Lodders Life Issue 7 by Lodders Solicitors

life

Lodders

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

Issue 7

06 There’s no place like home 04

Sole mates

Howzat! Life beyond the boundary s o l i c i t o rs

life welcome

Lodders

Issue 7

I’d like to offer a very warm welcome to the new issue of Lodders Life. We’ve very much enjoyed creating this, the seventh issue of Lodders Life, our magazine for clients and friends of the firm. You’ll find features on Cameron Homes and Gumleaf Boots (and a competition to win some wellies), plus news on our partnership with the Professional Cricketers’ Association. Biodiversity net gain is a big topic for landowners and developers alike and we cover this, along with our usual expert legal insights, people news, and updates from across our four offices. Since our last issue, we have all had to cope with the sadness and disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic and I sincerely hope that you, your friends, and families have kept safe and well. The last 15 months has taught me that our clients are supremely resilient, agile, and deserving of the exceptional client service that we pride ourselves upon. Our team has worked tirelessly, often in difficult circumstances to maintain excellent service. Home schooling has thankfully come to an end, but we are pretty sure that virtual meetings are no doubt here to stay! The release of this issue is timely as we start to move forward with a little more certainty. I very much look forward to office life returning, enabling interaction between colleagues and clients alike, as nothing can replace collaboration and the sharing of minds. Thank you for your invaluable support; I do hope you enjoy the read. Paul Mourton, Managing Partner

Editor: Hilary Campton hilary.campton@lodders.co.uk Enquiries: Eleri Williams eleri.williams@lodders.co.uk Editorial: Diane Wood, V Formation Lucy Wharton, V Formation Eleri Williams, Lodders Solicitors Angela Howard, Lodders Solicitors Photography: David Warren, www.pictureteam.co.uk Lodders Life is produced for Lodders by: Reach Marketing, www.reachmarketing.co.uk

Lodders Solicitors LLP - our offices: Stratford upon Avon Number Ten Elm Court Arden Street Stratford upon Avon Warwickshire CV37 6PA T: 01789 293259

Cheltenham Glensanda House 1 Montpellier Parade Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL50 1UA T: 01242 228370

Birmingham 14 St Paul’s Square Birmingham B3 1RB T: 0121 200 0890

Henley in Arden 16 High Street Henley in Arden Warwickshire B95 5BW T: 01564 792261

www.lodders.co.uk

@LoddersLawyers

All opinions, views and editorial pieces are for entertainment purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.

Cover image: Cameron Homes

contents features 04 Sole mates Meet the owner of Gumleaf boots

06 There’s no place like home Profiling Tara Group

09 Biodiversity net gain Answering your questions

10 Digital farming Hartpury’s ‘digital first’ initiatives

11 Window of opportunity

12 regulars 20 Legal updates Insights and advice from across the firm

Make the most of tax reliefs

12 Life beyond the boundary

24 Spotlight on… Billy Barber, Faye Reynolds, Jane Senior

In partnership with the PCA

14 Employee wellbeing

26 Firm news News from around our offices

Lessons from the last year

16 The real deal Profiling our talented Real Estate team

32 People news Updates on the Lodders team 34 Competitions to enter

Win Gumleaf boots and more

mates

sole

Luxury, hard wearing and high comfort Gumleaf boots are environmentally green, sustainable, and made entirely from natural product - and the perfect fit for the diversification goals of farmer, entrepreneur and Gumleaf owner, Guy Minshull.

hird generation arable farmer Guy Minshull farms around 320 acres across Warwickshire, including at his home, Ash Tree Farm.

Arable farmers are busiest in the summer months, and Guy is no exception, and so he was on the lookout for a separate business that could slot-into his farming calendar whilst at the same time realise his diversification dreams. In early 2019, Guy spotted what he describes as a ‘ready-made’ business for sale, and thought it could be the perfect fit.

Lodders Life Issue 7

LIFESTYLE FEATURE: GUMLEAF

“I had been keeping an eye out for a business that would complement the farming and my land-based experience and knowledge as well as, ideally, one that would trade predominantly over the winter months,” he says. “The founder and owner of Gumleaf Boots – also a farmer - was looking to retire and sell the business. I got in touch and went to meet him at his Norfolk farm to find out more about the business. “Despite being in farming all my life, I had never before heard of Gumleaf boots, but found the wellingtons excellent quality, and the business eminently ‘relocatable’.

“Its strong ethical values, commitment to being environmentally sound and the use of mainly natural products in the boots, were particularly attractive. “I saw huge potential to make more of the company. It also presented the chance for me to step out of my farming world and take on a fresh challenge.” Guy bought Gumleaf in July 2019, with advice from Lodders' Corporate and Commercial partner Kim Klahn. The purchase included the business’ sales agents and established network of 60 stockists and specialist countryside retailers. He moved the business and all stock to Warwickshire, which has proved the ideal base from which to serve the whole the country.

The Gumleaf portfolio With styles for men, women and children, Gumleaf boots come from a farming background where wellies are a necessity not an option. “You need to look forward to putting boots on every day,” says Guy. “Comfort, warmth, durability and value, are all things that we look for when designing our boots.” Manufactured in Europe at a traditional boot factory, every pair of Gumleaf boots is handmade using sustainably sourced natural rubber, and pressure-tested before leaving the factory. “Having our factory in Europe allows us to be fully involved in every stage of the production process and product development. “The factory has been making rubber boots in the traditional handmade way since 1927,” Guy explains. “It is one of only two mainstream factories remaining in Europe using natural rubber. Plus it uses only wood chip for power, which significantly reduces carbon footprint too.”

Made for the great outdoors “Gumleaf is a quality brand, that is competitively priced in what is a crowded market,” says Guy, “and primarily worn by people who enjoy the great outdoors, both work and pleasure, particularly farmers and for country sports.” The Gumleaf ‘professional green boot range’ caters for all types of country pursuits, and incorporates the ‘Royal Zip’ neoprene, that makes taking off and putting on easy.

The Viking range is a slightly roomier and more expandable design, the Saxon is Gumleaf’s standard neoprene boot for super warmth and comfort, and the Field has a cotton liner that makes it perfect for warmer days.

Gumleaf: at a glance

Best foot forward

• Key features: natural rubber and neoprene inner sock

• Currently selling +2000 pairs per annum • 10 boot designs, field tested by farmers, with more styles in the pipeline

A few months after Guy bought Gumleaf, excitement and expectation for the new business and opportunity was soon crushed when the world was shattered by the COVID-19 pandemic. “As a new business owner, it was certainly a worrying time,” says Guy. “It was a balancing act. With people getting outside more than ever, demand for our boots was high, but the factory was in lockdown, so supply was short. “Of course, all the 2020 countryside shows and events were cancelled, erasing a big chunk of potential boot sales. Despite that, sales volumes were still pretty good. I am optimistic we can sell at least four-times as many boots this and subsequent years.”

Great strides Setting out on a new business venture is impossible without professional support: “I value the opportunity to talk to experienced professionals who take an objective, but informed view,” says Guy.

• USP: handmade in Europe • Made from natural, sustainablysourced rubber • Strong ethical values • Top seller: Saxon boot • Close second: Viking boot • Newest design feature – the Vibram sole, introduced across the entire range of green boots in 2017, and guarantees more grip and less weight • Available in olive green, dark green, with one style available in red or blue • Some designs available 1 inch taller and wider fitting than standard dimensions

W: www.gumleaf.com E: sales@gumleaf.com Follow: @gumleafboots @gumleafboots

“John Rouse at Lodders has been an invaluable support with solid tax, family, and inheritance advice for me and the family, and planning for the family farming business. “Lodders has specialists and expert teams in every sort of business and private client law – from Alastair Frew, who has given great advice on matters affecting us brought about by HS2, to Kim Klahn, who provided initial advice when I first looked into buying Gumleaf. A seamless, professional and highly approachable team.” Guy adds: “We’re genuinely relishing the fresh challenge of Gumleaf and its enormous potential – everyone needs a pair of wellies! Turn to page 34 to win a pair of Gumleaf boots.

Guy Minshull, Gumleaf owner

LIFESTYLE FEATURE: GUMLEAF

home

there’s no

place like

ith close to 30 years’ industry experience, Tara Group has established a strong reputation in the infrastructure and house building market as a company that delivers high quality projects and developments in sought-after locations across the Midlands.

Tara Group Staffordshire-based Tara Group was founded in 1974 by Noel Sweeney, and consists of four operating companies. As the parent company, Tara Group provides the capability, flexibility and financial strength to support its group companies to deliver projects with a high degree of complexity.

The Group includes Chasetown Civil Engineering, which provides a full range of civil, infrastructure, roads and sewers, earthworks and groundworks services, residential housebuilders Cameron Homes and Galliers Homes and more recently Keon Homes, which concentrates on affordable housing provision, private rental sector (PRS) and open market residential developments.

We saw potential in the Midlands for more affordable homes to be built by a specialist firm utilising local skills and experience 6

Lodders Life Issue 7

LIFESTYLE FEATURE: CAMERON HOMES

Innovative solutions

Family values

Chasetown Civil Engineering was the first company to be founded by Noel Sweeney in 1974 and remains a privately owned company today. Leveraging the benefit of over 45 years of industry experience and insight, it provides a full range of civil, infrastructure, roads, sewers, earthworks, and groundworks services to the construction sector, with significant expertise in house building.

Tara Group has a culture of openness, honesty and transparency that is deeply embedded in the team.

The company’s clients are at the centre of its service and the team’s collaborative approach ensures it can contribute to value engineering, timely project delivery and innovative solutions.

Quality and affordability

Flexible living

Keon Homes was established in 2018 by two teams with a strong track record of working in the residential housing sector, in response to the growing need for affordable housing.

Passionate about build quality and also with an ambition to always put its customers first, together with family values of integrity, trust and pride, the Cameron Homes and Galliers Homes teams take time to really understand how people want to live and design homes around people, not plans.

With 35 years’ combined experience and a driving force to succeed, Keon’s senior team is growing the business with a focus on quality, best practice and putting clients’ needs front and centre, as its director Warren Bolton explains: “Keon Homes came about through a longstanding relationship with Noel Sweeney, and the ever-increasing demand for high quality, affordable homes. We saw potential in the Midlands for more affordable homes to be built by a specialist firm utilising local skills and experience.” Co-director Richard Williams adds: “Keon needed to fit seamlessly into the overall offering of the Tara Group, so to further this synergy and strengthen the lines of communication between the businesses, we purchased an office opposite to Cameron Homes’ base on Chasetown Highstreet.”

The two brands are synonymous with bespoke designed, stylish homes that complement the way people live their lives, and can evolve with their changing needs. With flowing, flexible interior spaces, the homes provide the spaces that matter to first-time buyers, growing families, and downsizers alike, whether these be open plan living, a home office, children’s playroom, or home gym. With developments in the most soughtafter locations across the Midlands and Shropshire, they offer two-, three-, fourand five-bedroom homes, with price tags ranging from £200,000 to £1.2m.

Paul Morrissey, Cameron Homes’ operations director explains: “Cameron has a family feel right through to its core and this is cultivated at each and every stage of the development process. “Our directors know everyone by name and our employees know they are always welcome to pick up the phone and talk to them. This makes for clear and effective communication and helps ensure customers, clients, and suppliers receive a professional and trustworthy service at all times. “Our work is very much a team effort,” he adds, “everyone gets stuck in and no-one’s afraid to get out on the sites and get their boots muddy!”

To reinforce its progressive, family ethos, Tara Group is forging important synergies between its three businesses, particularly within the areas of land buying, IT and health and safety.

LIFESTYLE FEATURE: CAMERON HOMES

Tara Group: at a glance

Community foundations

Legal agility

• 1974: date established

The Cameron team takes immense pride in carefully selecting desirable locations for its homes. With a focus on choosing the finest places to build new communities, it seeks locations with an abundance of open green spaces and local amenities nearby.

With a busy programme of works including new land purchases and housing developments, the legal support Cameron and Galliers requires is often complex and requires agile legal expertise and knowledge in a range of specialist disciplines.

Whilst Cameron’s new build homes are its central focus, it is also experienced in renovating older houses and converting barns, providing further assurance of its sympathetic approach to development and housebuilding.

Lodders has worked with Cameron Homes since 2015, with solicitors from across the firm providing advice on site acquisitions and property developments, strategic land, planning, highways, new homes sales, dispute resolution and corporate and commercial matters.

• 221: number of staff • £182m: annual revenue

Cameron Homes • 1993: date established • 2018: launched East Midlands regional division • 17: number of developments • 4: number of upcoming developments preparing for launch • 3 to 5 years: typical time frame to identify the right land • £200k to £1.2m: price range of Cameron Homes’ properties Contact W: www.camerongalliers.co.uk E: info@camerongalliershomes.co.uk @cameronhomes1993 @CameronHomesLtd

Keon Homes Established in 2018 and growing rapidly, Keon works with registered providers, local authorities and other partners to build social housing, in addition to building homes for the private sale and private rental market. • 2018: date established • 140: homes expected to be delivered in the next year

Case study: Breedon on the Hill Cameron Homes likes to build homes that not only blend seamlessly with existing communities but also enhance the surroundings for years to come, as Group Sales and Marketing Director Carolanne Dieleman explains: “The beautiful village of Breedon on the Hill in North West Leicestershire was notorious for flooding, so an important part of our development work was putting in flood defence measures to not only protect the new homes, but also increase the safety and security of existing homes. As well as supporting employment in the area by appointing local subcontractors, Cameron built and gifted the Parish Council Hall to the village.”

• 35: years’ experience held by the directors

Chasetown Civil Engineering Chasetown Civil Engineering delivers high quality and innovative solutions to its clients, specialising in infrastructure, groundworks and related building services. • 1974: date established • £100k to £50m: range of project values • 650: people employed across the Midlands • 40: apprentices currently employed

Lodders Life Issue 7

LIFESTYLE FEATURE: CAMERON HOMES

“Given our values and ethos, having a people-focused law firm on hand is important to Cameron Homes,” says development director Steve Cassie. “Lodders is an extension of our team and we see the relationship as a true partnership, cemented by trust, with both parties working towards the same end goal of developing first-class homes.”

Cameron Homes is a well-established housebuilder with an ambitious and highly skilled team that gives its customers, locations, designs, and home specifications great respect and consideration. James Mottram, Client Care Partner, Real Estate

Q&A

biodiversity

net gain

he Environment Bill introduces a mandatory ‘biodiversity net gain’ requirement for developments in England, which is likely to be in force by Summer 2023, but there still remains some uncertainty as to what this means for landowners and developers. Victoria Longmore, partner in Lodders’ Real Estate team and planning specialist, answers some questions our expert team is frequently asked about biodiversity.

What is biodiversity net gain? Biodiversity net gain is an approach that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than before development – delivering improvements and avoiding and mitigating harm to the environment as far as possible.

What does the Environment How does a minimum Bill say about biodiversity 10% biodiversity net net gain? gain work in practice? The Environment Bill introduces a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain requirement for developments in England. The Bill sets out a ‘mitigation hierarchy’, which encourages developers to first seek to avoid harm by mitigating and enhancing biodiversity measures on site. If this cannot be done either in full or in part, the developer will need to aim to secure local compensatory habitat creation by purchasing biodiversity units from third parties. As a third and final option, the developer must purchase statutory credits to fund cost effective habitat creation projects according to local and national conservation and natural capital priorities.

Once the baseline biodiversity units have been calculated, the mandatory requirement of 10% net gain is added, indicating the amount of biodiversity units the scheme should yield overall. However, the 10% should not be seen as a cap on biodiversity net gain; developers can aim to exceed this figure. Contact Victoria Longmore T: 01789 206119 E: victoria.longmore@lodders.co.uk

How do you measure biodiversity gains and losses? These can be measured using the updated Defra Biodiversity Metric 3.0 – a spreadsheetbased tool which contains data acquired through ecological assessments. Amongst the measures, the tool considers habitat type, condition, and species present, and quantifies these into biodiversity units.

FEATURE: BIODIVERSITY

digital farming Digital Farming Network

Internet tech

The Agri-Tech Centre’s newest initiative is the Hartpury Digital Farming Network. A community for and led by farmers, the network is free and open to any farming business with no restriction on location, size, or sector.

As an Internet of Things (IoT) demonstration site, they have distributed sensors across the Hartpury Agriculture campus, to showcase the full potential and capabilities of internet-connected technologies as part of the wider IoT network and its use within the agriculture sector.

Hartpury University and Hartpury College are among the UK’s leading specialist education providers in agriculture, animal, equine, sport, and veterinary nursing.

It has been created and set up to further improve the connection between innovation, technology development, and commercial farming practice. It enables farming businesses to be kept up-to-date with the latest news from the Agri-Tech Centre, and have the opportunity to play an active part in applied research into on-farm challenges, by trialling and testing the latest agri-technologies.

Ben Thompson, manager of Hartpury’s trailblazing Agri-Tech Centre, explains the latest in its growing portfolio of digital-first initiatives.

The network has six lead representatives for the dairy, beef, arable, horticulture, pig, and sheep sectors. As well as being a part of the Digital Farming Network, these lead farming representatives – all successful farmers in their own right – share their views on the latest challenges and changes within their specialist farming sector, and provide valuable insight to help steer the progress of technology and innovation. Together, they represent a much needed, highly valued resource that helps ensure the latest technological solutions are meeting and overcoming real world challenges.

Agri-Tech Centre Located in Gloucestershire, Hartpury University and Hartpury College’s 360-hectare campus includes the Agri-Tech Centre that provides farmers, students, and organisations with access to the latest commercial technology. Opened in 2020 by NFU President Minette Batters, the Centre’s key focus is on the latest smart farming techniques available to the agricultural industry, and aims to support farming businesses to increase productivity and profitability through knowledge transfer and practical demonstration.

Lodders Life Issue 7

FEATURE: HARTPURY COLLEGE

Cream of the crop The Hartpury commercial farm is proud of one of its most recent successes. It was crowned winner of the Youngstock Health and Welfare category at the prestigious 2021 Cream Awards organised by British Dairying magazine. In particular, this serves to shine a spotlight on and recognise the hard work and high standards of Hartpury’s students and farm staff. Find out more about Hartpury University & Hartpury College: www.hartpury.ac.uk

window

opportunity of

Farmers and landowners should think sooner rather than later about moving assets to the next generation to ensure continuity and longevity, but also to seize the opportunity of favourable tax reliefs before they disappear, says Lodders’ John Rouse.

there is a finite window of opportunity for CGT planning, and for farmers to look at restructuring and passing assets on before any new rules come into place. The simplification review could also mean tighter restrictions on IHT, specifically Agricultural Property Relief (APR) for farmers. Whilst this is a worry for farmers, for most family farms this shouldn’t be too much of a problem, so long as they have appropriate planning and structuring of the business, so the business and farm are set-up to maximise Business Property Relief (BPR).

Best of both worlds

ithin the last couple of years, the government has announced major reviews of capital taxes. Whilst we await the Office of Tax simplification reviews of Inheritance Tax (IHT) and Capital Gains Tax (CGT), we know that change to the regimes is inevitable.

Expectation

Historically, is has been advantageous for individuals to hold on to assets and pass them on death to the next generation and obtain a ‘tax-free uplift’ of the value for CGT purposes, whilst being able to rely on the availability of IHT APR and BPR preventing any inheritance tax liability – and the best of both worlds for capital taxes. However, the ‘tax man’ is aware of this double benefit and might remove it, so passing on businesses and properties should be considered within the next 12 months or so.

It is generally considered the current CGT regime is about as generous as it will get, and any changes will probably result in a combination of higher rates, reducing allowances, restriction in reliefs and overall a much tighter regime.

For landowners owning assets with the potential for substantial growth in value (such as potential development land), it is well worth considering whether to gift land to the next generation, either as an outright gift or into trusts, so any growth in value is outside of the estate.

The availability of rollover and holdover reliefs are very valuable for rural landowners and businesses. Withdrawal or restriction of those reliefs could make it more difficult for farmers to pass on farm businesses to the next generation without the significant risk of substantial tax liabilities. Given the likelihood of a less favourable CGT regime,

Alongside, the vulnerability of APR highlights how rural landowners deal with the working of their land. Landowners should consider new arrangements, avoid formal tenancies, and look at farming the land themselves or in conjunction with other farming businesses by way of share or contract farming arrangements.

Joint enterprise We have seen a growing trend in the number of new joint enterprise arrangements. For tax reasons, traditional farm tenancies are less popular and joint venture arrangements, share farming and contract farming agreements are becoming a more favoured approach. Consider how the land is and could be farmed, factor-in tax efficiency, and plan knowing that inheritance tax APR may be restricted or removed altogether in future. Avoiding tenancies and entering into new joint venture enterprise arrangements provide a strong and tax efficient alternative and will certainly continue to figure in robust succession planning that futureproofs the farm. John Rouse is a partner in Lodders’ Private Client department. He works with business owners, farmers, landowners, high net worth individuals and for different generations of the same family. Contact John Rouse T: 01789 206167 E: john.rouse@lodders.co.uk

FIRM NEWS: LEGAL UPDATE

howzat! The Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) is the representative body of past and present professional cricketers in England and Wales.

ichard Morris, Commercial Operations Lead at the PCA, explains how the PCA supports its members, and highlights the importance of commercial partners in supporting the PCA’s important initiatives. Formed in 1967, the two main strands of the PCA’s work are to offer clear and comprehensive contractual advice, and to deliver an industry-leading Personal Development and Welfare Programme (PDWP) to its 3,500 current members.

Rookie Camp

On top of providing services including mental health support, one of the key aims of the PDWP is to help players to better prepare for life after cricket, since the average career in the professional game comes to an end at the age of just 26.

Taking place every February, Rookie Camp brings together players who have recently signed their first professional contracts, for a day of seminars and workshops to help them better understand what it means to be a professional cricketer.

To facilitate this, the PCA provides career workshops to its members, as well as education funding to encourage players to broaden their horizons and consider life after the game.

Topics covered at the most recent Rookie Camp included anti-corruption, legal support, social media, and gambling addictions, and attendants were also treated to exclusive Q&As with England stars including Rob Key, Tim Bresnan and Anya Shrubsole.

The PCA is reliant on its loyal commercial partners like Lodders to continue providing such services to players. A partnership with the PCA is mutually beneficial, however, as partners are able to activate a range of rights including marketing, events and hospitality, and access to our diverse and talented membership, many of whom move into second careers in areas such as law.

Lodders Life Issue 7

FEATURE: PROFESSIONAL CRICKETERS’ ASSOCIATION

The PCA is committed to protecting the interests of younger players, and runs an annual Rookie Camp to induct newcomers into the professional game.

Though Rookie Camp took place via Zoom in 2021, the PCA hopes to return to Edgbaston Stadium to continue providing education for emerging professionals in 2022 and beyond.

New female members

life beyond the boundary Why we chose to support the PCA “Lodders became a commercial partner of the PCA in early 2020. Cricket hospitality has always been an important part of our event marketing mix and a PCA partnership undeniably helps us to secure some of the best seats in the house. “We were keen however to explore a partnership that went beyond event hospitality, and to provide support for the PCA’s impressive work in providing support to both current and past players. In particular, we are really excited about the opportunities to work with the PCA to provide practical support to former players who are looking to build new careers – perhaps even at Lodders!” Hilary Campton, Lodders’ marketing director

All professional cricketers in England and Wales are supported by the PCA, whether male or female. From 2020 that contingent has expanded to include 41 new female professionals, after the PCA and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) struck an historic agreement to create eight new professional sides based around the country, with each side containing either five or six full-time players. In December 2020, the new cohort was inducted into the PCA via video link, with the 41 new members also attending Rookie Camp in February 2021 to learn about life in the professional game. The new members join the existing female PCA membership, which includes every centrally contracted England Women player. In response to the number of female PCA members almost quadrupling, the PCA Players’ Committee ratified the creation of a new Women’s Player Committee in early 2021. The new body consists of seven female professionals, and will have exclusive voting rights on specific women’s-only issues within the game.

Get in touch with Richard Morris at richard.morris@thepca.co.uk to discover how a partnership with the PCA could benefit you.

FEATURE: PROFESSIONAL CRICKETERS’ ASSOCIATION

four wellbeing lessons we can take from the past year P

aul McGee is one of the UK’s leading speakers on change, workplace relationships, and motivation, with a bestselling book, SUMO (Shut Up, Move On), and is known for delivering practical, relevant tips and guidance, that have an immediate impact on people’s professional and personal lives. Paul reports on a session he ran for Lodders staff.

Lodders understands the important aspect within a workplace: “our staff are our biggest asset”. The team contacted me to run a session last year and this focused on my principle advice – Shut Up, Move On, or SUMO - which can also mean ‘stop, understand, move on’. The session focussed on providing practical points for better wellbeing, and demonstrated why wellbeing leads to welldoing.

There are four key lessons we can use to understand this: 1. It pays to be flexible. “Blessed are the flexible, for they will be successful”. In a storm, the trees that get uprooted are the ones that remain fixed, whereas some trees learn to bend with the wind. I believe flexibility is a skill for life, not just for lockdown. 2. You don’t always need to give advice. We often put ourselves under pressure to feel people are looking to us for advice, and that’s not always the case. Sometimes,

people just want to be heard. We know very little about a lot of things, and often, we need to step back and say, “I don’t know enough about this to give you advice, but I can share my perspective”. 3. We do better together. People need people, and ultimately, we don’t get through tough times alone. We need the support of others. In more practical terms, it’s important to connect with friends and colleagues, even just to ask them how they feel, and if there is anything you can do to better their mood. People value feeling heard.

what should

employee wellbeing look like today?

mployee wellbeing has become more important than ever, particularly with the COVID-19 pandemic causing challenges which no one could have predicted. Sarah Naffine, Lodders’ HR director, discusses the importance of employee wellbeing strategies, and shares some of the firm’s latest work-life balance initiatives for the team.

Focusing on employee wellbeing relates to all aspects of everyone’s working life, and has positive impacts for both employees and the organisation as a whole. Wellbeing initiatives help to create a positive working environment, relieving some of employees’ stress, and allowing them to thrive. They have been vital throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, when we have all faced an unprecedented level of worry and uncertainty.

Lodders Life Issue 7

FEATURE: WELLBEING

Getting active We adopted a number of approaches - all virtual During the first COVID-19 lockdown, we introduced a host of sports challenges and online - from socials to get people exercising, which can be great for mental health. This ranged from live and training courses, lunchtime yoga sessions for the whole firm, to sports challenges and to ‘Conquering the Country’ – encouraging employees to walk, run, or cycle as a team guest motivational the distance from Lands End to John speakers. O’Groats.

4. We all have potential. It can be hard to see potential in difficult situations, but sometimes, the way to find potential is to simply ask yourself the question: “What opportunities are there?” But also: “What can I learn from this?” It’s important to understand there are things out of your control, but rather than letting uncertainty bother you, focus on what you can control, and create happiness where possible. You cannot always overcome anxiety – sometimes, we can only accept it, and manage it. The past year has shown us the importance of staying in contact, and perhaps in the future, we can value this contact better, and be more intentional with the way we interact with others in order to get the best out of life and each other. Contact Paul McGee: contact@thesumoguy.com Follow: @TheSumoGuy

Lodders Live Week Lodders usually hosts an annual all-firm meeting in October; an opportunity for every member of every team to meet in one place and catch-up. But in 2020, we were not able to host the event in person, and instead hosted Lodders Live Week – an online week full of fun social events, quizzes, clubs, motivational speakers, and workshops. We had talks from Paul McGee – or S.U.M.O. Guy - and Beth Pipe, who spoke on time management and dealing with stress. The week also included social sessions, such as a quiz night, an all-firm bingo session, and a cook-along, with a live lesson with an awarding winning chef from Sanjay Foods who showed us how to prepare the perfect chicken biryani and pomegranate raita.

Moving forwards The unprecedented pandemic has in fact presented us with fresh opportunities to focus on employee wellbeing and reach out in new and innovative ways. As Lodders Live Week was such a success, we have adopted some aspects into our regular work life. At the beginning of each week, a partner broadcasts a short video to the whole the firm, highlighting some positives to look forward to in the coming week. We’ve incorporated some social events into our calendar, with a regular weekly catchup ‘Tea at 3’, a book club, a film club, and even a Christmas brownie decorating competition in December. We also have a ‘wellness wall’ on our intranet, to give people the opportunity to post and scroll through positive messages each week and have teamed up with top wellbeing platform XERLIFE, which offers a broad range of advice and activities for employees.

“I believe flexibility is a skill for life, not just for lockdown.” Mental health In particular, it is vitally important to look after employees’ mental wellbeing. Lodders continues to encourage employees to reach out and seek professional mental health support where necessary - we have access to a 24-7 telephone counselling hotline, an online GP service, and a trained mental health first aider. To support and encourage staff to take quality time away from work, which we recognise as so important to mental and emotional wellbeing, we have introduced a scheme that allows employees to purchase additional holiday each year. Turn to page 34 to win a copy of YESSS!

FEATURE: WELLBEING

the

real deal L

odders’ Real Estate team’s specialist market knowledge and legal expertise has earned it consistent top tier rankings in the Legal 500 and Chambers directories, industry awards, and clients including many of the UK’s most active housebuilders, property developers and land promoters. Partner James Mottram reviews some of the team’s latest highlights.

Using a combination of our technical know-how and understanding of every aspect of commercial property and real estate law, we are ideally placed to provide a full service for local, regional and national residential and commercial developers, land promoters, landowners, logistics companies, investors and owner-occupiers. Led by Mark Miller, the team is the largest in the Midlands, with 30 specialist real estate, commercial property, planning, construction and highways legal experts (as of April 2021), based across our offices in Stratford upon Avon, Cheltenham and Birmingham. The size of our team means we have the strength and depth of experience, whilst remaining agile enough to enable our clients to really get to know the individual or team working for them. We genuinely work in partnership with our clients, with the focus on delivering the highest possible level of client service, built on some fantastic professional and personal relationships that are especially vital to client transactional work. This contributes to a team that is thriving, energetic, always motivated, and which acts on a huge variety of transactions for existing – many long-standing – clients, as well as numerous new clients and instructions.

Lodders Life Issue 7

FEATURE: REAL ESTATE

Portfolio We act for national and regional property developers in the commercial sector, investment companies and individual investors, banks and pension schemes. Our clients include many of the region’s most active property developers and land promoters including St Modwen Developments, Spitfire Bespoke Homes, Cameron Homes, A.C. Lloyd Homes, Hayfield Homes, IM Land, Richborough Estates, Lone Star Land and Rosconn Strategic Land. Our reputation as experts in strategic land development work continues to grow, and the team regularly works for large landowner consortia and landed estates, and national and regional land agents on significant new settlements and developments. The team undertakes investment and portfolio management work for two of the biggest property companies in the Midlands - IM Properties plc and St Modwen Properties plc. Our highways law expertise is second-tonone. The team has a national reputation for its expertise in all matters concerning highways, which is a highly technical area of the law. We regularly act for national housebuilders, developers, landowners, and local authorities, providing this specialist advice.

The size of our team means we have the strength and depth of experience, whilst remaining agile enough to enable our clients to really get to know the individual or team working for them.

Launches As the team has continued to grow, two new service offerings have been created to capitalise on our lawyers’ individual expertise and experience, and deliver an end-to-end comprehensive service to clients: • Business Property and Renewables team headed up by partner, Alastair Frew • Town and Country Homes team headed up by partner, Caroline Nemecek.

New era We also have particular expertise in the relatively new biodiversity credits scheme, which is a fast-expanding area of property law. Biodiversity net gain is an approach that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than beforehand, by creating or enhancing habitats in association with development work. Property development and real estate is on the cusp of a new era, with the imminent introduction of mandatory ‘biodiversity net gain’ requirements as set-out in the Environment Bill, and our team is very much at the forefront of this, working with and advising the pioneers of the biodiversity offsetting schemes; we frequently work with developers and landowners to help them navigate biodiversity net gain and biodiversity offsetting requirements, with the added benefit of a growing team of experts in this field – you can find out more from Victoria Longmore in her article on page 9. There are clear opportunities for landowners to create long-term conservation projects that will deliver biodiversity units that can be sold to developers. Developers need to ensure their planning proposals are made with biodiversity net gain in mind, and that they are set out clearly to help the planning authority to readily assess, understand, and review the proposals.

2020 highlights Residential development sector

OVER 150 DEALS WITH IN EXCESS OF £400 MILLION TOTAL PRICE

NEW DWELLING SALES BY LODDERS’ NEW HOMES TEAM 1,000 + A YEAR

Planning promotion deals

MORE THAN 100 DEALS WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT LAND IN EXCESS OF 20,000 ACRES

Commercial / employment / industrial sector

IN EXCESS OF 100 DEALS

BUSINESS PROPERTY LEASES COMBINED INCOME OF £8 MILLION A YEAR

Renewables deals – together generating enough power for 100,000 homes:

Viewpoint: market analysis April 2020 began with a cautious pause in real estate transactions as everyone took a moment to gauge the impact of the pandemic and lockdown on the country housing and development specifically and see what would happen next, says James Mottram. Deals were still happening, but the urgency for exchange and completion eased. Strategic land transactions largely continued, but sometimes with a reorganisation of the financial terms for land promoters. The commercial property sector was probably hardest hit of all, with premises, especially retail, shut down. By July, the feeling of the country reopening and getting back to some semblance of normality marked the beginning of one of the busiest ever six months for real estate. Fueled by the temporary Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) holiday, the pent-up demand for new homes and house buyers was unleashed and unsurprisingly the sector responded to meet short and longer term predicted demand. It is difficult to foresee how the economy and country will look by 2022. However, my view is that the rush by house buyers and movers will continue, possibly with a lull post September 2021 when the residential SDLT rates return to pre-covid levels, but the reintroduction of 95% mortgages is sure to have a positive effect and may mitigate that lull. Developers will continue to acquire land and build, not least with an eye on national and regional housing targets, but also to keep up with the demand. With the worrying predictions on rising unemployment figures – likely to be further impacted when the furlough scheme finally ends – we should also consider the wider societal impact, and the possibility this might mean changes to affordable housing demand as well as the government’s target figures. Perhaps too, there may even be a tightening in the planning regime so that the required percentage of affordable housing on each new development increases, which may depress land values.

120MW OF SOLAR POWER, 30MW OF GAS RESERVE POWER 30MW OF BATTERY STORAGE FEATURE: REAL ESTATE

the

real deal

big

deal

Using a combination of its specialist technical knowledge, commercial appreciation and real estate sector know-how and passion, Lodders’ Real Estate team is ideally placed to deal with complex property transactions. Here’s a few examples: Hinton Group - the acquisition of land at Harlequin Office Park in Emersons Green, Bristol for a new commercial development. The £22m commercial scheme will consist of a new 90-bed Travelodge Hotel, a Costa Coffee Drive-Thru and a Greene King Chef and Brewer restaurant, with the development expected to be complete and open for business in 2021. Lodders’ Paul Mourton led the deal, assisted by colleagues in Real Estate, Planning, Construction and Corporate teams. Landowner sale to CALA Homes Lodders acted on behalf of a landowner in the sale of a significant residential development site to CALA Homes. The site comprises Phase 1 of the Long Marston Garden Village near Stratford upon Avon which is one of the first generation of new garden villages being created across the country. Phase 1 of Long Marston will deliver 400 high quality homes, 4,000 square meters of employment and commercial space, a community orchard, a new sports pavilion and 21-hectares of open space. The Long Marston Garden Village scheme will eventually include up to 3,500 new homes, a six-hectare business park, as well as a relief road. Stroud Park Banbury - the installation of eight electric car charging points, in a deal which reflects the growing trend and interest in electric car ownership in the UK. Lodders’ Alastair Frew, together with Simon Harris of Howkins and

Lodders Life Issue 7

FEATURE: REAL ESTATE

Harrison Chartered Surveyors, brokered the deal between Stroud Park and the electric vehicle (EV) charging point providers, InstaVolt, which will enable employees at Stroud Park’s resident businesses, hotel guests and restaurant visitors to recharge electric vehicles on site. Rosconn Strategic Land Limited the sale of a number of development sites with planning permission across the Midlands and further afield to regional and national housebuilders. Each of these sites had been promoted through the planning process and Lodders has been instructed to take a ‘lead solicitor’ role in dealing with the sale of the land on behalf of the landowners and our client to each of the housebuilders. Warwickshire landowner - sale of a prime residential development site with planning permission for 500 new houses to national housebuilders, Taylor Wimpey and Miller Homes. Lodders’ team worked through a number of issues in collaboration with the housebuilders’ solicitors and other professionals. This enabled completion of the sale in a short timeframe from when the heads of terms were agreed for the sale. The firm has been involved in the site for a number of years previous to this as the development of the site had been ‘in the making’ for more than thirty years and there were a number of previous option agreements and transactions entered into before a successful sale was achieved.

Rosconn Strategic Land: Langford Development Framework

Lodders’ Real Estate team - acted on the purchase of multiple phases across one of the largest current mixed use developments in Staffordshire with such phases comprising in excess of 300 dwellings. This transaction was particularly involved as the acquisition was made through a series of conditional contracts and options from the promoter of the development. The contracts were conditional on a number of matters including planning, extensive infrastructure obligations, the diversion of a bridleway and the discharge of certain planning obligations. In addition to the complexities created by the conditionality there were comprehensive post completion infrastructure obligations and a host of price (both pre and post completions) adjustments to address in the contractual documentation.

Lodders throws its support behind

top-flight women’s rugby Lodders has signed a sponsorship deal with Gloucester-Hartpury Women’s RFC for the 2020/2021 season.

loucester-Hartpury Women’s RFC – a partnership between Gloucester Rugby and Hartpury University and Hartpury College – provides Hartpury students with an opportunity to play at the highest level in the women’s domestic game.

Lodders is sponsoring the ambitious Allianz Premier 15s club, based at Hartpury University and Hartpury College. Many past and present members of the Gloucester-Hartpury Women’s RFC squad are current or former Hartpury students who have gained international caps, including England World Cup winner Natasha Hunt, England women’s player of the year Zoe Aldcroft, Kelly Smith and Tatyana Heard. Commenting on the firm’s support Stuart Emmerson, director of business development at Hartpury, says: “We’re extremely pleased to be strengthening our association with an organisation that shares our wholehearted commitment to supporting the farming industry and we look forward to them engaging with our growing agriculture network.”

Lodders managing partner Paul Mourton adds: “Hartpury and Lodders are both progressive, ambitious, prestigious organisations that are committed to supporting and engaging with their local communities.”

It’s great to be involved with Hartpury and its many exciting initiatives, such as its innovative Agri-Tech Centre, and supporting the Gloucester-Hartpury Women’s players.

Hartpury is a specialist educational provider in Gloucestershire with more than 4,000 college and university level students studying PhDs, postgraduate and undergraduate degrees, diplomas in the areas of sport, equine, animal, agriculture and veterinary nursing, and A-levels. Located close to Gloucester and Cheltenham, Hartpury University and Hartpury College sit alongside one another on the same 360-hectare campus that has benefited from more than £50 million of investment over the past 20 years. Students at Hartpury University have access to the largest equine educational establishment in the world, cutting-edge sports facilities, an extensive animal collection, an animal therapy centre, science laboratories with industry standard equipment and an on-site commercial farm.

Lodders live chat

odders has recently incorporated a live chat feature on its website, allowing you to talk to a member of the Lodders team in real time. This has been a key way for us to keep in contact with our clients and answer their queries throughout the pandemic.

Head to the website to give it a try! Simply click “chat with us!” in the bottom right-hand corner. You will then be connected to a member of the team who can answer your questions, or signpost you to the correct person or department.

FEATURE: GLOUCESTER-HARTPURY WOMEN’S RFC

advice: the importance of shared parenting on children’s wellbeing S

eparation can be a time of great uncertainty for children, who worry when they will see each of their parents, which can sadly have a detrimental effect on their sense of belonging and wellbeing. Vivienne Middleton, senior associate solicitor and experienced family law specialist, explains the importance of reaching an agreement to maintain contact between children and separated parents, during a pandemic and beyond. For children whose parents have separated or divorced, it’s important they spend time with both of their parents for their own wellbeing, happiness and emotional security.

When it comes to separation, parents are strongly urged to work together to reach an agreement, between themselves.

Formal and informal agreements An informal agreement between both parents is bespoke, allows flexibility, and caters for the children’s and the parents’ needs, but is not legally binding. They require commitment from both parents to ensure consistency and stability for the children. When parents can set aside their own differences and focus on the children’s wellbeing, the arrangements are more likely to work, so they see enough of each parent to maintain a sense of belonging with both of them. Parents may also opt for a formal agreement. This could be drafted by solicitors, through voluntary mediation, arbitration, or a court order. The court will only intervene when one parent makes an application to the court. Litigation should be regarded as a last resort, generally after other forms of dispute resolution have been considered, but without success.

Impacts of COVID-19 For some families, maintaining contact between children and both parents has been significantly impacted by the pandemic. The lack of social interaction for children throughout the long periods of restrictions has heightened the need for them to spend time with the parent they no longer live with, to maintain their identity and vital sense of belonging. Nowadays, parents need to be creative with new ways of maintaining contact, for example, making frequent use of technology including video calls. For children to maintain relationships with both parents, there is a need for co-operative co-parenting, which supports the child’s emotional wellbeing, even during extraordinary circumstances, such as the pandemic. Contact Vivienne Middleton T: 0121 200 0890 E: vivienne.middleton@lodders.co.uk

valuing assets in an uncertain market C

oronavirus has changed the world economy – the FTSE 100 dropped 14.3% in 2020, the worst performance since 2008. Shifts in stock markets have a direct impact on the value of pensions, savings, and the assumptions people make as to when they can afford to retire. Leading family law expert, and partner at Lodders, Beverley Morris, gives her guidance on how best to deal with this uncertainty.

“The pandemic has created greater uncertainty for clients deciding how to distribute their wealth on divorce”

Lodders Life Issue 7

The asset base of a client may be diverse – from property, equities, shareholdings in private limited companies, to interests in assets held in a trust structure, and crypto assets, to name just a few. Each and every case is fact-specific, and clients are always advised that what assets may be worth on day one of the divorce will almost certainly not be representative of their value on the final day of the process.

FIRM NEWS: LEGAL UPDATE

Should risk be shared and if so, how? There is potential for discriminatory arguments to creep into the decisionmaking process. It is sometimes said that the ‘bread winner’ has the greater financial acumen and therefore it is more acceptable for him or her to be left with assets that contain an element of risk. This is an unfair marker to lay down and has the potential to result in an unfair division of risk.

prime time for luxury living T he high-end prestige luxury property market has experienced somewhat of a boom in recent times with average price growth of 3.6% in 2020, including 5.6% in the £2 million+ country house market. Highly experienced property partner at Lodders, Caroline Nemecek, understands the complexities of buying and selling prestige property in this high-value luxury homes sector, and shares her professional insights on some of the trends.

What is a prestige home?

How important is location?

Typically, a luxury country home contains at least five bedrooms and multiple bathrooms. They often include paddocks and stables, outbuildings such as guest cottages and, sometimes, swimming pools.

When it comes to prestige homes, location is key. In a city, fashionable neighbourhoods command high prices. However, in the country, transport links to London or Birmingham will also affect value and desirability.

In certain areas, such as Cheltenham and the surrounding Cotswolds, it is not unusual for a prestige home to be listed with Historic England, which will often also cover the outbuildings and not just the main house, with features such as old ice houses, gates or pillars listed in their own right. Homes like this often benefit from considerable amounts of land and may be situated in conservation areas or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The social aspect of country living is also important. For example, areas surrounding Soho House, a private members club in Oxfordshire, and Daylesford Organic in Kingham, can realise higher prices. For coastal properties, sailing communities like Salcombe or St Mawes can impact property values.

Larger estates frequently contain boundary anomalies – this is common when estates have grown or been split up over the years. They can also be subject to public and private rights of way, such as bridleways and footpaths.

Lastly, a thriving foodie culture in certain towns can command very high prices, such as Padstow in North Cornwall, which boasts locally sourced ingredients and dining venues in prime locations.

Shares held in private limited companies are fraught with difficulty when it comes to valuation. Whilst we appoint forensic accountants to value the shareholding, it is not uncommon for the accountant tasked with valuing to either give a range of values or for a shadow accountant (overseeing the work of the court appointed accountant) to come up with a very different value to that of the court appointed expert.

In my opinion, the following lessons have been learned from volatile markets:

The change in financial matrix throughout the course of a case can present difficulties in settling matters.

• Never lose sight of the fair sharing of the burdens and the benefits which attract to different assets. • Assess carefully your client’s attitude to risk. • Explain to clients that the collapse in an asset value, post-divorce, is rarely a ground to revisit the settlement – the usual fluctuation in prices and values is a foreseeable event.

There is no one-size-fits-all definition when it comes to luxury homes, but there are many features frequently found within a prestige property

Changes to the housing market The prestige housing market has not been unaffected by the impacts of COVID-19. The pandemic has seen increased demand for rural and coastal properties, with homes in these desirable areas drawing higher prices. There is a shortage of these homes, as demand is outstripping supply. Areas which once offered country houses at lower prices than the established popular locations have seen an increase in value due to the pandemic, as the appetite for country living has increased. Conversely, the London prestige housing market has suffered, as buyers look to escape the bustling city due to the impacts of the pandemic and in search of outside space. This is especially true as working practices have shifted largely to homeworking scenarios, meaning many are moving away from the office and prioritising a comfortable home-workspace more than ever before. The shift to purchasing coastal and countryside homes has meant properties in cities, as well as those which require a lot of work or contain serious breaches of listed building law, are harder to sell.

• Take your time – divorce is often the most important financial decision a party will make. Don’t do so in a hurry.

Each luxury home will have its own unique set of circumstances, and it is important to fully understand the features of such a property. If you are looking to buy or sell a luxury home, Lodders’ prestigious private property service provides a bespoke and highly personal conveyancing experience.

Contact Beverley Morris T: 0121 200 0890 E: beverley.morris@lodders.co.uk

Contact Caroline Nemecek T: 01242 229094 E: caroline.nemecek@lodders.co.uk

FIRM NEWS: LEGAL UPDATE

budget 2021 highlights:

individuals, business & farmers The Chancellor’s Budget 2021 set out the government’s tax and spending plans, with new measures designed to support the country’s economic recovery post-COVID-19. Lodders’ John Rouse and James Spreckley round-up the headlines.

ley James Spreck

Tax thresholds frozen John Rouse says: “Setting out the government’s tax and spending plans for the year ahead, the Chancellor announced new measures to help business and jobs and support the UK’s longer-term economic recovery, particularly with a series of tax-raising plans to help rebalance the public finances. “The main news coming out of the budget for individuals was the freezing of personal allowances. However it appears more significant change to capital taxes, and CGT in particular will follow in 2022 meaning individuals should look at carrying out planning and any estate planning ahead of any changes in 2022."

These measures are intended to ease the financial burden on businesses and individuals – some were extensions of shortterm tax relief, including a holiday on business rates for three months, the continuation of the £500,000 Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) nil-rate band, and a freeze on alcohol and fuel duties.

ones to watch

personal tax:

The next few years will see some significant changes to taxation for private individuals. John Rouse, partner in the Private Client department and tax and estate planning specialist, takes a look.

tilising tax reliefs is central to estate planning including the gifting or disposal of assets, but it’s important to build-in flexibility for reviews of personal tax allowances and the predicted tightening tax regime likely to include higher rates and fewer reliefs.

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) The government has announced a general review of CGT. It’s expected that CGT rates might be brought into line with income tax rates, especially for larger gains, which in certain cases could see CGT rates increased to 40%. 22

Lodders Life Issue 7

Main reliefs • Principal private residence relief: no CGT on sale of residence. • Entrepreneurs’ relief: rate is 10% on first £1m of gain on disposals of business. • Hold-over relief: available on disposals of business assets, farmland and transfers into trust. • Roll over relief: available on reinvestment of sale proceeds of business assets and farmland.

FIRM NEWS: LEGAL UPDATE

Opportunities

• Gifting assets to children or other individuals: act sooner rather than wait to make use of low asset values, so any liability is on lower values, resulting in lower CGT. • Transfer assets with a gain: use the annual personal CGT allowance (currently £12,300 annually) and transfer the asset in tranches. • Business owners and rural landowners planning to transfer the business/ properties to the next generation to claim CGT holdover relief should act quickly to beat the expected revised CGT regime and the ‘tax free uplift’ disappears. • Business owners considering business disposal to qualify for Entrepreneurs’ relief - plan to crystallise any gain in the current tax year using certain types of trust.

Looking to the longer-term measures : Tax administration and anti-avoidance

• Nil-rate band for IHT continues at £325,000 and the residence nil-rate band at £175,000.

• A new penalty regime for VAT and Income Tax Self-Assessment that will impose a £200 financial penalty after the taxpayer reaches a points threshold (which varies depending on the taxpayer’s submission frequency).

• CGT Annual Exempt Amount remains at £12,300 for individuals, personal representatives, and some types of trusts for disable people. This is £6,150 for trustees of most settlements. • The standard lifetime allowance for pensions is fixed at £1,073,100.

Corporation Tax • There will be a significant increase beginning April 2023. • A two-year ‘super deduction’ that provides first-year allowances of 130% of the value of plant or machinery acquired after 1 April 2021. A lower 50% allowance applies for special rate assets.

Personal Tax • Tax thresholds for CGT, IHT and income tax are frozen in the tax years up to and including 2025/2026; • Income tax personal allowance is set at £12,570, and the basic rate limit at £37,700.

Inheritance Tax (IHT)

Current rates Estate value over £325,000: Residence nil rate band:

0% 40% £175,000

10% of estate to charity: rate reduced to 36% Main reliefs

No core announcements “There were no core announcements that carry a direct impact for agriculture,” comments James Spreckley. Points to note: • UK Infrastructure Bank will partner with the private sector and local government to increase infrastructure investment to help tackle climate change and promote economic growth across the UK.

Annual allowance:

• Red diesel is to remain available to agriculture (including horticulture, pisciculture and forestry). • The super-deduction’ for Corporation Tax may offer incentives for farming companies to invest in plant and machinery, and allow businesses to cut their tax bill by up to 25p for every £1 they invest in qualifying new plant and machinery assets. Contacts John Rouse T: 01789 206167 E: john.rouse@lodders.co.uk James Spreckley T: 01789 206166 or 07880 195380 E: james.spreckley@lodders.co.uk

Small gift allowance:

£3,000 £250

Gifts in consideration of marriage from £1,000 to £5,000 depending on relationship Regular gifts out of income Opportunities • Consider gifting assets while asset values are low. If the donor of the gift dies within seven years, the value of the asset at the date of the gift forms part of an individual’s estate for IHT. • For landowners, consider ownership and how the land is farmed, as APR may be restricted or removed altogether. • Structure businesses and land ownerships to maximise the availability of inheritance tax BPR.

Spouse exemption Charity exemption Business property relief:

100%/50%

Agricultural property relief:

100%/50%

Taper relief:

• Amendment to the Finance Bill 2021 to provide clarification on the application of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, specifically where the transferor controls the transferee.

• A £4 million UK-wide competition for the first phase of a biomass feedstocks programme, to support the rural economy in making improvements to the production of green energy crops and forestry products.

Allowances

The main IHT thresholds and gift allowances have been frozen for many years. However, the government’s major review of IHT is underway and, whilst the detail is unknown, a new lifetime gift tax, and a restriction on the main reliefs such as agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR), are likely.

Estate value £0-£325,000:

• Plans to review tax support for research and development.

available after 3 years

• Use your annual allowance of £3,000 per annum. • If you own assets with potential for substantial growth in value, such as potential development land, make a gift to individuals or trusts so that any value-growth is outside of the estate.

e ous John R

• Consider making gifts of any excess income that isn’t needed. In particular, utilise the gifting regime as a form of gift tax is a distinct possibility.

John Rouse specialises in advising high net worth individuals on estate planning including their wills, LPAs, personal tax, trusts and bloodline planning, and structuring their businesses.

FIRM NEWS: LEGAL UPDATE

spotlight

Billy Barber “If you want something doing, ask a busy person.” This piece of advice could have been written with operational support and family practice manager, Graham ‘Billy’ Barber in mind. Billy joined Lodders in July 2017 when we merged with renowned family law practice DFLP and he continues to be based in our Birmingham office with the dedicated Family Law team. Since the merger, Billy’s role has expanded to include both financial work and operational support as he explains:

I look after all the financial work for the family team, allocating incoming money and processing all the costs, such as barristers’ fees. I also take care of all the monthly billing and any debt recovery – basically anything that involves a £ sign comes to me to action!

With five fee-earners and an average of 200 live matters at any one time, this work keeps Billy extremely busy. “By taking complete ownership of the financial aspects, I can let the legal team focus on what they do best, which is looking after clients and providing a high level of support and service.” On the operational side, Billy works closely with Lodders’ operations director Alexis Nicholls, assisting across all four of our offices as well as taking prime responsibility for operations in the Birmingham office. “No two days are the same,” Billy explains, “it ranges from overseeing contractors on renovation projects to managing the utilities contract, and from helping someone fix an IT issue through to humping shredding bags downstairs for collection! I’m often called ‘the go to’ person in our Birmingham office. It’s a small title but one that comes with a lot of responsibility. It’s nice to know that people can trust me to give them an answer to a problem or help them in some way; I am always pleased to know that I’ve been able to do something to make someone else’s day a little bit easier.” Outside of work, Billy has a large group of long-term friends and spends time looking after his Dad, who, at 98, is still fiercely independent and going strong. “He just wants his card from the Queen!”, says Billy.

Lodders Life Issue 7

SPOTLIGHT ON

Faye Reynolds The pandemic has produced a slew of new employment law, and these new rules were often announced with only a few days’ notice to digest and apply. Employment law specialist Faye Reynolds has been at the sharp end, helping Lodders’ clients to navigate through some very challenging situations. “Grappling with the new legislation has been pretty demanding at times,” says Faye, “but it definitely keeps you on your toes – and I have valued being able to provide up-to-the-minute and informed support to both employers and employees.” Personable, energetic and dependable, Faye joined Lodders’ Cheltenham team in February 2020, just before the first lockdown. Despite both internal and external relationships having to be largely developed remotely, Faye quickly established a strong rapport with colleagues and clients – one of the factors that led to her promotion to senior associate just 12 months later in February 2021.

“I’ve had a lot of difficult conversations over the past year, with business owners facing some really tough and upsetting decisions,” says Faye. “What has been clear though is that the majority of employers have taken very seriously the impact of potential redundancies on their staff and have wanted to explore every option to avoid it.” For some businesses however job cuts have been inevitable, and Faye has supported businesses through the redundancy process as well as helping many individuals to negotiate settlement agreements. “We’ve also seen whistleblowing claims,” Faye explains, “where employees feel that businesses are not providing a covid-secure working environment. And, there have

been some cases where businesses have asked employees to work – unlawfully – whilst claiming furlough money.” And what next for business owners as we emerge from the pandemic? “Employers are already shifting their focus to retention strategies,” says Faye, “employees will want to stay with businesses that have treated them fairly and with compassion. I’m also expecting to be helping businesses to navigate through their agile working strategies and challenges; it’s going to be another interesting 12 months for sure!”

Jane Senior Jane Senior is one of the equity partners at Lodders, leads the fast-growing Dispute Resolution team and is a core member of our operations committee, playing a vital role in adapting our working practices during COVID-19. “Spring 2020 was quite an intense period, as it no doubt was for many businesses, as we worked out how best to deal with lockdown, whilst looking after our staff and continuing to provide an excellent level of client service.” Jane explains. “I’ve been really impressed and pleased with how the team has pulled together and got on with it – and fortunately we were well set-up from an IT perspective which meant we could transition very quickly to homeworking and, for almost all clients, provide a seamless service. Regular meetings, informal chats and socials have also been really important to help maintain our supportive and friendly culture.”

Since joining Lodders as head of dispute resolution, Jane has taken the team from two to 12 fee earners, overseeing the fastest-growing growth in the firm and with a broad spread of specialisms including professional negligence, probate disputes and contract disputes. Property dispute resolution is a major area of expertise with seven individuals – including Jane – specialising in this area. “The commercial property market continues to be busy and this drives a lot of our growth. We have also seen a considerable number of neighbour disputes over the past year or so, with more people working at home and focused on their properties.” reports Jane. This area of work is likely to continue growing as Jane was

recently appointed to the RICS panel of boundary mediators, which is made up of about 14 solicitors, together with a similar number of surveyors, from across the country. Not one to sit still, Jane set herself the challenge of relearning the piano during lockdown as well as masterminding a ‘DIY’ half-marathon. “The Warwick halfmarathon couldn’t happen because of the pandemic, so my running partner and I created our own race,” explains Jane, “we even had medals!” Perhaps not surprisingly, Jane is an advocate of building in some fresh air to the day. “I find that getting outside for a walk every day is so valuable for positivity and also for perspective especially during busy or challenging times.” SPOTLIGHT ON

firmnews hot topic:

adverse possession

he COVID-19 pandemic has meant millions of people are spending more time at home and with this has come a sharpened understanding of how they use their outside space. Property litigation specialist at Lodders Ellie Crofts says this has led to a boom in adverse possession applications.

Adverse possession, or squatters’ rights, has become something of a hot topic in recent months. With more people spending more time at home than ever before, homeowners are realising they have been using part of their neighbour’s garden for years and so are keen to become registered as the legal owner.

Basic requirements In order to apply for adverse possession of land, there are four principal elements which must be satisfied: • Physical occupation of the land, ideally with the land being fenced off. • The intention to occupy the land as one’s own to the exclusion of all others, including the legal owner. • Occupation of the land without the consent of the legal owner. • Occupation for the required period of time.

Registered or unregistered land? The method of application for adverse possession differs depending on whether the land in question is registered at the Land Registry, or unregistered. For registered land, an applicant must show that they have occupied the land for at least 10 years. This rises to 12 years for unregistered land, and even further to 30 years where the relevant land is owned by the Crown. However, with registered land, the applicant has additional requirements to overcome for a successful application, which were introduced by the Land Registration Act 2012.

Regardless of whether the land is registered or unregistered, all applications must be supported by evidence.

What sort of evidence is required to support an application? • Physical evidence – for example, fencing is strong evidence of factual possession but is not critical; changes in planting on agricultural land, showing a change between grass and cropland; evidence of historic walls/fences; and hedges. • Photographs showing enclosure over time – in residential properties, it is common to have photographs of family in the garden over the years, or of building works carried out. Aerial photographs or Google Earth images can also be very useful. • Statements – witness evidence of occupiers of the land and neighbours with relevant knowledge. Statements from predecessors in title are also crucial if the current owner has not been in occupation of the land for the relevant time period. Adverse possession can be tricky to navigate, but our property dispute specialists can advise and guide you through the process. Contact Ellie Crofts T: 01789 206148 E: ellie.crofts@lodders.co.uk

Lodders Life Issue 7

FIRM NEWS: LEGAL SERVICES

extraordinary times provide a

catalyst for change

he COVID-19 pandemic has been a catalyst for businesses, people and economies to adapt to survive, says Graham Spalding, partner in the Corporate and Commercial practice.

Changing habits is hard

Prepare to succeed

Chrysalis Loyalty sale

The resolve to implement change often requires a catalyst to encourage a shift.

What businesses and their owners can usefully do depends on financial strength, industry sector, appetite for growth, and future personal plans, but as food for thought:

The acquisition of Chrysalis Loyalty created a combined offering of unrivalled innovative solutions for the global automotive industry, and broadened the commercial offer for global OEMs, fleet operators, financiers and retailers in the industry.

No-one foresaw the pandemic. Its effects have been awful. As catalysts for change go, it is a big one, but there is cause for optimism. Reasons to be optimistic In March 2020, businesses and individuals had no idea how to operate or what to expect in a pandemic. But now businesses have systems in place to maintain effective operation, with the benefit of understanding that while the road might be bumpy, we will get through it, people are pressing on with plans for transactional change.

Change drives opportunity. There will be winners and losers. Now is not the time for pessimism over the UK’s recovery. Economic downturn and uncertainty bring opportunity to those that adapt and pivot to change.

1 If you have weathered the storm well and have strong financials, there are growth opportunities; businesses can grow more emerging from periods of economic distress than in boom times. It can be the perfect time to buy a competitor, supplier or distributor. 2 For business owners finally deciding it is time to do something different, now could be the ideal time to sell. 3 If the pandemic has forced quieter times, it’s an opportunity to set-up an employee incentive plan, while modest HMRC valuations can be achieved. If exiting the business is the goal, set-out arrangements with a revised or new shareholders agreement, and sort or update your will. 4 Set up family trusts or a family investment company to future-proof the business.

Signs are good With a strong start to 2021 for deals completions, there is certainly reason to be optimistic. A team led by Kim Klahn advised the shareholders of Coretech Solutions on the £multi-million sale to a new UK subsidiary of Dutch company PFM Global Holding B.V. Other completions include advising the owner of Henley Kitchen & Bakery in Henley in Arden on the sale of the business, Whitehouse Industries on its acquisition of Nutters Fastenings, and advising the shareholders of West Midlands-based Chrysalis Loyalty on its sale to an automotive software group that includes leading intelligence provider Autofutura.

Graham Spalding led Lodders’ team that advised Chrysalis’ shareholders on the acquisition, with support from Leanne Lawrence and Hollie Smith, Ian Yarde (property), and Faye Reynolds (employment and HR). “The acquisition creates a unique fusion of expertise forged into one focussed team,” Graham said, “consolidating the expertise and resources of two privately-owned companies to provide clients with an even more diverse and robust suite of solutions and consultancy.” Chrysalis Loyalty CEO and Founder Jolyon Barker takes on the new role of Strategic Adviser in the new entity’s structure. He says: “We could not have achieved this fantastic outcome without the capable support of our advisers and legal team who went well beyond the normal call of duty and were quite literally available 24/7. This became an invaluable support as the deal progressed - both in terms of ‘getting the job done’ to strict timelines, and also personal guidance in what is inevitably a complex journey to navigate.” Tax advice was provided by Lisa Stevenson of Parisi Tax, and corporate finance advice by Pippa Hawkes at BSN Associates.

Contact Graham Spalding T: 01789 206162 / 07841 899294 E: graham.spalding@lodders.co.uk FIRM NEWS: LEGAL SERVICES

Interview with Alastair Frew, head of Lodders’ Renewables team

Coming of age:

the green energy revolution R

enewable energy has come of age. Developers and operators are busy building the new green infrastructure, amidst the growing number of installations of wind turbines, solar panels, EV charging points, battery storage facilities, and anaerobic digestion plants that together will secure energy supplies for now and the future.

Q: Why are renewables important? Reducing the UK’s carbon emissions and increasing the energy the country gets from renewable sources will help ensure the future security and sustainability of our energy sources, and importantly, play a key role in tackling climate change.

Q: How is the UK performing? The UK is the world leader in offshore energy generation, and is recognised worldwide as the country that has most rapidly de-carbonised its emissions. Since May 2020, the UK National Grid has burned zero coal. According to the most recent government research*, renewables account for just over 29% of the UK’s electricity supply - second only to gas-fired turbines (41.9%) - the majority of which comes from wind turbines and solar farms.

Q: What’s the next big thing for renewables? The technology supporting and enabling renewable energy generation and usage is becoming more and more powerful.

Lodders Life Issue 7

Take electric vehicles (EV). The number of EV cars already on the road has risen exponentially. Based on today’s figures of the number of cars on UK roads, modest estimates suggest there will be around 20 million EVs by 2040. The big question is how will the country keep them charged up, as plugging-in that number of cars every evening will represent a huge power-drain and it’s unlikely the current provision will deliver sufficient electricity generated by renewable sources to keep up. The answer lies in some clever tech that follows the principle of the mobile phone charging ‘mat’. We will soon see EV charging mats or plates at public car parks, traffic lights and outside homes. As well as this, whenever it is physically plugged-in, each EV will use its own battery as part of the National Grid - cars with full batteries will be gently drained to back up the public network, before being recharged later on when the off-shore electricity kicks in when the winds blows more strongly that evening. The combined use of smart metering and charging mats mean your car will eventually be treated as ‘just another appliance’. Enabling the ongoing replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy is battery storage technology, which stores energy from solar and wind for instance, and then releases it when power is needed most.

FIRM NEWS: LEGAL SERVICES

Q: What is one big challenge for UK renewable energy? Infrastructure. Developers and operators need land and buildings to enable the green energy infrastructure and are approaching landowners to strike a deal. Landowners have much to consider to be sure they get the best and right deal. Not just on the sale of land, but also clarity on the tax savings and complex tax planning that surrounds these transactions, and getting agreements water-tight from the off is vital. Knowledge of and interest in renewables has reached unprecedented levels, as landowners and developers embrace the technology to minimise running and business interruption through loss of energy, and take advantage of the potential cost savings and reduced business overheads that come from being selfsufficient and ‘off-grid’. The green energy revolution is well underway across the UK. Contact Alastair Frew T: 01789 206117 E: alastair.frew@lodders.co.uk

*Ofgem, January 2021

LCF reveals its 2021/22 charities

our independent charities have been named as beneficiaries of all funds raised by Lodders Charitable Foundation (LCF) in 2021 and 2022.

Founded in 1995, Orchestra of the Swan (OOTS) is an English professional chamber orchestra that is passionate about promoting new music and runs a program of work in care homes, schools and rural areas around the West Midlands. It is Resident Orchestra at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, The Courtyard Hereford and the Stratford Play House, and gives over 45 concerts a year. Stratford Food Bank aims to prevent or relieve poverty in and around Stratford upon Avon by providing emergency food supplies and food delivery service to those in need, or organisations working to prevent or relieve poverty.

Network Four has supported and engaged over 6,500 young people, adults and families in crisis since it began in 2008. A small but growing charity with a dedicated team and volunteers who strive to help transform their circumstances and give hope for the future, one of its recent projects has seen it team-up with a shoe manufacturer to set up shoe banks providing school shoes for children. Originally founded in 1992 as Open Door at Christmas, Cheltenham Open Door is a registered charity dedicated to providing support to Cheltenham’s most vulnerable, disadvantaged, and lonely people, but receives no central funding and relies entirely on donations to run.  Lodders Charitable Foundation was set-up in 2016 with the aim of raising vital financial support and providing help to local charities where it can make a genuine difference. Since then, it has raised and donated more than £60,000 to independent charities.

Can I transfer ownership of my house to avoid care home fees?

ifting property to children without expert advice and proper planning is unlikely to reduce your liability for care home fees, explains Sofia Tayton, partner in Lodders’ Care & Capacity team. Many people worry the value of their estate will be “eaten up” by care home fees in their old age. However, giving your assets away to avoid a future liability for care costs is not the solution.

Who qualifies for support with care home fees? If you move into a care home and have savings and property worth over £23,250, you will not qualify for any financial support from the local authority. Most people in this situation will have to fund their own care. It may seem that giving assets away to reduce your capital and help you become eligible for local authority support is sensible, but there are consequences if you intentionally reduce your capital to increase your chances of getting financial support.

Deliberate deprivation of assets If you ask the local authority to help fund the cost of your care, they will carry out a financial assessment. You will need to provide information on previously owned assets, and whether they were sold or gifted (which includes selling at an undervalue). The local authority will have to prove the sale or gift was a deliberate attempt to avoid liability for care fees, so motive, value, and timing are relevant. It is important to note that there is no ‘cut off’ point beyond which a gift or transfer will be ignored, unlike the seven-year rule for tax planning.

Is gifting always considered deprivation of assets? Gifting is not always going to fall foul of the deprivation of assets rules, and it is your intention that will be relevant. Inheritance tax planning and helping family members are valid reasons for making gifts. A quick Google search on this topic will throw up adverts for organisations selling lifetime

trusts as a mechanism to avoid care fees. Trusts are useful and have their place in estate planning, especially if you have minor, vulnerable, or disabled beneficiaries. They can also be used for inheritance tax planning. If the main reason you are setting the trust up is to avoid a future liability for care fees, there is a real risk that the transfer of assets to trustees will be viewed as deliberate deprivation of assets.

Will planning Planning in your will can reduce the exposure of a joint estate to care fees on the first death. There may also be other valid reasons why gifts and/or trusts are necessary in your estate planning. This is why it is important to seek legal advice and review all of your arrangements. Choosing a residential or nursing home is a very important decision, and the worries about funding that care can be daunting. Taking advice at an early stage will put you in the best possible position. Contact Sofia Tayton T: 01789 206151 E: sofia.tayton@lodders.co.uk FIRM NEWS: LEGAL SERVICES

drum roll: clutch of awards recognising

excellence L

odders has picked-up top-level professional recognition and a clutch of awards, from recognition for its charitable work, advice for clients, to top rankings yet again, in the legal profession’s most respected directories.

Property Law Firm of the year Lodders was crowned the Property Law Firm of the Year in the 2020 Midlands Residential Property Awards, run by business magazine Insider. The award’s judges said: “Lodders showed it could deliver quality service on complex and large projects while under pressure.” Mark Miller, head of Lodders’ Real Estate team said:

“This is a great achievement. We have a very strong residential development and strategic land practice that has gone from strength to strength, and the award follows a string of high profile residential development deals.”

Lodders Life Issue 7

FIRM NEWS: AWARDS

UK Business Hero Out of more than 38,000 eligible businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire, Lodders is one of just 25 businesses awarded the UK Business Hero title by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). BCC launched the campaign to recognise the incredible work that UK businesses are doing in the most challenging of years, to pay tribute to them and recognise their contributions by giving its UK Heroes stamp. Lodders was nominated for the title by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, which completed a nomination process proposing Lodders for the title, to acknowledge the firm and its support and initiatives since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, and name it as a UK Business Hero.  The firm received a letter from HRH The Countess of Wessex, advising them of their selection and thanking them for being a business that has gone the extra mile in recent months.

“We were particularly impressed by the scale of Lodders’ activities and commitment to local causes”

Community Award Lodders won the Contribution to the Community Award at the First Pro 2020 Awards, hosted and run by Coventry and Warwickshire First. The judges said “We were particularly impressed by the scale of Lodders’ activities and commitment to local causes. Their activities involve everyone in the business with a charitable foundation that has raised £50,000 over three years. There is a clear strategy that benefits local causes, the business and its staff. They have ongoing and future projects in the pipeline which demonstrated a genuine commitment to continue with their endeavours on an impressive scale.”

Top rankings from Legal 500 and Chambers Guide Lodders retained its top tier rankings in the 2020 edition of Legal 500 - the UK’s leading guide to the best law firms and lawyers - and excellent recognition in the Chambers Guide, which ranks legal firms in the UK based on their expertise and client feedback.

Legal 500 Legal 500 recognised seven of the firm’s specialist practice areas and 22 of its solicitors. This includes tier 1 ranking for Family, Private Client (Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate), Real Estate, and Agriculture and Estates teams. Also ranked are Lodders’ Charities team (Tier 2), Corporate and Commercial team (Tier 3), and its dedicated Property Litigation practice. Legal 500 gives special recognition to charities and not-for-profit lawyer Mark Lewis, head of Lodders’ Family Law practice Beverley Morris, and Mark Miller, head of the Real Estate practice, who are all named as ‘Leading Lawyers’ in the Guide’s elite list of the UK’s most outstanding lawyers.

Chambers Guide 2021 The Family Law team received the highest, Band 1 ranking in the Guide, which describes it as an “outstanding boutique firm with experience representing high net worth individuals”. Head of the team, Beverley Morris, Caroline Dresden and Vivienne Middleton, all received recognition as ‘notable practitioners’. Also in the top tier is Lodders’ Agriculture team, with its team head James Spreckley described as being “comprehensive and approachable", and Ian Flavell as “very good on the tax side of things”. The Dispute Resolution team head Jane Senior, is described as “absolutely brilliant – efficient, user-friendly and non-confrontational”, and Vicky Khandker, as, “absolutely excellent – incredibly thorough and a skillful negotiator”. Mark Lewis, head of Charity law is described as “knowledgeable and thorough, explains legal jargon and always meets deadlines.”

Chambers High Net Worth Guide

“...named as ‘Leading Lawyers’ in the Guide’s elite list of the UK’s most outstanding lawyers”

Lodders’ Private client department was also recognised by the High Net Worth Guide, as “strong, professional, ethical and efficient.” Head of the team Louise Igoe and senior partner Martin Green are both named as ‘notable practitioners’.

FIRM NEWS: AWARDS

news update

people

New role bolsters HR resource Andrew Busst has been appointed to the new role of training and development manager, working alongside Lodders’ HR director Sarah Naffine. Andrew is focusing on refreshing the firm’s induction and onboarding processes and identifying professional development requirements and opportunities for all Lodders’ 150-staff in its specialist corporate, business and private client legal teams and all four offices.

“The role allows me to maximise my experience in a way that will add real value to Lodders and its people.”

Andrew brings years of dedicated training and development experience to the firm. Previously, he managed the training team, apprentice, graduate, development and talent programmes for over 700 employees as Training & Development Coordinator at automotive supplier Brose. He also has legal sector experience from ten years as a Legal Executive at Birmingham law firm Beynon & Co.

Andrew says: “Lodders is a highly progressive firm, and it is rare for a law firm to have a role dedicated to overseeing training, something really refreshing, appealing and exciting. The role allows me to maximise my experience in a way that will add real value to the firm and its people.” Sarah Naffine adds: “Andrew joins the team at such an important time in the firm’s 230-year history - we have a number of new, exciting initiatives already in development and under implementation across the firm, which will take Lodders’ learning, development, internal communications and overall strategic HR support to a whole new level. “As a multi-site firm, it is important that we continue to maintain the scale and focus of our growth strategy and values of a modern and progressive firm, and its people are at the heart of these.”

Law Society recognises 50-year landmark Birmingham Law Society presented Michael Orlik with a commemorative plaque in recognition of his 50-years in the legal profession. Michael was admitted as a solicitor in October 1970, and has been a member of Lodders’ Commercial Property team for almost 20 years, today as a consultant. Known as one of the country’s leading experts on highway law, Michael’s expertise spans local government, planning, highways, public and private rights of way, compulsory purchase, compensation law, common land and village greens. His book, ‘An Introduction to Highway Law’, is in its fourth edition.

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FIRM NEWS: PEOPLE

An Oxford University graduate, Michael spent the first half of his career in local government working for four different councils. He entered private practice in 1990 and joined Lodders in 2002. He says that among his career highlights was his instrumental role in securing changes to the law on compensation for compulsory purchase, together with representing clients at public inquiries: “Whilst not always of legal significance, cases were always of great importance to the individuals involved,” he said. One compulsory purchase cases was one of the last to be heard by the House of Lords just before its jurisdiction was transferred to the Supreme Court. He was also in court for what he says was “the very unfair trial of the Rolling Stones” in 1967.

“Whilst slightly mystified that it is fifty years since I was admitted to the legal profession, I can honestly say that I have enjoyed the whole of my career very much, both in the public and private sector.”

Senior hires for growing teams Commercial litigation specialist Andrew Wylde has joined Lodders 13-strong Dispute Resolution team as a senior associate, and trusts and estate planning specialist John Padget joins as an associate in the Private Client department. Andrew advises clients on all aspects of dispute resolution, including corporate and shareholder disputes, contract breaches, together with providing insolvency advice.

John Padget brings several years of experience working solely in private client law to the firm, including providing advice on trusts and estates administration, estate planning, wills, lasting powers of attorney, inheritance tax, and capital gains tax. He has worked exclusively in private law since qualifying as a wills and probate solicitor in 2014, and is an affiliate of the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

New partner for Lodders’ prestige private property service Experienced property lawyer Rhiannon Edwards has joined Lodders as a partner in the Town & Country property team. Rhiannon specialises in the sale and purchase of client’s prestigious properties, utilising her 20-plus years’ expertise in the conveyancing of high value listed buildings with complex planning histories, new build developments, conveyancing related planning issues, planning enforcement matters, the rectification of defective leases, and high value town and country properties.

Head of the team, Caroline Nemecek, says: “Rhiannon’s appointment means we can continue to develop and grow our tailored personal property service for high net worth individuals. “She fully understands and supports the team’s ethos of providing a bespoke and personal service to our clients, by concentrating on excellence and client care rather than volume of transactions.”

“Lodders has a fantastic reputation for providing outstanding legal advice and exceptional service, and I am relishing the move to a prestigious firm.”

Tax expert joins Lodders Barrister, tax, estate planning, wills and trusts specialist Alana Graham, joined Lodders’ top-ranking Private Client department in April 2021. Alana has a wealth of tax and private client experience having worked for a number of national law firms and Inheritance Tax consultancies, and regularly advises clients based around the world on tax, wills and trusts matters. At Lodders, she advises on all tax related matters, and, as she retains her ‘rights of audience’, Alana will also utilise her advocacy skills to represent clients in all the courts.

“With my skills and passion I can offer clients completely holistic advice based on my many years of experience,” says Alana.

“This is my ‘dream job’, as it combines tax issues and advice, with tax law, which has always been my first love.” Head of the Private Client department, Louise Igoe, adds: “Alana combines an impressive breadth of knowledge with being able to represent clients in the tribunals and courts.”

FIRM NEWS: PEOPLE

midas touch for agricultural society R

un by farmers for farmers, the Gloucestershire Root Fruit and Grain (GRFG) Society was founded in 1863, so is now in its 158th year.

The Society’s ambitions and activities are very much in step with Lodders and our work in the agricultural sector, and in 2021 the firm further endorsed this central element of its specialist expertise by becoming a Gold Level sponsor of the GRFG. In 2020, Hartpury University and Hartpury College became the Society’s principle sponsor, representing the crystallisation of GRFG’s work in cultivating strong links between the next generation of young farmers and ambitious, progressive Gloucestershire farm businesses.

Out and about Each year, the GRFG Society organises a host of events, including: • The Annual Farming Awards Dinner, which is attended by over 200 guests from the Gloucestershire farming community, and includes the prestigious Premier Award for the most points in all classes. • The Biannual Tillage Event, which is attended by over 800 farmers and features working demonstrations to give farmers the chance to see some really impressive cutting-edge machinery. • Competition judging.

“The diversity and involvement of GRFG’s members and their farming businesses is what makes it so successful at supporting the Gloucestershire Agricultural Community.” James Spreckley Head of Lodders’ Agriculture practice

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FEATURE: MIDAS TOUCH

• Hosted demonstrations and discussion evenings in conjunction with Hartpury University and Hartpury College. • Farm walks. Gloucestershire farmers and farming businesses can find out more about the benefits of membership and how to get involved: www.grfgs.com For updates, follow Gloucestershire Root Fruit and Grain Society: @glosrootfruit

Lodders

baby boom

Congratulations to Amy Parker, associate in the Family Law team, who welcomed Nova Joan born 15th October.

Lodders’ IT network manager Mike Poole and his wife Sarah welcomed Arlo to their family, having completed a successful adoption process.

Congratulations all!

Baby Harper was welcomed by Dispute Resolution specialist Lauren Smith on 19th September.

Victor Matts, consultant in Lodders Corporate & Commercial team, recently became a grandad to little Kasper.

win!

Exclusive competitions and prizes to

win two pairs of Gumleaf boots

Would you like to get your hands on (or feet in!) a pair of Gumleaf Royal Zip boots - and win a pair of Gumleaf Kids Cub boots? Simply answer the question below to be in with a chance!

Which Gumleaf boot range caters for all types of country pursuits? To enter, email your answer to the above question, along with your name and contact number to competition@lodders.co.uk. We will get in touch with winners to discuss which size you require.

YESSS! The SUMO Secrets to being Positive, Confident Teenagers If you know the answer to this question about author and wellbeing guru Paul McGee

What does the acronym S.U.M.O stand for in Paul McGee’s first book title? You could win one of two signed copies of Paul’s newest book ‘YESSS! The SUMO Secrets to Being a Positive, Confident Teenager’. Simply email your name and a contact number, along with your answer to competition@lodders.co.uk

Terms and Conditions: We are giving away one pair of Royal Zip boots, RRP £175 and one pair of Kids Cub boots, RRP £45, and two signed copies of ‘YESSS! The SUMO Secrets to Being a Positive, Confident Teenager’, as separate prizes. To enter, email competitions@lodders.co.uk telling us which competition you wish to enter, and your answer to the corresponding question. Please also provide your full name and a contact number. Open to UK residents aged 18+. Winners chosen at random. Closing date Monday 31st May 2021 at 12pm. Winner will be notified by 30th June 2021, decisions on competition winners are final.

FIRM NEWS: ANNOUNCEMENTS

Shedding legal light on all aspects of life

Lodders has been a leading light in the law for over 230 years, providing outstanding legal advice and exceptional service to regional, national and international clients. From business owners through to wealthy families, landowners, farmers and successful individuals, clients choose Lodders for our renowned technical expertise and our friendly, partner-led service.

solici to r s

Lodders Life Issue 7

Articles inside

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Digital farming

Window of opportunity

Biodiversity net gain

The real deal

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