Major changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) are on the horizon, and business owners across Sussex (and the rest of the UK) should take notice. From 6 April 2026, Business Relief (BR) – a generous IHT relief available on qualifying business assets – will be significantly restricted.

This Christmas the Royal Pavilion’s spectacular Christmas display ‘A Very Austen Christmas’ will celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. Brighton & Hove Museums would like to share this unique opportunity to partner with Brighton’s Royal Palace this festive season and reach over 1.6 million people!

Leading business advisory and accountancy firms Menzies LLP and Beever and Struthers today announced their merger, creating a national firm with a combined fee income of £110 million and a workforce of more than 1,000 professionals. This strategic union brings together two proudly independent firms with deep roots in their respective markets; Menzies, headquartered in London, and Beever and Struthers in Manchester. Both firms share a commitment to partner-led service, people-first values, and long-term client relationships, making this merger a natural fit in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.

Cripps has raised more than £30,000 over the past year to support Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (AAKSS).

This year marks ten years since I founded Starford People & Legal with a simple belief - that legal and HR advice could be delivered differently: practical, affordable, and deeply human. A decade later, our team has grown, the workplace landscape has shifted beyond recognition, and we’ve had the privilege of standing alongside clients through both their proudest moments and their most challenging times. Running a business teaches you quickly what really matters. Over the past ten years, I have learned lessons that have shaped not only how we work with clients, but how we’ve built Starford itself. Here are the ten lessons that stand out most and I hope will resonate with any business leader, HR professional, or employer. - Julie Jones, Founder & Employment Law Partner, Starford People & Legal

DMH Stallard has been recognised and ranked in a prestigious guide for its work with high net worth clients.

Brighton and Sussex law firm directors, Fiona Martin and Cate Searle, have confirmed their firm, martin searle solicitors, will become 100 percent employee owned (EO) on 1 April 2026.

Cripps has launched its AI Governance Toolkit – a practical, forward-looking solution designed to help organisations adopt artificial intelligence in a safe, structured and responsible way.

If you're buying a commercial property, it's crucial to involve a Capital Allowance expert early. Valuable tax relief can be missed if qualifying items such as heating, lighting or even fixed furniture are not properly identified during the purchase process.

Employment Law Bulletin: Key Changes and What Employers Must Address in 2025! You are invited to attend this exclusive event.

Storing substances that could be hazardous to humas health is a requirement by UK law. While many substances can be a risk, the good news is, when stored and used correctly they almost never do. In this blog, we take a look at good storage principles and types of cabinets and cages that can help you keep your workplace safe.

Discover how UK businesses can benefit from FX forward contracts to manage currency risk, improve financial planning, and support international growth. Plus avoid the losses and pain that the vast majority of SMEs suffer because they do nothing about it.

Leading law firm Cripps has launched its first-ever Impact Report, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and accountability, as a purpose-driven business. The report, unveiled as part of B Corp Month, outlines the firm’s achievements since becoming B Corp certified in December 2023 and sets ambitious goals for the future. Cripps’ Impact Report formalises the firm’s dedication to making a positive and lasting difference to the lives and businesses of its clients, people, communities, and the environment. By embedding purpose into its strategy and daily operations, Cripps aims to lead by example in the legal sector and beyond. Key highlights from the Impact Report The report showcases Cripps’ progress across four core pillars: Clients: Demonstrating how Cripps goes beyond solving legal challenges to act as a trusted adviser, making a meaningful impact on clients’ lives and businesses. 91% of its clients say Cripps understand their objectives, and 83% feel they genuinely care. By 2027, Cripps will develop a methodology to measure the positive difference it makes to its clients through legal services. People: Highlighting how Cripps fosters a purpose-driven workplace, to attract and retain top talent aligned with its values. The firm wants to enable easier access to the legal profession and currently has 15 solicitor or paralegal apprentices, four of whom earned law degrees with the firm’s support in 2024. Cripps wants to make the legal profession accessible to all and will be joining the Social Mobility Employer Index in 2025. Planet: Cripps has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability including improvements in carbon reporting across all sources of emissions. The firm’s leadership in the Legal Climate Forum further underscores its proactive stance on environmental issues. Cripps has reduced its own carbon emissions by 25% per employee and has introduced a new car-sharing program to reduce further. Additionally, the firm co-founded Amplifi – an initiative of 180 local business working to address the complexities of sustainability together. Cripps has been transparent with their progress towards net zero, publishing their carbon footprint report on their website. Community: Showcasing Cripps’ engagement in pro bono work, partnerships with schools and charities, and local initiatives that support social causes, amounting to over £200k, or 2% of profit. Cripps will allocate an annual allowance per employee for pro bono and volunteering time to achieve 5000 hours of positive impact in 2026. James Beatton, managing partner at Cripps, commented, “For us as leaders, and for all our people, we are motivated by wanting to be the difference for our clients and in our communities, each other and in our natural world. In all our interactions, we ask ourselves how we can give more than we take, and create a positive and lasting impact.” A call for collective action Cripps’ report serves as a call to action for other responsible businesses to collaborate in addressing social and environmental challenges. The firm embraces the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence, recognising that long-term success depends on shared efforts and collective responsibility. “Our purpose is to solve problems and champion ambitions, while making a positive and lasting difference. It’s about more than delivering exceptional client service—it’s about driving meaningful change,” said Mike Scott, senior partner at Cripps. “We invite like-minded businesses to join us to use business to create a more inclusive and regenerative economy. Together, we can create a thriving future for all.”  Read the Cripps 2024 Impact Report.

Thinking of buying a commercial property? This guide breaks down commercial mortgages in a friendly, easy-to-understand way. We'll cover what they are, how to qualify, and key things to consider, helping you navigate the process with confidence.

SHW has advised law firm Birketts LLP on its expansion at One Suffolk Way in Sevenoaks, Kent, as part of the firm’s continued growth across the South East region.

Commonhold was introduced as a fairer alternative to leasehold, giving homeowners full ownership of their property and shared spaces. However, despite its advantages, mortgage lenders remain reluctant to finance commonhold properties. This article explores the key reasons behind their hesitation, including market uncertainty, financial risks, and legal concerns, and whether future reforms could change the landscape.

Managing debt can be a challenge. There’s one simple strategy that can save you thousands of pounds in the long run. This strategy is overpaying your loan. Whether it’s a mortgage, business loan, or property finance, paying more than the minimum required each month can be advantageous. You can reduce the interest paid over time. It also helps in clearing the debt faster.

Scam Alert to all UK IPO trademark applicants From Clive Bonny Clive@consult-smp.com tele 07973 799153 Please note the letter below requesting payment is a scam UK IPO have been advised Please alert your contacts From: Director of Finance - Intellectual Property Office Sent: 19 January 2025 20:42 Subject: Trade mark registration Dear Sir/Madam, On 07-11-2024, you applied to the Intellectual Property Office of the United Kingdom, via application number UK00004121747, for legal protection in the United Kingdom of the trade mark with Nice classifications 9, 35, 41, 42. On 10/01/2025, the trade mark you applied for was granted legal protection and received a trade mark registration certificate with the number UK 00008372... Please be advised that the completion of the registration procedure and the granting of legal protection to the trade mark at the Intellectual Property Office of the United Kingdom will require payment of a fee for the first 10-year protection period. In accordance with the Withdrawal Agreement concluded between the European Union and the United Kingdom, the fee of 1580.00 EUR must be paid to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EU – IPO) by 24/01/2025 via SEPA transfer to the account below: Payee's name: EU – IPO, 03008 Alicante IBAN (account for transfers from EU and non-EU countries): PL80109025900000000160974810 BIC: WBKPPLPPXXX Transfer reference: 68404 Yours faithfully, Neil Hartley Director of Finance - Intellectual Property Office

Sussex-based law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter (MWB) has announced a 7% increase in revenue for the past financial year, taking the firm’s turnover to more than £13.5 million for the first time, thanks to organic growth and team expansion.

stevensdrake Solicitors is proud to welcome Kristy Underwood to its Family Law team, marking an exciting milestone for the firm. With a distinguished career spanning family law and mediation, Kristy’s arrival makes stevensdrake the first law firm in Crawley to offer the innovative neutral lawyer service. Kristy also offers a full mediation service covering family mediation, workplace mediation and civil & commercial mediation.