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Rural e-news

Meet the team: Stephanie Monteiro

Napthens - March 3rd 2021

We are delighted to welcome on board a new member of our Rural team – Stephanie Monteiro – who will be based in our Cumbria office.

Sense prevails after lengthy E10 battle

Napthens - March 2nd 2021

The UK Government announcement that the rollout of E10 will begin from September 2021 is a welcome relief, especially for NFU North West Crops Board Chair Olly Harrison who, for many years, has being arguing for it to be authorised and supported.

Five Alt Crossens drainage pumps will continue

Napthens - March 2nd 2021

Five land drainage pumping stations in the Alt Crossens catchment will continue to operate.

Seasonal worker changes brought in by the Government

Napthens - March 2nd 2021

Introduced in March 2019, the Seasonal Workers Pilot, has now been extended and expanded with up to 30,000 visas available.

Changes under the Agriculture Act 2020

Napthens - March 2nd 2021

On the 11 November 2020, the Agriculture Act was passed into law. The legislation heralds a new future for the agricultural sector and landlord/tenant relationships. We look at the significant changes to succession for AHA Tenants and how these may affect our clients.

The stars are aligning for sustainable domestic tourism

Napthens - March 2nd 2021

It’s fair to say that recent history has been eventful. It has featured amongst other things, a worldwide financial crisis in 2007/8, the persistent threat of terrorism, the advent and uncertainty of Brexit, a shocking global pandemic and the existential threat of climate change. However, across each of these scenarios domestic tourism has performed strongly and proven itself to be economically counter cyclical.

Lasting Powers of Attorney through FarmFuture

Napthens - June 17th 2020

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is possibly one of the most important things you can personally deal with for your family and your business.

Support Diversification Through Use of Real Estate Assets

Napthens - June 17th 2020

In these uncertain times it is increasingly necessary to think differently about how to spread business risk. Whilst the real estate landscape is certainly one of those affected by the uncertainties, diversification can be achieved at low risk through working closely with those in the know.

Enterprise Answers delivers CBILS support to Mrs Kirkham’s

Napthens - June 16th 2020

One of the UK’s best loved artisan cheesemakers and Napthens’ client, Mrs Kirkham’s has revealed the reality of surviving the COVID-19 lockdown and how securing a government backed loan from a local independent lender, Enterprise Answers has allowed the business to keep running, with development capital for the future.

British Farming Awards 2020

Napthens - June 16th 2020

This year I am delighted to be involved in the British Farming Awards as a judge on the Diversification Innovator (Large) of the Year Award panel.

Septic tank update – 12 month plan

Napthens - December 12th 2019

Under the new Environmental Agency General Binding Rules, if you have a septic tank that discharges directly to a surface water you must replace or upgrade your septic tank treatment system to a full sewage treatment plant. The rules have been that this must be done by 1st January 2020. However the rules have recently been changed as of 25th October 2019 to state that you now must have plans in place to carry out this work within a reasonable timescale, typically 12 months.

What are the minimum energy efficiency standards for landlords and tenants?

Napthens - July 8th 2019

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are documents outlining how energy efficient a property is. Properties are rated on a scale from A to G with A being very energy efficient and G being poor energy efficiency. Minimum energy efficiency standards dictate that properties must be a minimum level before being let to tenants.

Regulation update – The Tenant Fees Act

Napthens - July 8th 2019

This new regulation came into force on 1st June 2019 and deals with the admin fees which have previously been charged to Tenants.

Prenuptial agreements as part of succession planning

Napthens - November 29th 2017

Official statistics show that 42% of all UK marriages are now ending in divorce. These statistics affect farmers as much as the general population, however, for farmers, similar to other business owners, the financial and emotional fall-out following a divorce can be disastrous for the family, potentially leading to the break up or sale of the farm.

Right of way disputes affecting farms

Napthens - November 29th 2017

Rights of way affect many farms, however, how many actually have the right to do so? It is important to ascertain the rights of way somebody has over your farm, as this may be crucial for the effective running of the farm and farm security.

Probate fees and protecting the business

Napthens - May 9th 2017

You may have seen the recent news about proposed rises in probate fees up to a possible £20,000 fee. This was seen by most as an additional death tax, however I am pleased to advise, that with the imminent General Election, this proposal has been scrapped.