UK Wealth Planning
Our UK wealth team works with our clients to identify specific goals and aspirations for their wealth and their succession planning. We take care to ensure the right plan is in place for each individual.
The advice might include the effective use of making lifetime gifts or gifts by Will, or by using trusts, companies or LLPs. We also assist with implementing the client’s charitable initiatives. We advise on all relevant taxes and tax reliefs and exemptions.
Our clients include wealthy UK individuals and families, entrepreneurs, business owners, landowners and estates, investors, philanthropists, trustees, family offices and art collectors.
How we help
- Estate planning and succession – We organise will and estate planning for families and individuals, with a key focus on the long-term wealth preservation. We advise on all aspects of Wills, LPAs and trusts, having long-standing expertise in dealing with complex trusts. We have in-depth experience of alternative structures such as Family Investment Companies and other corporate group structures. We advise Private Equity executives on their partnership interests
- Family Governance – Many of our clients own businesses. Creating a clear blueprint for the successful succession and future governance of the business forms a key part of our advice. We are well versed in advising on the most appropriate structures and draft Family Charters and Shareholders Agreements to ensure the business remains in the family ownership and that robust decision-making protocols are established. Good communication ensures that the critical discussions take place at the right time
- Pre and post nuptial agreements – The possibility of the divorce of an individual or a key family member presents an ongoing risk to wealth preservation. We advise on protecting inherited, pre-marital, family business or trust assets in the event of divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership, through pre and post nuptial agreements
- Financial structuring – We have a wealth of experience in the structuring of tax-efficient acquisition, retention and sale of real estate, portfolio investments and trading or investment businesses
- Offshore structures – UK clients often wish to include offshore structures in their plans. We manage the creation, administration and use of offshore trusts, companies, partnerships, foundations and other entities
Our hallmark is that we are practical and solutions based. We listen and then advise. Our lawyers are technically excellent, coupled with a pragmatic approach and a passion for finding a workable solution for everyone. We are known for our teamwork – both within the firm and with the clients’ other professional teams.
Recommended reading
To mark IWD 2023, we spoke to a handful of staff and Partners from across the business to reflect on their experiences in the industry and how, together, we can forge an equitable and inclusive world.
Read more 03 Mar 2023 Challenges For Multi-Generational Families Over SuccessionIn Wealth Briefing, Private Wealth Partner, Hayden Bailey reflects on a recent case involving one of the world’s largest family-owned enterprises. Hayden reinforces that no business should underestimate the care that is required for a successful generational succession and that such blueprints will allow future generations to confidently choose their own path while safeguarding the family legacy.
Read more 02 Mar 2023 Ask an expert: Offshore trusts & trustee borrowingIn the Tax Journal, Senior Associate, Julie Howard considers the ways of funding distributions to beneficiaries from an offshore trust, some of whom are UK resident.
Read more 15 Feb 2023 Succession Planning: cultural nuances & the next generationPrivate Wealth Partner, Clare Stirzaker is welcomed onto the Next Gen Talks podcast by Esiri Agbeyi, Partner, Private Clients & Family Business Leader at PwC to talk on the topic of succession planning looking particularly at cultural nuances and the next generation.
Read more