It is difficult to negotiate a fair financial settlement, or for a Judge to determine a fair outcome for financial division on divorce, without knowing what is in the “matrimonial pot”. For this reason, business assets are often valued in
More about Business valuations in divorce and financial remedy proceedingsThe 2032 date for possession was fixed having regard to “exceptional circumstances” within the meaning of s 335A(3) Insolvency Act 1986 identified by the deputy judge which resulted in his exercising his discretion pursuant to s 335A(2) IA 1986 to defer
More about Reid-Roberts & Anor v Mei-Lin & Anor1. Gateway 2 progress Early indications are that the operational changes to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) made in the latter half of 2025 are showing signs of cutting through the well-publicised Gateway 2 delays. Statistics released by the BSR
More about Building Safety: what to expect in 2026STAGE 1: Auction opening and indicative offers The starting point in M&A auctions is usually the preparation of an information memorandum by the seller about the target and the opportunity to acquire it. This is circulated – subject to a
More about Under the hammer – the auction process in M&AWhat happened? The Seller, Henley Developments, obtained outline planning permission for a residential development site in Ebbsfleet, Kent and exchanged contracts to sell one of the development parcels to Weston Homes for £14,500,000. Weston Homes paid a 5% deposit on
More about Termination clauses: start as you mean to finish2026 begins with renewed momentum: fresh starts, evolving rules for wealth and estate planning, and a lively political backdrop. After a year of significant change in terms of tax policy and regulatory frameworks, we hope that 2026 brings greater certainty,
More about In Trust – January 2026The claimant company had brought proceedings against a local authority (Blackburn With Darwen Borough Council) in the Manchester Technology and Construction Court seeking damages for wrongful termination of a contract for the construction of a new bus station in Blackburn.
More about Thomas Barnes & Sons PLC v Blackburn With Darwen Borough CouncilIt is worth a reminder of how we got here: as the rules stood, historically, there was no limit on the value of property which, if it qualified for 100% relief as agricultural or business property, could pass on death
More about Festive cheer for farmers and business owners as Government increases APR and BPR 100% relief limit to £2.5mMake use of available agricultural or business inheritance tax reliefs Currently, qualifying agricultural or business assets can receive up to 100% relief from IHT under agricultural property relief (APR) or business property relief (BPR) as applicable. From 6 April 2026
More about New year, new rules: key tax planning opportunities for the year aheadCorporate structures offer no safe harbour. Recent rulings confirm that associated companies, parent entities and even later acquirers can be held jointly and severally liable for remediation costs – sometimes decades after construction. Judges scrutinise ownership links, financial interdependence and
More about Building Safety Act enforcement – six cases that have redefined liability and risk