News & Insights

The Telegraph, Yahoo! Finance and MSN have shared an article showcasing stories of next generation youngsters joining family businesses, a 12% increase since 2017 in the number of family members who work for SMEs. Hayden Bailey, Head of Private Client, is mentioned in the article commenting that family businesses “take a long-term view, which may be encouraging to the next generation.” He has also published research showing that family businesses tend to outperform the FTSE 100, generating higher revenues and reinvesting more into the business.

Contact the team at Boodle Hatfield should you need advice on either succession planning, or relating to the running of your business.

The Government recently published the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, which proposes banning upwards-only rent reviews in commercial leases. The change is still subject to Parliamentary approval. Under the current system, rent on review can only increase or stay the same and cannot drop below the current rent, even if market rates fall. Partners, David Rawlence and Sophie Henwood, and Associate Kate Symons, outline the key aspects of the proposed ban.

Divorce can be one of the most underestimated risks facing a family business. From ownership disputes to frozen assets and destabilised succession plans, the financial and operational fallout can be severe. In IFA Magazine, Partner and Mediator, Katie O’Callaghan explores the legal blind spots many business owners overlook and outlines practical steps, such as Structural Legal Protections, to reduce the risks before issues arise.

Gateway Two delays are stalling higher-risk building projects by an average of 18–22 weeks, resulting in higher build costs than initially envisaged and potential significant financial losses due to the lack of use. With the risk of further delays, spiralling costs and seemingly inevitable lengthy litigation, is it time to consider avoiding HRBs altogether?  Data from the British Property Federation suggests this may be the direction the sector is heading in, with a 14% decrease in homebuilding for Q1 2025.

The Renters’ Rights Bill 2024, which is likely to gain Royal Assent by September 2025 for implementation by early 2026, will have a significant impact on the current assured shorthold tenancy regime for both landlords and tenants. There will be a transitional period to allow landlords and tenants to familiarise themselves with the new legal framework, however once in effect, the changes will apply retrospectively, governing both existing assured shorthold tenancies and new tenancies.

STEP, the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, has today launched a Responsible Stewardship Toolkit, a platform designed to guide families, their advisers and trust and estate practitioners with tools to incorporate responsible stewardship principles in trusts, wills and powers of attorney. Clare Stirzaker, Private Wealth Partner, Emma Haley, Legal Director and Sophie Harcourt, Private Wealth Associate, contributed to the Toolkit, alongside industry experts across the wealth planning, fiduciary and philanthropic sectors.

Partner and Head of Family, Emily Brand comments in the Financial Times on UK Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Standish v Standish.  She describes the decision as a “victory for pragmatism”, while also noting the potential for ambiguity in the application of the decision in more complex future cases.

In eprivateclient, Partner, Nicola Bushby explores the Law Commission’s Modernising Wills report, highlighting key proposals for reforming the law of wills, such as recognising electronic wills and adopting the test for capacity in lieu of the common law test. While progress is clear, concerns remain, especially around the rule revoking wills upon marriage.

This Wednesday at the TrinityBridge Investment Conference at Lord’s Cricket Ground, Partner William Rollin speaks on the topic of divorce risk, the basics of nuptial agreements, and case studies that bring these legal tools to life.

Managed offices are becoming a core part of landlord strategy, especially for spaces under 10,000 sq. ft. In a report recently produced by managed office operator, Kitt, and featured in Estates Gazette, Partner, David Rawlence highlights how legal frameworks are evolving to simplify and streamline leases to balance the interests of landlords, tenants, and operators together under one agreement.

The UK continues to be a key destination for Middle Eastern investors, drawn by its legal certainty, stable economy, and strong education system. In London Arabia Magazine, Partners, Shaima Jillood and Reem Al-Jumaily explore how Middle Eastern investors are moving beyond real estate into technology, hospitality, and F&B – shaping multigenerational legacies.

Delaying the Building Safety Levy by 18 months may offer temporary relief, but it does little to ease the wider pressures already burdening the housing sector. In Construction News, Construction Partner, Sarah Rock, highlights the significant cost and administrative challenges developers are facing – warning that the levy “provides yet another financial and administrative hurdle” and questioning how many will be willing to take on residential schemes in future.

Partner and Head of Family, Emily Brand comments in Money Marketing highlighting the vital role female financial advisers play in supporting women through complex life events as female wealth ownership continues to rise.

Private Wealth Partners, Kyra Motley and Laurence Morgan explain the concept of long-term UK residence and its significance for UK inheritance tax (IHT) following the shift away from the domicile-based system, introducing new considerations for individuals and trustees.