Lodders Life - Issue 5

life

Lodders

ISSUE 5

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

Big data The new data protection rules explained

A new managing partner for Lodders Paul Mourton shares his plans

Downton delivers The fast-growing Gloucestershire logistics business committed to delivering the difference s o l i c i t o rs

life

Lodders

Welcome 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: 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 25 Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 1QZ 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.

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Lodders Life

Welcome to the fifth issue of Lodders Life, our magazine for clients and friends of the firm.

Over the following pages we introduce you to our new managing partner, Paul Mourton, as he prepares to step into the sizeable shoes of Rod Bird, our managing partner since 2001. We look back at Rod’s many achievements and Paul sets out his plans for the future.

Many of you will know that in July we merged with DFLP, Birmingham’s leading divorce and family law partnership. With shared values and a mutual commitment to excellent client service, it’s proving to be a perfect fit.

You can find out more about the Family Law team on pages 14-15.

Writing Lodders Life also gives us the chance to talk to our clients about their journeys; you can’t have failed to miss the impressive C.M. Downton truck that graces the front cover of this issue. We find out more about this Gloucestershirebased logistics business and their commitment to ‘delivering the difference’ on pages 4-7.

Our editorial team and photographer also visited the Taylor family at the Swalcliffe Estate, a true family affair, where three generations of Taylors live and work side by side on the beautiful 480-hectare Oxfordshire estate, combining their individual skills and passions in a diverse, thriving, award-winning operation that has family values at its heart.

And we raise a glass to two Worcestershire entrepreneurs, whose shared interest in craft beers has led to the creation of a thriving business that is breathing new life into neglected pubs. You can read the feature on Two Crafty Brewers on pages 22-23.

Creating the magazine encourages us to reflect on the past year, its highs and lows (fortunately not too many of the latter!), and the fantastic people that make coming to work at Lodders so rewarding. We hope you enjoy reading the magazine as much as we have enjoyed putting it together.

ISSUE 5

Contents 10

04 17

Features 04 Keep on moving An insight into C.M. Downton – one of Gloucestershire’s best kept secrets

08 A new managing partner for Lodders... ...but the same commitment to maintaining our enviable culture

10 Swalcliffe Estate a family affair The Taylor family – exemplars of effective future planning and strong family values

14 A match made in Birmingham Cover image: C.M. Downton

Introducing our ‘perfect fit’ Family Law team

16 Private client update Digital wills, tax efficient gifting and LPAs for all stages of life

18 Driving change in real estate Views from the guest speakers at Lodders’ Annual Property Seminar

22 Raising a glass to craft brewing We toast Two Crafty Brewers

24 Big data The General Data Protection Regulation explained

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Regulars 26 Legal updates

Bite-sized legal updates from across the firm

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

30 Spotlight on...

Personal profiles on Beverley Morris, Alex Loquens and Vicki Gulliver

32 People news Exciting developments from the Lodders camp

34 Social scene Moreton Show and our charity dog walk

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CASE STUDY

Keep on

moving The giant logistics firm and secondgeneration family business C.M. Downton is one of Gloucestershire’s greatest success stories and best kept secrets.

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he multi-award winning, ÂŁ120million turnover independent logistics firm operates 16 major distribution hubs and depots across the UK, employs 1,500 staff, has a huge and distinctive vehicle fleet including 1,800 trailers and 600 modern tractor units, and clients including many of the biggest brands in retail, food and drink, manufacturing and energy.

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Lodders Life

Humble beginnings Downton began life in 1955, when Conrad Michael Downton, the owner of a small Gloucestershire farm, invested in a gravel-carrying tipper lorry, and began moving small loads around the county.

The business quickly became involved in several major projects including the building of the M5 and the construction of approach roads to the Severn Bridge, and by the end of the 1960s, had built up a fleet of tipper vehicles.

At the start of the 1970s, the company purchased its first articulated lorry.

The business flourished, and soon had more than a dozen articulated vehicles. It began to diversify operations, and started working for the local brewing industry, winning major contracts with Bass Brewers amongst others.

In 1985, Conrad Downton died suddenly at the age of 52.

His sons Andrew, Richard and John, and daughter Kate, took over the running of the business, setting their sights on turning the small but thriving haulage company into a major player in the logistics industry.

An early 1970’s Downton lorry

Under their stewardship, Downton has expanded, diversified, and grown rapidly across all sectors, especially the drinks and publishing industries, to earn its reputation as one of the UK’s leading independent logistics firms.

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CASE STUDY

Above from left to right: John Downton, Kate Downton, Anne Downton, Richard Downton and Andrew Downton

Family values According to MD Andrew Downton, much of the business’ success is down to the strong family values embedded in Downton:

3PL & 4PL C.M. Downton is a third party logistics provider, or 3PL. This means it specialises in integrated operation, warehousing and transportation services that are scaled to match its customers’ requirements.

C.M. Downton owns specialist fourth party logistics, or 4PL, provider Jigsaw Transport. As a 4PL business, Jigsaw offers managed transport solutions delivered through a network of regional ‘partner hauliers’, which are supported by fully integrated centralised management services that give clients access to vast, flexible fleet assets when additional scale and capacity are required.

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Lodders Life

Our strong family values feature in everything we do “We have a great management team, and everybody understands the Downton values and culture. For the business, being a family firm allows for quick decision-making and, for our clients, provides access to a large infrastructure.

“Downton is certainly a success story, it is a business built on the continual hard work of two generations of the family, and has grown dramatically over the past 50 years.”

The core principle of the business remains constant – Downton will always deliver, no matter what Andrew Downton

Sweet sixteen

More than a transport business

Downton added its 16th distribution centre to its UK network in September 2017, with legal advice provided by Lodders’ Paul Mourton, who comments: “The 280,000sq.ft warehouse near Chepstow is a sizeable distribution facility in a key location, and represents a significant addition to Downton’s storage and distribution capacity across the country.”

With this growing network of major distribution hubs, its range of services in distribution, warehousing, fourth party logistics and fleet engineering, Downton is not simply a transport business:

Andrew adds: “Commercial leases for large warehouses are very detailed by their very nature. Paul manages to précis the significant points and provides relevant practical advice in an expedient manner.

He is at the top of his game.”

“Downton is a provider of sophisticated logistics solutions,” says Andrew, “that enable clients to completely outsource their warehousing and distribution requirements.”

C.M. Downton Future workforce

Always deliver

Not only is Downton committed to delivering industry-leading logistics solutions, it is keen to nurture the future workforce of not just its own business but also the wider haulage sector.

So, what is the philosophy of such a thriving business? Andrew explains: “Downton has established itself at the forefront of a highly competitive industry by offering clients what they cannot get from other providers: the infrastructure and scalability of a multinational logistics provider, combined with the flexibility, agility and commitment to customer care of a family-run business.

“The shortage of drivers in the industry has been widely documented, and Downton endeavours to play an active role in addressing and solving this,” explains Andrew.

At its heart is a highly successful apprenticeship scheme, which has earned Downton several regional and national accolades, including winner of the Large Employer of the Year in the Gloucestershire Apprenticeship Awards.

“Bringing in new blood to the transport industry has never been more important, and apprenticeships are an excellent way to recruit, train and retain young people.

“Our apprenticeship scheme is a major part of our strategy, and an important step in offsetting the industry’s driver shortage.”

Apprenticeships are an excellent way to recruit, train and retain young people

Downton has established itself at the forefront of a highly competitive industry “Our philosophy is simple; no matter what the request, we will deliver, and keeping to this principle has seen the business win and maintain long-term contracts with major global companies.

“Whilst Downton has grown dramatically over the past 50 years, the core principle of the business remains constant – Downton will always deliver, no matter what.”

Fast facts C.M. Downton works with:

C.M. Downton also: • Delivers 30 percent of the items in the average supermarket trolley shop • Delivers every magazine read in the UK • Delivers special MRI scanner trailers, that are driven overnight ready for the MRI team to set-up for patient treatments the next morning • Working with AB InBev, Downton made daily deliveries to Wimbledon throughout the 2017 Championship • Operates throughout the UK and worldwide

• Provides a complete end to end service for large retailers with its store delivery and in-store logistics service • Was named one of the top 100 businesses in Gloucestershire in 2017 • Has an advanced transport management system with satellite tracking • Has won numerous industry and business awards, including Haulier of the Year in the Motor Transport Awards 2012.

Visit: www.downton.co.uk Issue 5

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Paul Mourton

A new

managing partner for Lodders

With 17 years as Lodders’ managing partner under his belt, Rod Bird leaves his successor with some sizeable shoes to fill – but Paul Mourton is ready and raring to go as we find out.

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Lodders Life

P

aul becomes the firm’s youngest ever managing partner at just 39, and has been in charge of our fast-growing Cheltenham office since it opened in 2013 and head of our Real Estate team since 2015.

Paul officially took up the role of managing partner at the firm on 1 January 2018, and picks up the reins from Rod Bird, who has been managing partner since 2001.

Paul and Rod have been working closely to prepare for the handover together, as Rod explains: “It’s been a privilege to lead Lodders over the past 17 years but all good things eventually have to come to an end. I’m proud of our achievements since 2001; not least in surviving a recession that spelled the end of many similar-sized law firms, whilst maintaining our enviable culture and working environment.”

With the recession firmly behind Lodders, Rod turned his attentions to building a team to support the firm’s partnership, starting with the appointment of non-executive chairman George Campion in January 2010, followed by marketing director Hilary Campton in 2013 and IT director Alex Loquens more recently in 2017.

Rod adds: “Since Paul joined us in 2008, he has brought energy, ambition, and exceptional legal and business skill to our team.

It’s been a privilege to lead Lodders over the past 17 years but all good things eventually have to come to an end Rod Bird Managing Partner

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“He has steered the establishment of the Cheltenham office and grown the profile, reputation and size of the Real Estate team to become one of the pre-eminent teams in the West Midlands.

Paul is the ideal individual to take the firm into the next phase of its succession, supported by Lodders’ strong management team.”

Commenting on his appointment, Paul said: “I’m delighted to have been elected managing partner to lead the firm into and through the next phase of its growth. My aim is to build upon Rod’s excellent work by being ambitious, but not reckless, with a strategy of measured expansion.

I want to ensure that the firm’s ethos and reputation for excellent, quality client service is maintained, by continuing to gather a team of best of breed lawyers, who deliver quality advice.”

The firm is alive to opportunities for future growth, and I hope to continue to build our team of leading legal specialists, whilst maintaining our enviable and friendly culture Lodders’ senior partner Martin Green adds: “Paul has a wealth of experience that will continue to benefit the firm in his new role. I am looking forward to working with Paul to lead and further shape Lodders’ future for the next generation.”

Paul lives north of Cheltenham and was educated at Cheltenham College. He originally joined Lodders in June 2008 from national firm, Charles Russell. Outside of Lodders, Paul is a trustee of the Get A-Head Charitable Trust. Based at the QE Hospital in Birmingham, the charity supports patients suffering from diseases of the head and neck, but particularly cancer, and their families.

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CASE STUDY

Swalcliffe Estate a family affair

Three generations of the Taylor family live and work side by side on the beautiful 480-hectare Swalcliffe Estate in Oxfordshire, combining their individual skills and passions in a diverse, thriving, awardwinning operation that has family values at its heart.

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Lodders Life

The Taylor Family

S

walcliffe Grange has been a working farm for more than a century. Now in its fourth generation of Taylors, 100 acres was originally owned by Mike Taylor’s grandfather, a tenant of 400 acres on the Swalcliffe Park Estate. With its roots firmly in traditional livestock, grassland and arable farming, Mike farmed alongside his father up until 1970, when he and his parents bought the farm.

Mike and Barbara Taylor are exceptional visionaries and proof that effective future planning balanced alongside a focus on family values and relationships, really does work.

By playing to the strengths of each member of their family, traditional and emerging farming practices work hand in hand for long term sustainability.

Succeeding at succession Whilst Mike and Barbara’s children James, Richard and Victoria were growing up at Swalcliffe in the 1980s and 1990s, they always had in mind the future of the estate, farm and their children, nurturing the individual passions, interests and abilities of each of their offspring.

From a young age, Richard was always passionate about animals and farming.

Particularly in his teenage years, horses became his number one interest, which led him to create and build cross country courses.

Working in partnership with internationally renowned course designer David Evans, Richard has built courses all over the world, including at the Beijing Olympics.

Eldest son James excelled at school and sport, and was keen to spread his wings. He graduated with a business degree and pursued a city-based career, but soon realised the relevance for his business acumen at the family farm, so returned to Swalcliffe to help manage and develop day to day operations.

Victoria carved a name for herself as a professional chef. In 2007, she returned to Swalcliffe and launched her own business, Miss T Catering, which she runs from Grange Farm, catering for events of all sizes, from intimate dinner parties for clients in their homes, to catering for weddings, funerals and corporate events, including Swalcliffe’s programme of equine events.

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CASE STUDY

New beginnings As the Taylor family began to grow, with both James and Richard getting married and having children, Mike and Barbara looked to put their future plans in action, with land, property and succession planning advice from Lodders’ Rod Bird.

“Parcels of land at Swalcliffe were divided up and transferred to Richard and James, with the aim of giving them the resource and opportunity to further develop their own businesses,” explain Mike and Barbara, who relocated to a new home just half a mile from Grange Farmhouse.

Main image from left to right: Ted, Richard, Victoria, Barbara, Mike, Sarah, James and Emma

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Lodders Life

Richard and Sarah moved into Swalcliffe Grange, which has become the engine room for the equine business, livery yard, the packed programme of hunter trials, British Eventing and British Riding Club Horse Trials and championships. Richard also manages Swalcliffe’s grassland, the beef herd, and the Grange Farm Beef business that has spawned the fledgling ‘beef boxes’ venture.

They share a great love of horses and the countryside. Sarah is a keen horsewoman, and has spent her career in the horse world, working for the British Horse Society, as General Secretary at The Moreton Show, and as part of the Your Horse Live show event team, whilst working alongside Richard to manage Swalcliffe Equestrian and its events.

James, his wife Emma and their children Maxwell and Olivia, moved into Stourwell Barn, from where they manage the arable farming activities, and launched Swalcliffe’s newest venture, Stour Energy.

Mike and Barbara are proof of the value of effective future planning balanced alongside a focus on family values and relationships

Diversification Based around a large scale anaerobic digester (AD), the site includes the ‘mechanical cow’ that is ‘fed’ each hour with a mix of maize, rye and grass grown on the farm, with 1,500 tonne of chicken manure. The AD processes the feedstocks and generates bio-gas that is turned into electricity used to power the plant, with the remainder sold to National Grid.

“I had been looking to diversify operations with a viable business that would generate additional income,” explains James. “I first considered building an anaerobic digester plant ten years before, but rekindled the idea when the government introduced the ‘feed in tariff’ in 2012.

“The AD was the ideal solution that would complement our traditional farming, and set us on the right path towards self-sufficiency.”

Swalcliffe in numbers: James and Emma worked closely with their chosen contractor to oversee the installation of the plant, which has now been running since October 2014.

“The AD process fits in well with the farming, and the power it generates contributes greatly to the farm income.

“It also powers a large drying barn, which we use to dry woodchip, used in the biomass industry – something we hadn’t anticipated, but a great additional side business.”

7 businesses

3 generations

480 hectares

Handing over the baton The Taylor family is keeping an eye on its next generation, with James and Emma’s son Maxwell already showing a keen interest in farming. With the support of such a warm, capable and talented family, Swalcliffe’s success and innovation is set to continue for generations to come.

500 horses and riders compete in Swalcliffe’s flagship annual 2-day competition for British Eventing

Fast facts Taylor Farms - Stour Energy, won the top award for the Medium Sized Farm in the 2017 Banbury Agricultural Association Awards, and the overall Championship Award for the fourth time in 20 years.

The Taylors family today operate seven businesses on the Swalcliffe Estate: • Grange Farm Beef – a grass-fed herd of Aberdeen Angus, producing 12-day dry-aged premium quality beef, prepared by a local butcher and delivered directly to customers.

• Miss T Catering – run by professional caterer Victoria Taylor, specialising in catering for private clients, small dinner parties, weddings, christenings, and major corporate events.

• Swalcliffe Park Equestrian – established in 1998, with over 100 cross country fences built by Richard Taylor, renowned Olympic course builder. It hosts 11 major events each year, including British Eventing Horse Trials, British Riding Club National Championships, and several Pony Club events.

• Arable farming – including oilseed rape and maize and wheat

• Livery yard – with 30 stables used by amateur as well as professional dressage and event riders Owen Cooper and Katie Richards running their own businesses on site.

• Grass farming – producing hay for Swalcliffe’s livery business and equestrian events, silage and haylage used within the Beef enterprises.

• Stour Energy – a state of the art Anaerobic Digester that is one of only 500 in the UK. Fully integrated into the arable enterprise while retaining a sensible crop rotation on 830 acres owned land and 800 acres on various rented and other agreements with neighbours.

Richard’s site manages The British Riding Club Championships with

435 temporary stables for the 600 competitors at the annual 3-day event

500kw

The Stour Energy anaerobic digester (AD) business, is one of only 500 similar operations in the whole of the UK and produces 500kw of electricity every 24 hours, 7 days a week

The Taylor family between them have 5 dogs – Tilly (terrier), Bramble, Bracken and Chillie (labradors) and Reggie (cocker spaniel) - free range chickens, and 2 geese, named Ping and Pong

by James and Emma’s children Maxwell and Olivia.

Visit: www.grangefarmbeef.com | www.swalcliffeparkequestrian.co.uk www.stourenergy.co.uk Issue 5

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Family law

A match made in

Birmingham 2017 was an exciting year for Lodders. In July we merged with Divorce and Family Law Practice one of Birmingham’s leading family and divorce law practices based in St Paul’s Square.

W

ith shared values and a focus on exceptional client service, the merger is a ‘perfect fit’ for both firms.

Lodders already works extensively for individuals and private business clients in Birmingham, and with the addition of a Birmingham location to our Warwickshire and Gloucestershire office network, we can now give our clients even greater access and choice.

Meet the team F

amily law is not all about relationships breaking down.

The remit of the work our Family Law team undertakes is far wider.

The team combines in-depth knowledge of the law with an outstanding level of client care.

It is recognised for its skill in dealing with complex and high value cases and issues concerning divorce, co-habitation, civil partnership disputes and children’s issues.

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Lodders Life

The strong team combines head of family law Beverley Morris, senior associate Caroline Dresden, associate Vivienne Middleton, solicitor Amy Parker and Stratfordbased associate Christine Williams.

Left to right: Beverley Morris Caroline Dresden Vivienne Middleton Amy Parker Christine Williams

The complicated story of spousal maintenance W

ith divorce on the rise and the average marriage only lasting just over 11 years, it is unsurprising to see issues relating to divorce appearing in front of the Supreme Court.

The case concerning Graham and Maria Mills has been widely reported following a Court of Appeal decision in February 2017.

The couple divorced in 2002 and agreed that Maria would receive all £230,000 sale proceeds of the family home, plus annual maintenance for herself of £13,200 and £3,600 for their son. It was assumed that Maria would use her capital to buy a mortgagefree home. Graham would receive £23,000 from policies, and retain his business – thus providing an income from which he could pay maintenance.

Four years ago, Graham applied to court to reduce or discharge the maintenance payments to Maria.

Maria applied to increase them.

His Honour Judge Everall dismissed both parties’ applications. Neither Graham nor Maria were happy with the outcome and they both sought the Court of Appeal’s involvement.

At the Court of Appeal in February 2017, two judges found that HHJ Everall had made an error in dismissing Maria’s application, and that he should have considered how Maria would meet the shortfall of £341 per month that he had identified between her income, and her income needs.

Within her income needs was a figure for rent. Maria could not explain why, despite the fact she should be in a mortgage-free house, she now had high rental costs. The appeal court increased the maintenance Graham was paying to £1,440 per month.

Graham applied for permission to appeal to the Supreme Court and the appeal was granted on the single ground of ‘whether, provision having already been made for Maria’s housing costs in the capital settlement, the Court of Appeal erred in taking these into account when raising her periodical payments.’

Essentially, the question that the Supreme Court must consider is if it is right that Graham should continue to pay maintenance to cover Maria’s rent, when her housing costs were taken care of when the couple divorced in 2002. Why, 15 years on, is there a need or obligation for him to pay maintenance in such circumstances?

Partner and head of Family Law, Beverley Morris, represents the Husband in the case.

The law says that any divorce court should avoid spousal maintenance payments if possible Issue 5

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Legal updates Private client update

Inheritance Tax planning –

Choose your gift wisely J

ohn Rouse, Lodders’ most recent recruit to its Private Client team, explains how developing a suitable gifting strategy is vital when planning for inheritance tax.

With appropriate planning, substantial tax savings can be made when making gifts of cash and/or assets.

However, choosing the right type of gift is important.

There are two main types of gift – absolute gifts to an individual and gifts into trusts. The type of trust will depend on how that gift is treated. Detailing whether the gifts are from capital or from income is crucial when deciding what cash or assets to gift.

It is important to be aware of the hidden traps that need to be avoided for your gifts to be effective. Provided gifts are structured in the correct manner and certain requirements followed, considerable tax savings can be made.

Small gifts and annual allowance: Every individual can make gifts of up to £250 to another person which are ignored for IHT purposes. Additionally, you can make gifts of up to £3,000 each year which are IHT exempt whether or not you survive them by seven years.

Absolute gifts: If you make direct gifts to an individual in excess of the small gift allowance or your annual exemption, those gifts remain part of your estate until you have survived by seven years. The recipient will be free to deal with those assets as they choose. Absolute gifts are most appropriate for gifts of cash, assets without any capital gain and where the recipient is financially competent, is not a minor or a vulnerable individual.

Rather than making an absolute gift to an individual, you can make a gift into a discretionary trust. This type of trust is very useful as the trustees have discretion on how to use the fund and how and when assets are distributed. In addition, if you own assets with a capital gain, by using a discretionary trust, assets can be transferred without triggering a CGT liability.

These trusts are very popular for gifting properties or investments or for holding assets to produce an income to pay grandchildren’s school and university fees.

In practice trusts can be relatively straightforward to run and ideal where flexibility is required.

You can also make gifts of your excess income; this is a very under-used but very useful exemption. The major benefit being that the seven-year survivorship rules do not apply and there is no limit on the value of those gifts.

Contact John Rouse on 01789 206167 or at john.rouse@lodders.co.uk

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Lodders Life

Time for your will

to get digital?

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e are creating personal digital assets at a record pace but the law governing them has not kept up, and it remains unclear where the notion of digital assets fits among other traditional concepts of property, especially when it comes to a will.

Fledgling laws aside, we are increasingly seeing that wills without the provision for digital assets have the potential to leave relatives in somewhat of a ‘digital pickle’.

A digital asset is anything you may own, or have rights to, that exists either online or on a hard storage device, for example: • Online banking accounts • Email history • Paypal and other financial accounts • Social media accounts • Cloud storage e.g. for photographs • iTunes & Kindle e-books.

You will also need to think about any password protected devices such as computers, laptops, USBs, smartphones and any external storage drives.

The first thing to do is to consider which parts of your digital estate you wish to be passed on and who you wish to have access to them (many would not want every member of the family to be able to pick through their private emails for example).

We then recommend you create a personal ‘digital assets log’ with login and password details, to include social media and other online accounts, so that executors can access and close all online and social media accounts when you die. Keep this in a safe place such as with your solicitors or a trusted relative.

A will has always been one of the most important documents you will ever create in your life and now it is doubly so. You owe it to those who have to deal with your affairs to leave your internet and digital details on file somewhere secure such as in a will lodged with your solicitor.

Contact Michael Brook on 01789 206132 or at michael.brook@lodders.co.uk

LPAs for all stages of life W

hether you are running the family farm or the family business, who would take care of things should you have an accident that left you unable to manage your financial affairs and business interests?

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) are often thought of as just being for people in their later years, but an LPA can be vital if an individual loses either physical or mental capacity at any stage of their life, as Jess Beddows explains: “My client – a farming sole trader - had a serious accident on the farm and was on life support, unfortunately he did not have an LPA in place. It took him just under 18 months to recover but in the interim period we needed to obtain an Order from the Court of Protection appointing deputies to manage his financial affairs and business interests.

“This application not only required a lot of time and greater legal costs but was then onerous on the Deputy, who was required to produce an annual report detailing the transactions carried out and an annual insurance bond was payable - as is the usual way in deputyship matters.”

By having an LPA in place, your appointed attorneys can step in quickly to provide the support that is needed, whether this is on a permanent or, as is more often the case with younger clients, temporary basis.

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

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Legal updates Property update

Driving change in real estate

T

he future shape of the UK’s real estate sector will be driven by advancements in technology and the global markets, according to the managing director of one of the UK’s largest privately-owned property groups, IM Properties Plc. Tim Wooldridge, MD of IM Properties since 2009, was keynote speaker at Lodders’ Annual Property Seminar held at Henley in Arden Golf Club, Warwickshire, in late 2017.

Above: Tim Wooldridge

The event attracted a record-breaking 150 delegates representing every aspect of the Midlands’ residential and commercial property and real estate sectors.

In his headline presentation, Tim said he believes four key themes will keenly influence the future of the country’s real estate sector in the next decade:

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“How we look to the future and try to anticipate changes that will affect real estate and the way we manage and develop properties has to be based on four key themes that will drive its change,” he said.

Technology is top of the list and what is really driving change today and will continue to do so in the future. Real estate must remain responsive to this

“E-commerce is already a major influencer behind the shift in warehouse technology, and we must remain watchful of how we make buildings like these work to respond to the changing, demanding supply chain and the evolving buying habits and needs of the modern day consumer.

“The third trend will be the evolution of and advances in the automotive sector, especially driverless and electric cars, which look set to continue. Here at IM Properties specifically, but also the wider commercial and real estate sector in general, we need to consider the potential impacts of this type of technology, particularly on manufacturing activities and buildings.

“Finally, the global market, international money and the worldwide economic stage will continue to play a part.

There’s more change to come, and we must all embrace this and take advantage of it

Headquartered in Coleshill in the West Midlands, IM Properties has an investment and development portfolio of circa £900 million across the UK, Europe and the USA, and a land bank in excess of 1,500 acres, spanning the industrial, retail, office and residential sectors. It is part of the IM Group, which has its core values built on a robust business model, based on performance, reliability and delivery.

Amongst its West Midlands real estate portfolio is 55 Colmore Row, a landmark redevelopment building in the heart of Birmingham’s business and financial district, mixed use destination Blythe Valley Park on the M42 near Solihull, and Hub Birmingham that includes the region’s first ECN electricity cost neutral logistics warehouse. IM Properties owns niche housebuilder Spitfire Properties that has won numerous awards for its upmarket, individual, class leading developments in premium locations including Berkshire, Surrey and Oxfordshire.

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Property update

Brexit and rising mortgage rates will challenge growth in the UK housing market R ecent growth of the UK housing market is set to stall because of growing uncertainty around Brexit, the slowdown in the volume of buy to let purchases, and rising mortgage interest rates, according to the findings of research by specialists in residential and rural property at Savills UK.

Speaking at Lodders’ Annual Property Seminar, Dr Lucy Greenwood of Savills residential research team, explained that the UK housing market had grown by 10% since 2012, but that this is set to change as concerns around Brexit gather pace and in the wake of interest rate changes by the Monetary Policy Committee.

She said that the changes to stamp duty land tax in the Budget 2017 would be unlikely to have a positive effect, especially in London where the average first time buyer needs a deposit of circa £99,000. Lucy said

The government is still pushing housebuilding, and looking for one million homes to be built during the course of this parliament, and this appears to be on track

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“Our research indicates that major housebuilders are in good health, whilst small housebuilders have acquired 89% more plots than in 2016, and medium housebuilders 22% more plots.

“The build to rent sector is growing, planning for almost 55,000 plots, and growing numbers of new builds in London especially, with Manchester and Birmingham following suit. This trend is very much in step with the continued growth in demand in the Private Rental Sector, supported by a real mix in private, housing association and affordable new build housing too.”

She believes that Help to Buy is continuing to boost and accelerate new build delivery, with new build purchases well ahead of second hand homes purchases since 2014, up by 20,000 in 2016.

Latest figures for Q3 in 2017 indicate house transactions at 1.2 million a year: “This is some way off from the pre-crunch peak and annual average of around 1.65 million between 2002 and 2007,” Lucy said, “and alongside slowdown in growth in house prices, particularly in London, we expect an average 14% rise over the next five years.”

Property values and house price growth is definitely slowing in London at just 11.5% according to Savills’ recent figures, but the Midlands is performing fairly well: “The region is forecast to top this in the next five years, with prices in both the East and West Midlands predicted to grow by 14.8%,” she said.

Land Pool Trusts:

It’s all in the timing L

and Pool Trusts can be a useful vehicle for large scale developments involving multiple landowners, but timing is of the essence to mitigate tax liabilities and ensure early engagement, says Lodders’ partner and tax specialist, John Rouse.

“When a developer looks to put together a large-scale development site that involves multiple landowners, the landowners can form a consortium to promote the site.

“In a way, not dissimilar to transferring land to a company in which landowners hold the shares, a Land Pool Trust apportions a share in the whole development site to each landowner equal to the amount and value of the land owned and contributed.

“In addition to the promotion agreement with between the developer and the individual landowners, there is often a joint venture agreement or equalisation agreement between all the landowners to distribute the purchase monies received.

“However, associated equalisation payments can give rise to capital gains tax (CGT) on both the headline figure (not the net figure) and on the balancing payment. For the recipient of an equalization payment, they’re not treated as a business asset, so there’s the added problem that entrepreneurs’ relief and rollover relief cannot be claimed.

“A way to avoid such tax issues is for the landowners to ‘pool’ their land in a trust structure – a Land Pool Trust – under which they each own a percentage share of the whole site, equivalent to the area or value of land they originally owned.

“The trust avoids the risk of a double liability to CGT and with some extra planning gives landowners the opportunity to benefit from a lower rate of CGT on the proceeds of sale, so long as there’s evidence they are running a business. It is ‘tax neutral’ as regards stamp duty land tax (SDLT), CGT and VAT, and with the right planning can help to maximise BPR inheritance tax savings.

“Such a trust can prove a good vehicle to ensure owners get the maximum value from the land, but it takes time to engage all parties and set it up correctly.

“Timing is of the essence for a Land Pool Trust to deliver benefits across the board.

“First and most importantly, it is the most tax efficient and fair way of distributing proceeds from the sale of land owned by multiple landowners and where parcels are sold off at different times, and comes into its own when one parcel of land is for example sold quickly, but other pieces of land a few months, or even years, later, as each landowner receives their percentage of the sale when it happens.

“Secondly, a Land Pool Trust must be tabled right at the start of any discussions about the land’s development, not only to comply with the legal requirement that it is in place before any promotion of the land begins, but also to ensure the developer and landowners are engaged from the off.”

Contact John Rouse on 01789 206167 or at john.rouse@lodders.co.uk

A percentage owned as part of a Land Pool Trust

Land owned individually

9%

100%

50%

17%

5%

13%

6%

100% 100%

100%

100%

100%

Issue 5

21

CASE STUDY

Raising a glass to craft brewing For two Worcestershire entrepreneurs, a shared interest in craft beers has led to the creation of a thriving business that is breathing new life into neglected pubs.

We learned how tough it is to secure outlets for craft beers, so we explored the possibilities of buying our own venues to stock our beers, and deliver better margins Rich Bartram Two Crafty Brewers

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Lodders Life

Two Crafty Brewers

Above from left to right: Caroline Nemecek, Lodders, Rich Bartram, Corrigan Lockett and Ron Morgan

F

riends Rich Bartram and Ron Morgan each run successful businesses. 10 years ago, they had the idea of a beer festival to raise funds for their local village school. With a mutual interest in real ale and craft beer, they went on to create and launch their Two Crafty Brewers company.

Whilst this began as a vehicle for their cider and then bottled and cask beers, the brand is growing into a chain of pubs, each of which has risen phoenix-like to be transformed from a struggling, unprofitable pub into a thriving business.

Creating the brand “The experience of selling real ale and cider ourselves, initially on a small scale, led us into making a five-year plan to acquire a small group of pubs and outlets to service our own product range and create our own brand identity,” explains Rich Bartram.

“After some research, we realised brewing beer is really specialised, so opted to start with making cider.

We sourced apples from a Hereford grower and bottled our first product, Redneck Cider.

“With advice from friends in the brewing trade, we looked to produce three craft beers from our own recipes, and worked with established brewers to make them – Golden Beast, American IPA, and Pale Ale – and supply all into local pubs.

“This venture taught us how tough it is to secure outlets for craft beers, so we explored the possibilities of buying our own venues to stock our beers, and deliver better margins.”

Keeping it local In 2015, Rich’s former local pub, the Sow and Pigs in West Bromwich, came up for sale. “Knowing the pub and area, we decided to buy it,” says Rich. The pub was in a dire state and, saving it from demolition, Rich and Ron set about refurbishing it. “It was an intensive four-month renovation project,” he says, “with a huge team on site.

But we created a unique, quirky fit-out featuring simple scaffold planks and pallets. Trade has been pretty good since we opened.”

Lockett & Co Around the same time, Rich and Ron met Corrigan Lockett, one of the UK’s licenced trade sector’s top consultants. “For over 25 years, Lockett & Co has worked with major PLCs and breweries. Through his connections, Corrigan hears of pubs coming to market,” says Rich, “and in early 2016, he told us The Crown in Claverley was to become available. We acquired and refurbished it, and opened that Summer.

“Shortly after, we heard the then landlord of a Worcester pub, The Lamb and Flag, was looking to retire, and in October 2016, we bought the neglected pub, a listed building dating back to the 1700s, and began its refurbishment. We replicated the interior style of the Sow and Pigs, to create a strong design link and distinctive Two Crafty Brewers feel. The listed building has a room upstairs, which was refurbished into a fantastic Italian restaurant, Sugo. The Lamb and Flag is trading extremely well and currently our flagship venue.”

Success story Lodders’ Caroline Nemecek has worked with Rich and Ron on the purchase of two of their pubs. She says: “This is a true story of success – Rich and Ron are in the business of taking on struggling pubs and turning them around. They’ve established the Two Crafty Brewers brand, and created thriving businesses.”

“This is an excellent example of how strong working relationships deliver great results,” adds Corrigan Lockett. “Lodders and Lockett & Co have long worked together for clients on licensing and property matters. By pooling our expertise, we’ve supported Rich and Ron as they develop their brand and business.”

www.twocraftybrewers.co.uk www.lockett.uk.com

Issue 5

23

General Data Protection Regulation

Big data 2018

25 MAY

Introduction T

here are home appliances that can speak to us, online adverts that seem to know what we want before we know it ourselves, apps that work out when we’ve run out of bin bags, and machine learning algorithms that can diagnose diseases more accurately than doctors.

And what’s propelling these developments? More often than not it is personal data. Data gleaned from an online form we filled in for a home insurance quote, the statistics taken from a fitness tracker, our social media posts, and our online shopping habits... the list goes on.

The use of personal data has clear implications for our individual rights to privacy and data protection - rights that will be strengthened with the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on 25 May 2018.

GDPR replaces the Data Protection Act and will mean tougher rules for the collection and use of personal data. Companies and organisations will need to be more accountable for the personal data they hold, and what they do with it.

What is personal data?

P ersonal data is any information relating to an identified or identifiable individual. This means information that could be used, on its own or in conjunction with other data, to identify an individual.

Sensitive personal data, such as health information or information that reveals a person’s racial or ethnic origin, will require even greater protection.

There are additional requirements for any data relating to children.

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Lodders Life

How we are preparing for GDPR at Lodders Samantha Haines, Lodders’ Compliance Director explains: “We began proactively preparing for GDPR at the start of 2017 and we’re well underway with many of the initiatives required to ensure compliance.

From cleansing and updating our data records, through to gaining the Cyber Essentials security accreditation, we have been busy ensuring our processes are up to scratch for the new regulations.

“As Lodders is complying properly with the existing data protection regulations, much of our approach to compliance will remain valid under the GDPR and is a starting point from which to build. However, there are new elements and significant enhancements that have required a ground-up review of the data we store, how we share it, and the ways in which we use it.

“One of our GDPR initiatives involves asking our clients and contacts for their consent to market to them so we can continue sending our legal updates, event invitations and – of course – copies of Lodders Life!”

A GDPR checklist for business owners A s a business owner, you are responsible for ensuring that your data and data processes are compliant with the new regulations by the time they come into force on 25 May 2018.

As there is no ‘phasing in’ period for GDPR it is important that your data is compliant before the deadline to avoid a hefty fine. Securing compliance may mean some quite substantial changes to your internal processes, so early preparation is vital.

Understand what you need to do to secure compliance visit the Information Commissioner’s website here: https://ico.org.uk/ Work out where your gaps are – and the steps you need to take.

Assess and cleanse your marketing data.

Design and run communication campaigns to secure consent to market.

Consider implementing a CRM system to manage your contact data.

Get your privacy notices and other policies in place.

Create an internal training programme and GDPR documentation to ensure all staff members understand the new rules and how you are adapting to meet them.

Issue 5

25

Legal updates

Tax case is good news for land-based businesses A

recent case lost by HMRC over business property relief on a horse owner’s DIY livery business could be good news for land and estate owners running businesses such as shoots.

“Representatives of the estate of the late Maureen Vigne appealed against HMRC’s refusal of inheritance tax (IHT) business property relief (BPR) on the 30-acre livery business she ran before she died,” explains Head of Lodders’ Equine Team, Natalie Smith.

The livery provided pasture for horses to graze, but also stables, worming products, hay, and daily checks on the horses’ health

“The appeal was heard by the Tax Tribunal, and based on whether the business was one of wholly or mainly simply renting land, or not.

“The Judge stated the case could not be determined on the value of the occupation of the land alongside the services, and that the intentions of the landowner should be taken into account.

“He explained that as Mrs Vigne had planning permission for further stables, and previously applied for planning permission for onsite accommodation, together with the other services provided, it demonstrated a bona fide business, offering horse owners more than a simple right to occupy land.”

Natalie believes the decision has the potential to change the legal landscape on BPR and IHT for all land-based businesses: “Historically, solicitors have advised landowning clients including those using land for DIY livery, organised grouse, game or pheasant shoots - that BPR would not apply if the land was classified as an investment asset, and not genuinely utilised as the key asset of a business.

“However, this case puts a different spin on the matter.

“Not only could it trigger a review of how land and yard owners run liveries so they can achieve BPR when the owner dies, it could also mean BPR is available for other agricultural, country and landed estates operations.”

BPR provides relief from Inheritance Tax (IHT) on the transfer of relevant business assets at a rate of 50% or 100% and will only apply if the deceased owned the business or asset for at least two years before they died.

This case has now been appealed by HMRC so we will be carefully watching the outcome of the appeal.

Contact Natalie Smith on 01242 229086 or at natalie.smith@lodders.co.uk

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Lodders Life

High Court decision opens doors for developers I

n late 2017 the High Court handed down an important judgment regarding rights of way.

The established position had been that if you have a right of way over your neighbour’s land, then your neighbour cannot divert that right of way without your express permission. In other words, you cannot force your neighbour to accept a re-routed access track, even if you need to move it in order to redevelop your land.

The case of Lea v Ward rather surprisingly confirmed that, in certain circumstances, it is now possible for landowners to move their neighbour’s right of way. The Court held that the developer had interfered with the right of way but, if the developer was prepared to make certain modest adjustments to the new access road, this interference was relatively minimal.

On this basis, the Court refused to grant the injunction which would have forced the developer to reinstate the original right of way. The developer only had to pay modest damages to the neighbour as compensation for having his right of way moved.

This does open the door for developers to be able to make changes to rights of way that cross their land, provided that those changes are sensible and do not cause inconvenience to the other party. This case was complicated and the judge had to sift through numerous documents. The judgment needs to be treated with some caution but it does provide a useful illustration of the practical and legal issues that need to be considered. It will be interesting to see if the courts support this judgment in the coming years.

Contact Alastair Frew on 01789 206117 or at alastair.frew@lodders.co.uk

Gig economy businesses warned to check status of workforce B usinesses regularly using ‘gig workers’ should check their employment status following a landmark European Court ruling.

The case involved Conley King who worked as a window salesman for The Sash Window Workshop on a selfemployed basis. After he was dismissed from the firm, an employment tribunal ruled that Mr King should have been classified as a worker and have workers’ rights.

The European Court of Justice upheld that Mr King is entitled to workers’ rights, which could mean companies regularly using so called ‘gig workers’ could face huge financial repercussions.

Mr King also brought a claim for £27,000 of holiday pay, and the EU court ruled he is entitled to all untaken leave from the company.

“The ECJ’s decision in this case could have significant implications for companies routinely using staff on self-employed contracts, such as taxi or delivery firms,” says Lodders’ Head of Employment, Nick Rowe.

“The recent developments in respect of work status are presenting a real issue for businesses structured around engaging individuals on a supposed self-employed, contractor basis.

“They could face potentially huge, previously unconsidered, liabilities if that status is successfully challenged in the same way as this case.”

This is the latest in a string of cases around the gig economy, such as the ongoing case involving Uber, and Deliveroo’s workers’ claim for holiday pay, and Nick says the message is clear: “Gig economy workers are increasingly being seen as entitled to workers’ rights. Employers should really take a step back and consider carefully their relationships with those undertaking work on their behalf and review exactly how they classify their workforce. It is sensible to check their workforces’ employment status and the contractual documentation.”

Contact Nick Rowe on 01242 229096 or at nick.rowe@lodders.co.uk Issue 5

27

Client news

Farming and food educational charities merge to turn over new leaf

T

wo farming and food educational charities merged with advice from Lodders’ charity law specialist, Mark Lewis.

LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) and FACE (Farming and Countryside Education) combine to create an expanded organisation that will build on their leading education and public engagement in farming, food and the natural environment among consumers, children and young people.

LEAF develops and promotes sustainable farming, working with farmers, the food industry, scientists and consumers, and leads a collaborative approach for better education and public engagement between the farming industry and consumers.

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Lodders Life

FACE aims to educate children and young people about food and farming in a sustainable countryside and works with schools to help children understand where food comes from, healthy diets and lifestyle.

“The Charity Commission is encouraging charities to merge and this is a good example of a mutually beneficial union,” comments Mark. “It has been rewarding to advise on this well-planned union of two well established charities.”

Visit: www.leafuk.org www.face-online.org.uk Contact Mark Lewis on 01789 206135 or at mark.lewis@lodders.co.uk

Landscape business set to bloom at transformed new location G loucester business TFN Landscapes has completed a £1.8million redevelopment of a near-derelict, neglected site.

TFN was forced to relocate operations from its previous Longford Estates location, after the local council granted planning permission for a large scale residential development on the site. Noake Farm is just two miles from Longford, which ensured the safeguarding of all 100 jobs.

Its extensive redevelopment included the construction of fully equipped offices, workshops, training facilities, and a large trees and shrubs nursery.

Lodders’ partner Alastair Frew provided TFN’s owner Tom Rimell with advice. He says: “This is a very satisfying conclusion for a local, flourishing business that has secured an excellent new location.

“Tom had the vision to see the potential of the site, which was in a very dilapidated state when he purchased it. He worked incredibly hard to ensure local planners appreciated the importance of it to the business’ survival.”

Visit: www.tfnltd.co.uk Contact Alastair Frew on 01789 206117 or at alastair.frew@lodders.co.uk

FCN has over 400 volunteers throughout England and Wales, who provide free, confidential, pastoral and practical support to anyone who seeks help. Most of our 400+ volunteers are involved in farming, or have close links with agriculture and therefore have a great understanding of the issues farming families regularly face.

Poor mental health

is a significant issue in farming

T

he never-ending volatility of the industry, the threat of animal disease, the unpredictable weather, the long (and sometimes anti-social) working hours and the loneliness of farming all mean that farmers and their family members are extremely vulnerable to poor mental wellbeing.

The sad reality is that in the UK, more than one farmer a week dies by suicide.

When times get tough, it can be difficult for farmers to know where to turn. They often prefer to talk in confidence to a third party; someone they have no connection with but who understands their issues - this is where the Farming Community Network (FCN) can help.

People seek support from the FCN for a number of reasons. They could be anxious about not receiving their farm support payment, stressed about the forthcoming harvest or depressed about losing their cattle to bovine TB. But the most common factor in almost all cases is poor mental wellbeing. If this is not addressed, the consequences can be disastrous.

This is why FCN is delighted to be working alongside Lodders Solicitors, who are supporting us in helping our volunteers identify different levels of mental health risk and ensuring that the charity is operating in line with the mental capacity act.

FCN

FCN is one of the charities supported by the Lodders Charitable Foundation.

If you, or someone you know needs someone to talk to, FCN is here for you. The FCN helpline is open from 7am-11pm every day of the year. Call 03000 111999 or email chris@fcn.org.uk.

Issue 5

29

Profiles

Spotlight on...

Beverley Morris Family law partner Beverley Morris is well known for her calm approach and pragmatic advice – key skills when working with clients in distressing and sensitive situations.

B

everley joined Lodders when the firm merged with Divorce and Family Law Practice in July 2017. A leader in her field, Beverley is at the forefront of some landmark cases with the potential to change the family law landscape.

An example of this is the case of Mills v Mills, which will have important implications for applications for spousal maintenance. Beverley represents the husband in the case due to appear in the Supreme Court in 2018, having been granted permission to appeal on the 8th August 2017.

I aim to inspire those who work with me and I hope that I can continue to make my mark in the world of family law

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Lodders Life

“Family law continues to fascinate me. There are many aspects where modernisation is necessary. I am fortunate that the Times has launched a family law campaign which highlights the need for change at a time when the Mills case will be considered by The Supreme Court.”

Beverley is a fully trained collaborative lawyer, a committee member and treasurer of the West Midlands region of Resolution (formerly the Solicitors Family Law Association), and a regular writer for ‘Family Law’.

“I listen to the clients and work with them to find a solution. Court is necessary in some cases but it is always preferable to aim for a situation where the parties can arrive at the solution together.”

Despite her busy schedule, she always makes time for her second passion – tennis; something that Beverley believes helps her keep a clear head when dealing with the intensity of her day job. Beverley travels the country playing for the local county veterans tennis team and also enjoys the occasional (slightly erratic!) round of golf.

Alex Loquens Despite his love of the past and his 1967 campervan, IT Director Alex Loquens has a keen eye on the future when it comes to IT.

A

t a time where a myriad of cyberattacks are facing organisations, including law firms, Lodders has appointed IT security and forensics expert Alex Loquens as IT Director – a new role for the firm. Alex has been tasked with harnessing the power of IT, from day to day operational challenges and activities, to more strategic planning and system development.

“Being a ‘techie’ myself, I have a good technical understanding of new systems and proposed IT architectures. I have a keen eye for detail and project management ensuring I see projects through from start to finish.

“Protecting confidential client data is a vital part of our IT strategy. Our clients are at the heart of everything we do. I’m working closely with other IT leaders within the legal sector to ensure we have the right systems, equipment and security measures in place to protect our clients and drive IT efficiencies.”

Harnessing the power of the online world in his spare time, Alex has amassed over 10,000 followers on his Instagram account dedicated to his beloved VW campervan.

Vicki Gulliver There are many opportunities to develop your career at Lodders and no one knows this more so than private client lawyer Vicki Gulliver.

V

icki joined Lodders at the age of 19 as an office junior in the Private Client department. Determined from the start, Vicki is now a qualified Chartered Legal Executive.

“From my first day at Lodders I was encouraged to manage my own career and development.

I have been lucky enough to have a lot of help and encouragement from my team, especially from partner Stephen Brignull who has mentored and coached me through the years of tough part-time study and exams.”

Vicki quickly worked her way up, starting as office junior then progressing to secretary and paralegal before qualifying. The Chartered Legal Executive route offers a flexible way of part-time learning whilst working and gaining hands on experience: “Having the opportunity to study ‘on the job’ at the same time as learning how a law firm operates was invaluable and I learnt that hard work does pay off. By the time I qualified, I had over four years’ of experience under my belt, something I wouldn’t have had if I’d taken the traditional route.”

Being a wills and probate lawyer, Vicki often meets with clients who are experiencing difficult times through bereavement and loss.

Having lost her own father at the age of 22, Vicki is really able to understand and empathise with her clients, whilst taking away some of the burden of the legal issues facing bereaved families.

Issue 5

31

People News LODDERS’ FIRST HR DIRECTOR Sarah Naffine joined us as our first HR director in January 2018. Sarah brings a wealth of HR experience gained from over 20 years working in senior HR roles. Sarah will be working to provide strategic guidance on all people matters as well as developing our recruitment initiatives.

Paul Mourton and Sarah Naffine

FOCUSING ON THE FUTURE GENERATION

At Lodders we are committed to developing the next generation of budding lawyers Starting a two-year training contract with Lodders are Suman Dulku, Scott Parmenter and Ravinder Heer.

Scott and Ravinder were both promoted to trainee after 18 months in paralegal roles at Lodders. The trio join Aquib Yusaf who is already part-way through his training contract.

Lydia Elvin will start her training contract next year, she is currently working in Lodders’ dispute resolution and commercial departments whilst studying part-time for the LPC qualification.

Congratulations go to Lauren Pearson, who has completed her training contract and qualified as a solicitor in our Real Estate team.

Above from left to right: Lauren Pearson, Alastair Frew, Lodders’ training principal, Lydia Elvin, Scott Parmenter and Suman Dulku

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Lodders Life

Welcome to...

Russell Spencer, Victoria Borrow and Sharon Crosby We have added three senior lawyers to our Real Estate and Private Client teams.

Russell Spencer has joined our top ranking Real Estate team as a senior associate. Russell is known for his residential property development expertise. He advises private and larger residential developers on schemes from small bespoke developments to those with over 100 plots.

Wills, probate, trusts, and powers of attorney solicitor Victoria Borrow has joined our Private Client team, working closely with Sofia Tayton and Jessica Beddows. Victoria specialises in assisting older and vulnerable clients and strengthens our leading team of Care and Capacity experts.

We also welcome back assistant solicitor Sharon Crosby. Sharon trained and qualified at Lodders and re-joins the firm as a specialist in estate administration.

A fond farewell to our finance director At the end of 2017 we said goodbye to our finance director, Mike Borg. Mike joined Lodders in 2006 from Barclays Bank, where he had formed strong relationships with the firm’s senior management team as their bank manager. He has played a crucial role in steering the firm through recessionary times and into year on year double-digit growth.

Well-known for being able to sniff out cakes and biscuits from 100 yards through to talking to anyone who will listen about his beloved West Bromwich Albion, Mike’s big personality and positive presence in the office will be greatly missed. We would all like to thank Mike for his hard work, and wish him all the best in his retirement.

Issue 5

33

Social pages

Above: The Lodders team featuring a vintage Massey Ferguson tractor

2017

2 SEPT

Moreton Show The Lodders stand at this year’s Moreton Show was named the ‘Best Large Trade Stand’ of the year, improving upon last year’s ‘Highly Commended’ award. The accolade came as a result of the show judges visiting each trade stand and marking according to factors such as appearance and interaction with guests.

The Lodders stand was chosen out of a total of 76 trade stands and was commended for the way in which the team engaged visitors to the show and incorporated features such as the vintage Massey Ferguson tractor the centrepiece of the stand.

Above: Guests on the Lodders stand with a view of the Grand Arena

Above: Guests on the Lodders stand with a view of the Grand Arena

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Lodders Life

Above: James Spreckley, Lodders, presenting the prize to the winner of the Lodders sponsored Middleweight Hunter Show Class.

2017

23 JULY

Lodders Charitable Foundation dog walk raises plenty of pounds for hounds On what emerged as a glorious sunny morning in the Warwickshire countryside, walkers and their pups turned out in force to support the Lodders Charitable Foundation dog walk in memory of local resident and client of Lodders, Sally Badger.

The charity dog walk culminated in over £2,500 being raised for The Shakespeare’s Puppies Appeal, one of the Foundation’s chosen charities for the year.

Sally, who was partially sighted, received support from Stratfordbased charity Shakespeare’s Puppies Appeal in the form of two guide dogs who made an invaluable difference to her life. The money raised on the day has helped the Foundation reach its fundraising target of £5,000 to name a guide dog puppy ‘Badger’ in Sally’s memory.

Above: The Badger family

To make a donation to the fund, please contact Kate Higginson on 01789 206919 or at kate.higginson@lodders.co.uk

Below: Some energetic pups ready for their four mile walk

Issue 5

35

We don’t know if it’s going to be hard or soft – but our support can help you turn Brexit into a golden opportunity

We live in interesting times, with old certainties crumbling and new opportunities emerging.

Lodders can guide you through these new risks and opportunities with our friendly partner led service, ensuring that your business interests, your family and your wealth are always protected by the very best legal advice.

Stratford upon Avon office 01789 293259 Birmingham office 0121 200 0890 Cheltenham office 01242 228370 Henley in Arden office 01564 792261

www.lodders.co.uk

@LoddersLawyers

solicitors