Whether you are a major landowner, farmer or tenant, we have the experienced professionals to help you plan and implement major strategic decisions as well as resolve day-to-day legal problems. Farmers, like our other business clients, benefit from our expertise in commercial law generally, but the individual nature of their business demands special expertise which we have gained in providing a service to the agricultural community for over a century.

As the law has become more complex, particularly with the development of UK and EU legislation and regulations, the farming community’s needs have become more specialised. We can advise on all aspects of estate management including diversification through building conversions, leisure and mineral exploitation and on opportunities for land development centred on commercial and residential schemes.
We will advise as your business develops over the years with the aim of preserving the farm or other rural businesses within your family. The objective will be to pass on a going concern or inheritance which is not penalised by taxation where there are opportunities to use the special exemptions and allowances the Government have provided for Agriculture and Business. We can prepare your will and discuss with you how lifetime gifts, trusts and settlements can help mitigate the effects of capital gains and inheritance tax.

We can help you with the following:

• Agricultural Holdings Act tenancy matters
• Boundaries
• Business restructuring
• Common land
• Development land sales
• Employment agreements
• Environmental matters
• EU matters/quota arrangements
• Farm tenancies (and succession)
• Partnership agreements
• Rights of way
• Sale and purchase of land and buildings and farm businesses
• Sale of produce contracts
• Telecommunications
• Tied/agricultural accommodation
• Trust and tax planning
• Waste Regulation
• Wayleaves
  
  If you require more information please contact Robert Sainsbury