Under the Companies Act 1985 (the “1985 Act”) all companies were prohibited from making loans to their own directors, directors of their holding companies or persons connected with such directors.

In the ever-changing landscape of the British economy, mortgage rates play a crucial role in determining the affordability and accessibility of homeownership. In recent months, the news of mortgage rates reducing has brought a small silver lining to the current economic climate although the market remains challenging here are a few reminders of how the reductions benefit different sectors.

In Hughmans Solicitors v Central Stream Services Ltd, the parties both argued they were entitled to property sale proceeds, but who took priority? Hughmans acted for a Mr Davidson in a claim brought against him by Central Stream Services Ltd.

We recognise that for many businesses, acquiring a commercial premises is inevitably one of their largest investments. It is therefore imperative that a commercial lease is negotiated with the appropriate legal advice.

We regularly receive requests for advice on how to regain possession of a tied cottage when a statutory tenancy comes to an end, particularly in cases where the history of succession is not easily accessible.

We acted for a married couple on this innovative IHT planning, which is a further development of so-called double dip IHT tax planning and is based on the assumption that the husband will die first before his wife.

Business property relief (BPR) is a relief from inheritance tax (IHT) at either 50% or 100% on trading business interests or assets owned by the person claiming the relief. This relief applies to business property either transferred during a person’s lifetime, or on their death, providing they have owned them for the preceding two years.

It may be that setting up a certain type of trust would be suitable in light of your own personal and financial circumstances. A trust can provide flexibility, which in turn opens up a number of useful tax planning opportunities.

A family investment company (FIC) is a long-term tax efficient vehicle that enables an individual to pass assets out of their estate for inheritance tax (IHT) purposes while retaining control and protecting them.

The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 ("the Act") received Royal Assent on 1 May 2012. Certain sections of the Act came into force on 1 October 2012.