Blogs
Inheritance tax changes: what farmers and business owners need to know
If you own a farm, agricultural land or a family business, you may already be aware that inheritance tax (IHT) rules are expected to change from April 2026. While this announcement has caused understandable concern, the key message is clear: there is no need to panic, but it is important not to ign....
Rebuilding life after a brain injury
A brain injury can change life in an instant, often affecting independence, work, relationships and daily routines. I’ve spoken to many clients who describe the experience as overwhelming. They are trying to cope with rehabilitation and family responsibilities, while also coming to terms wi....
Facing the aftermath of substandard maternity care
Maternity scandals making national headlines have sadly shaken the public's trust in NHS maternity services over the last 20 years. Families who should have experienced one of life’s happiest moments instead found themselves living through their darkest, asking why a modern healthcare system h....
Fix it, flip it: why renovating a property can make financial sense
Ready, steady, renovate! Buying a property that needs fixing up can be a great investment for both homeowners and developers. In our latest Private Wealth Guides, we revealed how the typical asking price for a ‘fixer-upper’ property can be around 10% lower than the national average. The c....
How does the Planning Permission application process work?
The planning application process can seem like a daunting mix of regulations, consultations and local authority reviews. In this post, we outline the key steps in the process and what you can do in cases where approval is refused. Typical timeline and fees From the initial submission of p....
Understanding Permitted Development Rights
Seeking Planning Permission from the local authority is not necessary if your project falls under the scope of Permitted Development Rights. Planning legislation, including the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, and related regulations, sets out whether certain extensions or changes of use may be ....
What is planning permission and when do you need it?
From adding an extension to constructing a new home, planning permission is a key part of the UK development process for residential and commercial projects. In simple terms, planning permission is the formal approval required from a local planning authority before certain types of development can ....
Overseas assets: understanding the change to UK inheritance tax and residency rules
A holiday home in France. A bank account in Spain. An offshore trust in the Cayman Islands. Depending on your UK residency status, worldwide assets like these could increase the inheritance tax (IHT) bill for your loved ones when you pass away. On 6 April 2025, the UK government introduced new I....
What is a “deathbed marriage” and what does it have do with Inheritance Tax?
Marriage comes with many financial benefits within a well-planned estate. As people seek new ways to minimise their Inheritance Tax liabilities, and with more couples co-habiting, it is not surprising that “deathbed marriages” have soared in recent years. What should couples consider before tyi....
New 1% staircasing rules: Making shared ownership even more affordable
Shared ownership is a government-backed scheme designed to help people get onto the property ladder when buying a home outright isn’t affordable. Instead of purchasing 100% of a property, buyers purchase an initial share and pay rent on the remaining share to a housing provider. This reduces the ....
Making a claim for cancer misdiagnosis
If you suspect you have been affected by cancer misdiagnosis, it’s important to understand your legal rights so you can decide whether to make a medical negligence claim. However, your health and wellbeing should always come first, so it’s essential to seek prompt medical treatment to give you ....
Recognising the signs of cancer misdiagnosis
In our last blog we explained how cancer misdiagnosis can happen. While some misdiagnoses are subtle, identifying the correct illness can be vital to ensuring you receive the right treatment. Recognising potential red flags and acting quickly can therefore make a crucial difference. Symptoms....
