Even when the death of a loved one is expected, it will have a devastating impact on the family left behind. Unfortunately, there are certain tasks that must be undertaken at this time, but faced with so much to do while coping with the feelings that go hand in hand with such a loss, can […]
From earning income from grazing, to selling parcels of land and leasing farm buildings, there are a number of ways in which farm businesses can generate additional income from their existing assets. Shilpa Unarkat, partner in Sydney Mitchell’s Commercial Property team provided a round-up of the considerations for this type of diversification when speaking at […]
With the season for annual office Christmas parties getting into full swing, Emma-Louise Hewitt, Head of the Employment Law team at Sydney Mitchell, answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the right – and wrong – behaviour for employees and their bosses in the eyes of the law. Is employee and employer behaviour […]
Farmers have traditionally favoured partnerships for their farming business because of their simplicity and low associated admin, but as agri businesses diversify, more are looking at alternatives to protect assets and formalise ownership and growth. Benazir Mir, solicitor in the Corporate and Commercial team at Sydney Mitchell, looked into the pros and cons at the […]
Farming families must be focused on planning together early to establish succession and estate plans as a united front, according to Lorna Payne, Partner in the Wills, Trusts and Probate team at Sydney Mitchell. Speaking at the firm’s inaugural ‘Diversification and Succession’ seminar, Lorna stressed the importance of early planning so that the farming family’s […]
Marriage and relationship breakdown in farming families are often highly complex, not least because the farm is usually the family home and provides one or both parties with a living. Speaking at the firm’s recent ‘Succession and Diversification’ seminar, Gemma Whitchurch, Partner in the Family Law team at Sydney Mitchell, explored what a breakdown often […]
Carers Rights Day UK shines a light on the incredible work of unpaid carers and raises awareness about their rights. This year, it was on 20 November with the theme of ‘Know your rights, use your rights’, Jessica Ball, paralegal in the Employment Law team at law firm Sydney Mitchell explains the employment laws that […]
From 18 November 2025, Companies House will implement new identity verification (IDV) requirements for individuals in management or control of UK companies and LLPs. This change is part of broader government reforms aimed at improving corporate transparency and ensuring the accuracy of the Companies House register, helping to prevent the misuse of UK entities. Benazir […]
Delegates at an inaugural ‘Diversification and Succession’ seminar were told that communication, planning and expert legal, financial and tax advice are essential to build foundations that will protect assets and future-proof a family farm or rural enterprise in today’s challenging economic landscape. Hosted by Sydney Mitchell and held at Becketts Farm, one of the West […]
A good divorce fundamentally involves the couple being able to reach a negotiated agreement, be it about children, finances or both, that they both feel comfortable with. So often in general conversation or in the media it is suggested that the involvement of lawyers will involve huge costs and a high level of acrimony but […]