With strong connections to the South West’s farming community, Tom Biddick has just been announced as the latest Partner to join Stephens Scown’s specialist Agricultural and Rural Affairs team.
Private client expertise
An experienced solicitor with expertise in private client matters, Tom has strong links to the farming community across the South West and acts for a number of farmers in the region. Having lived in Exeter since 2001, Tom also has deep roots in Cornwall, where he grew up, and regularly returns to visit his parents’ farm near Wadebridge.
Tom advises clients on all aspects of private client work including Wills, Powers of Attorney and Estate Administration, with experience of acting for a number of wealthy families and individuals. He has a particular specialism in Succession and Inheritance Tax Planning for farmers and landed individuals, regularly dealing with Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief queries.
Headed up by Phil Reed, Stephens Scown’s Rural team work with many farmers, landowners and estate managers across the South West and further afield, helping to get new projects off the ground while protecting their assets.
Hand in hand
Phil says: “Having legal advice from a law firm that genuinely understands the rural sector and the region – and who will proactively highlight new commercial opportunities – has arguably never been more important. We are delighted that Tom will be adding his expertise to our growing team in Exeter, as he brings with him a wealth of experience for our rural and landowner clients.”
Tom adds: “Stephens Scown’s Rural and Agricultural Affairs team has an impressive reputation for their expertise in the sector which, when combined with the firm’s credentials as a great place to work that values its people, its communities and the planet, made a compelling choice as the next natural step in my career. Coming from a farming family in Cornwall and having spent my career in Devon, I am very excited to be joining a firm that is so committed to both the region and the rural community.
“I look forward to working with Phil and the team, to support their aspirations to grow the team further and to meeting up with old and new contacts at the upcoming agricultural shows across the region.”
A member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), Tom has been recognised as a notable figure in the private client and agricultural practice areas by both the Legal 500 and the Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession. The Legal 500 2023 Guide describes Tom as “outstanding when it comes to matters affecting farming families.” Tom is also a ranked lawyer in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2022 and is praised as “an excellent lawyer with a great manner, good at raising difficult subjects in a tactful and understanding manner.”
Stephens Scown is an employee-owned, Certified B corp business which is committed to balancing people, planet and profit.