We are proud to announce that Ben Pester has been promoted to Associate Director here at Meller Speakman.
Ben has been an integral part of our team since joining in 2018. His promotion is a testament to his hard work, expertise and the outstanding service he delivers to our valued clients. Please join us in congratulating Ben on this fantastic achievement.
We are delighted to be hosting a stand at this years Cheshire Ploughing Match along with Solicitors Butcher & Barlow, Chartered Accountants Bennett Brooks and Environmental Land Management Associates; Elm Associates.
The Cheshire Ploughing Match is taking place on Wednesday 25th September 2024 at Holly Tree Farm, Lower Withington, Macclesfield, SK11 9DT.
Join us for a complimentary Hog Roast between 11:30am – 2:00pm, or any time throughout the day for refreshments.
We look forward to seeing you there!
https://www.cheshireploughing.org.uk/
What are the implications for rural businesses?
Here’s what Labour have said they will do in their manifesto:
Housing and Planning
• Pledge to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years.
• Immediately abolish Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions.
• Ensure homes in the private rented sector meet minimum energy efficiency standards by 2030.
• A commitment to ‘preserve the green belt’ but take a ‘strategic approach’ to releasing ‘’lower quality ‘green belt’ land’’ whilst maintaining a ‘brownfield first approach’.
Farming and Food
• Set a target for half of all food purchased across the public sector to be locally produced or certified to higher environmental standards.
• A pledge to work with farmers and scientists to eradicate bovine TB.
• End badger culling.
• Negotiate a veterinary agreement with the EU to prevent unnecessary border checks.
• Introduce a land use framework to ensure land, across the country, is used in the most effective way.
• Will make ELMs work for farmers and nature.
• No plans to change the Agricultural Property Relief (APR) which allows farmland to be passed down the generations without incurring inheritance tax.
Environment
• By 2030, Labour pledge to triple solar power generation and double onshore wind generation.
• Establish three new National Forests in England.
• Create nine new National River Walks.
• Create new woodlands by planting millions of trees.
• Labour will not introduce a ‘right to roam’ legislation.
Rural Economy
• New employment rights legislation within 100 days of office to include ending zero-hour contracts and removing age bands for the minimum wage.
A Formal Valuation, more commonly known as a ‘Red Book’ valuation is a formal opinion of value which can be relied upon by you, the instructing party.
In this video, Group Managing Director, Peter Wain, explains what a formal ‘Red Book’ valuation is, why you may need one and how we can help.
If you are a landowner, there are options available to help unlock additional value from your land. One of these options could be putting forward part of your land for development.
In this video, Group Managing Director, Peter Wain offers advice on what options are available to you and what to do if you have been contacted by a developer or land promoter;
Grow Your Future is a platform which promotes the pathway for young people into the Rural Profession. They offer advice and information for anyone looking at a career in the Rural Surveying world.
Click on the following link to learn more:
Achilles provides meticulous validation of suppliers to buyers across the globe.
By successfully completing the Achilles rigorous accreditation process, we are demonstrating that we comply with the highest international standards and it enables our clients to select Meller Speakman with confidence.
We are a business you can trust in.
Are you a landowner, farmer or developer?
You have probably heard of Biodiversity Ney Gain (BNG).
In this video, Group Managing Director, Peter Wain explains BNG, the processes involved and discusses the options available to you:
The bad news; Tax reliefs which were available on rental income from holiday lets will be abolished from April 2025, meaning the profitability of holiday let businesses will be squeezed.
The good news; You may pay less when you sell your holiday let with a 4% reduction in the higher rate of Capital Gains Tax when selling your second property.
From April 2025, the Furnished Holiday Lettings tax regime will be aboloshed. Previously, second home owners could benefit from a tax break of up to £4000 a year when making £30,000 a year in rent on their holiday lets, including making your second home available on websites such as Airbnb. The removal of this tax break will make letting your second home a less lucrative option.
From April 2024, the higher rate of capital gains tax for second home and buy-to-let properties will be reduced from 28% to 24%, meaning landlords will be able to keep a larger portion of their profits from the sale of a second home, after tax.
If you will be affected by any of the changes made in the Spring 2024 Budget, get in touch with us today to see how we can help you.
The Government have just updated their draft regulations and guidance for mandatory BNG this week;
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/draft-biodiversity-net-gain-planning-practice-guidance
With the guidance showing that local authorities should expect BNG to at least be considered at planning application stage, it is important to start thinking about this now if you are looking to submit planning applications in the New Year.
Meller Speakman have a dedicated BNG Team to provide comprehensive guidance and support for BNG initiatives.
We have been advising on BNG for over 2 years and have a proven track record to deliver fast.
For more information call 01625 468 780 or email BNG@mellerspeakman.com
