Every year, for three days in June, the best in entertainment, agriculture, shopping and competition can be found at the Royal Cornwall Show. This year, Stephens Scown will again be well represented by rural sector specialists from across the firm. Read on to find out more.
Showtime
Since 1793, the event has been a showcase for the best in Cornish agriculture, supporting the industry to thrive and innovate. As one of the top agricultural shows in the country, the event attracts a large number of visitors and exhibitors, competing for a coveted Royal Cornwall prize.
With Stephens Scown’s extensive expertise in the rural sector, it’s no surprise to see many of the team attending to catch up with clients and key contacts while celebrating the county’s agricultural heritage.
Meet our Rural Team attending the Royal Cornwall Show
Among those attending the show is Phil Reed. As head of the firm’s Rural team, Phil specialises in succession planning for farmers, landowners, and business owners. With over 25 years’ experience, he has helped thousands of families and individuals plan for the future. With the latest changes to inheritance tax law affecting farmers, his support is valued by clients to help them protect lasting legacies for future generations.
Sue Reynolds is a property Partner who specialises in rural and agricultural work and is the specialist team leader of Stephens Scown’s Rural Property team. She is also on the Cornwall committee for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and a Fellow of the Agricultural Law Association. Sue will be in attendance with other rural property professionals including Scott Mitchell, James Snell and Brittany Allen.
Partner and head of the firm’s Private Client team, Tom Biddick has strong links to the farming community across the South West, and particularly in Cornwall where he grew up and regularly returns to his parents’ farm near Wadebridge. With a deep understanding of the rural sector, Tom acts for a number of farmers in the region. He specialises in Succession and Inheritance Tax Planning for farmer and landed individuals, regularly dealing with Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief queries.
Another member of the ALA, Partner Richard Bagwell heads the Property Litigation team at the firm. He acts on a range of contentious property issues, including those relating to residential and agricultural landlords and tenants.
Rural Support
Other members of the firm who will be in attendance to support the farming community includes Ian Thomas, another Partner in the Property Litigation team, who acts for all manner of clients from private individuals to landed estates, and from farmers to large corporate clients. He advises clients in relation to all contentious matters concerning land, particularly in relation to agricultural land. He is also a member and Fellow of the ALA.
In her role as Partner in the Employment team, Verity Slater helps resolve disputes between businesses and employees, whether before or through employment tribunal cases. She also works in partnership with businesses to proactively improve their HR practices, with an emphasis on ethical people management.
Partner and Head of the specialist Family Finance team, Sarah Atkinson specialises in advising business and farm owners on the protection of assets from the impact of relationship breakdown; and their spouses who seek their share of resources.
From the Immigration team, Abigail Grace provides advice on personal and corporate immigration matters. She has acted for agricultural clients in their application for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence and is part of the firm’s specialist Food and Drink team.
Chris Tofts is a Partner and Head of the Planning team, with a wide range and depth of planning experience, covering all matters from managing applications to dealing with enforcement notices. He regularly works in conjunction with members of the Rural team.
As a Partner in the Dispute Resolution team, James Burrows acts principally for individuals in relation to inheritance and trust disputes. This includes advising on claims relating to the validity of wills or challenges to their provisions.
With over 20 years’ experience in regulatory enforcement and compliance in his role as Partner in the Commercial Dispute Resolution team, Steve Panton’s practice encompasses all aspects of health and safety, environmental, food safety, fire safety, and consumer protection law. He advises clients in connection with investigation and prosecution by the main UK regulators, including DEFRA.
Having recently joined Stephens Scown as a consultant in the Rural team, Edward Worthy’s work deals with agricultural property, acting exclusively for rural landowners in relation to diversified farm property.
Having legal advice from a law firm that genuinely understands the rural sector and the region – and who will proactively highlight new commercial opportunities for you – has arguably never been more important.
Stephens Scown’s specialist Agriculture and Rural Affairs team is on hand across the region to help you get your new projects off the ground while protecting your assets.
As a proud sponsor of the Royal Cornwall Show, our specialist Rural team will be in attendance on Thursday 5 June and Friday 6 June. If you’d like to meet up with our team, please get in touch to let us know.