Amid growing concerns that seasonal workers are facing increasing levels of abuse, farmers and growers find themselves at the sharp end of increasing enforcement powers as exploitative practices come to light.

A government consultation issued in February 2025 sought views on the proposed changes to the energy efficiency regulations (MEES) as they affect private rented property. The government is proposing to strengthen these regulations further by introducing new metrics against which to judge a building’s energy efficiency.

The government’s commitment to building 1.5m homes over the course of this Parliament and to speed up some 150 outstanding planning decisions on critical infrastructure, is encapsulated in the Planning & Infrastructure Bill (PIB). Several aspects of the Bill will affect farmers including the removal of hope value when land is compulsorily purchased, and the introduction of environmental delivery plans (EDPs) which will require land for mitigation.

Our 2025 spring / summer news roundup includes the new rises to NICs, wage and statutory rates; confirmation that a Tenant Farming Commissioner would be appointed; Labour’s ‘new deal’ for farming; Oxbury Bank’s new Transition Loan Facility to help farmers reduce carbon emissions; and the ‘national conversation’ on land use in England included in the Land Use Framework consultation.

We recognise the importance of ensuring you have robust security in place when granting a commercial lease to a tenant. In this article, we will focus on three possible types of security for your commercial lease.

If your business needs change, you may want to alter your commercial property. However, your lease may include restrictions on what alterations are allowed.

Nathan Talbott, Head of Commercial Litigation, and specialising in complex financial, tax and corporate disputes, dissects the recent report by the Committee of Public Accounts on the state of our tax system, and shares his thoughts on what HMRC needs to do to rebuild public trust.

Before committing to a property purchase this summer, here are key practical and legal considerations to keep in mind during your viewings.

When it comes to commercial property arrangements, understanding the difference between a lease and a licence to occupy is essential. In this article, we explore the key features of leases and licences and how they apply to commercial property.

Discover the key contracts every business needs: T&Cs, employment, lease, and data policies to reduce legal risk and improve resilience in uncertain times.