News & Insights

The government’s proposed immigration reforms risk creating labour shortages and discouraging investment – undermining, rather than promoting, economic growth. Immigration Partner, Zoe Jacob highlights the urgent need for a more balanced approach that supports skilled migration and incentivises investment, while upskilling the domestic workforce.

England and Wales operate under a feudal property system – vastly different from many other jurisdictions. Understanding lease structures, tenant obligations, and development constraints is critical before committing capital. In FT Adviser, Real Estate Partner Sophie Henwood outlines key considerations for new investors navigating this complex landscape.

Evolving family roles and shifting gender dynamics are reshaping everything from financial planning to parenting and separation. In The Dura Society, Family Partner, Katie O’Callaghan explores how the legal system must keep pace with the realities of modern relationships.

In Property Reporter, Real Estate Partner, Sophie Henwood explores the inevitable clash that is due to happen as a result of the Electronic Communications Code. Considering the growing demand for 5G, telecoms operators are in some friction with property investors on how to navigate these laws.

Inheritance tax reliefs on business and agricultural property are set to tighten significantly from April 2026, putting long-established family succession plans under pressure. In FT Adviser, Partner, Hayden Bailey, and Legal Director, Emma Haley, explore how families and UHNWIs can navigate these changes, and why now is the time to revisit wills and trust structures with trusted advisers.

In eprivateclient, Partner and Head of Family, Emily Brand examines how the landmark case of Standish v Standish is set to test the boundaries between tax planning and family law.

Stricter EU controls on the import of cultural goods are set to reshape the international art market ahead of Regulation 2019/880 coming into force in June 2025. Partner, Fred Clark and Trainee, Abi Meho explore the implications for art market participants—from heightened compliance demands to questions around provenance and personal liability.

Relocating UHNW families often rely on trusted childcare arrangements, but recent immigration changes have made it far harder to bring overseas nannies to the UK. In eprivateclient, Immigration Partner, Zoe Jacob and Associate, Rhona Findlay unpack the legal shifts and explain how families can still navigate the evolving system with early immigration advice. 

Layoffs in the tech sector can have serious immigration consequences for internationally mobile workers. In Computing, Immigration Partner, Zoe Jacob highlights the key steps tech employees on Skilled Worker visas should take if they lose their job and why planning ahead is essential to securing long-term stability in the UK.

Family businesses are set to experience a serious knock-on effect from the policy changes introduced in the recent Autumn Budget. In Family Office Magazine, Partner, Hayden Bailey emphasises the important role that a trusted team of advisers plays in helping family businesses and UHNWIs navigate succession planning and prepare for what lies ahead.

In the Family Wealth Report, Partner, Zoe Jacob tackles some frequently arisen questions around the topic of HNW Immigration and outlines ways in which a smooth migration process can be achieved.

Partner, Andrew Loan and Associate, Will Timbrell discuss the effects that the abolition of ‘Multiple Dwelling Relief’ (MDR) for SDLT will have and making the distinction between residential, non-residential, and ‘mixed’ properties.