It will soon be one month since Labour released their new budget, which confirmed the fears of the rural community in reducing Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief, amongst other changes that will squeeze farmers and other agricultural professionals.

The first episode of Talk Farm is dedicated to helping you understand these changes and mitigate negative impacts on your livelihood. James Frankland, Co-Host and Partner in our Agriculture and Estates team, is joined by Lisa Millington, Partner in Private Client.

Topics include:

• Implications for succession planning: What are your options?
• What the £1m cap means in reality
• Is there any potential for a U-turn? How might the measures be adjusted following industry backlash?
• The positives: Capital Gains Tax

In increasingly turbulent times for agriculture and landed estates, Talk Farm sets out to identify the human impacts of legal and political developments, offering industry commentary and practical guidance that cuts through the noise.

The show is presented by Rory Hutchings and James Frankland, both partners in HCR Law’s Agriculture and Estates team. If you’ve got a query about agricultural law, our team is always happy to help.

In our latest education podcast Jonathan Edwards, Head of Insurance, explains the importance of ensuring your schools carries out a risk assessment, and how to tell if your assessment is fit for purpose.

In the second episode of ‘Paws for Thought’, a podcast series from our Health and Social Care team aimed at veterinary practice owners, we hear from Rebecca Leask, Louise Crook, Stephenie Malone, Dan De Saulles and Caroline Leviss as they discuss the legal essentials for veterinary start-ups.

Paws 4 Thought: a podcast from law firm HCR, for veterinary practice owners and their management teams. In this episode we explore the issues we anticipate the sector will face in 2021. Host, corporate partner at HCR, Rebecca Leask is joined by Caroline Leviss, who talks about the mergers and acquisitions market for vets, and Stephenie Malone and Elaine Fisher who discuss the employment and HR considerations for the sector.

Coral Peutrill and Paul Watkins discuss their top tips and best practice advice for schools handling subject access requests and parental complaints.

Our Head of Academies, Emma Swann, and Education solicitor Coral Peutrill discuss special educational needs (SEN) and challenging the local authority for unsuitable Educational Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

In this episode of our Academies podcast Coral Peutrill and Emma Swann discuss best practice for schools when handling parental complaints.

In this episode Emma Swann and Coral Peutrill of HCR's Education and Charities team discuss Hire Facilities Agreements, and what actions schools need to consider to reduce risks.

What’s the changing landscape for public sector pensions on divorce? How does pensions offsetting work? What’s the role of an expert witness and when may practitioners and clients need their advice?

These are common questions for Richard Scott, Head of Family Law at HCR’s Cardiff office, who regularly advises public sector employees and clients with significant pensions. In this debut podcast episode, he is joined by specialists for an insightful discussion around pensions on divorce:

• George Mathieson, expert witness and founder of Mathieson Consulting
• Rachel Mathias, Investment Manager, Brewin Dolphin
• Daniel Jacob, Chartered Financial Planner, Brewin Dolphin

In episode three of HCR Horizon, Martyn Davies – Corporate Partner – introduces Sinead Johnson, Director at Lexington Corporate Finance. As the lead on debt advisory, Sinead talks about Lexington’s role in the local market, trends they saw in 2022 and how debt works with businesses looking to raise finance.

Corporate Partner Martyn Davies is joined by Chris Skinner, Eagle Lab Ecosystem Manager at Barclays UK, for our second episode of HCR Horizons. Chris tells us how their Cardiff Eagle Lab hub is supporting tech start-ups in South Wales and shares his business success stories.

Corporate Partner Martyn Davies introduces the inaugural HCR Horizons podcast, interviewing prominent members of the tech community. In this episode, he’s joined by David Blake, investment executive with the Development Bank of Wales. They discuss the role of the Development Bank of Wales, mistakes early stage businesses make when trying to raise capital and what the Welsh venture capital market looks like.

The Royal Welsh show has been held in its namesake country since 1904 and is today one of the largest shows in Europe.

There's no one better placed, then, to talk about the role of agricultural shows in sustaining rural life than Aled Jones, Chief Executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society.

Aled was also on the board of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth and has previously served as Chief Operating Officer for The Central Association of Agricultural Valuers.

Partner and Co-host of Talk Farm, Rory Hutchings, has known Aled for a long time. In this episode, he asks for his perspective on the role agricultural shows have played in bringing rural communities together, strengthening the agricultural economy, and spreading awareness of farming life more widely.

They discuss how shows like the Royal Welsh have evolved over the years, and why their appeal remains so strong today. The show has only been called off a handful of times in its 120-year history, for reasons ranging from world wars to foot-and-mouth disease and - more recently - Covid-19.

The conversation covers the role of agricultural shows in bringing people together and encouraging resilience during adverse times, equipping the next generation of farmers with the opportunity to connect and grow their skills, and inspiring diversification and improving productivity on farms.

In increasingly turbulent times for agriculture and landed estates, Talk Farm sets out to identify the human impacts of legal and political developments, offering industry commentary and practical guidance that cuts through the noise.

The show is presented by Rory Hutchings and James Frankland, both Partners in HCR Law's Agriculture and Estates team. If you've got a query about agricultural law, our team is always happy to help.

https://www.hcrlaw.com/sector/agriculture-environment-and-estates/

In the first episode of Created IP, we dive deep into the world of intellectual property (IP) rights and explore the question of ownership.

We cover the different types of intellectual property, the importance of contracts, and practical tips for protecting your creative and business assets.

Key Topics Covered:

1. What is Intellectual Property (IP)?

1. Who Owns Intellectual Property?

1. Common Ownership Scenarios

1. Why Ownership Matters

Connect With Us:

• Website: https://www.hcrlaw.com/service-team/commercial/intellectual-property-protection/

• Social media: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hcrlaw/

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends and colleagues who might benefit from understanding IP rights better. And remember to tune in next month for another insightful discussion!

There can be little doubt that 2025 will be a time of transformative change for farmers and rural business owners, as the legislation proposed in the Autumn budget is formalised in the courts.

In this episode of Talk Farm, hosts James Frankland and Rory Hutchings sit down with Denise Wilkinson, Head of Agriculture and Estates at HCR Law, for an in-depth discussion of what the year ahead holds for the agricultural sector.

Our expert team share their perspective and guidance on:

Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief: How upcoming changes to inheritance tax will impact succession planning for farming families.

The Renters Reform Bill: How will it change the nature of agricultural tenancies?

Sustainable Farming Incentives (SFI) and Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMS): What are the challenges and opportunities for farmers?

Land ownership: What impact will the budget have on land values?

Diversification and development: Trends set to dominate in 2025

Dispute resolution: Will we see a rise in disputes between farming families and rural business partnerships?

CPOs: How the government’s grey belt strategy will impact Compulsory Purchase Orders

Denise, Rory and James have been advising farming families and rural businesses for decades, with combined expertise in Natural Capital, land ownership and management, development and diversification, and dispute resolution.

If you have a query for the team, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

In increasingly turbulent times for agriculture and landed estates, Talk Farm sets out to identify the human impacts of legal and political developments, offering industry commentary and practical guidance that cuts through the noise.

The show is presented by Rory Hutchings and James Frankland, both partners in HCR Law’s Agriculture and Estates team. Catch up on previous episodes wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify and Apple.

It’s safe to say it’s been an eventful few months for UK farmers and agricultural professionals, with developments both at home and abroad posing a new set of challenges and opportunities.

In this episode of Talk Farm, Host James Frankland welcomes Ed Barker, Head of Policy and External Affairs at the Institute of Agricultural Industries Confederation, as his guest. Ed’s role at the AIC is focused around six key sectors:

• Policy – mostly external and environmental

• Animal Feed

• Combinable Crops

• Crop Protection and Agronomy

• Fertiliser

• Seed

His work involves bridging the gap between those at the coal face of agriculture – farmers and rural business owners – and those making the decisions that impact supply chains and the agricultural economy.

James and Ed’s conversation addresses the key trends – both micro and macro, national and international – shaping UK farming, including:

• The new government: With wholesale electoral changes following the recent Labour landslide, new MPs must quickly learn the ins and outs of agriculture, while stakeholders face the challenge of engaging with new decision-makers.

• Defra’s 2025 agenda: What’s on the to-do list for Defra going into this new year, and do they have the resources to manage it?

• CBAM: What is Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, and why is everyone talking about it right now?

• The Trump question: Tariffs, tariffs, tariffs. What would a second Trump presidency mean for global trade and the agricultural economy?

• Brexit aftershocks: Brexit may feel like the distant past, but its impact is still being felt in all corners of the agricultural industry. How much progress have we made since 2019, and what do we still need to address?

• Industry coalition: Ed is clear that, to influence policy and inspire change for the better, industry unions and trade bodies must work together rather than in silos to cut through the noise.

• Gene editing: Why the UK is ahead of the game and when we might expect to start seeing results

• Crop talk: Should we be concerned about declining crop diversity?

Tune in to hear Ed’s thoughts on all the above and plenty more, in a comprehensive discussion that seeks to join the dots between global developments, domestic policies and trends, and the future of UK farming.

In increasingly turbulent times for agriculture and landed estates, Talk Farm sets out to identify the human impacts of legal and political developments, offering industry commentary and practical guidance that cuts through the noise.

The show is presented by Rory Hutchings and James Frankland, both partners in HCR Law’s Agriculture and Estates team. If you’ve got a query about agricultural law, our team is always happy to help.

In this episode of Talk Farm, Partner James Frankland talks to Richard Crane, current Master of the Worshipful Company of Farmers.

Agriculture is often said to be England’s oldest and most integral industry, and The Worshipful Company of Farmers is the livery that protects that legacy and guarantees its future.

Education and charity work are the lifeblood of the livery movement, with far-reaching impacts across the nation. Richard shares his journey from attending the Company’s first ever leadership course in 1996 to being Master of the organisation today, and why he felt compelled to give back to agriculture.

This episode explores:

• How liveries work and how they influence the nation
• What led Richard to his current position as Master
• The vital role of education in upholding skills and standards in farming
• The role of City Farms in connecting urban communities with nature
• The growing importance of initiatives like the biannual Wellbeing Forum for supporting mental health in farming

Talk Farm is brought to you by HCR Law. In turbulent times for agriculture and landed estates, this podcast sets out to identify the human impacts of legal and political developments, offering industry commentary and practical guidance that cuts through the noise.

The show is presented by Rory Hutchings and James Frankland, both partners in HCR Law’s Agriculture and Estates team.

Catch up on previous episodes wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify and Apple.

In this HCR Law podcast, specialists from our Dispute Resolution team come together to discuss the new Procurement Act and the impact we can expect to see on public sector procurement over the next year.

The episode is hosted by Senior Associate Madeleine Jordan, with expert insights from Stewart Morrison, Head of Procurement and Supply Chain, and Associate Emma Elston-Carr.

Our litigation team have reviewed the new legislation with a forensic eye so you don't have to, distilling the key points and providing practical guidance for suppliers and contracting authorities.

If you have a query about how the Procurement Act might affect your business, you can get in touch with the team here: https://www.hcrlaw.com/service-team/dispute-resolution/

This briefing from our Dispute Resolution team covers:

• What is public procurement?
• Why regulation is so important in public procurement
• The underlying principles behind the procurement regime and why change is being introduced
• What the Procurement Act 2023 seeks to achieve
• Will the new Act make routes to market easier?
• Will we see more innovative approaches to procurement going forward?
• What exactly is changing under the new Act, and how can contracting authorities and suppliers prepare?
• What is the standstill period and how is it changing?
• What is the new test for lifting the automatic suspension and will we see change in practical terms?
• Overview of the new performance monitoring regime and what it means for suppliers and contracting authorities

And plenty more besides.

Find out more about public procurement law on HCR Law's website.

In this episode of Created IP, we explore the power of branding and how it shapes your business identity. From logos to messaging, we discuss how business owners can use branding to establish a strong presence, connect with their audience, and clearly communicate what they do.

Key Topics Covered:

• What is branding, and why does it matter?
• The difference between branding and trademarks
• How to create a brand identity that stands out
• Legal considerations for protecting your brand

Connect With Us:

• Website: https://www.hcrlaw.com/service-team/commercial/intellectual-property-protection/

• Social media: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hcrlaw/

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends and colleagues who might benefit from understanding IP rights better. And remember to tune in next month for another insightful discussion!

We launched our agricultural law podcast, Talk Farm, with a special episode following the October 2024 Budget and the news that Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief would be significantly diminished.

Seven months on, the government’s technical consultation into their proposed Inheritance Tax (“IHT”) has drawn to a close and there’s no U-turn in sight.

HCR Law submitted a response to the technical consultation into how trusts will be impacted by the developments and has spoken directly with HMRC about the proposed changes.

In this episode of Talk Farm, Partner and host James Frankland is joined once more by Lisa Millington, Partner and Head of our Agriculture Private Client team.

This time, their discussion focuses on looking forwards, examining how farming families can adapt post Budget.

Tune in to hear James and Lisa discuss:

• A recap of the proposals, as set out in the October Budget

• Is there any good news?

• When is the draft IHT legislation expected?

• Will lobbying efforts continue?

• How might you mitigate the impact of IHT changes?

• Does life insurance have a place now?

• What’s the ‘least worst’ scenario for my farming business?

HCR Law’s large team of agricultural lawyers includes several specialists dedicated to succession planning matters. If you have a query about how changes to inheritance tax will affect you and what you can do about it, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

In increasingly turbulent times for agriculture and landed estates, Talk Farm sets out to identify the human impacts of legal and political developments, offering industry commentary and practical guidance that cuts through the noise.

The show is presented by Rory Hutchings and James Frankland, Partners in HCR Law’s Agriculture and Estates team. Learn more about our services for agricultural clients.

In this special episode of Talk Farm, HCR Law joins forces with the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (“RASC”) to share perspectives on all things agriculture from beyond our shores.

We are joined by Chris Riddle, a Trustee of the RASC and former CEO of the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association. The RASC host a biannual conference with speakers from across the commonwealth – last year it was held in Edinburgh, and next year it will take place in Cape Town.

Chris introduced us to Jessica and Ella Underberg, who join us for this episode.

Jessica is CEO of the Erie County Agricultural Society and its namesake fair, which attracts a mind-blowing one million visitors across 12 days. The Society’s mission statement is to, “preserve and enhance, by educational endeavours, the historical and agricultural legacy of New York State.”

Her daughter Ella has followed in her footsteps, previously serving as President of Future Farmers of America (FFA). As she prepares for college, Ella shares what agriculture means to her and what she thinks the role of her generation is in taking the sector into the future.

Their wide-ranging conversation, hosted by firm Partner Rory Hutchings, covers:

· The mood music in America

· How different countries can learn from each other in tackling shared agricultural challenges

· Making space for agriculture in school curriculums

· How Future Farmers of America compares to Young Farmers in the UK and the role of both in the agricultural community

· The importance of education and people knowing where their food comes from

· The role of agriculturalists in the green movement

· Embracing technology and innovations across the sector

In increasingly turbulent times for agriculture and landed estates, Talk Farm sets out to identify the human impacts of legal and political developments, offering industry commentary and practical guidance that cuts through the noise. If you’ve got a query about agricultural law, the team is always happy to help: www.hcrlaw.com/sector/agriculture-environment-and-estates/

We’ll be collaborating with the RASC again to hear more global perspectives on all things agriculture, so make sure you’re subscribed to be notified of future episodes.

Cyber threats are constantly changing, and phishing attacks are more sophisticated than ever. In this episode of Created IP, we break down evolving phishing tactics, how to spot a potential scam, and what to do if your security is compromised."

Key topics covered:

• The latest trends in phishing attacks

• Common red flags to watch for

• Steps to take if your business falls victim

• Best practices for strengthening your security

Connect With Us:

• Website: https://www.hcrlaw.com/service-team/commercial/intellectual-property-protection/

• Social media: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hcrlaw/

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends and colleagues who might benefit from understanding IP rights better. And remember to tune in next month for another insightful discussion.

In this episode of Family Matters, host Christopher Finch is joined by James Grigg, Head of Family at HCR Law, to talk about how finances are handled during divorce. They explain why getting divorced doesn’t automatically deal with money matters and how the courts step in to divide assets and support families.

James offers insight into how the law shapes these decisions and why no two cases are ever quite the same. They also explore how the legal approach has evolved to better reflect modern families, especially where children are involved.

In a fast-changing world for families and relationships, Family Matters explores the legal and emotional sides of family law, offering expert insight and real-world guidance on everything from divorce and finances to children and co-parenting. Each episode cuts through legal jargon to focus on what really matters to people navigating family change.

The show is presented by Christopher Finch and Hannah Nicholls, with guests from HCR Law’s experienced Family Law team. If you need advice or support, our team is here to help.

https://www.hcrlaw.com/service/family-law/

Mental health in farming has always been a problem, but it’s only in recent years that this has become prominent in the national conversation.

• Only 55% of farmers feel positive about their mental health, according to a survey conducted by Farmers Weekly.
• 95% of UK farmers under the age of 40 rank poor mental health as one of the biggest hidden problems facing farmers today, according to a 2024 study by the Farm Safety Foundation.
• According to the Office for National Statistics, 62 farmers died by suicide in England and Wales in 2023.

For the final episode in series one of Talk Farm, host Rory Hutchings sits down with Malcolm Thomas, trustee and former Chairman of the National Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI).

Malcolm’s long and celebrated career has been dedicated to driving positive change in the agricultural sector, from his close involvement with RABI and his lifetime membership of the Young Farmers’ Club movement to leadership roles in the National Farmers Union. Malcolm has deservedly been awarded an MBE for services to agriculture in Wales.

In this conversation, one-time colleagues and long-term friends Malcolm and Rory discuss the factors driving poor mental health in the farming community, from unpredictable weather and livestock disease to lack of public support and loneliness.

As the government moves ahead with its plans to make significant cuts to Agricultural Relief and Business Property Relief, the challenge for farmers and landowners is becoming more acute.

Malcolm shares his perspective on how we can support those who are struggling, starting with improved agricultural education for the country more broadly and progressing to provide clear support paths for individuals who find themselves in trouble.

Resources for those in need:

• RABI offer a number of supports to those struggling with their mental health, including ‘Click & Chat,’ their online mental wellbeing service and connecting those in need with counselling support.
• The DPJ Foundation provide a 24/7 confidential counselling referral service for members of the agricultural community.

In increasingly turbulent times for agriculture and landed estates, Talk Farm sets out to identify the human impacts of legal and political developments, offering industry commentary and practical guidance that cuts through the noise.

The show is presented by Rory Hutchings and James Frankland, Partners in HCR Law’s Agriculture and Estates team. Learn more about our services for agricultural professionals.

In this episode of Family Matters, host Christopher Finch is joined by Partner and Co-head of Family Worcester Anita Hennessey and Consultant Andrew Caldicott to discuss how the family court has changed over time and what those changes mean for families and legal professionals today.

They explore the wide range of issues that come before the family courts, including divorce, financial disputes, child arrangements, domestic abuse, and child protection. The discussion highlights how societal changes, like the rise in cohabiting couples and blended families, have influenced the types of cases the courts handle.

The team reflects on how modernisation, such as the introduction of online systems and the decline of direct contact with local courts, has made processes more efficient in some ways, but also more challenging for clients.

In a fast-changing world for families and relationships, Family Matters explores the legal and emotional sides of family law, offering expert insight and real-world guidance on everything from divorce and finances to children and co-parenting. Each episode cuts through legal jargon to focus on what really matters to people navigating family change.

The show is presented by Christopher Finch and Hannah Nicholls, with guests from HCR Law’s experienced Family Law team. If you need advice or support, our team is here to help.

https://www.hcrlaw.com/service/family-law/

In this special episode of Family Matters, Beverley Morris is joined by George Mathieson and Jonathan Galbraith for a deep dive into the complexities of pensions in divorce. They discuss how pensions are valued, common client misconceptions, the use of Galbraith Tables, and why certain assumptions around retirement ages can lead to costly complications.

They also shed light on issues such as lost benefits, pension attachment orders, and when a report is truly needed – offering practical guidance for legal professionals and clients navigating financial settlements.

In a fast-changing world for families and relationships, Family Matters explores the legal and emotional sides of family law, offering expert insight and real-world guidance on everything from divorce and finances to children and co-parenting. Each episode cuts through legal jargon to focus on what really matters to people navigating family change.

The show is presented by Beverley Morris. If you need advice or support, our team is here to help.

https://www.hcrlaw.com/service/family-law/

In this episode of Talk Farm, Bryn Thomas speaks with Abi Reader, Vice President of NFU Cymru and dairy farmer, as she nears the end of her four-year term and looks ahead to a possible presidency.

Their discussion explores the current state of Welsh farming, including strong beef and lamb prices, challenges for poultry and arable farmers, and key topics such as water quality, TB, inheritance tax, and the sustainable farming scheme.

They also address environmental issues, net zero ambitions, and the challenge of balancing food production with sustainability. Abi highlights her outreach in schools, including ‘Cows on Tour’, the importance of farm safety, and the need for recruitment and skills development to ensure a thriving agricultural sector.

Talk Farm highlights the challenges and opportunities shaping rural life in the UK. Each episode offers expert industry commentary and practical guidance for those navigating the issues facing agriculture and landed estates today.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Find out more about HCR Law's services for Agriculture and Estates here.

The latest episode of our Agriculture and Estates podcast, Talk Farm, explores one of the most pressing issues facing UK farms today: workforce challenges and immigration compliance.

Co-Host Rory Hutchings is joined by Aled Owen, Partner in our Agriculture and Estates team, and Lynne Adams, Legal Director in our Employment and Immigration team, to unpack a recent case they advised on involving migrant workers and the lessons it offers for the farming community.

The case concerns a leading dairy farm in Wales, known for its high standards in animal welfare, regulatory compliance and progressive waste management. After Brexit, the farm hired migrant workers to address a labour shortage but was later raided by immigration authorities.

This episode covers:

· How the regulator’s intervention unfolded and the employment arguments at the heart of the case

· Why dairy farms have become a focus for enforcement action by immigration authorities

· What farms can do to protect themselves from similar challenges.

Talk Farm highlights the challenges and opportunities shaping rural life in the UK. Each episode offers expert industry commentary and practical guidance for those navigating the issues facing agriculture and landed estates today.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Find out more about HCR Law's services for Agriculture and Estates here.

Relationship therapist Adele Ballantyne and family mediator Sarah Smith join HCR Law Partner, Hannah Nicholls to explore the challenges of parenting through separation.

They share insights from their work supporting families, discussing mediation, child-inclusive practice, and ongoing family consultancy.

In a fast-changing world for families and relationships, Family Matters explores the legal and emotional sides of family law, offering expert insight and real-world guidance on everything from divorce and finances to children and co-parenting. Each episode cuts through legal jargon to focus on what really matters to people navigating family change.

The show is presented by Christopher Finch and Hannah Nicholls, with guests from HCR Law’s Family Law team. If you need advice or support, our team is here to help.

Discover how farmers and communities can reduce staggering levels of UK food waste with special guest Roz Scott from Still Good Food

Did you know that an estimated 3.3 to 3.6 million tonnes of food never leave UK farms each year? Talk Farm returns for a second series, and we’re kicking off by delving into this urgent issue and uncovering how innovative solutions—and passionate people—are tackling the challenge from the ground up.

Join host James Frankland as he sits down with Roz Scott, Gleaning Coordinator at Still Good Food. Roz brings her expertise from the frontlines of the fight against food waste, sharing insights from her work rescuing surplus produce and empowering communities. Discover how her organisation, Still Good Food, is making a real difference by connecting farms, volunteers, and those in need.

This episode includes:

• Behind-the-scenes look at how gleaning is helping UK farmers reduce waste and boost sustainability
• Roz Scott’s journey and the mission of Still Good Food to rescue surplus produce and feed local communities
• Eye-opening statistics: 3.3 to 3.6 million tonnes of food wasted on UK farms every year
• The influence of supermarkets and supply chains in driving farm-level food waste
• Benefits for farmers: cutting costs, building community, and supporting foodbanks
• How listeners can get involved in gleaning and food redistribution in their own areas
• Exploring the history and roots of gleaning in agriculture

In increasingly turbulent times for agriculture and landed estates, Talk Farm sets out to identify the human impacts of legal and political developments, offering industry commentary and practical guidance that cuts through the noise.

The show is hosted by members of our Agriculture and Estates team, many of whom are working farmers as well as experts in agricultural law. Learn more about our services for farmers and rural professionals.

In this episode, James Frankland, Partner in our Agriculture and Estates team, sits down with Lisa Millington, Head of Agricultural Private Client, to give you the latest update on the rollercoaster that has been Inheritance Tax reforms for farmers and rural business owners.

James and Lisa begin with the Autumn 2025 budget, unpacking how Rachel Reeves’ announcement lived up to the hopes and fears of the farming community, and in particular the announcement that the relief allowance would be transferrable between spouses after all.

They then move on to the pre-Christmas U-turn, which saw the shock announcement that the £1 million Agricultural and Business Property Relief allowance would be uplifted from £1 million to £2.5 million, creating a potential £5 million relief for married couples.

This shift opens up meaningful estate planning opportunities, particularly for younger farming families looking ahead to future lifetime gifts. They explain how HMRC’s emphasis on “unused” relief interacts with existing spousal exemptions, and what that means in practice.

• Why the change represents a huge improvement — but not a complete solution
• How the U-turn may have been influenced by the Farm Profitability Review
• The types of farming businesses that benefit most (and those still left exposed)
• Real‑world examples of how clients’ inheritance tax positions are shifting
• Why this is about supporting businesses as well as farms

Looking ahead, James and Lisa outline the steps farmers can still take before the rules come into force in April, reflect on rumours of possible delays, and clarify whether existing planning is now redundant (spoiler: it isn’t). They share practical actions — from reviewing structures to considering trusts — and discuss what we may expect from HMRC as implementation unfolds.

Talk Farm highlights the challenges and opportunities shaping rural life in the UK. Each episode offers expert industry commentary and practical guidance for those navigating the issues facing agriculture and landed estates today.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Find out more about HCR Law's services for Agriculture and Estates here.

Family businesses are subject to unique pressures, from succession and generational tension to questions about roles, entitlement and leadership.

In this exclusive podcast episode, Peter Brewer, Partner in our Dispute Resolution team, speaks with family business adviser George Bryan to explore how these challenges can escalate into disputes – and how the right structures can reduce this risk.

Together, they discuss the practical steps family-owned businesses can take to protect relationships, value and long term business continuity, with George sharing insight from more than 30 years in his own multigenerational family business, Drayton Manor.

They also cover:

• How succession and family expectations shape conflict

• How family constitutions and shareholders’ agreements can prevent future disputes

• When to professionalise management and bring in external expertise

• The impact of skills gaps and overlooked development opportunities.

To learn more about how our Dispute Resolution team supports family owned businesses, visit the HCR Law website. You can find out more about George’s advisory work and get in touch with him on LinkedIn.

In this episode, Rory Hutchings, Partner and Head of our Agriculture and Estates team, sits down with Robyn Sermon, CEO of the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia, Dr Bernard Moonga from the University of Zambia and President of the Agriculture and Commercial Show Society of Zambia and Will Prichard, Welsh farmer and owner of Natural Wagyu, to explore what the digitalisation of agriculture means for farmers worldwide.

They discuss how digital tools are already boosting efficiency, productivity and yields and how AI, autonomous machinery and data‑driven decision‑making are reshaping day‑to‑day farming across continents.

The panel also address the realities on the ground, including the cost of adopting agriculture technology and the risk of pricing out smaller farms, the skills gap, data‑ownership concerns and the practical challenges of implementing new systems for farmers.

They also discuss:

• How social media and digital storytelling are shifting perceptions of farming careers

• Whether the UK is falling behind on tech adoption

• Why understanding the commercial value of technology is essential before investing

• How collaboration, education and hands‑on support can help farmers decide when and how to embrace innovation.

Drawing on perspectives from Wales, Western Australia and Zambia, Rory and the panel share real‑world insight into how technology is reshaping agriculture today.

Talk Farm highlights the challenges and opportunities shaping rural life in the UK. Each episode offers expert industry commentary and practical guidance for those navigating the issues facing agriculture and landed estates.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

This episode was produced in collaboration with the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth. Find out more about HCR Law's services for Agriculture and Estates here.

Following International Women’s Day, this episode of Family Matters focuses on an aspect of women’s health that is increasingly discussed, but still widely misunderstood: menopause.

Hannah Nicholls and Amy Walpole are joined by Zoe Lapwood, a registered nurse with over 10 years’ experience specialising in women’s health and a nurse adviser for a national women’s health charity.

The episode explores what menopause and perimenopause are, highlighting the many physical, emotional and psychological symptoms women can experience, often years before menopause itself. Zoe discusses how these changes can affect confidence, communication, intimacy and decision‑making, and how this can place additional strain on relationships, particularly at times of separation or divorce.

The conversation also addresses common myths around menopause, the importance of shifting from seeking a “cure” to effective management, and why awareness and empathy from partners and professionals can make a meaningful difference to women navigating this stage of life.

Connect with Zoe here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-lapwood-80b6a7260/

Contact our family team here: https://www.hcrlaw.com/service-team/family-law/