’t directly own the shares — these are held by a trustee company, with employees designated as beneficiaries.

Meeting certain requirements is necessary for both owners and employees to take advantage of the EOT. There are several qualifying conditions that must be met for this structure to work and for the tax relief to be available to the sellers. Breaching the qualifying conditions can have consequences for both the seller and the EOT.

Key advantages of EOTs

• Employees are invested in making the company a success for the future, leading to better engagement and higher staff retention.

• Employees can be paid tax free bonuses of up to £3,600 each per year, subject to national insurance contributions.

• There is no Capital Gains Tax on the transfer of shares to the EOT, as long as the EOT acquires a controlling interest in the trading company and subject to qualifying conditions.

Changes to the employment law landscape

There will be significant changes to workplace rights and responsibilities in the UK, according to the new government’s key employment-related policy commitments.

• Reform to employment law status

Moving towards a single status of worker, incorporating all but the genuinely self-employed.

• Day one rights

Providing certain key rights from day one of employment, including the right to claim sick pay and parental leave, and most significantly, day one unfair dismissal rights.

• Extended limitation periods

Increasing this time limit from three to six months for all relevant claims.

• Collective consultation rights

Collective consultation obligations on redundancies will become dependent on the number of redundancies being proposed across the whole business, rather than at each “establishment”.

• Ending ‘fire and rehire’

The practice of employers dismissing employees and then re-engaging them immediately, upon the termination of their original contracts, but on different terms and conditions of employment.

• Flexible working from day one

A day one right to flexible working as a “default right” except where this is not reasonably feasible. This contrasts with current law which provides only a right to request flexible working.

• Right to ‘disconnect’

The introduction of the right for workers to ‘disconnect’ (i.e. go offline) outside of working hours, following similar models in place in Ireland and Belgium.

• Section 1 statements

A requirement for the section 1 statement issued to all new starters to inform staff of their right to join a trade union.

• Shareholders have an exit route where there is no third-party purchaser.

• Owners can map out their path to retirement, without needing to fully exit straight away.

• Sellers can sell their shares at market value, with greater certainty of completion as they control the major aspects of the transaction.

Graham Spalding

E: graham.spalding@lodders.co.uk

T: 01789 206162

• Menopause in the workplace

Employers with more than 250 employees will be required to produce Menopause Action Plans.

• Zero hours contracts

Banning exploitative (but not all) zero hours contracts.

Stay informed

At the time of writing, this is what we expect to be seeing. To keep you informed, we will be sharing further changes through news updates and seminars.

Damian Kelly

E: damian.kelly@lodders.co.uk

T: 01789 339110

Legalupdates

Will IHT be lower if you leave money to charity?

If you choose to make a donation to charity in your will, it will either be taken off the value of your estate before Inheritance Tax (IHT) is calculated, or it will reduce your IHT rate to 36%.

In order to claim the 36% rate of IHT, the amount going to charity must equate to at least 10% of your overall chargeable estate, which is the value after the nil rate band and any other reliefs and exemptions have been applied.

Charitable donations are only valid if they are gifted to a qualifying charity; this is an organisation that is registered as a charity for tax purposes by HMRC.

Options after death

It is also possible to take advantage of the lower IHT rate even after death through a Deed of Variation. This is a legal document that can be prepared after death and allows the distribution of the estate to be altered by the named beneficiaries in the will. Named beneficiaries can re-direct 10% of the chargeable estate to charity, providing all those due to receive the inheritance are in agreement.

The Deed of Variation must be prepared within two years from the date of death in order to be effective for IHT and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) purposes.

Vicki Gulliver E: vicki.gulliver@lodders.co.uk T: 01789 206916

Drones: what are landowners’ rights?

Nicola Beach, senior associate in Lodders’ Agricultural Law team, explains the issues landowners may encounter in relation to drones and their rights should a drone fly over their property.

Landowners are typically aware of trespassers in the form of individuals straying off footpaths or vandals causing damage. However, with 450,000 active drones now registered in the UK, there is an increasing risk of trespass from the sky too.

Rural estates are often popular amongst drone users, with grand homes and areas of historical interest making for visually appealing aerial footage. Many individuals will use drones to capture footage for social media, particularly of areas of media relevance, such as where films and TV shows have been set.

As well as invading privacy, drones can pose safety risks to both humans and animals on the property and could potentially cause damage if they were to land on or fly too close to buildings and structures.

Rules and regulations

The flying of drones in the UK is governed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and full regulations and guidance can be found in the Drone and Model Aircraft Code. The law states that drone operators must have permission from the owner of the land where a drone takes off and if they fly over land without permission, may face legal claims from the landowner.

Drone operators cannot legally fly closer than a horizontal distance of 50m to any individual, including those in buildings and in vehicles. This distance creates a no-fly zone around people that goes all the way up to the legal height limit, meaning users cannot fly above people in this zone, even if they are higher than 50m. They also must remain a minimum of 150m from all residential, recreational, commercial and industrial sites. If a drone operator oversteps these limits, they are trespassing.

Landowners may take the following measures to strengthen their case:

• Identify if there is a camera attached to the drone and if any photos of the land can be viewed online.

• Identify if any photos online show or explain how to access the property.

• Keep a consistent record of any trespassing or damages.

Nicola Beach

E: nicola.beach@lodders.co.uk T: 01242 229085

Inthe eyes of the law, a family pet is considered a personal belonging. For animal lovers, this might be a strange concept, as when you adopt or purchase a pet, they can feel like family, or even a child.

Personal belongings, known as “chattels”, can be very contentious when it comes to determining their value and how they should be distributed in the event of divorce. This is particularly true with pets.

Ownership

Often a couple will share the responsibilities of being a pet owner, such as feeding the pet or taking it out on regular walks, which makes it even more difficult to determine who it “belongs” to.

The primary, legal consideration for the courts is who has proof of ownership. However, if both parties share this, case law suggests that the pet will go to the party who has principally looked after it based on evidence. If the pet was clearly gifted to the other party, then the recipient of the gift will keep it.

Shared custody

In most cases, it’s generally advisable that divorcing parties sever all ties with one another, specifically in relation to finances. Although reaching an agreement to share custody of your pet and its maintenance costs may be a possibility in some cases, it doesn’t help you reach a clean break and continues to tie you together financially, and so it is generally not an advisable solution.

For richer, for paw-er What happens to the family pet if you get divorced?

Financial considerations

As with children, family pets can cost substantial amounts of money when you consider their maintenance, from daily necessities such as food to the more costly insurance and vet bills. Though not a consideration for the court, when determining which party should keep a pet, financial stability and the suitability of the home should be the key, determining factors for the parties involved.

If a couple is struggling to reach an agreement, they should carefully weigh up the financial implications of pursuing legal action over pet custody, and whether it’s proportionate and reasonable to incur such costs. Reaching an amicable agreement outside of court can prevent unnecessary financial strain.

In the courts

In the event of a dispute, the court will consider the proportionality of the costs of litigating issues about the family pet, as they would with other assets. The court’s resources are limited, and it will want to prioritise other aspects of the divorce. In fact, unless the value of a personal belonging is significant, or if it is a point which is highly contentious, family pets will not usually be referred to at all during divorce proceedings.

You should therefore aim to reach an agreement on what happens with your pet before asking the court to decide for you. A simple approach might be for the pet to stay with the spouse who either purchased it or went into the relationship already owning it, or whoever the pet is registered with.

If parties still cannot agree on what happens to the pet, you will be encouraged to try mediation, which can be a cost-effective method to help resolve the issue.

Nathalie Laurente E: nathalie.laurente@lodders.co.uk

T: 0121 200 0895

on spotlight Expert care for vulnerable clients

From Lodders’ Care & Capacity team

There are few things more important than how we care for our elderly, vulnerable, and infirm. This is something Lodders’ Care & Capacity team understands better than most.

Led by Sharon Crosby, the team helps vulnerable clients and their carers to manage the legal issues that affect them, providing support on a variety of complex matters that most of us don’t think about until we really have to. These include lasting powers of attorney, preparation of advance decisions, Court of Protection applications, provision of care and funding, and advice for attorneys and deputies.

Clients first, always

Evolution of the team

Lodders’ Care & Capacity team’s main focus has been, and always will be, its clients. Sharon explains: “Our role often involves assisting extremely vulnerable individuals and their families in navigating the complex legal and practical challenges of managing financial affairs when they cannot do so themselves. This could be because their world has been turned upside down by dementia, or because an illness or injury has left them dependent on others.

“We understand that our clients and their families face emotional challenges, sometimes on a daily basis, which can be immensely overwhelming. Our goal is to shoulder the burden of legal and practical technicalities of managing affairs, allowing families and carers to focus on the well-being of their loved ones.”

The Thalidomide Trust

L odders’ Care & Capacity team works closely with the Thalidomide Trust, which is a registered charity that supports a unique community of people who are living with disabilities as a result of their mothers taking the drug thalidomide during the first three months of pregnancy.

The Trust was set up in 1973 as a discretionary trust, as part of the legal settlement between Distillers Company Ltd and 429 children with thalidomide-related disabilities.

The charity was initially set up as a way of distributing money, but it has become a great deal more than that. The Trust provides financial, emotional and practical support, helping beneficiaries to respond to challenges that they face and anticipate for the future whilst remaining independent and living in their own homes.

www.thalidomidetrust.org

The Care & Capacity team has developed significantly in recent years, with new solicitors recruited and dedicated administrators added to its ranks –changes all aimed at reducing costs for clients and boosting efficiencies.

In 2022, the firm established the Lodders Trust Corporation Ltd to assist with private client work. This means that, where a professional attorney or deputy is required, the Care & Capacity team can now appoint the Lodders Trust Corporation instead of an individual solicitor. Ultimately, this avoids delays if an individual is away from the office and provides continuity for clients.

The team has also advanced its service offerings, developing a tailored retainer service to stay in regular contact with clients and ensure they are prepared to act as attorneys when needed. With an adapted team structure, the team can now handle a broader range of work, including contentious situations and complex legal matters like the removal of incapable trustees.

Professional recognition

Underpinning the team’s commitment to providing the highest quality legal advice, key members have achieved notable qualifications, with Sharon Crosby and Michael Neal-Brook being accredited members of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers, and Sharon also completing the STEP Advanced Certificate in Advising Vulnerable Clients. All members of the team are Dementia Friends and also actively support the Thalidomide Trust, with Michael in particular providing advisory services.

Left to right: Sharon Crosby, Michael Neal-Brook, Gemma Bryan

A decade in Cheltenham

Lodders marked 10 strong years since the opening of its Cheltenham office at Glensanda House by inviting clients and contacts from across Cheltenham and Gloucestershire to come together for an evening of delicious food, gin tasting, and live jazz on 27 June 2024.

Since 2013, the Cheltenham office has grown substantially, with the team working across a wide variety of areas, including private client, real estate, employment, residential property and agriculture.

Over the past decade, the team has worked with and supported some key Gloucestershire businesses, including Centaur Homes, Investec, The King’s School, The Jockey Club, Hazlewoods, Savills, Countrywide Property, Brewin Dolphin and Thomas Legal, to name just a few.

Paul Mourton, Lodders’ managing partner said: “Gloucestershire is a great place to live and work and we are proud to be part of the fabric of this vibrant town. Since opening our Cheltenham office a decade ago, we have seen the business community go from strength to strength.“

“Gloucestershire has a fantastic reputation for being a great place to start a new business and Lodders is pleased to support entrepreneurs, as well as established businesses, in Cheltenham and beyond.”

QA &

Dawn Oliver is a partner in Lodders’ Private Client team and joined the firm in May 2024.

What aspects of estate and lifetime planning do you most enjoy?

“I love working with clients to understand their family dynamics and what they are looking to achieve in preserving wealth for future generations.“

“All clients have different objectives, but most are very happy to be guided by us based on our years of expertise. I like to take time to get to know my clients and really listen. That’s the most important aspect for me. It’s all about good, old-fashioned personal service!”

How do you hope to support junior solicitors to develop and grow?

“I have long subscribed to the ‘grow your own’ mentality when building and structuring my department. I am passionate about helping junior solicitors discover how fulfilling a career in advising private clients can be. No two days are the same and no two clients the same. The sheer breadth of the discipline requires considerable knowledge of ‘life’ and looking after junior solicitors as they navigate that, as well as the minefield of tax and often international succession issues, is truly a privilege.”

How do you support local charities?

“I give my time to several local charities as a trustee, supporting on legal matters but also generally on the challenges of fundraising and raising awareness of the charitable causes they support. I have experience with grant making charities, some of which I have set up for my own clients, as well as those in the spheres

of healthcare, the arts and education. It’s becoming increasingly harder to recruit younger people to the boards of charities and as a result, the sector is facing a trustee recruitment crisis. If there is anyone reading this who is considering taking up a position as a charity trustee, I would urge you to just do it! It’s very rewarding.”

What’s next for the Private Client team at Lodders?

“Number one for me is to expand our offering in Cheltenham. Number two is to support the whole team to continue to deliver what I call the ‘Lodders legacy.’ Lodders’ Private Client team has long been a Tier 1 offering in the West Midlands, but we don’t rest on our laurels. Like all businesses, we constantly strive to do better. I’m confident that we are very well placed to provide the best of an expert personal service to our clients both old and new.”

Dawn Oliver E: dawn.oliver@lodders.co.uk

T: 01789 339126

Grace Walton joined the firm as people and culture director in March 2024. At Lodders, she leads and coordinates the delivery of the firm’s strategic and operational HR function, people initiatives, and talent management activities, as well as developing the People team.

Culture: it’s hard to get and easy to lose

Integral to Grace’s role is fostering a strong company culture and ensuring this is consistent across all our offices, providing an environment where our people can develop and thrive. After all, a positive workplace culture undoubtedly plays a key role in driving growth and success in a law firm, as Grace explains: “Culture is everythingit’s the fundamental underpinning of a business and the reason people come to work and do the work they do. Culture is the reason people stay; it’s hard to get and easy to lose.”

Lodders is embarking on a new phase of growth and development. Central to this strategy is our newly expanded People team, dedicated to bringing in the very best talent to the firm whilst conserving our culture. “Introducing new people to

Building talent and culture:

In conversation with Grace Walton

a well-established culture can be challenging,” says Grace. “But our People team is here to enhance what Lodders already has. The firm has strength in the personal connections our people have fostered. Whether you’ve been here for your whole career or just a few months like me, the personal relationships built across the matrix are invaluable. The understanding people have of each other, the way they work, and the things they want to achieve is hugely impressive.”

Attracting top tier talent

Talent attraction and retention is another key area of focus for the People team. “Trainee recruitment and pipeline are hugely important and are currently undergoing a reshape,” Grace explains. “We want to ensure we attract top tier talent and provide these individuals with the best experience. For a firm like Lodders, it is vital that we ‘grow our own’ and retain that talent.”

As part of this, the People team will be focusing on developing staff across the firm to their full potential. This includes ensuring everyone has access to clear career progression routes, soft skills training, and ongoing upskilling

Learning on the job

During Learning at Work Week (13 to 19 May), Lodders launched its learning and development initiative Lodders Live. From leadership skills to time management, bake-offs to bingo, financial advice to exercise, and tips on accessing mental health provisions, sessions were delivered by internal and external speakers.

We were delighted to be joined by Beth Pipe, a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development who has delivered a number of webinars and workshops to Lodders’ staff over the last few years. Beth has

spent over 20 years specialising in learning and development and has written extensively on subjects such as leadership, performance management, managing change and continuous improvement. We were also joined by managing director of Function Jigsaw Limited, Julie Hayton, who delivered sessions on posture and breathwork.

Commenting on Lodders Live, Louise Brookes, Lodders’ training and development manager says: “Continual development and learning is recognised as a fundamental way to improve the professional standards and skills of

opportunities. “We are keen to ensure Lodders offers an excellent workplace experience for both new recruits and the existing workforce,” Grace says, “with opportunities for greater collaboration and supervision, as well as a benefits package that adds real value to each and every team member.”

Workplace benefits

Whilst salary remains a crucial factor, Grace notes there has been a noticeable shift since the pandemic in the value placed on additional benefits in the workplace. “This is why culture plays such a huge part,” she says. “People want to know that they’re going to do high-quality work for great clients and that they’re going to be mentored, developed, and supported. This is particularly true for trainees and younger generations.”

Looking to the future, Grace comments: “With more than 240 years of rich history under its belt, Lodders is no ordinary law firm and I’m really excited to harness the firm’s brilliant potential and explore new possibilities for growth and success.”

Grace Walton E: grace.walton@lodders.co.uk T: 01789 206161

individuals. As the legal profession is forever evolving, it is important to ensure our people remain up to date with current trends and research as well as discovering new opportunities.”

Louise Brookes

E: louise.brookes@lodders.co.uk

T: 01789 206919

news

Building a career in law

Newly qualified solicitors Lizzie Curnock and Olivia Beeton joined Lodders having both converted to law through the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (formerly the GDL). The training contracts they subsequently secured have enabled them to gain experience in different departments and work with colleagues across the firm.

Lodders’ training contracts involve a mix of qualifying work experience across different areas of expertise. Alongside this, trainees study for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), the centralised assessment for anyone who wants to qualify as a solicitor in England. The qualification is fully funded by Lodders.

Lizzie and Olivia have both found their fit in the profession and, following the successful completion of their training, join Lodders as newly qualified solicitors. We asked them to reflect on their training journeys.

Why law?

Lizzie: “Working in sports regulation led me to undertake a sports law placement at the British Horseracing Authority. Here, I assisted with governance, disciplinary hearings, and company law. I enjoyed this work and the barristers I was working with encouraged me to take it further by applying for the law conversion course.”

Olivia: “Having attained a degree in Social Anthropology and an LLM in International Human Rights Law, my dream was to join the Civil Service. But a conversation with my brother led me to law. A chartered surveyor, he was speaking about the property lawyers he dealt with (who were in fact from Lodders!) and I thought that a career in law would really play to my strengths.”

What was your route into law?

Lizzie: “After completing an undergraduate degree in English Literature, I took on the GDL, followed by the LPC/LLM combined. The GDL was challenging and fast paced, but it gave me confidence that I could go further. After graduating, I started at Lodders as a paralegal in the Agriculture team, which progressed to the training contract.”

Olivia: “I was working in hospitality to support my studies and to live, whilst I applied for the Civil Service and other jobs. Like Lizzie, I completed the GDL as I hadn’t done a law degree. After the GDL came the LPC, which is the more vocational side of training at university. Following lockdown, I undertook a month of work experience in Lodders’ Private Client team and was then offered a training contract.”

Why Lodders?

Olivia: “My main interests for qualification were private client and commercial property, and Lodders offered both. I was also attracted to the firm due to its strong reputation, despite not being a city firm. By joining Lodders, I could work outside of the city (and maintain a good work-life balance) without compromising the quality of my training.”

Lizzie: “I grew up in a farming family and had been aware of Lodders from the Moreton Show. I applied for my paralegal job at Lodders specifically to work in the Agriculture team. I am therefore thrilled to be qualifying into the Agriculture department in September, where I will continue to support the team.”

Any advice for future trainees?

Lizzie: “Get as much work experience as possible and look for paralegal roles. My year as a paralegal was a great foundation for my training.”

Olivia: “Go for it. Don’t give up. The average age of qualification is 29, and you are never too old. Make the most of your differences and your life experience as they will be an asset to your legal career.”

Olivia Beeton

E: olivia.beeton@lodders.co.uk

T: 01789 339119

Lizzie Curnock

E: lizzie.curnock@lodders.co.uk

T: 01242 225320

Left to right: Olivia Beeton and Lizzie Curnock

Lodders is committed to investing in technology to enhance our service delivery and the overall client experience. Our strategy and approach, which is driven by our IT director, James Hamilton, is focused on keeping our clients’ data safe and secure.

Lodders’ IT team protects clients through several measures, including:

• Regular email ‘phishing’ test campaigns and training on emerging trends and contemporary hacking techniques to ensure we are best equipped to protect our clients’ data.

• Utilising an identity provider that allows all our cloudbased application logins to meet our account security requirements.

• Ensuring that all data is encrypted whilst it is on our systems and when it needs to be sent to other third-party systems.

• Onboarding our clients using contemporary technologies to ensure the most accurate anti-money laundering and identification information is gathered.

“Lodders is a business that cares about its people and clients and is always looking to evolve. Implementing comprehensive cyber security measures, as well as relevant emerging technologies, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, will ensure the business is on a contemporary journey, with technology at its heart.”

• Working with a security operations centre partner to allow us even more comprehensive, round the clock security monitoring, more advanced user awareness training, and enhanced incident response capabilities.

James Hamilton E: james.hamilton@lodders.co.uk T:

01789 335269

Streamlining and securing the new client experience

As part of our financial and regulatory obligations (including anti-money laundering rules), we have to ask new clients for certain pieces of information so that we can verify their identity. This includes taking a copy of your photo ID (such as a passport or driving licence) and proof of address. To help speed up the process and enable us to get started on your legal work more swiftly, we recently introduced a digital tool called Legl. Through the Legl platform, you can quickly and easily provide the documents required through your smartphone. Legl is used by many public and private companies, including the NHS and hundreds of other law firms –and you can be assured that your data will always be stored safely. Don’t have a smartphone? That’s no problem, you can arrange an appointment to meet with a member of the Lodders team, who will be able to carry out the process with you in just a few minutes.

How to spot a suspicious email

Hackers will often try to gain access to your data by posing as an organisation that you know and trust, such as your bank – or law firm! Here are a few indicators that an email might not be all that it appears:

• Poor spelling, grammar and punctuation.

• Poor quality logos and graphics –does it look right?

• Is it addressed to you by name or to ‘valued customer’, ‘friend’, ‘colleague’? This can be a sign that the sender does not actually know you.

• Does the email encourage you to act urgently? Be suspicious of words like ‘send these details within 24 hours’ or ‘you have been a victim of crime, click here immediately’.

• Hover over any links within the email (but without clicking them) to see if they go where they claim to.

• Check the email address carefully. It is common for fraudsters to replace a ‘.co.uk’ with a ‘.com’ to avoid detection.

If you receive an email that looks like it is from Lodders but doesn’t feel quite right, the best thing to do is to call your usual contact to check before taking any action.

Bridging continents through the Women’s Partnership Challenge

In April, Heidi Brennan, partner in Lodders’ Construction and Engineering team, joined eight UK businesswomen with backgrounds in property and construction on a journey to Malawi as part of Orbis Expeditions’ Women’s Partnership Challenge.

Their mission was to exchange skills and expertise with a group of Malawian female entrepreneurs to help contribute to sustainable business growth in the area and inspire the next generation of girls to strive for careers in the property and construction sector, whilst also raising awareness and funding for secondary school places in Malawi.

Workshops: a platform for mutual learning

On arriving in Malawi, the team kicked things off by leading workshops designed to facilitate mutual learning and development, tackling three subjects: managing stress, enhancing communication skills, and improving time management.

Heidi led the time management workshop, introducing a ‘24-hour colour wheel’ exercise, which involved participants colour-coding a wheel representing a typical day.

Appreciating Malawi’s natural beauty

The next part of the trip saw the ladies taking on the challenging task of climbing Mount Mulanje. After an initial nine-kilometre elevation hike to one of the mountain’s six peaks, they spent the night in a mountain hut, before setting off early the following morning to complete their ascent and take in the breathtaking views from the summit.

Following their night on the mountain, the group stayed at a safari lodge in Liwonde National Park. Over two days, they experienced Malawi’s rich wildlife, spotting lions, cheetahs, elephants, and hippos on their trips out around the park.

Visiting Rainbow Hope Secondary School

The team then travelled further north to visit Rainbow Hope Secondary School, where they were warmly welcomed by the students and staff. Here, they held a workshop on how to design a festival through implementing the core skills of business, from idea development, marketing, and public speaking to creativity and teamwork. The students confidently presented their festival designs, then treated the ladies to performances of their own poetry and songs, plus a thought-provoking play about an arranged marriage and other local customs that they are trying to reform.

Funding secondary school places

Visiting Rainbow Hope was a particular highlight, and since returning from the trip, the group is continuing its efforts to raise sponsorship for two girls to attend the school. Heidi explains: “Secondary school in Malawi is for fee-paying students, meaning a huge number of students that pass their primary exams do not get a chance to continue their education. Six out of seven girls in Malawi are not enrolled in secondary school, whilst three in seven girls are married before the age of 18.

“Each girl that attends Rainbow Hope Secondary School pays around £600 a year and needs to attend for four years to complete their education. These fees include full boarding, mentoring, supplies and additional support with their studies. The group has managed to raise a fantastic £5,000 which will enable two girls to have fully funded places at Rainbow Hope this year. I am delighted to announce that the Lodders partnership has pledged to match this figure, donating a further £5,000 to enable a total of four girls to attend Rainbow Hope.”

www.orbis-exhibitions.com

The Shakespeare Hospice: a cornerstone of compassionate care

Based in Stratford upon Avon, The Shakespeare Hospice offers outstanding palliative and end of life care to patients, their loved ones and carers across South Warwickshire and the surrounding areas.

The Hospice relies on the generosity of local individuals, businesses and volunteers to continue its operations and support to individuals and their families, with the local community providing essential financial support through fundraising and donations. In addition, volunteers from the community contribute their time and skills, enhancing the Hospice’s ability to offer comprehensive care and support.

LCF chosen charity

This year, the Lodders Charitable Foundation (LCF) is delighted to be supporting The Shakespeare Hospice which is celebrating 25 years since opening its doors to patients for the very first time.

Established in 2016, the LCF supports regional charities that make a real difference to their communities. Since it was founded, the LCF has donated more than £90,000 to local independent charities.

Challenges and opportunities

For 25 years, The Shakespeare Hospice has been a beacon of hope in the local community, offering a haven for those navigating difficult times. But like many other hospices, The Shakespeare Hospice faces its own challenges, including funding constraints across the healthcare sector and the increased demand for palliative care services. Securing sustainable funding remains a critical issue. The Hospice only receives a 10% contribution from the NHS towards its annual income. With an ageing population and rising incidence of chronic illnesses, the demand for hospice care is growing, necessitating the expansion of services and resources.

During the pandemic, the Hospice was unable to accommodate patients due to lockdown rules so the team used the opportunity to undertake a refurbishment to modernise the day hospice and create more private consultancy spaces. These improvements have helped create a more comforting and supportive atmosphere, enabling the delivery of a more holistic approach to supporting patients and their loved ones.

25th anniversary

As part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, the Hospice has been planning many fundraising events including its infamous Dragon Boat Race. The year of celebrations will finish with a special 25th anniversary ball at Stratford Manor on 7 December.

Looking ahead

Over the next few years, the Hospice aims to expand its service provision and facilities to meet the growing demand for palliative and end-of-life care whilst expanding its community outreach programs.

Perhaps most important to The Shakespeare Hospice is that it remains a cornerstone of compassionate care for future generations.

Alison Stone, corporate and community fundraiser at The Shakespeare Hospice, comments:

“Support from our corporate partners is essential in ensuring that The Shakespeare Hospice can meet the growing demand for palliative care and expand our services to those in need. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Lodders Charitable Foundation for their generous support this year. Their commitment enables us to continue providing compassionate care and essential services to our community, especially as we celebrate our 25th anniversary.”

www.theshakespearehospice.org.uk

Farewell Flavell

After an impressive 13 years and two months’ tenure at Lodders, Ian Flavell, partner in our Private Client team retires from practice.

Ian, who has been recognised regularly in the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners as a leading individual for his industry expertise, joined Lodders in 2011 from Birmingham-based Martineau where he spent 20 years.

Ian has spent most of his professional career providing advice to those who live and work in the countryside, specialising in estate and tax planning, and drawing up and providing advice on trusts and wills, for owners and trustees of landed estates and farmers.

In July 2016, he was elected as chairman for the Warwickshire branch of the Country Landowners Association (CLA), which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, where he continues as a committee member, and he was previously a member of the CLA’s taxation committee.

Ian is also a member of the Agricultural Law Association, and the Society of Trust and Estates Practitioners (STEP).

His interest in this area of law led him to complete a Masters in agricultural law at De Montfort University, 24 years after he graduated with a law degree from Exeter University.

The team at Lodders would like to thank Ian for his hard work and commitment to the firm and wishes him all the very best for his retirement.

Growing our own

Lodders has made eight promotions across our Real Estate, Private Client, Dispute Resolution, Business Services, and Operations teams, including two legal director appointments.

In our Business Services group, corporate law specialist Leanne Lawrence is promoted to legal director.

In the private client team; Sharon Crosby, who heads up the Care & Capacity team, is promoted to legal director and Michael Neal-Brook is promoted to senior associate.

In our growing Dispute Resolution team, both Anjali Narshi and Lauren Hutchinson are promoted to senior associate, with Katie Mann becoming an associate.

Hollie Smith in Lodders’ top-ranking Real Estate group is promoted to associate, and Sara Dove is promoted to CRM & data manager.

Left to right: Leanne Lawrence, Anjali Narshi, Katie Mann, Michael Neal-Brook, Hollie Smith, Sara Dove, Sharon Crosby

People at the heart

Hereat Lodders, we are passionate about fostering a culture and environment where our team can grow and thrive. As such, many of our team members have chosen to develop their careers with us for the long term. We spoke to five individuals from different areas of the firm to find out the highlights of their experiences at Lodders so far.

Constantine Berry: 10 years

Constantine is a legal director in our Real Estate group and is based in our Cheltenham office.

“I arrived shortly after the opening of the Cheltenham office and in that time, have seen the office and team truly flourish. I have had the privilege of working with some fantastic colleagues and contacts with whom I am delighted to be celebrating Cheltenham’s 10th anniversary year.”

Lindsey Ebdon: 10 years

Lindsey is personal assistant to Lodders’ managing partner Paul Mourton.

“My highlight has been working with Paul, he has consistently been a pleasure to work with - through the highs and lows of managing a growing business. It has also been a joy to work with all the staff in Cheltenham, which is my home office. My ten years of service has flown by!”

Steph Smith: 33 years

Steph is our learning and development assistant and is based in Stratford.

“Over my 33 years at Lodders I have seen many changes, from office moves to new IT and personnel. Lodders has given me the opportunity to move departments and find my niche in learning and development. There have been too many memorable moments at Lodders to mention, but something I will never forget is being the back end of a pantomime cow at our first Moreton Show. It was a very hot day!”

Nicole Harrison: 20 years

Nicole is personal assistant to Mark Miller, partner and head of the Real Estate group.

“I can genuinely say that I enjoy coming to work because Lodders enables me to have a fair work life balance which contributes to better health and wellbeing. I have met so many lovely people along the way including Mark Miller and Dan MacLeod who are a pleasure to work with.”

people news

Adrian Church: 50 years in trust and probate

Adrian is a consultant in our Private Client team and started in trust and probate practice 50 years ago.

“I have been working as a consultant to the Lodders’ Private Client team for six years, including the trials of the pandemic period! In that time, my team members have become good friends as well as colleagues and I would like to thank them all for the support and welcome they have given me. As a consultant, I tend to be given the more ‘out of the ordinary’ jobs, so the work itself has been interesting and rewarding. Thank you also to the firm for including me on its social events and making me feel like a true member of the Lodders family.”

A warm welcome

As well as celebrating long service within the team, we are welcoming new talent to the firm, with Kate McCann, Megan Murray-Carter, and Tracey Obiakor joining as trainee solicitors and Kirsty Ojiem as a paralegal in Lodders’ Property Dispute Resolution team.

We don’t like cricket

we love it!

This year, Lodders celebrates four years of its partnership with the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) and sponsorship of the PCA Futures Awards.

Since Lodders first joined forces with the PCA to host and sponsor the Futures Awards, there have been three impressive overall winners: Sussex and Leicester bowler Abi Sakande won in 2021, Gloucestershire’s Tom Smith took home the award in 2022. In 2023, 19-year-old Yash Vagadia claimed victory in the Academic Progression category alongside being named the outstanding candidate of the process, whilst Ethan Bamber, Middlesex bowler, won the award for Community Spirit.

Also in 2023, Derbyshire wicketkeeper Steve Griffiths took the prize in the Business Impact category, which recognises PCA members’ future personal development away from the pitch.

Reclaiming purpose

Steve Griffiths captivated the panel with his portfolio of artwork using reclaimed and recycled materials. The 50-year-old set up his business called ‘ACHUB’ (from the Welsh language meaning ‘to save or to rescue’), which blossomed from his desire to save and preserve memories through transforming loved or unloved furniture and giving it a new life and purpose. Steve also creates bespoke and unique pieces of artwork on recycled or unwanted canvases.

Steve comments on the process and what it meant to him:

“Since being awarded the Business Impact Award by the PCA and Lodders, I have been able to make great strides with my new ecologically minded business, ACHUB. Having a suitable workspace was critical for growth and through my grant, I was able to expand both my workshop and studio space and upgrade and purchase new tools and machinery.“

“Following this, I linked up with an arts charity and Bath Spa University, which has increased both my productivity and personal confidence. I can truly say that without the fantastic support from the PCA and Lodders, I would never have taken these steps and consider myself extremely fortunate. I hope to continue to grow the business and for it to become a full-time operation, as well as mentoring and possibly employing others in the future.”

Lodders will be hosting the 2024 Futures Awards at our Birmingham office, 1 Newhall Street on 10 December.

Supporting the Foxes

Alongside the PCA partnership, Lodders also continues to support Leicestershire County Cricket Club (the Foxes) for a second year.

A three times County Championship winner and the most successful UK club in the T20 competition, Leicestershire Cricket Club has a history of developing young players. It has clear ambition, whilst maintaining a clear commitment to the local community.

Earlier this year, the club revealed plans for a £60m redevelopment, which includes transforming the existing Grace Road stadium and creating homes, healthcare and retail units for the surrounding community.

www.thepca.co.uk

www.achub-furniture-art.co.uk

Steve Griffiths

Stratford Business

Lunches

Hosted at the prestigious Arden Hotel, Stratford, the lunch events have attracted businesses in and around Stratford who have come together to meet faces old and new, expand their network, and gain insights into the latest business trends.

Stuart Price, partner in Lodders’ Commercial team, says:

“We are delighted that the Stratford Business Lunches have been so well received and that business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals in the community are regularly coming together to meet face-to-face.”

Stratford business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals have been meeting at a new series of networking lunches, supported by Lodders.

“Businesses are experiencing unprecedented pressures in the current economic climate, so it is more important than ever that we support each other and share insights and learnings. As an active member of the Stratford business community, Lodders is keen that local businesses and entrepreneurs continue to strengthen and forge valuable and long-lasting partnerships.”

The Stratford Business Lunches are held quarterly. Look out for details of future events on the Lodders website and LinkedIn page.

www.lodders.co.uk/SBL