Lodders life issue 4

life

Lodders

ISSUE 4

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

Pitch perfect Giving you the highlights of a game-changing transformation

Reaching for the stars Ben Way talks Team GB, juggling two careers and getting up in the morning

A Cotswold tale Cotswold Cheese Company franchise matures with new premises s o l i c i t o rs

life

Lodders

Welcome Hello and a very warm welcome to the latest edition of Lodders Life, our magazine for clients and friends of the firm.

Editor: Hilary Campton hilary.campton@lodders.co.uk Enquiries: Hollie Coyne hollie.coyne@lodders.co.uk Editorial: Diane Wood, DWPR Hilary Campton, Lodders Solicitors Hollie Coyne, Lodders Solicitors Photography: Dave Tully, www.davetully.co.uk Jess Photography, www.jess-photography.co.uk John James, www.johnjames-photography.com David Morris, www.davidmorrisphotographer.co.uk John Hipkiss Photography Ltd 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 Henley in Arden 16 High Street, Henley in Arden, Warwickshire B95 5BW T: 01564 792261 Cheltenham 25 Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 1QZ T: 01242 228370 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.

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This is our fourth issue and I’m delighted to say that we could have filled these 36 pages twice over with news from both our clients and also within the firm. You’ll find a mouth-watering taste of life at the fast-growing Cotswold Cheese Company (pages 4 to 7) as well as an insight into the day to day innovation at Coleshill-based Hydrajaws (pages 8 to 9). We were also fortunate to spend some time with international event rider and full-time chartered surveyor Ben Way, who gave us a fascinating (if exhausting) insight into his busy schedule.

On the home front, Victor Matts shares his views on the future of the residential care sector and we introduce Mark Miller, who joined us at the start of November as an equity partner in our busy Real Estate team. And I can’t let slip the opportunity to give the brand new Lodders Charitable Foundation a plug.

My fellow trustees and I will be working hard via the Foundation to raise valuable funds for regional charities where we can make a difference. You can read more about the Lodders Charitable Foundation on page 33.

On a final note, as I sit down to write this welcome, we are digesting the news from the US presidential election and awaiting our own government’s Supreme Court appeal on the Brexit ruling. Whatever your political views, it is clear we are living in uncertain times and anyone bold enough to predict the future is a braver man than I! One thing that I can confidently predict however is that Lodders will continue to strive to provide an excellent and thoughtful service to our many and growing clients.

We thank you for your support and hope you enjoy the read.

Martin Green, Senior Partner

ISSUE 4

Contents 08

04 17

Features 04 Cheese, chutneys and new beginnings Helping The Cotswold Cheese Company mature and grow

08 Anchored on innovation Hydrajaws expands to new premises

10 The social care squeeze

Cover image: The Cotswold Cheese Company

Victor Matts comments on the UK care sector

11 Brand protection Intellectual property advice

12 Building our expertise New equity partner joins Lodders’ Real Estate team

14 Cream of the crop Cotteswold Dairy scoops award for blend of strong values and innovation

16 It’s a goal!

Redditch United Football Club tackles state-of-the art refurbishment

18 In conversation with Ben Way Discussing riding success and balancing two careers

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Regulars 21 Legal updates

Bite-sized legal updates from across the firm

24 Client news Stay up to date and see what’s going on

26 Spotlight on...

Personal profiles on Rod Bird, Mursila Sohail and Samantha Haines

28 People news Exciting developments from the Lodders camp

30 Social scene Managing Partner Rod Bird welcomed all at the Moreton Show

32 Lodders in the community 34 Residential Property re-launch 35 Dates for the diary

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CASE STUDY

Say cheese A Cotswold tale

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The picturesque town of Burford in the heart of the Cotswolds has been a stronghold of artisan cheese seller and delicatessen, The Cotswold Cheese Company, since 2013.

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avid and Jan Wells were enjoying dinner with the company’s owners Jon and Lisa Goodchild, when, over the cheese board, the conversation naturally turned to work, and so a Cotswold tale of cheese, chutneys and new beginnings began.

The Cotswold Cheese Company is an award winning retailer and purveyor of British and European artisan cheeses, locally made breads, fine wines and local beers, with a reputation as a high end, niche, artisan store.

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CASE STUDY

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The Cotswold Cheese Company In November 2015, David and Jan learned that the franchise of its Burford store was available. “It seemed like a rare opportunity to become part of a wonderful business, selling cheese,” explains David, who is MD of a supplier of assembly and testing machinery to automotive industry manufacturers worldwide.

Lodders’ Victor Matts, partner and head of the firm’s Business group, has advised David on business affairs for the last fifteen years. “I naturally turned to Victor to talk through the legalities of purchasing the Burford store franchise,” says David. “As always, the firm provided prompt, excellent advice and were a great support throughout the process of purchasing and transferring the franchise agreement, and the transaction completed in early 2016.”

“We actioned the business transfer agreement for David and his wife,” explains Victor, who was supported by Lodders partner Kim Klahn and solicitor Krishna Ubhi.

“The agreement had to include protection on matters such as employee rights, contractual commitments and running the existing business under the terms of the lease. So, as well as the transfer of the franchise agreement, we dealt with the Burford property’s landlord to transfer the lease.”

“It is going really well,” says David, “and we have quickly found our feet, with excellent support and training from Jon and Lisa.”

The Cotswold Cheese Company is also known for two other specialities - Cotswold Hampers and Cheese Wedding Cakes.

“For couples looking for a wedding cake with a difference, the tiered cheese cake provides a unique addition to a special day. We really enjoy helping people choose combinations of our delicious artisan cheeses to theme these stunning wedding centrepieces,” says David.

Victor adds: “Lodders prides itself on providing clients with a professional and personal service and the right legal specialists to support them, their business or family. In turn, the firm has developed long-term relationships with very many of its clients, including David, who show us great loyalty in return.”

The Cotswold Cheese Company’s first shop opened in Moreton in Marsh in 2006, followed by the Burford store in 2013, and the third shop in Stow on the Wold in 2014.

With the documentation in place, David and Jan quickly set about making the Burford store their own, with Jan running the business day-to-day.

We have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know local suppliers and customers, and learning about the produce and goods for which The Cotswold Cheese Company is so well known.

David Wells, Cotswold Cheese “From the 80-plus local, national and European cheeses, deli range of condiments, breadsticks, biscuits and crackers for cheese, to the chutneys, preserves, olives, antipasti, local potted meats and pâtés, wines, local beers and ciders, and confectionery goods, we cater for all tastes, with something for everyone,” says David.

“We source our cheeses from British producers and suppliers,” he explains, ”but we don’t stop there. Our range also includes great territorial cheeses like Cheshire, Lancashire, and Caerphilly as well as high quality French, Spanish, Italian and even Norwegian cheeses.

“Our regular clientele has many firm favourites, and international tourists and visitors to the area are always keen to sample a local cheese – the Windrush goat’s cheese, Broadway soft cheese and Kingham’s own Burford cheese are very much our best sellers.

Visit: www.cotswoldcheese.com

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CASE STUDY

I was approached by Hydrajaws in 1984, and joined as its MD when the company specialised in purpose built machine tools.

A ďŹ rm hold on innovation

Royston Morgan Company Chairman

Hydrajaws Limited specialises in the development, manufacture and supply of portable ďŹ xings testing equipment used by the construction industry worldwide.

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A firm hold on innovation

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ustained demand for its products is behind the company’s recent move to new premises in Coleshill, that trebles the size of its assembly and production facility.

How does it work?

The Hydrajaws Portable Tension tester combines a screw thread pulling on a test jaw connected to a hydraulic system that tests construction anchors and fixings on a building site. Seen by the Health & Safety Executive as a benchmark in construction site compliance measures, the product is used by pretty much everybody using construction fixings on site.

The company’s owner Royston Morgan invented the product back in the late 1980s and explains: “Whilst we sell the product to everybody using construction fixings, it’s most widely used by scaffolders who have to pull-test the anchors drilled into a building that hold the scaffolding in place whilst construction work is carried out.”

Royston’s background is in construction engineering, starting with an apprenticeship in the structural steel buildings division of Rubery Owen, then a sales role at a US company producing hydraulic maintenance equipment for the shipbuilding, oil, gas and production engineering industries.

“I was approached by Hydrajaws in 1984, and joined as its MD when the company specialised in purpose built machine tools, jigs and fixtures for Britain’s car production industry, with customers including Jaguar, Daimler, Vauxhall, Austin and Rover.

“Two years later, I had an enquiry from a company looking for a portable piece of equipment to test construction anchors and fixings on site. Initial research led me to the only testing product available at the time, but its performance success rate was poor.

“This gave me an idea which I took to my then head of design, who produced some drawings and a prototype was manufactured. News of the prototype reached the construction press and as they say, the rest is history.”

Hydrajaws was inundated with enquiries for the revolutionary testing device, and an initial design of the Hydrajaws tester was put into production.

In 1988, Royston led a management buyout, and with a small team, set about establishing sales for the product using parts produced by British-based manufacturers, many of them in the Midlands.

“It was tough during the recession, but as the economy picked-up, sales steadily climbed,” he says. “Out of the blue, Hilti approached me asking if we could manufacture the tester for them to badge as their own. This arrangement quickly began and has continued ever since, with Hilti now our biggest customer, accounting for around 30 percent of annual production.”

Mobile app Royston is now semi-retired but still takes an active interest in the business.

“My son Adrian joined Hydrajaws twelve years ago,” explains Royston. “As MD, he has led the most recent evolution of the Hydrajaws tester, with the development of a mobile app for Android and Apple smartphones and tablets.”

The app is connected via Bluetooth from the digital gauge on the Hydrajaws tester on site, to a mobile phone or tablet, to record the test readings. “The app has huge potential and Hilti has commenced use of a version licensed to them for their test engineers in the ninety-plus countries in which it operates.”

New HQ Lodders’ Real Estate partner Alastair Frew has provided advice to help Hydrajaws secure its new premises in Coleshill.

“The company purchased its previous 1,800 sq. ft. premises in Coleshill in 2006,” he says, “but has simply outgrown these and needed somewhere much bigger.

The new premises give the company 5,100 sq. ft. over two floors. I looked after all the conveyancing on the sale of the existing building and purchase of the new premises.

“Extensive renovation to create the assembly workshop and house all IT and support staff completed shortly after, and Hydrajaws moved in September 2016.”

Hydrajaws’ new premises have been refurbished by Biddle Construction Services.

Visit: www.hydrajaws.co.uk

Global sales and use of the Hydrajaws tester have continued to grow, and today the business employs 20 staff and has annual sales of £2.2 million, of which 64 percent is exports to customers across Europe, North America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, Asia, Russia and India.

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Expert view

The cost of care The nursing and residential care sector provides 24-hour care to almost 200,000 people across the UK and, as the ‘baby boomer’ generation of the 1940s and ‘50s reach retirement age, it’s a sector that’s growing quickly.

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ndeed, The Joseph Rowntree Foundation predicts that the sector will need to expand by 150% just to keep pace with demographic pressures.

It varies by size too: small operators (those with 30 beds or less) can face great difficulties in achieving the economies of scale that larger groups can secure.

So is supply keeping up with this very obvious and sustained surge in demand?

Talk to any care home operator – private or local authority – and staff costs will most likely be front of mind. Generally speaking, staffing costs account for around 60-65% of revenue, and this is rising as providers feel the impact of the National Living Wage and the new workplace pension rules. A lack of availability of nursing staff has also meant that many providers have to use more expensive agency staff – and tougher rules on recruiting nurses and staff from overseas will only increase this.

Victor Matts, head of Lodders’ Business Group and a specialist in the sale and acquisition of nursing and residential homes, casts his eye over the care sector and identifies the challenges – and opportunities – for the providers within it.

There was huge growth in the 1980s and ‘90s but, since then, there has been little investment, as anyone who has had the task of looking at care options for a loved one will know.

Generally speaking, care homes across the board are facing a profit squeeze caused by rising staffing and operating costs together with a simultaneous pressure on fees and funding. This means that, despite the solid demand, revenue growth in many areas of the sector is at best slow and, at worst, going backwards.

Having said this, the care sector is highly fragmented and so we do see a strong variation in performance: care homes that are fully or partially exposed to local authority funded residents are struggling far more than those with residents that are all or mostly self-funding.

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Debt can also be a problem as there is a substantial capital outlay required to acquire and fit out suitable premises. Servicing the debt can be manageable when interest rates are low but, with tight margins, it doesn’t take much to tip the scales.

The squeezed adult social care budget is arguably the biggest challenge facing care homes where the residents are local authority funded. ‘Bed-blocking’ exacerbates this; hospitals are unable to discharge elderly and vulnerable patients to the care homes leaving empty beds and reduced income.

So in amongst all this doom and gloom, where are the opportunities?

Until the government loosens the purse strings for adult social care it is difficult to see an easy future for homes that are solely local authority funded. However, our clients are showing that for mid-sized, well-run care home groups, with a strong bias towards privately funded residents, there is a clear opportunity to develop a highly successful, sustainable business.

Distress sales of failing care homes present a real opportunity for efficient, caring operators that can achieve economies of scale whilst delivering a fantastic service to both residents and their families.

High profile failings (Southern Cross being perhaps the most obvious) mean that The Care Quality Commission is under pressure to find areas for improvement. And the families of residents, whether private or local authority funded, have lost faith in providers – it’s not uncommon for residents’ families to install secret cameras to film care staff at work.

It sounds obvious, but care must be a priority. Yes the books have to balance but the ability to provide personal, bespoke care is what sets a successful provider apart.

In the South East, 54% of care home places are self-funded, compared to just 18% in the North East.

The Office for National Statistics predicts that 25% of the population will be aged over 65 by 2044. Currently, just over 18% of the UK population is over 65.

Contact Victor Matts on 01789 206150 or at victor.matts@lodders.co.uk

Brand protection I

f you own a business then it’s vital that you understand your intellectual property (IP) rights. Your reputation and bottom-line can be damaged if someone confuses another brand for your own, as Krishna Ubhi, Lodders’ intellectual property specialist explains.

How would you feel if someone copied the words in your company brochure? What damage could it do to your business if someone set up in competition to you, using a similar name and confusing your customers?

There are many ways in which you can protect your IP rights, including securing a trade mark. A registered trade mark gives you exclusive rights to a name or logo in relation to certain goods or services, and ensures you can take action if someone infringes your rights – whether accidentally or deliberately.

It is also important to understand how you can protect the copyright that you create. Unlike trade marks, which you have to apply for, copyright is an automatic IP right and covers everything from written words, through to images, photography, sound and video recordings, software – even databases. Keep a record of any copyright created together with the date, so that if you think somebody is using your work you can demonstrate that you were the original creators.

IP can also give you a valuable income stream. You can license your IP in the way that a professional photographer might grant a customer the right to use a particular photo, or sell the rights outright by assigning them to a third party.

Finally - if you’ve had a great idea it can be tempting to tell people. To put it simply - don’t! Of course it will be necessary to talk to third parties at some point but you should insist that they sign a confidentiality agreement.

Many companies underestimate the value of their brand, which can often be a company’s most valuable asset, meaning it is important to ensure that you have a robust and effective brand protection policy in place.

Contact Krishna Ubhi on 01789 206163 or at krishna.ubhi@lodders.co.uk Issue 4

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Real Estate

Achieving in the real world Across these two pages we introduce you to Mark Miller and highlight a selection of recent deals completed by the Real Estate team.

Collaboration agreement to develop new 46-hectare distribution park

New 20-year lease of distribution warehouse for national haulier and logistics company Partial land acquisition from high profile golf club for flagship housing development

Dan MacLeod and Mark Miller – the latest additions to Lodders’ Real Estate team

Welcome to Mark Miller

Commercial and residential property and land development specialist, Mark Miller, has joined Lodders as an equity partner in the firm’s thriving Real Estate team.

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ormerly a partner and head of the Real Estate Development team at Wright Hassall, Mark has an exceptional range and level of experience and skills acting for landowners, developers, investors and end users including large national and multinational organisations.

“Mark has an impressive pedigree and scope of experience from his work on numerous complex and substantial commercial and residential development matters” says Paul Mourton, head of Lodders’ Real Estate team. “He has particular experience of negotiating strategic land development matters and is widely recognised and respected for his expertise.

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“These skills and experience represent not only a senior-level addition to the department and firm as a whole, but they also perfectly complement our existing work with many of the UK’s largest and most active house-builders, as well as our specialist teams working with landowners and operating in the agricultural and wider real estate sectors.”

In recent years, Mark has advised on the majority of large development transactions across Warwickshire and the wider West Midlands, from major new settlements of up to 3,500 units on mixed use schemes, to smaller 50-unit schemes in rural, village-based locations. Mark comments

Option agreement on one of the UK’s largest strategic residential development sites

15,000 houses

2 or 3 business parks

Promotion agreement for a 700-acre development that could host 15,000 houses, 2/3 business parks & new motorway junction

new motorway junction Promotion agreement with consortium of landowners for 300-acre settlement

New 10-year lease granted to regeneration specialist

Advising on sale of 6 of 13 distribution warehouses Winning Industrial Agents Society Awards ‘Deal of the year’ trophy

A £3million property investment purchased within two weeks

£11m+ sale of nine industrial and trade counter units

The opportunity to join a firm with such an enviable client base and reputation is rare and this, together with the broad nature and huge potential to develop this new role, was really very attractive.

Mark Miller, Lodders “I am looking forward to consolidating my sector specific experience, with my general commercial and residential development knowledge as part of returning to a broader, rounded role at Lodders,” he says, “and as a member of a fully balanced, growing and extremely busy team.”

Alongside carving a niche for his strategic land value work, Mark has developed expertise in the renewable energy markets, notably onshore wind turbine and large scale ground mounted solar PV schemes.

Option agreement for release of up to 800 dwellings over the next 14 years

Dan MacLeod Moving with Mark to Lodders from Wright Hassall is former colleague and real estate development solicitor Dan MacLeod.

“Lodders has an impressive and strong real estate offering where I can develop further my experience and continue my professional development. The move to Lodders allows me not only to continue working with Mark Miller on our strategic land and renewables work in particular, but also to join a team that includes some of the region’s best commercial property legal advisers.”

Contact Mark Miller on 01789 206153 or at mark.miller@lodders.co.uk

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Family business focus

Lodders’ Paul Mourton with Louise Woodward and George Workman from the Cotteswold Dairy family

Supporting families through the generations Lodders’ support for family businesses was marked for the second year running with sponsorship of the Family Business of the Year category at the Gloucestershire Media Business Awards.

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cooping the award in this competitive category was third-generation Cotteswold Dairy, a Tewkesbury-based family business and independent dairy that wowed the judges with its blend of strong family values and relentless innovation.

We spoke to Roseanne McEwan, Brand Development Manager and daughter of the company’s Chairman, Roger Workman, to understand more about their recipe for success.

“We are a very close family” explains Roseanne, “of course we sometimes disagree but we all understand each other’s roles and how we contribute – our skills are really quite complementary.”

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“Our Grandpa, Harry Workman, founded the business back in 1938 on the core values of quality, service and cleanliness and these values remain important to both our long-term success and the day-to-day operation of the business. For example, the dairy industry is incredibly competitive but we pay above the market rate to ensure that the quality is always there. Our customers really trust our product.”

Roseanne joined the family business almost two years ago: “I think my brother (George Workman – MD of Cotteswold Dairy) was fed up of me constantly suggesting ideas for the business so he thought the best thing would be to get me involved on the inside!” Roseanne now leads all

Future proofing the family farm

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otteswold Dairy is an exemplar of succession planning, with the business passing safely through the generations. Planning for the future is important for all family businesses and especially so for family farms, as James Spreckley, Head of Lodders’ Agriculture and Estates team explains.

the marketing, PR and charitable initiatives. Next on the agenda is to establish Cotteswold Dairy as the number one supplier to all the coffee shops and restaurants in the area.

We are committed to ensuring that the business can continually develop and continue to support both our employees and the farmers that supply us.

Roseanne McEwan, Cotteswold Dairy Presenting the award for Lodders was corporate partner Steve Thomas: “We were delighted to see the Cotteswold Dairy team win this prestigious award. The values established in the 1930s are clearly alive and kicking today and the directors’ passion for the business and their long-term strategic view will doubtless ensure that the company continues to play a strong role in the Gloucestershire economy.”

Roseanne explained that winning the award was, though, somewhat bittersweet for the family, as Harry Workman had sadly passed away in January.

“We came so close to winning the Family Business of the Year award in 2015 and we would have loved for Grandpa to have seen us actually win it this year; he would have been very proud of his fantastic legacy.”

Cotteswold Dairy is one of the largest independent dairies in the UK, producing approximately 200,000 litres of milk a week and employing over 300 people.

Visit www.cotteswold-dairy.co.uk

In farming businesses, it’s essential to protect and retain the business assets to ensure adequate land for the business to function and to provide income. There’s no simple checklist but these points provide a start: • Dialogue – start talking early about the future and involve every generation. Develop a plan to meet all expectations.

• Understand the assets – ensure you know what’s owned and by whom. If there are tenancies, what is the ability to pass these on? What are the liabilities?

• Finances and tax – investigate the financial and tax implications for individuals and the business.

Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief can be key to retaining farm assets and avoiding selling property to meet a tax bill.

• Changes to family – births, deaths, marriages, divorce, re-marriage and the introduction of step-children can have implications for the future. Whilst a prenuptial agreement is not romantic, it may protect the farm.

Handover and succession are not easy topics to raise, nor put into practice.

Objective advice will ensure all aspects of the family and business are considered, so all generations can be confident of the farm’s future.

James Spreckley, Lodders

Contact James Spreckley on 01789 206166 or at james.spreckley@lodders.co.uk Issue 4

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CASE STUDY

Pitch perfect Summer 2016 saw a game-changing transformation for Redditch United Football Club, with the completion of a major £1million refurbishment of its stadium, including the installation of a state-of-the-art 3G pitch.

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elebrating its 125th anniversary in 2016, Redditch United is one of the longest established football clubs in the Midlands. In 2012 it was bought by Chris Swan, a successful businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Its Chairman since buying the Club, and with the support of his wife and the Club’s Vice Chairman Sallie, Chris has turned the Club’s finances, facilities and prospects around, making it almost unrecognisable, both on and off the pitch.

The Club’s annual turnover has soared from £30,000 to over £800,000, it has forged strong links with local schools, charities and communities, has launched an Academy for 16-18 year olds, and set-up strategic alliances with two Premier League football clubs.

“Completing the transformation of the Club’s home ground, Valley Stadium, is an important step for the first phase of my vision for turning around the Club,” explains Chris, who has a history of successfully acquiring, trading and growing businesses, is a former Financial Times Entrepreneur of the year, and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Central England, in recognition of his entrepreneurial skills.

“This is an exciting time as the Club enters its next 125 years, and we can look towards a very bright new future, offering education, employment and solid community links.

We have a plan in place to ensure the Club’s sustainability, so that future generations will be able to enjoy the football and the facilities at Valley Stadium for many years to come.

Chris Swan, Chairman, Redditch United

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Chris was instrumental in securing the funding for the stadium’s cutting-edge refurbishment – the Club was awarded a £561,000 grant from the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund, and secured £88,166 from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund, a partner organisation to the Football Foundation that is solely funded by the Premier League. Chris also invested £225,000 into the project.

Lease negotiation

Phase two “Plans for phase two of the renovation are already in development,” says Chris, “to create comprehensive conference, banqueting and hospitality facilities with fully equipped function rooms and suites.

Alongside securing planning for the Valley Stadium improvements, the club was faced with needing to negotiate a new lease for the site. “It was a pretty complicated process,” says Chris, who turned to Lodders’ head of Real Estate Paul Mourton to negotiate the lease.

“We have our sights firmly on the Football League, and to do this, turnover has to pass the £2.5million threshold - improving our conference facilities will play a big part in achieving this.”

“The land is owned by the local Council, and the FA was providing a significant proportion of the funds, so both organisations had to be satisfied with the terms of the lease, as well of course as the Board and shareholders here at Redditch United.

Club highlights

“It was quite complex, but Paul was methodical and tenacious in liaising with all parties involved, and successfully secured a 30-year lease at a good ground rent and with the all-important security of tenure for us.

“In business and life, it is personality which sets one individual apart from another,” says Chris, “and this is very much the case with Paul. I have known him professionally for many years and he always gets on with the job in hand and delivers.”

As well as the new artificial 3G pitch, Valley Stadium’s clubhouse has been totally refurbished, with new changing rooms for players.

“We have also expanded the Club’s team, and appointed a full time Operations Manager, Accountant and Bar Manager, as well as creating twenty part-time roles,” Chris explains.

• Founded 1891 • 1960 - moved to its current site, Valley Stadium, Bromsgrove Road, Redditch • Redditch United First Team plays in the Southern Premier League • The Club’s community section includes 60 junior girls and boys, disabled and women’s teams • It has a Strategic Alliance with West Bromwich Albion FC and Birmingham City FC Women’s & Girls’ teams • 30 full-time students age 16-19 studying for a NVQ qualification at the Redditch United Academy, based at the club and run with partners Bournville College

• 1,650 people of all ages play football at the Club each week • In Summer 2016, it completed a £1m refurbishment programme, including £561,000 funding from the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund • The new stadium has 4,500 capacity • Six players have left ‘The Reds’ to move into full-time professional football over the last 18 months.

The address of Redditch United Football Club Valley Stadium will soon change from Bromsgrove Road to Sallie Swan Street in memory of Chris’ wife who died in April 2016 after a long battle with cancer. In memory of Sallie Swan (1960-2016)

Issue 4

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Equine update

Balancing act

In conversation with…

Ben Way W

e visited Ben Way’s event yard a few days after his return from America, where he had represented Great Britain for the first time in the FEI Nations Cup held at Virginia, on new ride Willows Tipster. Team GB won Bronze.

“It’s been an amazing few months,” said Ben (28), who is pragmatic and modest about his riding successes, and particularly how he manages to balance two demanding careers. “Being selected for Team GB is such an honour and it was an incredible experience. In May, I had my best-ever placing at Badminton Horse Trials with a double clear and finishing twelfth on 13-year old thoroughbred Galley Light that I own with Elisabeth Collins.

Ben Way is a chartered surveyor, and also an international four-star event rider. We visited him at his beautiful rural Warwickshire home to talk about early starts, Badminton, Team GB, and how he balances two careers.

Ben’s story: How long have you been riding?

From when I was very young, I always wanted to ride horses, and my family has been a constant support. My dad has always given me realistic advice, encouraging me to keep my options open by working hard so I have another profession under my belt.

Ben Way

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From a very young age. I grew up on the family farm, where we’ve always had horses. My first pony was Tinker, and I hunted him alongside my mum, Mary. Mum was very involved in the North Warwickshire Pony Club, so I spent a lot of time there, taking part in events, area championships, representing the branch at the National PC Championships in eventing, dressage and showjumping. I earned a Pony Club A test in 2009 whilst pursuing eventing and hunting. My first big event was a 1-star when I was 16, competing on Bascot Bruce. I also spent five seasons as a point to point jockey.

What did you do after school?

Taking my dad’s advice, I went into further education.

I graduated in 2010 with a BSc (Hons) Rural Land Management degree after three years at the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester, and joined Butler Sherborn, Cirencester as a chartered surveyor, specialising in equestrian property. I qualified in 2013 as a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

What’s been the highlight of your equestrian career so far?

It has to be Badminton 2016 on Galley Light. It was only the second time I’d competed at Badminton and to finish twelfth was incredible.

How do you juggle work and riding at a high level?

It’s all about understanding, support, teamwork, being organised and using time well. Between my girlfriend Sarah and me, we compete around 16 to 18 horses. I am blessed with a fantastic team at home, so a mutual understanding of our roles and other demands helps make it work. I couldn’t do it without the support of my owners, sponsors and my employer, Butler Sherborn – the team at work are really understanding of me taking holiday at very short notice so that I can compete.

Who is your inspiration and hero?

William Fox-Pitt is both. I was riding at Le Lion – d’Angers, in France, when he had his terrible accident, and to see that, his recovery and selection for Team GB at the Rio Olympics is incredible. I also admire Oliver Townend, for

his sheer determination and ability as a rider, and my stepdad John Pritchard, who has amazing patience with horses, especially the young ones.

What does your average day involve?

I am usually up around 5.30am and begin riding by 6.00am, aiming to ride at least one horse in the morning before work and in the evening. I commute to work four days a week and usually work from home one day each week. The days I am in the Stow office, I get there for 9am.

When I’m at work, the team at home is invaluable; whilst I am an amateur rider, the yard behind me is very professional, and without the support from mum, my girlfriend Sarah – who is a professional rider - my stepfather and the rest of the team, there is no way I would be able to manage working and running the horses.

What do you look for first in a potential event horse?

Ideally an eventer needs to be athletic, have a bold yet careful jump and ideally move well on the flat. Their attitude for work is also extremely important.

What advice would you give to an up and coming event rider?

Take every opportunity that comes your way, don’t turn down any ride, and go to as many different places and events as possible. Experience is very important in our sport especially when you are up against other riders who have been at the top for decades.

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Equine update

How do you know Lodders?

I know David Lodder through Butler Sherborn, and Lodders as an excellent firm recognised for its work in real estate and agriculture. I know Natalie Smith and the firm’s equine team. There are not many law firms that are genuine equine specialists, and Lodders certainly has the understanding and knowledge.

What is the most recent legal advice you’ve asked for?

Lodders provided me with some very helpful advice on a contract for the sale of a horse.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully still doing what I do now and competing at the highest level.

Visit: www.benwayeventing.uk

Butler Sherborn Regional property firm Butler Sherborn provides comprehensive professional services specialising in residential sales and letting, farm, land and estate management, and property consultancy. The estate agency department has particular expertise in the sale, valuation and purchase of country houses, cottages, farms and estates as well as providing a lettings and residential management department.

Ben Way is a full-time chartered surveyor and as its Head of Equestrian, specialises in all aspects of equestrian property including sale, purchase, valuation, letting and management. He also deals with the purchase, sale and formal valuation of landed and residential property, with a focus on the North Cotswolds and Warwickshire.

Ben is based at the Stow on the Wold office. The firm also has offices in Cirencester, Burford, Oxford, Wantage and London.

Visit: www.butlersherborn.co.uk

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Legal updates

A case for quiet enjoyment L

andlords carrying out building works must avoid breaching a tenant’s right to ‘quiet enjoyment’, or risk a reduction in rent payments, as Jane Senior, Lodders’ head of Dispute Resolution explains.

Earlier this year, Timothy Taylor Ltd, a company running an art gallery in Mayfair, was awarded a 20% reduction in rent after bringing a successful claim against its landlord for disturbance caused by refurbishment works.

The art gallery was on the ground floor and the landlord, Mayfair House Corporation, was carrying out building works to convert the upper floors into apartments. The gallery frequently had to close because of the noise from the building works, and the scaffolding and contractors’ activity would often obstruct the entrance to the gallery.

Whilst the art gallery owners had signed a lease expressly agreeing that the landlord had the right to carry out works to the building, the lease also contained a standard covenant giving the tenant the right to ‘quiet enjoyment’ of their property.

The art gallery owners claimed that the building works were in breach of this ‘quiet enjoyment’ covenant, and the Court agreed.

This decision was influenced by the landlord’s apparent lack of engagement with its art gallery tenant, its lack of regard for its business, and the fact that the building works were of no benefit to the tenant.

Even if the lease gives express permission to carry out building works, a landlord cannot ignore a tenant’s right to ‘quiet enjoyment’.

Jane Senior, Lodders An early and constructive dialogue with the art gallery owners could have helped the landlord to agree an approach to the works that would have protected the tenant’s business whilst still enabling the apartment conversions to take place. As it was, the tenant was awarded a 20% reduction in rent for the period of the works; a not insubstantial sum given the Mayfair location.

Contact Jane Senior on 01789 206149 or at jane.senior@lodders.co.uk

Holiday pay and commission B

usinesses that pay results-based commission may soon find their wage bills increasing, as Nick Rowe, Lodders’ head of Employment explains.

On 7 October 2016 the Court of Appeal upheld the decision in the long-running British Gas case that workers’ holiday pay should include a ‘representative element’ of any results-based commission.

The ruling will just affect the statutory four weeks’ of holiday but there has so far been no guidance in terms of how employers should calculate this ‘representative element’ of commission earnings. In most instances we would recommend using a rolling 12-week or threemonth period but some businesses may have seasonal factors that would make an annual assessment fairer.

There are hundreds of other British Gas employees waiting to bring similar claims and we can expect British Gas to take the case to the Supreme Court.

Whilst we wait for this further appeal, employers with large numbers

of staff earning results-based commission should begin to plan for how they will deal with holiday commission payments.

Whatever system employers choose, it must be consistent across the business, and employment contracts and handbooks should be updated to reflect the changes.

Nick Rowe, Lodders

Contact Nick Rowe on 01242 229096 or at nick.rowe@lodders.co.uk

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Legal updates Private client update

Battle of wills – the early bird catches the worm D

isputed wills and estates can be distressing, gruelling and expensive. Lodders’ contested probate specialist Laura Abbott explains the ‘Larke v Nugus’ letter, one of the first steps that should be taken if there is a concern about the validity of a deceased person’s will.

When a client comes to see us because they are concerned about a loved one’s will, our first step will usually be to send what is known as a ‘Larke v Nugus’ letter to the solicitors (or other professionals) that prepared the will.

This is an emotional time for the client; not only are they grieving and trying to cope with the loss of their loved one, they are struggling with the disappointment, sometimes shock, of the terms of the will and worrying about what has happened to lead to it.

The deceased is no longer with us to give their account so the solicitor has to undertake an investigation to see if there is a case for challenging the will and, if not, explain to the client why.

The purpose of the Larke v Nugus letter is to prevent money being spent on futile litigation by seeking an early stage disclosure of information from the solicitors that prepared the will.

Laura Abbott, Lodders From this, often we are able to reassure the client that all the proper steps were taken and whilst they may be disappointed, their concerns are alleviated that there was nothing untoward and the will does represent the deceased’s wishes.

It may however continue to be the case that something appears to be amiss and we can use the evidence of the response to the Larke v Nugus letter to analyse the strength of any claim. From there we would then go on to obtain the deceased’s medical records and seek the evidence of the attesting witnesses and/or family and friends of the deceased to continue the investigation.

Contact Laura Abbott on 01789 206167 or at laura.abbott@lodders.co.uk

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Trust in the future for vulnerable children J

ess Beddows, Lodders’ most recent recruit to its Private Client team, explains how families can use trusts to help secure a safe future for children with physical and/or learning difficulties.

I often advise families who have a child or children with disabilities. These clients are naturally concerned that their children are looked after when they are no longer here, that the child’s rights are not affected by any inheritance they may receive and that the child is not left vulnerable to outside influences or financial pressure. I assist in planning for the family’s future, which can include creating a trust for the child.

When creating a trust for a vulnerable beneficiary, provided they satisfy the conditions of the Inheritance Tax Act 1984 and the Finance Act 2005, then special income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax treatment is given to these trusts.

For these purposes, a severely disabled person is someone who falls into at least one of the following categories: •

A person who is incapable of managing their affairs by reason of a mental disorder within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 1983;

•

A person who is in receipt of attendance allowance (although a number of conditions must apply);

•

A person who is in receipt of the highest rate of Disability Living Allowance/enhanced rate of the daily living component of the Personal Independence Payment.

These types of trusts do require that the vulnerable beneficiary is the primary beneficiary during their lifetime. They are, however, discretionary in nature as it is at the trustees’ discretion as to when and how they make payments from the trust. These trusts are very flexible, they allow the trustees to apply both the income and capital for the benefit of the vulnerable person during their lifetime. We can also include provisions to ensure that upon the death of the vulnerable beneficiary, the trust fund passes to the remaining family members, charities or other beneficiaries as per the client’s wishes.

It is also incredibly important to create a detailed letter of wishes, as this directs the trustees on how to use the funds for the vulnerable child’s expenses, education, holidays, privately paid treatments and so forth.

Jess Beddows, Lodders Jess specialises in advising older or vulnerable clients, their families and carers on a range of matters including assessing capacity, the creation of Wills and Powers of Attorney, dealing with the Office of the Public Guardian, applications to the Court of Protection, the creation and administration of personal injury trusts, supporting other deputies and attorneys in their role, financial concerns (including assessment and care funding) and safeguarding issues.

Contact Jess Beddows on 01789 206142 or at jess.beddows@lodders.co.uk

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Client news

In this new feature in Lodders Life, we share good news from our clients and contacts

Queen’s award for ATP

A

TP Industries Group Ltd is an independent remanufacturing company specialising in advanced automotive transmission and electronic products.

A life after Rio F

ollowing a year of sporting triumphs for Team GB, Athlete Career Transition has supported a number of the athletes who retired after the games.

ACT is owned and operated by ex-international rugby players Steve and Andy Moore, and Sir Steve Redgrave. ACT helps to transition elite athletes in to commercial post-sporting careers and has recently worked in partnership with Ernst & Young in connection with the transition in to multi-national roles of eight Olympians who were retiring post-Rio. The project focused on all aspects of the transition, including the training required to be effective within large commercial organisations to how athletes prepare more generally for a life after elite sport.

Head of Employment Nick Rowe works closely with ACT providing a wide range of commercial and employment advice.

For more information on the projects run by ACT visit www.actpathway.com

In early 2016 ATP were awarded a 2016 Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category. ATP won the accolade for developing a highly complex and technically advanced transmission test suite that permits the precise validation and calibration of the electronic, hydraulic, mechanical and software functions of the product.

This ensures that the high quality levels expected by OEM customers are consistently achieved and this in turn increases productivity and customer satisfaction as well as reducing potential warranty costs.

For more information on ATP’s new projects visit www.atp-group.com

Heart of England Community Foundation

T

he Heart of England Community Foundation, a leading grant-giving organisation, has announced it has awarded over £850,000 to community groups and organisations in the last year, through them supporting more than 113,000 people.

The Foundation offers a range of specialist philanthropic services to individuals, businesses and trusts. These include taking-in and distributing the funds of other trusts and developing endowment funds that provide long-term funding sources for local communities.

Building on 21 years of expertise, the Foundation has recently revealed ambitious plans to dramatically increase their support for communities over the next three years.

Lodders’ charity expert Mark Lewis works closely with the Foundation to provide advice on a wide range of charity related matters.

For more information visit www.heartofenglandcf.co.uk

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Expansion for

Alderminster Electrics A

lderminster Group is a family owned and managed business, which offers the full range of specialist electric services. The business is growing and director Maria Clack recently moved the whole operation into newly built premises in Shipston, assisted by Lodders’ partner, Alastair Frew.

Maria says “Currently, we are providing all the new wiring for a major industrial building in Banbury, and re-wiring a large private house, having just completed the wiring of a residential conversion of an old commercial building in Stratford. Alongside this, we are retained by organisations like the National Trust to test and certify tenanted properties. Looking to the future, we install charging points for electric vehicles together with PV panels and air-source heat pumps.”

For more information visit www.alderminstergroup.co.uk

A ‘New Place’ for

Shakespeare Birthplace Trust T

he Shakespeare Birthplace Trust has transformed New Place, the site of Shakespeare’s family home into a contemporary landmark, celebrating 400 years of his creative legacy.

Shakespeare lived at New Place for 19 years; it was demolished in 1759 by Rev. Francis Gastrell, reputedly annoyed by visiting tourists. Shakespeare’s New Place re-opened on 20th August 2016 following a £6 million project to re-imagine the site and conserve neighbouring Nash’s House. A contemporary landscape reveals the

footprint of his lost home, discovered during archaeological excavations. A new exhibition tells the story of Shakespeare’s family life, whilst the restored gardens are a tranquil space for enjoyment. The whole site is fully accessible for the first time. Stratford upon Avon (CV37) residents and local workers can visit for free with proof of address or employment.

For more information visit www.shakespeare.org.uk

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Profiles

Spotlight on...

Rod Bird A firm believer in a strong and independent legal profession, Rod Bird has been at the forefront of many of Lodders’ strategic developments.

R

od Bird joined Lodders when the firm merged with F B Hancock & Co in 1998 and became managing partner in 1999. He has overseen strong growth but maintains the importance of honouring our values and keeping the traditional collegiate Lodders culture:

Bringing in a nonexecutive chairman was quite a radical move for a law firm of our size.

It is crucial to recognise when to call in outside assistance and to see the long term benefits.

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“As a managing partner it is important to engage with everyone in the firm, to find out what they are thinking about and listen to any ideas they may have. People are the foundation of our business; we are dependent on our people to deliver a service to our clients. It’s so important to recruit, train and develop the right individuals.”

Rod has also facilitated the bringing in of valuable external strategic expertise including non-executive chairman George Campion and marketing director Hilary Campton, and most recently external IT and HR consultants.

Today, Rod is still a key member of Lodders’ Agriculture team working alongside team head James Spreckley to provide advice and support to farmers, landowners and rural businesses. Rod still has strong links with the rural sector having been a former chairman and former president of the Moreton in Marsh Show. He is now chairman of the Warwickshire branch of the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust; the aim of the Trust is to promote game and wildlife management as an essential part of nature conservation.

Mursila Sohail Joining Lodders’ busy Real Estate team on a temporary basis in June 2016, Mursila Sohail’s hard work and passion for helping clients led her to joining Lodders as a permanent member of the team in September.

M

ursila has a background working in local authority at Wolverhampton City Council: “Working in local authority gave me the opportunity to work with some amazing property including parks, the NEC and the Midlands Arts Centre.

I was also part of the team working on the £270 million ‘Building Schools for the Future’ project – a government funded project aiming to improve all the schools in Wolverhampton.”

After the City Council, a few years of lego building and watching many episodes of Fireman Sam with her young children, Mursila returned to the world of law in 2015. As an associate in Lodders Real Estate department, Mursila specialises in landlord and tenant work as well as acquisitions and disposals of commercial property.

And what attracted Mursila to Lodders?

“I started my career at city firms in London.

I was eager to join a firm outside of a major city which could offer extensive city expertise and deliver a good service to their clients.

Many of the partners at Lodders are experts in their field and I was delighted to be given the opportunity to work with such a talented team.

“There is a real collegiate feel to the team at Lodders and I really like the friendly culture of the firm. The decision to join the team on a permanent basis was an easy one.”

Samantha Haines There are many hidden roles within a business to help it run smoothly, none more important than the role of Samantha Haines, our director of Risk and Compliance.

S

ince joining Lodders back in May 2008 as compliance manager, Samantha Haines’ role has developed considerably.

Samantha’s determination and dedication led to her promotion to director of Risk and Compliance in September 2016.

Samantha’s role originally focused on antimoney laundering and compliance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority; today she has to wear many hats in a role that also encompasses anti-bribery, Lexcel and Investors in People accreditations and data protection.

As well as the work she does for us here, Samantha has set up and runs a Compliance

Forum for regional and national law firms. This provides a valuable way of keeping up to date with developments and sharing best practice.

“I am organised, which is essential in this role as it has so many different elements. I have a good memory and I’m a good listener. I have to understand quite complex issues fairly quickly to enable me to provide the rest of the firm with training on new legislation or guidance.”

Unbeknown to many, Samantha is also a qualified tractor driver! Sam has driven a vintage tractor around several main show rings at recently held agricultural shows.

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People news

It may sound obvious… but all of our people play an important role in our firm and the service we offer to our clients.

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Lodders Life

HATCHINGS AND MATCHINGS Corporate and commercial Solicitor Krishna Ubhi (née Gokani) married at the Hindu Temple in Coventry followed by a reception at St John’s Hotel in Solihull. The couple enjoyed a few days away and are now looking forward to their ‘official’ honeymoon in the New Year.

Saturday 25th June saw the wedding of Emily Yearley (née Brampton) from our admin team, where she married her fiancé Paul in a beautiful ceremony at St Nicholas’ church in Alcester followed by a reception at Stratford’s Welcombe Hotel.

Congratulations to the newlyweds.

Congratulations to Cheltenham Private Client associate Natalie Smith on the birth of her baby girl Maddison Harley, born on Friday 19th August weighing a healthy 7lb 8oz.

Jake Ernst-Phill ip Klahn George oe James Ig

Friday 4th November was a special day in the Lodders camp with two Lodders’ babies welcomed into the world. Private Client partner Louise Igoe and Corporate and Commercial partner Kim Klahn both gave birth to baby boys in Warwick Hospital. George James Igoe weighed 7lb 0.5oz and Jake Ernst-Phillip Klahn weighed 9lb 7oz. Congratulations to both families.

PROMOTIONS

Three new associates Congratulations to Rebecca Bradley, Amrit Samra and Rachel Phillips who have recently been promoted to associates. Rebecca joined the firm in 2000 as a secretary and has subsequently risen through the ranks of our Private Client team. Amrit completed her training at Lodders and qualified into our Dispute Resolution team in 2012, while Rachel Phillips joined Lodders’ Residential Property team as a licensed conveyancer in 2015.

Growth for Lodders’ Family Law team In the last issue of Lodders Life we introduced you to our Family Law team. Partner Barbara Jordan and associate Erin Sawyer joined the Lodders team back in June 2015 allowing us to offer the full range of family law services. The Cheltenham team has been boosted with solicitor Danielle Isaac (top).

We are delighted to welcome experienced senior associate Christine Williams (bottom) from Quastels in the West End to our Stratford-based team. Christine’s arrival allows us to offer a wide range of family law services to our Warwickshire clients as she explains: “This is a great opportunity to play an integral part in creating, developing and establishing a specialist family law department at Lodders’ Stratford office in the heart of the region. Lodders has an established client base and I am very excited at the prospect of working for a reputable and respected firm and as part of the family law team.”

Commitment to training Congratulations to Michael Brook who has recently completed his training contract and become a newly qualified solicitor. Michael joined the firm as a trainee in 2014 and has now qualified into our Private Client team. Stepping into Michael’s shoes as a trainee in Private Client is Aquib Yusaf.

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Social pages

2016

3 SEPT

Moreton Show This year’s Moreton Show marked the 20th year of Lodders’ sponsorship and attendance at the event. The Lodders stand caught the eye of the event’s organisers and judges with its striking design, interactive features, competitions, children’s play area and a unique Lodders Family Tree.

Despite the wet and windy weather, it was a triumphant year with the Lodders stand winning a Highly Commended Trade Stand award. Lodders’ managing partner Rod Bird was there to welcome a host of clients, friends and family to the stand.

Above: Kate Higginson and Hollie Coyne from Lodders’ marketing team receiving the award for the stand Left: Helpers from the Lodders team on the stand Middle: Rod Bird, Lodders, Simon Allen, Paul Mourton, Lodders Bottom right: Martin Green, Lodders, Jeremy Clay and Susan Clay

Warwick Races Lodders partners and staff welcomed clients and professional contacts to the annual autumn race day held at Warwick Racecourse. Guests were treated to some insider knowledge from a resident tipster before being shown across the course to the last fence where they were able to watch the penultimate race. Partners Victor Matts and Caroline Nemecek presented the award to the winner of the Lodders sponsored Handicap Chase.

2016 Above: The runners in the Lodders sponsored Handicap Chase Right: Victor Matts, Lodders, Paul Hodge Snr, Paul Hodge Jr

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Lodders Life

29 SEPT

2016

15 SEPT

Golf Day A sunny September afternoon saw more than 40 golfers take to the fairways of Stratford on Avon Golf Club for the bi-annual Lodders golf day. Guests from across Warwickshire, Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds joined members of the Lodders Real Estate team for a day of golf, good company and great food.

Lodders’ Paul Mourton was part of the winning team on the day, accompanied by Ian Eggleton, Iain Hunter and Terry Dinham.

Guests were treated to a complimentary club cleaning service, as well as being handed goody bags containing Lodders branded golf balls. The day raised funds for Lodders Charitable Foundation.

Top: Guy Wooddisse, Nick East, Lodders, David Jervis, Andy Wilkins Middle: Asgoo Pirbhai, Oliver Bertram, Alan Plumb, Rod Bird, Lodders Below: Paul Mourton, Lodders, Ian Eggleton, Iain Hunter, Terry Dinham

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Social pages

Lodders in the Community...

Stratford’s own Monopoly Board

Stratford upon Avon has its very own Monopoly Board – and we are proud to be part of it! We join fellow Stratford businesses The Fourteas, the Stratford Herald, the RSC, Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust and Johnsons Coaches amongst many others on the latest version of the 81-year old game.

Stratford upon Avon’s unique version of Monopoly was launched back in October at The Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Lodders’ involvement with the project reflects the firm’s interest and commitment to community activities and encapsulates our long heritage in the town, firmly signalling our roots in Stratford upon Avon and our stance as an established local business.

To be in with a chance of winning a copy of the Stratford upon Avon Monopoly board Email Hollie Coyne at hollie.coyne@lodders.co.uk with your name and your answer to the following question: How much money do you collect when you pass ‘Go’ on a standard Monopoly board?

A name will be drawn at random on 31 January 2017.

Stratford’s Big 10k

2016

11 SEPT The 2016 Stratford’s Big 10k race took place on Sunday 11th September with Lodders entering a 16-strong team of runners. The Lodders team excelled themselves this year with their efforts winning them the prestigious corporate team prize for the first time in many years. The race, which is organised by Tempo Events, has been sponsored by Lodders for the past seven years. The event raised funds for Shipston Home Nursing for the second year running, a charity which is close to our hearts at Lodders with our connection with the charity running back some 19 years.

Left: Lodders’ runners and helpers Right: Lodders’ corporate team prize winners

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Lodders Life

The Lodders Charitable Foundation Trustees with adviser Mark Lewis.

From L – R Angela Craig, Lindsey Ebdon, Martin Green, David Lodder, Mark Lewis, Ravinder Heer

The Lodders Charitable Foundation T

he newly launched Lodders Charitable Foundation will support regional charities where a real difference can be made; something that reflects Lodders’ longstanding commitment to the community.

The trustees of the Foundation are all members of the Lodders family: senior partner Martin Green, David Lodder, Angela Howard, Angela Craig, Lindsey Ebdon and Ravinder Heer. The Foundation was formed under the expert guidance of Lodders’ charity law expert, Mark Lewis.

Below: Trustee Angela Howard with two trainee Guide Dog puppies – Caesar and Marina.

Over the next 12 months the Foundation will be raising funds for a number of local charities including:

Farming Community Network FCN provides practical and pastoral support to all those in the farming industry, work which is complemented by Lodders’ involvement in the agricultural sector.

The Time Out Group The Time Out Group is a Stratford upon Avon based charity that benefits disabled children and their families, providing invaluable support.

We are delighted to be backing these three charities and look forward to bringing you updates of our fundraising efforts.

To find out more about the Foundation and our fundraising efforts, please visit www.lodders.co.uk

Shakespeare’s Puppies Appeal The Shakespeare’s Puppies Appeal supports the national charity, Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The appeal aims to fund the training and progression of guide dog puppies, each of which is named after a Shakespeare character.

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Residential property team

Lodders’ Stratford Residential Property team: Alison Wacey, Karen Bridges, Steven Baker, Rachel Phillips, Lisa Podmore, Sophia Khan

Say hello

Lodders has had a long commitment to offering a high quality conveyancing solution for many high net worth individuals.

Steven Baker Head of Residential Property

to Lodders’ Residential Property Team

2

016 was a busy year for our Residential Property team with recruitment, promotion and a new team head.

Steven Baker was appointed as head of the Residential team in the Summer, having joined Lodders in 2005.

Steven has been a property partner at Lodders since 2007 focusing on both business and residential property.

Steven is now working closely with partner Alison Wacey to bring a fresh approach and a renewed commitment to maintaining Lodders as your first choice for residential property matters.

“This is a significant time for me to pick up the reins as head of Lodders’ Residential Property team, as we see a climb in instructions from individuals buying or selling high value or complex properties.

“Professionally, this is an exceptional opportunity for me to lead a well-established, talented and ambitious team that is justifiably well regarded both by clients and our professional peers and referrers.

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Lodders Life

“Lodders has had a long commitment to offering a high quality conveyancing solution for many high net worth individuals across the Midlands, the South West, and the South East, including London, who know the team provides a second-to-none range of residential property services and advice, delivered by talented and experienced individuals.”

Alongside Steven and Alison the team includes newly promoted associate Rachel Phillips, the team’s most recent addition solicitor Sophia Khan; Cheltenham based Holly Kennett, as well as long standing members of the team Lisa Podmore and Karen Bridges.

The Residential Property team operates from both Lodders’ Stratford and Cheltenham offices. The team advises private individuals on home or investment property sales, purchases, mortgages, gifts of property, tenancies and leasehold enfranchisement, and acts for companies, partnerships, farmers, charities and trustees.

Dates for the diary

Events

Exciting, relaxing, inspiring.

This year’s events calendar has it all.

DECEMBER

MARCH Gold Cup Festival, Cheltenham Racecourse 14 - 17 March A prominent fixture in the equine calendar, the fourday Cheltenham Festival culminates in the renowned Gold Cup day. Do you fancy your chances with the bookmakers? www.cheltenham.thejockeyclub.co.uk

Christmas Wine Tasting 2 - 4 December C.A. Rookes Wine Merchants host Christmas wine tasting sessions across the first weekend of December. www.carookes.co.uk A Christmas Carol at the Everyman Theatre 7 - 23 December This timeless festive classic is being performed at Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre this December. This family friendly show is sure to get you into the Christmas spirit! www.everymantheatre.org.uk

Stratford upon Avon Santa Run 10 December Take to the streets of Stratford in your best Santa outfit in aid of the Shakespeare Hospice! www.theshakespearehospice.org.uk

JANUARY New Year’s Day at Cheltenham Racecourse 1 January This notoriously relaxed day of racing helps you to blow away the New Year’s Eve cobwebs whilst enjoying the last bit of the Christmas break. Children are also welcome, with plenty of fun activities available! www.cheltenham. thejockeyclub.co.uk

FEBRUARY Pride of Stratford Awards 2017 3 February This prestigious awards night sees the town’s businesses and local community come together to recognise the year’s best achievements in a variety of categories. www.102touchfm.co.uk/pride-of-stratfordawards-2017

APRIL

Stratford Literary Festival 23 - 30 April Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2017, there will be plenty of events, workshops and debates ready to engage you in a variety of entertaining topics. If you have a love for books, reading and writing, this is not to be missed! www.stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations 30 April - 1 May Dedicated to celebrating Shakespeare’s life, this annual festival takes place in the town centre and offers music, pageantry and drama across the whole two day event. www.shakespearescelebrations.com

MAY Cheltenham Jazz Festival 26 April - 1 May Hosting over 20,000 music fans each year, this lively festival has become one of the nation’s best-loved jazz festivals. With previous special guests including Jamie Cullum, Eartha Kitt and Imelda May, this year’s festival is sure to be a hit! www.cheltenhamfestivals. com/jazz Stratford Festival of Motoring 30 April - 1 May Across the two day festival, Stratford’s streets will be lined with cars of all ages. Everyone is welcome to attend, with free entry to pedestrians. www.stratforward.co.uk/events/stratford-festivalof-motoring

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Great, great grandfather planted the acorn.

Then great, great legal advice protected the family tree.

Generations of rural families have trusted Lodders to protect their land, their businesses and their wealth.

Preserving everything you and your family have worked for requires dedication, vision

Stratford upon Avon office Cheltenham office Henley in Arden office www.lodders.co.uk

and great legal advice. And that’s just what Lodders provides. Our proven combination of technical innovation and thoughtful legal advice has been protecting families for over 230 years.

01789 293259 01242 228370 01564 792261

@LoddersLawyers

sol i ci to rs