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Simon Gale
Latest news
Inheritance Tax Investigations Are Rising — Why Executors Shouldn’t Go It Alone
This article explores what executors and other personal representatives need to know in 2025, and why professional support is often essential.
Lasting Powers of Attorney – Breaking the ‘Next of Kin’ Myth
It is widely believed that your next of kin has an automatic entitlement to manage your affairs for you if you become unable to. In reality, although your next of kin may be asked for their input, they do not have any specific legal rights to make decisions on your behalf. In this article, Ruby Christie discusses the importance of setting up Lasting Powers of Attorney to grant those you trust with the legal standing to manage your affairs.
Government proposes to ban upwards only rent reviews for new commercial leases
Most commercial leases include rent reviews every few years. Traditionally, these are “upwards only”, meaning rents can rise or remain the same but never fall. Reviews are usually linked to open market rent or inflation. While this protects landlords from declining rental values, it often leaves tenants paying above-market rents during downturns. For businesses, particularly in the retail sector, this can create financial pressure at already challenging times.
Companies House is Changing: What Your Business Needs to Know
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (“ECCTA”) represents one of the most significant shifts in company regulation in a generation. It empowers Companies House to move from a passive filing service to an active regulator – one able to challenge, reject, and even remove inaccurate or misleading company data. For businesses and their advisers, this means a new era of transparency, accountability, and enforcement.
The Property Forum - Inspiring Women
BPE would like to invite you to join us for the next instalment of The Gloucestershire Property Forum's 'Inspiring Women in Property'.
Successful sale: BPE act on the sale of Gloucestershire based retail space
BPE was delighted to act on behalf of developer, Robert Hitchins Ltd, on the sale of Gloucester-based retail space. The retail hub, built by EG Carter, sits on a 0.75-acre site alongside the A35 and contains five, fully let retail units including a 4,000 square foot Midcounties Co-Operative.
Cheers to BPE! A Tier 2 ranking AND an Associate to Watch in the 2025 Chambers & Partners rankings
BPE are delighted to confirm that the Tax, Trusts and Succession team have maintained their Tier 2 Chambers ranking for the sixth year running. Once again, the team have been noted for their excellent level of knowledge and experience.
Autoclenz transitions to employee ownership with support from BPE Solicitors
BPE Solicitors LLP is pleased to have advised Autoclenz Holdings Limited on its transition to employee ownership in a landmark deal.