life
Lodders
SHARING OUR NEWS, VIEWS & EVENTS AROUND OUR COUNTIES & BEYOND
Issue 6
06 70 years of Moreton Show 12
A foundation for succession
14
The future of farming s o l i c i t o rs
life6
Lodders
issue
Editor: Hilary Campton hilary.campton@lodders.co.uk Enquiries: Jade Skidmore jade.skidmore@lodders.co.uk Editorial: Diane Wood, V Formation Hilary Campton, Lodders Solicitors Jade Skidmore, Lodders Solicitors Photography: David Warren, www.pictureteam.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 Birmingham 14 St Paul’s Square Birmingham B3 1RB T: 0121 200 0890 Cheltenham Glensanda House 1 Montpellier Parade, Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL50 1UA T: 01242 228370 Henley in Arden 16 High Street, Henley in Arden Warwickshire B95 5BW T: 01564 792261 www.lodders.co.uk @LoddersLawyers Lodders Life is produced for Lodders by Reach Marketing www.reachmarketing.co.uk All opinions, views and editorial pieces are for entertainment purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.
welcome A very warm welcome to our latest edition of Lodders Life, our magazine for clients and friends of the firm.
I had delayed penning these words until the very last minute; in the hope the Brexit situation might have been resolved. However, as there appears to be no resolution in sight, we shall move swiftly on! Instead, I would like to focus on Victor Matts, who retires from the partnership at the end of June after leading our Corporate and Commercial team for almost 30 years. Winding back the clock, Victor and I trained together at Pinsents, before he headed off to run the family business. When the business was sold, we persuaded Victor to join Lodders. He arrived with a frightening commercial acumen and knocked us into shape, ensuring that the practice maintained a tremendously sound financial footing. As a consequence, unlike many firms, we have been able to grow and strengthen the practice from the 2008 recession onwards. It is hard to overstate the contribution that Victor has made to Lodders and I personally shall miss him dearly. Victor’s successor, Kim Klahn, reflects further on his contribution on pages 12 and 13, where she also shares her exciting plans for the future alongside our latest partner recruit, Graham Spalding. As always, compiling Lodders Life gives us the opportunity to reflect on the client projects, events and fantastic people who make working at Lodders such a rewarding experience. I hope you enjoy reading Lodders Life as much as we have enjoyed writing it. Martin Green, Senior Partner
Cover image: Alex Ridley, Moreton Show
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06
contents features
04 Taking down barriers Sharing the story of a ground-breaking educational programme
06 Memories, milestones and miracles 70 years of Moreton Show
10 Women in the law Marking 100 years since the start of a new era for women in the legal profession
12 A foundation for succession We say goodbye to Victor, and hello to Graham, as Kim Klahn shares her plans for the Corporate team
14 Diversification, conservation, collaboration The inaugural Lodders Rural Conference
25 Expert view Ecology in a changing environment
27 Future proofing your will
12 regulars 20 Spotlight on... Baldish Khatkar, Liz Wheeler and Tom Ellis
22 Legal updates Insights and advice from across the firm
28 Client news In pole position for growth; and a new medical centre for Warwickshire
How often should you review your will?
30 Making a difference The Lodders Charitable Foundation has raised over ÂŁ28,000 for good causes
32 Social pages Cheltenham office opening; and an evening with a Baker and a Ballet Dancer 34 People news
Updates on the Lodders team
35 Diary dates A round-up of events across Warwickshire and Gloucestershire
taking
down Above left: Ian Hardicker - Norton College
A
unique education programme that removes the barriers to education for challenged young people, has doubled the number of students it supports following the opening of a second college in Tewkesbury. Norton College is a specialist secondary day school for students aged 11 to 19 who have found learning in traditional school environments challenging and, for many, disappointing. Their needs are often complex but, through Norton College’s groundbreaking educational programme, the lives of many of these young people are being transformed.
Alternative
New approach
The College’s educational programme is designed for young people who need an alternative to mainstream education, through methods that focus on nurturing students through warmth and compassion.
Ian Hardicker is Education Director of Norton College, and devised the programme after many years running two very different special schools for local authorities. He explains:
It offers a diverse portfolio of nationally recognised academic courses including GCSEs, A levels, and NOCNs (National Open College Network) qualifications in a range of vocational areas.
“I set up Norton College Worcester to deliver a radical new approach to education that is based on a programme designed for and tailored to the needs of a small section of young people who have been failed by the standard education system. “The programme removes the barriers to education for the most vulnerable young people, with a curriculum that matches their needs, wants, desires and aspirations, and treats them with kindness, warmth and compassion.”
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Lodders Life Issue 6
CASE STUDY NORTON COLLEGE
Tewkesbury College enables us to deliver our offering to more young people, as we continue the work and ambitions of our first college. Ian Hardicker
Above: Norton College, Worcester
Above left to right: Edward Morris - Board of Directors, Norton College, Alastair Frew - Lodders, Ian Hardicker - Norton College
Worcester Norton College Worcester opened in 2010, and has reached its 80 student capacity. Its latest Ofsted rating classified it as ‘Outstanding for Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare’, and ‘Good for Overall Effectiveness’.
Tewkesbury To increase the number of young people benefitting from the programme, a second college in Tewkesbury opened in September 2018. Having been awarded Ofsted recognition, it is working towards its full quota of 40 students within six months. The 35,000 sq. ft. two-storey premises are in an ideal location and perfect for the provision of Norton College’s social and life skills based programme.
Lodders’ partner Alastair Frew secured the Tewkesbury premises on a 10-year lease. He says:
The completion of this lease meant the college was able to open a much-needed second location, to extend its unique support of young people who have fallen outside of the mainstream educational system. It was important to secure the premises, but essential the deal was made on favourable and fair financial lease terms.
Lodders provided commercial property and landlord and tenant legal advice to Norton College’s board of directors, led by the firm’s long-standing client and former business owner Edward Morris who says:
The Tewkesbury premises represent a significant step. Thanks to Alastair’s tenacity and attention to detail, the college secured its new premises with a favourable lease.
For more information, visit: www.nortoncollege.org.uk
CASE STUDY NORTON COLLEGE
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memories, milestones & miracles...
g heckin ock c w t s s r e ho ton S g far m Youn 1949 More e h t at
Moreton
ow 1949
Moreton Sh
he Evesham
above: T All images
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Lodders Life Issue 6
Show 1949
dmag
Jour nal & A
CASE STUDY 70 YEARS OF MORETON SHOW
70 years Moreton Show of
F
rom its beginnings in 1949, the Moreton Show has embraced the evolving world of British farming and countryside, overcoming some major challenges and key moments in UK farming and history along the way. The first-ever Moreton Show was held on the same site it occupies today the Batsford Estate, adjacent to its namesake and the quintessentially Cotswold town, Moreton-in-Marsh. In its inaugural year, Moreton Show took up just over 21 acres, and was hailed as Gloucestershire’s biggest event. Fast-forward to 2019 and the Moreton Show is firmly established as one of the UK’s best countryside events. Undergoing a major transformation since it began, particularly in recent years, Moreton Show’s transition reflects farming and agriculture through the years.
Held on the first Saturday in September – with one or two exceptions over the years – Moreton Show today attracts thousands of visitors, with hundreds of competitors and exhibitors returning year after year – including Lodders, which has attended the Show since 1996. Combining livestock competitions, horse events – Moreton Show is a qualifying event for the Horse of the Year Show – farming features, livestock shows, attractions, and trade stands, the Show has grown to seven times its original size, and nowadays covers around 150 acres, including the showground and car parks.
CASE STUDY 70 YEARS OF MORETON SHOW
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70 years
Above left to right: Lucy Robbins, Lynne Parkes, Melissa Harrison (standing), Katie Preece, Jess Parkes.
Above: Lodders’ Rod Bird congratulating a winner at the 2017 Show
Memory lane Georgina Attwood, aka Babs, went to the first ever Moreton Show as a young girl, and has an important place in the Show’s history, as a member of its Attractions Committee, and then Show Secretary from 1970 to 1995. Babs remained involved until 2010, working closely with her successor and friend Tim Gardner throughout his tenure.
1997
CRISIS FOR UK AGRICULTURE
On Sunday 31 August 1997, Diana Princess of Wales died following a car accident in Paris.
The outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in 2001 was the first in the UK for more than 30 years. Over 2000 cases were confirmed, and millions of livestock slaughtered.
The date of the funeral wasn’t announced immediately, but Moreton Show’s team recognised it was vital to legislate for this being the following Saturday, when the 1997 Show was taking place. The team agreed an action plan, beginning with the important decision to move the Show to Sunday.
Together, Tim and Babs have some amazing stories to tell, but amongst their most poignant memories are three separate years that were milestones for Moreton Show, British farming and the UK.
As this was a time before everyone had email, advising sponsors, competitors, trade stands and support services, had to be done by phone or letter.
In May, the decision to cancel was made: “In many ways, the decision to cancel was an obvious one,” says Tim. It wasn’t until late November that year that DEFRA downgraded the risk of foot-andmouth, after the final case was reported on 30 September.
“It was important to give as much notice as possible of the new date,” said Babs and Tim. “It was a real Dunkirk spirit.”
THE FLOOD
Diana’s funeral did take place on the Saturday, and the Show went ahead the day after.
Lodders Life Issue 6
“It was critical the decision to cancel Moreton Show was made no later than three months before the event’s date, when entries open and main bookings are made.”
The team worked through the night printing labels and letters, and stuffing envelopes to be posted the next morning.
Local media were contacted with the new date, press advertisements booked, and a sign posted at Moreton Show’s Gate 3.
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Tim was the Show’s Secretary at the time and explains:
CASE STUDY 70 YEARS OF MORETON SHOW
97 flood warnings were issued in the days leading up to the 2008 Moreton Show, and water levels in Moreton were so high that water was spewing out of ditches and the showground was a sea of mud. Like many outdoor events that year, the Moreton team was forced to cancel the Show and telephoned every trade stand exhibitor, business and competitor with the decision.
Moreton Show at a glance 350
Team work Moreton-in-Marsh and District Agricultural & Horse Show Society organises Moreton Show, and celebrates its 70th Anniversary this year. The Society’s team and committees are focused on the event’s underlying purpose that rings as true today as it did in 1949 – to improve the standard of farming and farm crafts locally and showcase all that is great about British farming and rural enterprises. Lodders’ Rod Bird, the firm’s managing partner from 2001 to 2018, has been involved with Moreton Show for over 30 years, and been both Chairman and President of the Moreton Show Society.
Moving with the times Much of Moreton Show’s success is down to its ability to move with the times. Over the years it has enhanced many of its core themes and created entire new features that reflect the changing and future face of farming. Typifying this is ‘Farmtastic’. Introduced in 2018 and highlighting the animals and skills developed at Old Farm, which hosts Moreton Show, the area incorporates a dry-stone wall, butterfly garden and areas with insects, moles, rabbits, hens, farriers, sheep and pigs – all examples of Moreton Show’s commitment to promoting and educating the general public about the countryside and environment, and how it is constantly changing.
25,000 visitors in 2018
200
2,000 rosettes each year
volunteers
Over 1,000 horses entered in the showing and jumping classes, and HOYS qualifiers
trade stands & exhibitors
1,000 livestock each year
40 food stalls
Team
Regular features
Patron The Lord Dulverton
Livestock section and Grand Parade led by the supreme cattle and sheep champions.
2019 President Simon Randall CBE Honorary Show Chaplain Reverend S Wookey Chairman Ed Hicks Vice Chairman Tom Hayman-Joyce Office Manager / Livestock Secretary / Treasurer Lynne Parkes Secretary Katie Preece (maternity cover for Sarah Taylor) Sponsorship and Horse Secretary Jess Parkes Events Coordinator Melissa Harrison
Horse section with more than 1,000 entries in the showing and show jumping classes. Home & Garden showcasing prize-winning produce, including children’s competitions. Food Halls with a cookery demonstration area, a showcase of a host of local and national producers, from cider, wine and artisan gin distillers, to cheese and pie makers, cake and pudding bakers.
200 dogs take part in demonstrations and shows
Grand Arena one of the Show’s main focal points, with dozens of horse classes, including the flagship heavy horse parade, vehicle and farm machinery shows and demonstrations. Dog Ring with competitions and demonstrations of companion, assistance and working dogs. New attractions Farmtastic.
Longest running feature Equestrian showing and show jumping, and Ridden Hunter Classes have been part of Moreton Show since 1949.
Office Administrator Lucy Robbins
CASE STUDY 70 YEARS OF MORETON SHOW
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women 2019 marks 100 years since women were allowed to enter the legal profession in the UK for the first time. A century earlier, in 1919, the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act was passed, marking the end of a very long process to open up the legal profession to women.
On the 23 December 1919, a new Act was passed that signalled the start of a new era for women and the legal profession.
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Lodders Life Issue 6
WOMEN IN BUSINESS FEATURE
in business and the
F
law
ollowing the passing of the Act, women were able to become students of the Inns of Court with the express purpose of being called to the Bar. Women could also take examinations to qualify as solicitors. There are very many talented women at Lodders, which is testament to our focus on rewarding and respecting lawyers for their legal ability and client service, and offering opportunities for personal development and progression. However, the opportunities for ambitious, bright women to build a successful career in the law across the UK have faced scrutiny in recent times. An independent study* found that women make up only 29 percent of partners in private practice law firms, despite the fact there is a fair split between male (50.6 percent) and female (49.4 percent) fee-earners across these firms. According to The Law Society, in 2018, the number of women who accepted a place to study law at university was more than double the number of men - 12,970 or 69 percent vs 5,880 or 31 percent.
Insights and barriers The disparity between the opportunities for progression in law for men and women is breath-taking, especially when you consider women have represented over 60 percent of new entrants into the profession since 1990. Lodders believes it is vital to identify the barriers to career progression that women face. To gain more insight into the lives of working women both in our business and those of our clients and contacts, we conducted an anonymous survey to help raise awareness of the challenges faced by women in the workplace.
LAW STUDENTS
69%
31%
Flexibility
The findings and statistics make for fascinating reading. For instance, the survey reveals that a resounding majority of working women and female business owners believe flexibility in the workplace is crucial: • At least 83 percent of women either agree or strongly agree that businesses must offer flexible working conditions to attract high-performing women.
PARTNERS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE LAW FIRMS
29% 71%
• 91 percent of business owners feel they need to offer flexible working conditions to attract high performing women • 89 percent of business owners feel that maternity and paternity provisions are a challenge for them
FEE EARNERS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE LAW FIRMS
• 88 percent of businesses would like government help • But, 82 percent of respondents believe it can be difficult to hold a senior position and work on a part-time basis.
Pace of progression Women with children feel the working environment has improved for women since their own careers began and that there is little difference in perceptions of the pace of career progression between those with and without children. For most, progression at the start of their career was at about the pace they expected, but a higher percentage of women aged in the 30-40 and 41-50 age brackets feel their career progression was slower than expected. • Women with children believe the working environment has improved for women since their careers began – 75 percent, compared to 55 percent of women without children.
• Of the women without children, almost twice as many say the working environment has stayed the same since they started work. • Older generations were more likely to have sacrificed career progression, whereas women under 30 are more likely to say their sacrifices have been a social life, arts and cultural activities, or sports. To request a copy of the survey’s full findings and report, email our Marketing Director, Hilary Campton hilary.campton@lodders.co.uk.
*Aspirant Analytics – Top UK law firms are short by 323 female partners
WOMEN IN BUSINESS FEATURE
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a foundation for
succession After heading Lodders’ Corporate and Commercial team for almost 30 years, Victor Matts has handed over the reins to Kim Klahn. With growth of the corporate offering at the heart of the firm’s ongoing succession planning and expansion strategy, Kim looks back at the strong foundation built by Victor as well as explaining her future plans.
Above left to right: Graham Spalding, Kim Klahn, Victor Matts
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CORPORATE AND COMMERCIAL TEAM FEATURE
K
im Klahn is a company and commercial law specialist, and trained and qualified at Lodders. She became a partner in the Corporate and Commercial team in 2015, and specialises in advising on a range of company and commercial matters. Her ambition and drive will be central to Lodders’ strategy to further grow its company commercial offering. Kim has also played a key role in many areas of the firm including leading several of its HR and marketing initiatives.
It has been a privilege to work alongside Victor for the past 11 years and I know both myself and the wider team will miss him dearly. Having joined Lodders in 1990, Victor single-handedly built the firm’s corporate and commercial offering, bringing experts such as Tony Ausden to the team. In that time the team has grown substantially. I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to build upon the team and reputation Victor has created.
Kim will be working alongside Lodders’ latest recruit Graham Spalding who joined the firm in March 2019 as an equity partner. A senior M&A lawyer, Graham has over 25 years’ corporate and private equity experience, acting for corporate, private equity and owner managed clients in sectors including pharma, manufacturing, light industrials, and professional services. “I am delighted that Graham has joined our team. His arrival comes at a time of significant growth for us. We have experienced a 25 percent increase in the volume of completed transactions and made a number of other key additions to the team.” explains Kim. “Graham and I share the same sentiment around the culture we try to instil in our team; we have a very similar management style based around trust, motivation and engagement. We have our sights firmly set on becoming the go-to corporate lawyers in Warwickshire and the M40 corridor.
Above: Lodders’ Corporate and Commercial team
“Working with Graham and the wider Corporate and Commercial team across our offices, we will utilise our combined experience to deliver Lodders’ strategic expansion plans by growing the volume and size of deals in the corporate arena, working for OMBs, SMEs, and family and privately owned businesses throughout the region. “Our focus remains clear on keeping clients at the heart of what we do and maintaining our high service levels, whilst continuing to provide a personal, high quality, partner-led service.”
Welcome to Graham Prior to joining Lodders, Graham spent three years at London firm RPC after 17 years at Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co (now Gowlings) in Birmingham. Graham is a seasoned and highly-skilled lawyer, having led and worked on many multi-million pound deals and investment transactions for private equity, corporate clients, PLCs and owner managers, including Maico’s £10million acquisition of Brooke Air, Hitachi’s circa £10million acquisition of Temple Lifts, the sale of The Binding Site, and advising the owners of Dealtforce on Bond Partners’ £9million investment in the family business.
This is a rare opportunity to drive growth of corporate, private equity and M&A work at a highly ambitious firm. I am looking forward to working as part of the firm’s equity partnership to build upon Lodders’ success and excellent reputation throughout the next phase of its growth. Graham Spalding
CORPORATE AND COMMERCIAL TEAM FEATURE
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Lodders Life Issue 6
RURAL FEATURE
the
farming future of
The UK’s agricultural sector is accustomed to change. Coinciding with one of the most significant and uncertain times for UK farming, Lodders’ inaugural Rural Conference explored the future of farming, and the challenges and opportunities for rural businesses.
RURAL FEATURE
15
Above standing, left to right: David Lea - Swallows Nest Barn, Charles Smith - Farming Community Network, James Blanchard - Blanchard Enterprises, John Rouse - Lodders Seated, left to right: Dr Alastair Leake - Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Alison Rickett - Fresh Start Land Enterprise, James Spreckley - Lodders, Jessica Beddows - Lodders
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Lodders Life Issue 6
RURAL FEATURE
the
farming S
peaking at the event were specialists from the NFU, Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Farming Community Network, and Fresh Start Land Enterprise Centre.
Diversification, conservation, collaboration
Farmers, David Lea, owner of the event’s venue Swallows Nest Barn in Warwickshire, and James Blanchard of Blanchard Enterprises, each shared their own rural business’ diversification journey, with fascinating insights into the highs and lows of how their operations have evolved and grown and their plans for the future.
James Blanchard is the third generation of his family to manage Blanchard Enterprises. Located nine miles outside of Oxford, it has been family-owned since 1956.
All speakers shared their thoughts and experiences of diversification, conservation and collaboration, and their potential role in and huge contribution to the future of rural businesses and the sector as a whole.
James returned to the family farm in 2013, after several years working in farm and estate management. It was a financially challenging time for Blanchard Enterprises: “Historically, the business had derived 90 percent of its income from agricultural activities, but its profitability was dwindling. We embarked on a plan of restructuring, adapting and diversifying the business for improved efficiency and ultimately, to secure the farm’s survival and growth,” he said.
future of
The modern farm James’ plan features four key complementary components that support effective diversification: To create a mix of enterprises; to get the ownership and management structure right; to get the right people on board; and, to move people up the value chain. Today, Blanchard Enterprises boasts an integrated operation with elements that support effective diversification. These include outdoor reared pigs – the bedrock of the farm’s 60-plus years of operation – as well as combinable crops, commercial, residential and equestrian let properties, a feed mill and a barn storage business. It is committed to environmental stewardship and embracing renewable energy for sustainability.
James and the family set out on a programme of change with the aim of creating a business that didn’t rely on family members working in and joining it, but also to ensure that Blanchard Enterprises ‘did the right thing’.
The personal challenge was to create a business that is sustainable, ethical, modern, agile, forward thinking, and tech savvy. The business challenge was to achieve this. James Blanchard
RURAL FEATURE
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Conservation Dr Alastair Leake is head of the Allerton Project, a lowland demonstration farm for the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust set up 25 years ago. The project is based at the 800-acre mixed Allerton Farm, an important research and education facility. Since 1992, the project has investigated the impact of combining productive farming with conservation, monitoring the interaction between farming, wildlife conservation, resource management and the environment. “In Europe, food production and biodiversity must coexist,” said Dr Leake. “Many species are dependent upon farm land, and growing demand for land for food, as well as leisure, is driving intensive agricultural methods. Management of biodiversity must increase, and agriculture and conservation must work together.” In a 30-year study of songbirds during a period when farmland birds have declined despite environmental payments to farmers, and the numbers of insects and seeds are at critical levels, the Allerton Project has shown that with proper management, biodiversity and farming can work hand-in-hand. By managing habitat, introducing and varying seasonal feeding, and exercising predator control, bird numbers have increased materially.
Joint ventures and land matching Encouraging new entrants to the rural sector can be a challenge, not least because of the high capital set up costs involved. Fresh Start Land Enterprise Centre encourages new thinking for ways of encouraging collaboration among land-based industries and entrepreneurs. Alison Rickett, MD of the community interest company, explained how collaboration has benefits for agriculture: “Through options for those with land and those without land, but with energy and ideas, we facilitate land partnerships to unlock business innovation. “For landowners who are late career farmers thinking about succession but with no-one lined-up to take over, our service can introduce them to both experienced and young farmers or rural business entrepreneurs who are looking to start their own business, but lack the land or capital.
Business continuity However robust your business may be, supporting the individuals behind it is key to its continued success and Charles Smith, Chief Executive of the Farming Community Network explained the support the charity can provide to farmers who find themselves with challenges and issues to address.
Food in the future Bringing the conference to its conclusion, Dr Andrea Graham, head of research at the National Farmers Union, discussed the NFU’s recent ‘The Future of Food 2040’ report. This highlights the need to take a balanced view of just how far and how fast agriculture is going to change in coming years, with an ever-growing population and also how the sector needs to set its eyes beyond Brexit and be planning for a future once this has been resolved, whatever this ultimately turns out to look like.
“This match-making service has the potential to create the next generation of farmers and agri-businesses. For the landowner or farmer, it provides help with the day to day running of the farm, but importantly their chance to share their own experience and ideas, whilst giving new entrants and land entrepreneurs access to land, experience and opportunity.”
“The care of our wildlife needs to be as smart as the care of our crops,” said Dr Leake. “By focusing crop output on the most productive land, wildlife can be encouraged on the unproductive elements, providing the financial and environmental returns demanded of farmers.”
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RURAL FEATURE
Above: Dr Alastair Leake
Lasting Powers of Attorney Jessica Beddows, partner in Lodders’ Private Client team, explains the benefits of having an LPA:
There are two types of LPA 1. Property and Financial LPAs
2. Health and Welfare LPAs
• An LPA allows you to appoint people that you trust, rather than leaving the decisions to others or indeed even government organisations.
• Can have multiple LPAs – for example to separate business affairs from personal affairs.
• Help establish where you live.
• By creating LPAs you have more certainty as to who could deal with your affairs in the future, if necessary.
• Opening and closing bank accounts.
• Having LPAs can promote business survival and confidence in the business, if you lose the physical or mental ability to manage this. • It is easier for legal representatives to deal with matters with an LPA than through the Court of Protection.
• Buying or selling property/land.
• Day-to-day care. • Medical treatment you receive. • Assessments for care and support.
• Enforceability of contracts.
• Giving or refusing consent to life sustaining treatments.
• Dealing with tax affairs and regulatory matters.
• Social and leisure activities.
• Paying bills and outgoings, dealing with creditors.
• Personal correspondence and papers.
• Dealing with investments and savings. • Making limited gifts.
Farm succession planning - Private Client partner John Rouse offers an insight Until recently, the tax applied when passing on farms from one generation to the next, was ‘benign’ and IHT wasn’t too much of a problem. However, this is all set to change with farmers living longer and holding onto their farms until they die. It is not so much about supporting the older generation into retirement – after all, farmers rarely follow a traditional retirement - so they need to be encouraged to put in place a succession plan, which clearly explains what is to happen to the farm. Importantly, they must share this plan with the family, and continue to review it regularly to ensure it is up to date and modified to include any changes such as births, deaths, marriages or divorce. RURAL FEATURE
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on
spotlight
Baldish Khatkar Lodders’ talented Birmingham-based Family Law team was recently boosted with the recruitment of top divorce and financial specialist Baldish Khatkar as Senior Associate. Head of Lodders’ Family Law team Beverley Morris has worked with Baldish on the Resolution Committee for a number of years and had always been impressed with her strength in children and financial matters, and her absolute commitment to client care. Baldish, who is fluent in Punjabi and conversational Urdu and Hindi, explains her approach: “Working in family law is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. My clients often come to me at a time of great uncertainty and upheaval and it’s my job to help them find clarity and a solution. “Often, the legal issues that arise from family breakdown involve both children and finance. As a specialist in both areas, I have the ability to represent my clients in any children or financial proceedings that may arise. Not only does it save bringing a new solicitor up to speed, but it also avoids any relevant evidence getting lost in the process.
“Having specialised in family law for 20 years and practised in a problem-solving manner, I am delighted to be part of a team with a wealth of experience, commitment and formidable reputation for this specialist area.” Despite her busy schedule, Baldish remains an active member of the West Midlands Resolution Committee, as well as being the founder of, and continuing to organise, an annual three day charity fundraising event that celebrates Vaisakhi, the birth of Sikhism, at her local temple each year. The proceeds from this event are donated to orphanages and women’s projects in India. This year, Baldish is planning to step out of her comfort zone to go on a religious pilgrimage to India, where she will make contact with several orphanages and women’s refuges to explore how the charitable group can help them.
I am delighted to be part of a team with a wealth of experience, commitment and formidable reputation for this specialist area.
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Lodders Life Issue 6
SPOTLIGHT ON
Liz Wheeler Liz is one of the longest standing members of the Lodders team. Having joined the firm as a secretary over two decades ago in 1996, Liz is a wealth of knowledge in all things Lodders. Starting out as secretary to our now Senior Partner, Martin Green, Liz’s role at Lodders has evolved over time to incorporate the multi-site management of the Private Client team of secretaries and paralegals, as well as additional secretarial work and maintaining her position as secretary to Martin. As Liz’s role has changed, she has seen the firm develop through several office moves, three senior partners, two managing partners and three mergers. “The role that I do now is almost unrecognisable from what it was when I first joined. I’ve taken on a lot of extra duties, which can make it a bit of a juggling act at times, but I wouldn’t change it.
I love all of the intricacies of my role, I still get to do the secretarial work and interact with the clients, some of whom I’ve known for the entirety of my time at Lodders, but I have the added benefit of being able to support and help develop the careers of the incredible team of secretaries that I manage.” Not only is Liz an integral member of the team in the office, she has also always been keen to support us in our firmwide events. Liz has been a key member of the team running our stand at Moreton Show each year. Liz has been helping at the Show for over 20 years and does an amazing job of running the ‘behind the scenes’ area of the stand, ensuring everything runs smoothly. She is an invaluable asset on what is an extremely long and busy day, and as with the rest of her work, we couldn’t do it without her!
Tom Ellis Associate Tom Ellis has been a key addition to Lodders’ growing Dispute Resolution team bringing with him extensive knowledge and a new specialism for the firm. In recent years, claims against professional advisers have been many and varied, so it is no surprise that Tom has found himself with a busy professional negligence case load from the start. “Professional negligence is a truly fascinating and varied area in which to practise. Whether it’s solving a tricky legal problem or negotiating a delicate settlement, there’s always something that needs action. “Working in an environment where the ability to think on your feet is key, I’ve learnt the importance of always being the most prepared person in the room, so I take time to get to know my clients, as well as the case, to make sure that I’m not caught off guard.
“Working on complex, large-scale matters for bigger companies can be very interesting, but, for me, it is every bit as rewarding to work with individuals whose entire lives may have been uprooted as a result of an adviser’s negligence. I find just by listening and coming up with a plan of action, I can often begin to help and alleviate a client’s stresses.” When he’s not busy fighting his clients’ corner, Tom fills his time with his second passion, music. An accomplished pianist, Tom says that if it hadn’t been for his interest in the law (and his slightly misshapen fingers) he would have wanted to be a concert pianist.
SPOTLIGHT ON
21
Partnership agreement would have prevented
farming family’s property fallout The risks of not having a written partnership agreement have been highlighted by a recent High Court case involving a Derbyshire family’s farm. James Spreckley, head of Lodders’ Rural Sector team, explains: The case of Wild v Wild involved two generations of the Wild family and arguments about farm property at the family’s Beard Hall Farm. The farm was owned by father Ben Wild, and after his death a dispute arose, involving his sons Gregory and Malcolm, their mother Jean, and Malcolm’s wife Abigail.
T
he farm had been run as a family farming partnership at different times involving Ben and his wife Jean, and their sons. On Ben’s death, the farm was left to his widow, but when one of the sons / brothers sought to dissolve the farm partnership, the question arose as to whether the farm land, farmhouse and a bungalow were part of the partnership assets. Had they been part of the partnership assets, then these would have been shared between the partners rather than belonging to Ben’s widow. As there was no written partnership agreement to clearly record what was or wasn’t in the partnership, the Court had to look at the evidence of Ben’s intentions when it first went into partnership with Malcolm in 1978 when he was 16. Although the property was referred to in the partnership accounts, the family could not agree whether it was an asset.
Not being a partnership asset was significant, as essentially it meant the farm and other properties formed part of Ben’s estate and could be left under the terms of his will. The High Court ruled that the mention of the property in the farm accounts was insufficient to demonstrate a clear intention by Ben that it should be a partnership property. As such, the property passed under Ben Wild’s will to his widow, so, on dissolution, whilst other business assets were to be shared, the property was not. This case highlights the risks of farming families not communicating nor recording clearly and accurately, how and by whom farm assets are owned or dealt with on death. The use of a partnership agreement can really help head-off these sorts of disputes, plus help secure tax benefits and, most importantly, keep the farming assets together. Contact James Spreckley on 01789 206166 or at james.spreckley@lodders.co.uk
Probate ‘stealth’ tax given green light P
lans to change the way probate fees are calculated have received Government approval.
Louise Igoe, partner in the Private Client team.
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Lodders Life Issue 6
LEGAL UPDATES
The new rules could mean an extra £6,000 in death taxes for many grieving families. The new fees system will be calculated on a sliding scale, directly correlating with the value of the estate before inheritance tax, as outlined on the right.
Value of estate Up to £50,000 or exempt from grant of probate
Probate fees £0
£50,000 - £300,000
£250
£300,000 - £500,000
£750
£500,000 - £1,000,000
£2,500
£1,000,000 - 1,600,000
£4,000
£1,600,000 - £2,000,000
£5,000
Over £2,000,000
£6,000
My landlord is selling my flat -
do I have the Right of First Refusal? T
he Right of First Refusal can give tenants the first option to buy their landlord’s interest in their property, should the landlord decide to sell. This means that a landlord may not be free to sell to who they want. But not all properties qualify for the Right of First Refusal and both tenants and landlords can be confused about whether it applies to their situation.
The property
The landlord
There are three requirements that the property must fulfil to be subject to RFR:
RFR applies when the tenant’s immediate landlord (the person to whom a tenant pays ground rent or rent, and who will be entitled to vacant possession of the flat when the lease expires) decides to sell. This may not necessarily be the same as the party who holds the freehold of the property.
• The building must contain at least two flats held by qualifying tenants; • No more than 50 percent of the internal floor area of the building is to be in non-residential use; • More than 50 percent of the flats in the premises must be held by qualifying tenants. A building will be excluded from RFR if more than 50 percent is not in residential use, or if it contains empty spaces making up more than half the building.
The tenants Vicky Khandker, property litigation specialist at Lodders, explains the criteria that need to be met for the Right of First Refusal (RFR) to apply.
For RFR to apply to a building, at least 50 percent of the tenants must be qualifying tenants. The term ‘qualifying tenant’ includes leaseholders and some fixed term or periodic tenancies, but does not include assured or assured shorthold tenancies unless those are not let directly by the landlord. Someone who is a tenant of more than three flats in the building will not be a qualifying tenant of any of those flats.
This change to probate fees impacts the people who need to get a grant of probate. Banks freeze assets when an account holder dies, but the fee needs paying up front. Although executors can claim the costs back from the estate, they will be out of pocket until probate is granted and the estate finalised.
Government ministers refute this accusation and claim the fees cover the cost of families dealing with the estate after a loved one’s passing. However, the distribution of the extra income generated through these fees contradicts this claim. The excess is clearly going to the courts and tribunals service to plug a shortfall.
Whilst the government claims the new fees system will “see thousands of bereaved families paying no probate fees at all”, the planned sliding scale is little more than a means of generating more tax.
Currently, there is no set date for the fee increase although it is expected to pass through Parliament shortly.
If a landlord does meet all qualifying criteria and fails to offer RFR, it can result in a fine of up to £5,000. Perhaps of more concern to a purchaser buying the property, a tenant can serve a notice on the new owner demanding details of the transaction and then take action to force the new owner to sell to them at the same price. There are various exclusions that apply to this rule and it is important to know your rights as a landlord or a tenant. Our property litigation specialists can offer you support and advice when it comes to the complexities of RFR. Contact Vicky Khandker on 01789 206123 or at vicky.khandker@lodders.co.uk
Contact Louise Igoe on 01789 206156 or at louise.igoe@lodders.co.uk
LEGAL UPDATES
23
Proprietary Estoppel
what’s in a promise? Over the past few months, the farming press has been filled with a number of cases involving farming family disputes over land and property bequests in wills, unearthing sibling rivalries and family tensions. What these farming family fall-outs often have in common is proprietary estoppel.
S
o, what is proprietary estoppel? Proprietary estoppel is a claim that might arise if property is promised to you on the death of the owner but then in their will you find that it’s not going to be yours. For example, if an adult child has worked on the family farm on the promise that it will one day be theirs – and then the parents change their minds.
Many of the cases have had the wellestablished starting point of a child claiming that they are entitled to the family farm or some property asset because of promises made by their respective parents as soon as they were old enough to start work. Lodders’ contentious probate expert, Caroline Cowley explains:
Land in general, and in particular farming land, is increasing in value. There are fewer but larger farming units and as a result, a family farm is invariably worth fighting over. The nature of a farming business, and the facilities, land and property on it, and the high percentage of farms that are owned and run by generations of one family, are all major contributors to why so many cases involving disputes, and in turn proprietary estoppel, arise in the farming sector. Proprietary estoppel often occurs when succession has not been provided for and clearly communicated to all the family or
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Lodders Life Issue 6
LEGAL UPDATES
To establish proprietary estoppel there are three criteria: • someone is given a clear assurance that they will acquire a right over property, • they reasonably rely on the assurance or promise, and, • as a result, they suffer a detriment.
an event occurs which turns the expected course of events on its head. There really is no substitute for farming families sitting down and talking about the future and understanding the needs and expectations of all those involved. This is never going to be a once-only exercise, as circumstances do change, but the key thing is to be clear at any moment how the assets of the farming business are to be applied. As someone who is dealing with these sorts of claims regularly, I am afraid it all comes back to that thorny issue of succession planning and the challenges of open communication. Contact Caroline Cowley on 01242 229090 or at caroline.cowley@lodders.co.uk
ecology
environment in a changing
E
cology has traditionally been regarded as an inconvenience for developers; an obstacle to be navigated to allow planners to place a tick in a box. We’ve all heard horror stories about ‘the million-pound newt’ or ‘the inconvenient vole’ but those days are long gone.
Tom Docker has been a professional ecologist for 15 years and specialises in the ecological aspects of large EIA projects, ecological mitigation design and delivery of biodiversity net gain. Middlemarch Environmental Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, working on ecological projects throughout the United Kingdom.
The discipline of ecology has undergone a revolution in the past few years, driven partially by the evolution of the National Planning Policy Framework but also as a result of the emergence of concepts such as Ecosystem Services, Natural Capital, Biodiversity Offsetting and Biodiversity Net Gain. The Chancellor’s recent Spring Statement included an announcement that Biodiversity Net Gain was to be mandated through the emerging Environment Bill. This is a significant step-change in the relationship between ecology and development, and marks the end of the era of the stereotypical bunnystroking ecologist. Let’s consider the role of a professional ecologist in a typical development project. There is a set of basic skills that any ecologist should be able to provide, including the design and implementation of appropriate surveys, production of reports for planning and provision of advice regarding compliance with legislation. Nowadays however, your ecologist needs to offer much more than this. They need to form an integral part of your design team,
working closely with other disciplines to maximise biodiversity gains in ways that also help to deliver other key functions, e.g. drainage, visual screening and amenity value. For projects where the need to maximise developable area is crucial, a good ecologist is invaluable. At Middlemarch we pride ourselves in our team of knowledgeable consultants who understand the need to balance the pressures of development with the betterment of the natural environment. The recent update of the National Planning Policy Framework to include specific reference to Biodiversity Net Gain, and the subsequent government mandate, provide a new challenge for developers and ecologists alike. For many high-density developments the ability to meet the need for a net gain in biodiversity (measured using biodiversity metrics initially developed by DEFRA) is not possible within the red line boundary of a site. This may trigger the need for Biodiversity Offsetting, i.e. the delivery of off-site mitigation to compensate for on-site losses. At Middlemarch we have extensive experience of helping our clients to identify off-site mitigation solutions and, as a result of our unique relationship with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, we can design offsetting solutions, including long-term management, on land that would generally be inaccessible to developers.
Visit www.middlemarch-environmental.com Contact Tom on 01676 525880 or at tom.docker@middlemarch-environmental.com EXPERT VIEW
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the Court of Protection:
FAQs T
he Court of Protection makes decisions on financial or welfare matters for people who can’t make decisions at the time they need to be made. Care and Capacity expert Sofia Tayton explains the role of the Court of Protection, and answers some frequently asked questions.
What type of decisions can the Court of Protection make? The Court of Protection can rule on a wide range of issues, including:
What is a Deputy? If a person lacks mental capacity in relation to their property and financial affairs and/or health and welfare, the Court of Protection can appoint a Deputy to make decisions on their behalf.
· Who to appoint as a Deputy · Whether to remove a Deputy or Attorney · Whether a Power of Attorney is valid · Where someone should live or who should look after them · What type of medical treatment someone should receive · Whether an attorney can make gifts on behalf of a person who lacks mental capacity · Whether to make a Statutory Will for a person who lacks mental capacity
Who can be a Deputy? A family member or a close friend can apply to act for a person who lacks capacity. Alternatively, a professional adviser, such as a solicitor or accountant can apply. If none of the above are able or suitable, the Court may appoint a member of the local authority’s social services department, or a panel Deputy.
How long does it take to become a Deputy? Once completed and signed, the application paperwork goes to the Court of Protection, who issue the application. It can take five weeks to get to this point. The Court aim to make a final Order within 21 weeks of the application being issued.
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PRIVATE CLIENT FEATURE
What is the cost of applying to be a Deputy? The legal costs in obtaining a Deputyship order may be fixed by the Court, agreed by the Deputy, or assessed by the Senior Courts Costs Office. Costs can range from £850 to £3,500 plus VAT, sometimes more, depending on how complicated the matter is. You have to pay a Court application fee of £385. It is possible to apply for an exemption or remission of this fee, based on the circumstances of the person who lacks capacity.
Can a Deputy take advice? A Deputy can use professionals to assist them in their role. An example would be to take advice from an independent financial advisor. The person who lacks capacity should, in most cases, pay any professional costs incurred in this way. Contact Sofia Tayton on 01789 206151 or at sofia.tayton@lodders.co.uk
future proofing your will W
hen it comes to ensuring the security of your loved ones, a will is the best way to document your future plan, but once it’s done, how often should you review it? Louise Igoe, a specialist in wills in Lodders’ Private Client team, explains.
A will is a legal declaration of what you want to happen to your property and possessions on your death. Making your will is an important task and, all too often, once it’s done it’s forgotten about, but it is vital to keep it up to date.
I recommend reading your will at least every five years, to check addresses and ensure it includes everyone you want to remember. A new will isn’t necessary to deal with these types of minor changes - a change of address can be updated by writing a note and putting it with your will and adding in or taking out a beneficiary can be done by ‘codicil’.
It’s also important to check the executors – time moves on, so just make sure those named are still alive and well, and that you are still in touch on a regular basis. The role of executor is an important one in the estate administration process, and you must have people who are able and willing to see your wishes through.
Other important life events which should prompt you to check your will are:
• Retirement - is the right time to think about your estate and future planning.
• New baby - review your will and check specific provisions if you become parents, have more children, and grandchildren.
• Care - if you or a close family member has to move to a care home, your will should be updated to ensure it remains effective.
• Marriage - if you have a will in place and then get married, the will is revoked, and a new one is needed to ensure your new circumstances are reflected.
• Legislative change - rules on inheritance tax (‘IHT’) change, and will structures that worked to mitigate IHT in the past may no longer be appropriate; good advice on the impact of any changes on you, your will and estate should help avoid problems for beneficiaries.
• Divorce - if you omit to update your will when you’re going through a divorce, your former spouse will remain as an executor and/or beneficiary if they are named in your will.
Contact Louise Igoe on 01789 206139 or at louise.igoe@lodders.co.uk
• Property and land - these are amongst the most valuable assets, so check your will when you buy your first home, move home, inherit a property, or add to a property portfolio.
PRIVATE CLIENT FEATURE
27
client news Land sale puts F1 team in
pole position for growth Lodders recently acted for farmer, landowner and motorsport enthusiast, Steve Tustian on the sale of a parcel of land to a Formula 1 racing team. The 29-acres of his farmland is alongside the iconic Silverstone Race Circuit, where the team’s owner is based. Alastair Frew, a commercial property law specialist and partner in the Real Estate practice, provided legal advice to longstanding client Steve Tustian, in conjunction with Simon Harris, of Howkins and Harrison Chartered Surveyors.
The deal centred on the granting of an option for the Formula 1 team to purchase the field from Steve Tustian, for its new Silverstone premises. Steve Tustian has been a lifelong fan of motor racing and at his Litchlake Farm, which is directly opposite the Silverstone Circuit, has run a campsite used by racing enthusiasts since 1985. The site has a footbridge to the circuit and thousands of motorsport fans camp at the site every time the F1 Grand Prix comes to Silverstone.
Alastair explains: “This is the second parcel of land Mr. Tustian has sold to a motor racing company based at Silverstone. He sold the first piece of land in 1990, to Eddie Jordan. “With Litchlake Farm being located directly opposite the Silverstone Circuit, the land in this latest deal represents the ideal site for the F1 motor racing team’s development plans for its Silverstone base.” Silverstone hosted the first ever round of the world championship in 1950 and has been the permanent home of the British Grand Prix since 1987.
Alastair has provided relevant and timely land and property legal advice to enable the swift sale of this parcel of land. Steve Tustian
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CLIENT NEWS
medical centre NEW
opens in Warwickshire
A new-build state-of-the-art medical centre has opened in the Warwickshire village of Wellesbourne, safeguarding the future provision of primary healthcare for its growing community. The £4million Hastings House Medical Centre is three times the size of the previous practice, and houses an increased and extensive range of services and facilities including 24 clinical rooms and a pharmacy, meaning it can increase its patient numbers from 12,000 to 17,000. Lodders’ Real Estate practice navigated a ‘complex’ land acquisition deal for the centre, working with Hastings House’s healthcare practitioners, led by senior GP partner, Dr Martin Read-Jones, who said: “We are delighted to have finally opened after seven years of planning, designing and building. “The new building provides a ‘state of the art’ fit for purpose primary care facility at the heart of the local community.” Lodders’ Managing Partner, Paul Mourton, and Senior Associate, Constantine Berry worked closely with Hastings House’s
medical team, the trustees of Walton Estate, NHS England, the local South Warwickshire Clinical Commissioning Group, and a team from Persimmon Homes. “This was a very involved and complicated transaction,” Paul said. “By working closely with all parties, we successfully navigated the land acquisition for the new centre, the design and layout of which is impressive.” Dr Read-Jones added: “We are very happy with Lodders’ professional, supportive, and responsive advice. A great deal of work was involved, and Lodders’ expertise, legal skill, knowledge, support and first-rate service were vital in reaching an excellent conclusion. “Lodders has supported the practice for many years and it’s been a privilege to work with the firm on this project; Lodders has a great team!”
CLIENT NEWS
29
the Lodders
Charitable Foundation We launched our Charitable Foundation back in 2016. Since then we have raised over £28,000 to support charities including the Farming Community Network, The Time Out Group and the Shakespeare’s Puppies Appeal.
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It’s been a busy couple of years, and we’ve held a whole host of events to raise funds for these worthy causes, including our annual Charity Dog Walk, which first took place in 2017. We’ve also hosted our own Great Lodders Bake Off and, most recently, we held a drinks reception at Castle Fine Art in Stratford which is pictured on page 32.
Badger
Through our sponsorship of the Shakespeare’s Puppies Appeal, the Foundation raised enough money to name a puppy – ‘Badger’ - and sponsor him through his first year of Guide Dog training. To mark the end of our journey with the Lodders Charitable Foundation guide dog puppy, we thought we would do a roundup of Badger’s first year.
After a few weeks of settling into his new regime, we received Badger’s first ‘Pupdate’. Alexandra was happy to report that Badger was taking it all in his stride, including sharing his new home with a small menagerie of animals - rabbits, horses and llamas - and excelling in his guide dog education. He was picking up requests and commands very quickly and mastering ‘sit’, ‘down’, ‘wait’ and ‘come’ - An impressive start for such a young puppy!
Lodders Life Issue 6
We first met Badger when he was seven weeks old. Born on Tuesday 23 January 2018 and named in memory of Sally Badger, he had just been placed with his Puppy Walker, Alexandra, who was tasked with teaching him the skills that he would need for his future as a guide dog.
LODDERS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION FEATURE
At six months old, and halfway through his puppy training, Badger was beginning to show his cheeky side. He had acquired a particular love of water and would seek it out on every walk! At 10 months old, Badger was making leaps in his training, he was exceptionally well behaved on the lead, he was now accustomed to travelling by any means of transport, and had also adapted well to being in busy places. Our final Badger update came in time for us to celebrate his first birthday as he headed off to his new home to start the next stage in his training. We know that Badger will make an incredible Guide Dog for someone one day and we are happy to have supported him through his first year of training.
Future fundraising We know that Badger will make an incredible Guide Dog for someone one day and we are happy to have supported him through his first year of training.
Over the next 12 months the Foundation will be raising funds for two more local charities including: Lifespace Trust helps to mentor young people who are struggling with all kinds of mental health issues to help reduce their distress, build their resilience and help them achieve more. The Shakespeare Hospice is the largest independent day hospice in the West Midlands, providing a valuable range of services to patients, their families and carers.
LODDERS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION FEATURE
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social pages Local charities share Lodders’
£8,000donation
T
he Farming Community Network (FCN) and The Time Out Group charities were each handed a £4,000 donation by Lodders Charitable Foundation (LCF).
David Lodder, Chairman of LCF, handed over the cheques to FCN’s Charles Smith and Time Out’s Nick Keegan at a reception at Stratford’s Castle Fine Art Gallery. Lodders clients, colleagues and friends attended the Charitable Foundation’s inaugural art gallery drinks reception, which is set to become a regular fixture on the annual events calendar, and at which a further £370 was raised through donations on the night.
David Lodder said: “It is a great pleasure to be able to support such worthwhile charities. FCN and Time Out are both small charities which perhaps don’t get the recognition and support they need and deserve, and we are delighted to be able to make such a substantial donation to support their vital work and the help they provide.”
For more information about The Lodders Charitable Foundation visit www.lodders.co.uk/about-us/lodders-charitable-foundation/
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SOCIAL PAGES
Lodders celebrates new
Cheltenham office L
odders moved to the Georgian detached office building Glensanda House on Montpellier Parade, from Imperial Square, following five years of strong growth since the firm opened its Cheltenham operation in 2013.
More than one-hundred guests from Cheltenham’s business communities joined Lodders partners, staff and clients to celebrate the official opening of the new office in the town.
Our new office reaffirms the importance of Cheltenham to Lodders’ wider vision to maintain its place as one of the premier law firms in the region. Paul Mourton, Managing Partner at Lodders
Ballet and baking stars join Lodders at
Stratford Literary Festival
L
odders continued its support of the arts within its local community by returning as a sponsor of this year’s Stratford Literary Festival for the seventh consecutive year.
The programme of events sponsored by the firm included two of the 2019 Festival’s Gold Events: an interview with celebrity author and Great British Bake-Off judge Prue Leith, and a talk from Dame Darcey Bussell, one of the UK’s most well-known ballet dancers and former Strictly Come Dancing judge. Following each event, the firm’s guests enjoyed an invitation-only private audience with each of the authors, where they had the opportunity to ask questions, take photos and receive a signed copy of their book.
SOCIAL PAGES
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news update
people
out of office In March 2019, Agriculture solicitor Nicola Smith embarked on a two-week cycle ride down the length of Vietnam, from Hanoi to Saigon. Fuelled by Vietnamese cuisine, Nicola cycled hundreds of miles through busy cities, rural backwaters and the occasional off-road endeavour, battling 97% humidity and 35 degree heat, to complete her journey. Nicola’s amazing journey through Vietnam has sparked a real passion for cycling, which has prompted her to take part in The British Heart Foundation Cotswold Bike Ride 2019. Well done Nicola!
Nicola discovered along the way the beauty of the country, from the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay to the white sandy beaches of Da Nang, as well as a real passion for cycling.
Recycling news With reports of environmental impact frequently in the news, we have taken steps to minimise our own impact. Over the last few months we have employed a ‘zero to landfill’ policy for all of our waste, as well as introducing reusable drinks bottles and glass milk bottles to reduce the amount of plastic coming into our offices.
Awards We are delighted to announce that we have been named as the ‘Best Private Client Law Firm 2019’ in the SME News 2019 Legal Awards. The awards serve to highlight the very best in the legal sector and we are thrilled to have received recognition for the hard work, commitment and successes of our Private Client team.
Mindful of mental health Throughout the last few months we have taken great strides to improve and support the mental health and wellbeing of all of our employees. We are now a registered Mindful Employer and have three fully-trained mental health first-aiders to provide immediate support and guidance for our staff. We are committed to continuing to develop the mental health support that we offer to our employees and have plans to continue to grow the initiative.
A fond farewell At Easter we said goodbye and good luck to our marketing manager Hollie Coyne, who has left for an exciting new opportunity based in Birmingham. Hollie has been a key part of the marketing team for over six years and a driving force behind this magazine; we all wish her well in her new role at Berwick Partners. 34
Lodders Life Issue 6
PEOPLE NEWS
diary
dates for your
June Kenilworth Show 8th June
September
The Kenilworth Show is a traditional, one day, agricultural and horse show that offers something for everyone. You will find our stand alongside the Grand Arena, where you can join us for a drink, some nibbles and a respite from the busy showground! www.kenilworthshow.co.uk Stratford Regatta 15th June The Regatta takes place on the River Avon, just outside the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and is sure to be a great fun and family-friendly, event. www.stratford-rowing.co.uk/ regatta-2019/
May Mollington Point to Point 6th May The Mollington Point to Point is a perfect way to spend your bank holiday Monday. Head over to the Lodders stand, where you can join us for some light refreshments.
Cheltenham Gin Relay 21st June How far would you run for gin? If the answer is two miles then you will love the Cheltenham Gin Relay. www.tempoevents.co.uk
Stratford’s Big 10k 8th September
The Lodders Charitable Foundation Dog Walk 19th May
www.lodders.co.uk/about-us/lodderscharitable-foundation/
The Moreton Show is a traditional, one day, agricultural and equine show that celebrates all that’s best in British farming and countryside. Lodders will have a stand, in our usual spot with great views of the Grand Arena, where you can join us for some tasty cake and light refreshments. www.moretonshow.co.uk
www.pointtopoint.co.uk
This year marks the third anniversary of our dog walk, a major event on the foundation’s fundraising calendar. We hope to see lots of dogs and their humans join us for what is a great fun family day out.
Moreton Show 7th September
July
Lodders are delighted to once again be supporting Stratford’s Big 10k. Now in its 11th year, the race route shows everything that Shakespeare’s Stratford has to offer, with the final leg coming in past the RSC Theatre. www.tempoevents.co.uk
The Game Fair 26th – 28th July
October
A key event in the calendar for many of Lodders’ farming and rural clients, this year’s Game Fair will be held at Hatfield House, highlighting the Great British countryside in all its glory.
Cheltenham Literature Festival 4th – 13th October
www.thegamefair.org
This 10 day festival is a firm family favourite, welcoming some of the world’s greatest writers and thinkers, as well as a raft of activities, to the town of Cheltenham. www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
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This may be the perfect time to talk to Lodders
Some decisions are irreversible. So it’s nice to know Lodders can give you the best possible legal advice before you make them.
Private client services include:
Our top rated private client and family law teams can advise you across all aspects of your personal and professional life.
• Trust administration
Renowned for our technical expertise as much as our friendly partner led service, we’re here to discreetly and effectively support you in all major decisions.
• Probate
• Estate planning, tax and trusts • Wills and succession planning • Care and capacity • Family law
s ol i cit or s