Moorcrofts Means Business – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Welcome to Series 4, Episode 4 of the Moorcrofts Means Business Podcast!

In this episode, Corporate Partner Will Pearce and Corporate Solicitor Danil Galushko discuss management teams and exit strategies, with a particular focus on how strong leadership structures impact business sales, valuation, and deal success.

As businesses prepare for sale or investment, the strength of the management team is often just as important as financial performance. This episode explores why early planning is essential and how management teams can directly influence the outcome of a transaction.

In this episode they discuss key questions including:

• When is a management team important in the context of a sale?
• When should businesses start preparing for a sale and how does management readiness impact the process?
• The role management teams play during due diligence and throughout a transaction
• The types of sale structures businesses may consider and how management teams influence outcomes
• Why buyers place significant importance on continuity of management post-completion
• How earn-outs and deferred consideration can increase the importance of strong leadership teams
• What a Management Buyout (MBO) is and why it can be an attractive exit route
• The key issues businesses should consider when planning an MBO, including funding, deferred payments and management capability
• Whether Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) can provide an alternative exit strategy
• Preparing management teams for a successful exit and why early planning is essential

Tune in to gain practical insight into how the right management structure can improve deal certainty, support business continuity, and help maximise value during an exit process.

Welcome to Series 4, Episode 3 of the Moorcrofts Means Business Podcast!

In this episode, Lindsey Abbott, Employment Partner at Moorcrofts, is joined by Joe Hughes, Practice Manager, to discuss some of the upcoming employment law developments and what they mean for employers over the next 12 months.

With significant reforms on the horizon through the Employment Rights Act 2025 and beyond, this episode breaks down what businesses need to know now to stay compliant and prepared.

In this episode they cover some key employment law changes coming into force, including: 

• The new duty on employers to take “all reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment
• Strengthened protections around third-party harassment in the workplace
• Changes to unfair dismissal rights, including reduced qualifying service and removal of compensation caps
• Increased employment tribunal time limits from 3 to 6 months
• Upcoming reforms to fire and rehire practices and contractual variation rights
• The growing importance of managing performance and conduct within shorter timeframes
• Changes to flexible working requests and the higher threshold for refusal
• Expansion of trade union rights and employer obligations
• Introduction of the Fair Work Agency and its role in enforcement
• Practical steps employers should prioritise in the next 3–6 months

Tune in to gain a clear understanding of how these significant employment law reforms could impact your business, what practical steps you should be taking now, and how to stay compliant in a rapidly changing legal landscape.

Welcome to Series 3, Episode 4 of the Moorcrofts Means Business Podcast!

In this episode, Julia Ferguson, Partner and Head of Commercial Property at Moorcrofts, is joined by Steve Page, Head of GreenFiT at Savills, to discuss the pressing topic of environmental performance in commercial real estate, with a particular focus on the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). 

As climate change takes centre stage, businesses are under growing pressure to demonstrate strong ESG credentials - especially across their supply chains. With around 20% of the UK’s carbon emissions coming from the built environment, and 70% of UK office space currently below the likely required EPC rating of B by 2030, it's clear the real estate sector has a pivotal role to play in achieving net zero.

But while many businesses are taking steps to reduce operational emissions, the challenge of decarbonising commercial buildings - especially around who pays and how improvements are delivered - remains complex.

Julia and Steve discuss:

• The current EPC regime and what reforms may be coming
• The action needed to address anticipated increases in EPC rating requirements
• Funding challenges and cost-sharing issues
• Why collaboration is essential for meaningful energy improvements

Whether you're a landlord, tenant, investor, or advisor, this episode offers clear insights into navigating sustainability in real estate.

Further Resources:

Moorcrofts

Blog - MEES Update 2025: Stricter Rules, Higher Standards and Key Deadlines

Savills

Offices EPC Factsheet

EPC Portfolio Summary

Welcome to Series 3, Episode 2 of the Moorcrofts Means Business Podcast!

In this episode, Senior Associate Adam Forder from Moorcrofts' Corporate Team is joined by Tom Biggs and Jordan Wood from Wellers Accountants to explore the world of SEIS and EIS investment schemes.

Together, they discuss:

• What is SEIS/EIS?
• Key differences between SEIS and EIS
• Investment criteria:
  • For companies: Eligibility requirements and conditions throughout the minimum holding period
  • For investors: Who qualifies and what restrictions apply
• Ways to reduce risk and whether a shareholders’ agreement or bespoke articles can help
• Tax relief rules and how to maximise benefits
• What happens if you sell your shares too early?
• Common pitfalls and key considerations for SEIS/EIS investments

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate SEIS/EIS successfully.

In this episode of the Moorcrofts Means Business podcast, Commercial and Technology Partner Tim Astley is joined by Senior Associate, Usha Guness to discuss some of the key risks of using generative AI and some potential mitigations and solutions. 

They cover:

• Intellectual Property risks from using existing IP used and IP ownership issues of AI produced work
• Confidentiality and data security
• Privacy and data protection
• Bias in training data
• Summary of AI regulation and what businesses need to know

This episode is packed with practical advice and insights to help businesses navigate risks and mitigations of using generative AI.

Welcome to the first episode of Series 3 of the Moorcrofts Means Business Podcast! 

In this episode, Corporate Partner Will Pearce is joined by Senior Corporate Solicitor Adam Forder, as they break down the essentials of investment agreements. Whether you're a company founder or an investor, this episode provides a clear, concise overview of key topics, including investment structures, governance rights, and the critical elements every investment agreement should contain.

Will and Adam explore the various investment structures, such as ordinary and preferred shares, loan notes, and convertible securities, and discuss how each works. 

They explain why an investment agreement is essential for protecting the interests of both investors and company founders, offering insights on how to negotiate the best terms for both parties, while emphasising how a well-crafted agreement can reduce risks, prevent disputes, and lay the groundwork for a successful partnership.

If you’re involved in or considering investment opportunities, this episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to understand the legal landscape and make informed decisions about your investment agreement.

Welcome to another episode of the Moorcrofts Means Business Podcast! 

In this episode of the Moorcrofts Means Business podcast, Corporate Partner Will Pearce is joined by Commercial Property Julia Ferguson to discuss the topic of due diligence in the commercial property space. 

Key questions addressed:

• What are the essential elements of due diligence when evaluating commercial property?
• How should a company prepare its property documentation for a due diligence review?
• How do you assess the legal and regulatory compliance of a commercial property?
• What role does the property's physical condition and maintenance history play in due diligence?

This episode is packed with practical advice and insights to help businesses navigate due diligence confidently, whether buying, selling, or managing commercial property.

Welcome to another episode of the Moorcrofts Means Business Podcast!

In this episode of the Moorcrofts Means Business podcast, Corporate Partner Will Pearce is joined by Employment Partner Lindsey Abbott to discuss due diligence in employment when buying or selling a company. They explore the key considerations and practical steps businesses should take when reviewing employment practices as part of a business acquisition or sale.

Key discussion points include:

• What is employment due diligence? Key areas to scrutinise during the due diligence process when buying or selling a company.
• Assessing compliance: How to evaluate a company’s compliance with employment laws and regulations and identify common compliance issues.
• Employee contracts and agreements: Key clauses and terms to review in employee contracts to avoid legal surprises.
• Workplace culture: How to assess a company’s workplace culture and employee satisfaction during due diligence, and why it matters for a successful transaction.
• Employee benefits and compensation: Key factors to examine regarding employee benefits and compensation structures, and how discrepancies can impact a transaction.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion: Why reviewing diversity, equity, and inclusion practices is crucial in the due diligence process, and how to ensure alignment with company values.
• Past disputes and legal actions: Key considerations for reviewing past employment disputes and how they can affect the due diligence process.
• Recruitment and retention strategies: Evaluating a company’s recruitment and retention strategies and their importance during due diligence.
• Preparing documentation: Best practices for preparing and presenting employment documentation for due diligence reviews.
• Proactive compliance and risk management: Steps companies can take to ensure robust employment practices and mitigate risks before a sale or acquisition.

Tune in to this episode for expert guidance on employment due diligence during the buying and selling process. Whether you're preparing for an acquisition, sale, or simply looking to ensure your employment practices are in top shape, this episode offers key insights to help you navigate potential risks and ensure a smooth transaction.

Welcome to another episode of the Moorcrofts Means Business Podcast!

In this episode of the Moorcrofts Means Business podcast, Corporate Partner Will Pearce is joined by Tech and Commercial Partner Tim Astley to discuss the topic of due diligence in the commercial and tech space.

Key discussion points include:

• Mitigating risks and uncovering potential issues: How due diligence plays a pivotal role in protecting businesses by identifying risks before they escalate.
• Technology-specific due diligence: The unique considerations when dealing with technology contracts and transactions, and why having tech specialists on board is essential.
• Commercial contracts: What to look for in customer and supplier contracts, and how tech contracts differ.
• Data protection in contracts: How data protection works in practice, what the risks are if it’s overlooked, and the implications of a breach.
• Red flags in due diligence: Identifying early warning signs and understanding when to explore contract details further to avoid potential pitfalls.
• Practical steps: Practical steps you can do to prepare for a sale.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into how due diligence protects companies in the tech and commercial landscape, and practical steps to ensure your business is fully prepared for both sale and purchase.

Welcome to another episode of the Moorcrofts Means Business Podcast!

In this episode, members of our corporate team, Adam Forder and Heather Stewart, explore the intricate world of shareholder relationships. 

They cover several critical questions: 

1. What governs shareholder relations in a company? 
2. What happens if you fall out with another shareholder? 
3. Is it really necessary to create a formal shareholders’ agreement? 
4. Does having a shareholders’ agreement mean I don’t trust my business partner? 
5. At what point should you consider formalising shareholder relations, and is it now too late? 

Adam and Heather discuss these questions and much more.

Key topics covered:

1. Understanding Shareholder Relationships:
   • Explanation of the structure and importance of maintaining good shareholder relationships for long-term stability and growth.
2. The Companies Act 2006:
   • Overview of the key legislation governing company law in the UK.
   • Principle of majority rule and types of shareholder resolutions.
   • Exception to majority rule: unfair prejudice and its implications.
3. Articles of Association:
   • Definition and role of the articles of association in regulating a company's internal affairs.
   • Differences between model and bespoke articles.
   • Importance of tailoring articles to meet the company’s specific needs.
4. Shareholders' Agreement:
   • The purpose of a shareholders' agreement and how it complements the articles of association.
   • Benefits of a well-drafted shareholders' agreement in managing relationships and expectations among shareholders.
   • Real-life case study illustrating the importance of having a shareholders’ agreement.
5. Drafting a Shareholders' Agreement:
   • Key considerations and typical contents of a shareholders' agreement:
     • Business management and future-proofing.
     • Share matters and rights/obligations of shareholders.
     • Dispute resolution mechanisms and founder protections.
   • Timing for creating a shareholders’ agreement: ideally at incorporation, but possible at any time before an issue arises.

This episode offers valuable guidance to help you navigate shareholder relationships with confidence, whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your existing processes.