July 2025 - Tees Law

Your guide to planning your business exit

Posted on 30 July 202530 July 2025 by Sophie Soraf

Planning your business exit might not appear as exciting as building it, but it is just as important. A clear and well-prepared exit strategy ensures you maximise the value of what you’ve built. At Tees we can help you explore your options.

Your goals

Before you even think about “how” you want to exit, you will need to be clear on your objectives. We always advise our clients to ‘start with the end in mind’. Why are you building this business in the first place? What’s the bigger picture? What are you seeking to achieve and what does a good outcome look like for you?

To create generational wealth?
To cash out and retire comfortably?
To fund your next venture?
To pass the business on to your children or key employees?

Whatever your “why” the next question should be “is it realistic/achievable?”

This is where an expert wealth adviser can be invaluable. They can help forecast how much you will need to reach your goals, and how long it might realistically take to get there. Their financial modelling can help map out a timeline for when selling or stepping back becomes viable, not just based on what you want, but based on the figures. This level of insight can be a game-changer for your strategy and exit planning, and we’d recommend you engage with the Financial Planner at an early stage so you can get a better understanding of what is/is not possible.

Your exit options

It is not always just about selling to the highest bidder! There are a wide array of options depending on your goals, business structure and importantly tax advice.

Here are the most common exit routes for private limited companies:

Share acquisition or disposal
This is one of the most straightforward exit methods. A buyer purchases your company’s shares directly taking over the entire legal entity including assets, liabilities, employees, contracts, IP and tax obligations. The business often continues under its existing structure.
Asset acquisition or disposal
Here, the buyer only acquires specific business assets like stock, equipment, IP or customer contracts and leaves the company shell and its liabilities behind. This is often more attractive to buyers who want to avoid historical debts or legal risks.
Merger
A merger involves combining your company with another to create a new entity or allow one to absorb the other. This can be beneficial for scaling up, increasing market share or entering new markets.
Private equity investment/buyout
A private equity firm acquires a stake (often a majority) or the entire business, with the goal of growing and scaling it, improving performance and eventually reselling it to another investor.
Management Buyout (MBO)/Buy In (MBI)
An MBO or an MBI allows your existing leadership team or a new (external) leadership team to purchase the business. These options can offer continuity and stability, particularly in an MBO, where the team already knows the business and is committed to its success.
Family succession
Passing the business on to family members ensures your legacy continues. It requires early planning to address ownership structures, tax planning and leadership of the next generation.
Employee Ownership Trust (EOT)
An EOT enables employees to collectively own the business. It is increasingly popular in the UK due to tax incentives and the opportunity to preserve company culture while exiting gradually.

Your due diligence

By the time you are contemplating a sale, it may be too late to start getting your business in order and fixing issues that you have worked with for so many years. Buyers and their advisers will scrutinise your business through a process called due diligence. If red flags arise such as missing contracts, IP issues or tax risks, it can reduce the sale price or derail the deal entirely.

Conducting a seller-side due diligence exercise on your own business can be an invaluable task. It involves going deep into the operations, financial and legals of your business to identify and fix issues so your business is in tip top condition at the point of sale.

Some key areas to address include:

Ensuring all contracts are current, signed and dated, and easily accessible in a digital filing system
Employment contracts, policies, procedures, workplace issues are all in hand and up to date
Confirming IP ownership is clear and protected
Resolving outstanding litigation or tax liabilities
Ensuring your corporate governance is up to standard

We recommend starting 2 – 3 years before exit. That window gives you time to strengthen your business, resolve potential issues and enter negotiations in the strongest position.

Your business value

Get a valuation! There are excellent business advisers and accountants that can assist in valuing your business. You will need a professional valuation that considers EBITDA, growth trajectory, customer concentration, market value and industry trends. Understanding your current value will help you set realistic goals and benchmarks for your exit plan.

Your dream team

No business deal is fruitful without a trusted team of advisers around you. Planning and selling a business can be high-pressured and emotionally demanding, so it’s important to have advisers around you that can provide commercial and pragmatic advice.

At a minimum, your advisory team should include:

A commercial lawyer: to review and update key contracts, employment contracts and policies.
A corporate lawyer: to manage legal structure, contracts and negotiations.
A corporate finance adviser: to guide valuation, structuring and deal strategy.
A tax adviser: to help you minimise tax liabilities and maximise post sale value.

Ideally, you will work with advisers who have experience in your industry and a solid track record in business exits, as this insight can make a big difference.

Tees: Giving you the full picture

Planning your exit is not something to leave until “someday”. The earlier you start, the more options and leverage you will have. Whether you want to exit in two or ten years, laying the groundwork today ensures that when the time comes, you are ready with a business that is prepared and attractive to the right buyer.

If you would like to discuss preparing your business exit, please do get in touch.

Tees’ expert financial and wealth advisory team work hand in hand with our legal advisers to ensure a joined-up approach to achieving your desired outcomes.

Medway NHS Foundation Trust ENT delays: NHS Trust apology highlights risk of delayed diagnosis

Posted on 29 July 202529 July 2025 by Sophie Soraf

On 1 July 2025, I received a call from Darent Valley Hospital asking if I still needed an ENT referral. The surprising part? That referral had been made by my GP more than three years ago, back in 2022.

I had moved away from Kent in the intervening period but was fortunate that my issue had in any event resolved on its own. At the time, I assumed it was a one-off. But a recent investigation has revealed that I was not the only one.

Medway NHS Foundation Trust (responsible for ENT appointments at Medway Maritime Hospital and Darent Valley Hospital) has now admitted that more than 8,800 ENT referrals were not properly actioned, following what it called an “unnecessary delay” caused by an administrative backlog. The Trust has issued a public apology but for many affected patients, the consequences may be more than an inconvenience.

What is ENT?

ENT stands for Ear, Nose and Throat. ENT departments diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions including:

• Chronic sinusitis
• Hearing loss
• Tinnitus
• Balance problems or vertigo
• Persistent sore throats or tonsillitis
• Nasal obstruction and nosebleeds
• Head and neck lumps or cancer symptoms

These conditions vary widely in severity but often require specialist assessment to diagnose properly. Persistent symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, ongoing hoarseness, unexplained nosebleeds, balance problems or ear pain can signal something more serious. ENT referrals are a key step in getting patients the specialist care and scans they may need.

In cases like this, ENT delays can result in prolonged suffering, missed treatment opportunities, delayed cancer diagnoses, and unnecessary psychological distress.

For those caught up in the Medway NHS Foundation Trust ENT backlog, these are not just ‘admin errors’ they are failings in patient care. Every referral represents a person who needed help, and who was let down.

Could you have a claim for delayed diagnosis or ENT negligence?

If you were referred to the ENT department at Darent Valley Hospital or Medway Maritime Hospital in the last few years and did not receive a timely appointment, you may be entitled to bring an ENT compensation claim. This includes people whose symptoms worsened while waiting, whose condition became more serious, or who experienced pain or stress as a result of the delay.

How can Tees help?

At Tees, we specialise in medical negligence and act for clients who have been let down by systems that should protect them. We can review your experience and advise you on whether you may have a legal claim. We offer a:

• free initial discussion to assess your case
• clear, practical advice on your legal options
• dedicated support from a Legal 500-recognised team
• no win, no fee options available

If you have been affected by the ENT delays at Darent Valley Hospital and Medway Maritime Hospital, we are here to help.

The Leeds Reforms: A new era for savers and investors

Posted on 29 July 202529 July 2025 by Sophie Soraf

The UK Government is taking big steps to reshape financial services through the Leeds Reforms – a package of regulatory updates aimed at making investment more accessible, saving more rewarding, and financial decision-making less daunting.

These reforms are all about helping people make smarter financial decisions. They aim to reduce regulatory burden, attract investment, boost innovation and enhance consumer engagement.

If you’ve ever thought about working with a financial adviser, now’s a good time to understand the changes and why having a professional in your corner could help you make the most of them.

What are the Leeds Reforms?

First announced in late 2022 and developed further throughout 2025, the Leeds Reforms are part of the UK’s wider post-Brexit financial strategy. Their goal is to make financial markets more competitive while improving consumer confidence and access.

According to recent commentary from industry experts and legal commentators, the Leeds Reforms are designed to achieve four things:

reduce regulatory complexity
attract investment into UK markets
encourage financial innovation
improve public engagement with investment products.

These changes could directly influence how you save and invest and how much value you get from doing so.

A new campaign to make investing feel less intimidating

A national awareness campaign is about to launch to help people better understand the benefits of investing without the jargon or fear factor.

Big names are in support, so expect to see more helpful guidance on how investing works and why it could be a smarter long-term move than leaving your money in a low-interest account.

Investing can feel overwhelming. That’s why the introduction of this campaign is a great start to the reforms.

Banks can offer “targeted support”, but not full advice

With a Policy note and draft instrumentation released by the Government on Tuesday 15 July 2025, the outlook appears to be that banks will be allowed to offer targeted support, meaning they can alert you to investment opportunities based on your financial behaviour.

This is a positive step, especially for people with savings just sitting in a current account. But here’s the catch: it’s not full advice, just pointers. The support isn’t tailored to your personal financial goals or circumstances. That’s why speaking to a qualified adviser still offers something you can’t get from your bank: personalised and goal-oriented financial planning.

Risk warnings are getting a rethink

Have you ever seen a risk disclaimer on an investment product and thought, “Well, that sounds terrifying”?

You’re not alone. The Government plans to review how risk warnings are presented, making them easier to understand. You should still be aware of risk, but not discouraged by overly negative language. The goal is to support more informed, confident decision-making.

More investment options in your ISA

Here’s a big one: next year, long-term asset funds (LTAFs), like private equity and infrastructure investments, will be allowed inside stocks and shares ISAs.

This means you could access new types of long-term investments while still benefiting from the ISA’s tax advantages. The opportunity to diversify could be a game-changer for those who want to grow their money more efficiently over time.

ISA and savings rules are evolving, so it pays to stay updated

The Government isn’t done yet. More tweaks to the ISA and savings rules are on the horizon, aiming to strike the right balance between saving safely and investing for growth.

As these changes roll out, the financial landscape becomes more complex—but also more rewarding for those who act on the opportunities. A financial adviser will keep track for you and they can update your strategy to match the latest opportunities and rules.

Giving you the full picture

At the heart of the Leeds Reforms is a clear message: it’s time for more people to take control of their money.

But you don’t have to do it alone. In a world of changing rules, new opportunities, and constant headlines, having a trusted expert on your side is more important than ever.

The Leeds Reforms are making it easier to invest, clearer to understand risks, and more rewarding to take charge of your finances. But real progress comes when you pair these policy changes with personal guidance.

How can we help

So, if you’ve been thinking about speaking to a financial adviser, now is the perfect time. An adviser will help you understand your options as well as:

make sense of the new ISA and savings options
decide whether to stay in cash or start investing
build a tax-efficient plan for your financial goals
avoid common mistakes that reduce long-term returns
feel confident in your next move.

Investing in your future isn’t just about money, it’s about clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. If you’d like to find out more or speak to a professional about how the Leeds Reforms could affect your savings or investments, we’re here to help.

Farm diversification: Finding opportunities in uncertainty

Posted on 23 July 202523 July 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

With agricultural subsidies being phased out and input costs on the rise, many landowners are rethinking how their land can work harder for them.

Diversifying into areas such as tourism, renewable energy or commercial lets can provide a vital new income stream — but it’s not without complexity. At Tees, we work closely with farmers and rural businesses to make change manageable. From planning permissions to tax reliefs and employment law, we help you take confident steps towards a more resilient, future-proofed business.

What is farm diversification?

Farm diversification has become a key strategy that allows landowners to generate income from sources other than traditional agricultural activity. This might include:

converting barns into holiday accommodation
hosting events or weddings
creating a farm shop or café
leasing land for solar or wind projects
renting out space for commercial or light industrial use.

It’s a way to build financial resilience and reduce reliance on subsidies, but it requires careful planning and expert advice.

Why diversify your land?

There are several reasons landowners are turning to diversification:

Subsidy changes: The Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) is being phased out by 2027;
Market volatility: Fertiliser and fuel costs are increasingly unpredictable;
Tax risk: Inheritance tax changes threaten the future of family farms.

Diversification can help to manage these risks by unlocking new, more stable income streams — provided the legal and financial implications are fully understood.

Key legal considerations for farm diversification

1. Planning permissions and title constraints

Repurposing land for non-agricultural uses typically requires planning permission. Planning early and thoroughly is essential. Landowners must consider:

Conditions attached to permissions (e.g. only selling local produce in a farm shop);
Restrictive covenants in title deeds that may prevent certain developments;
Whether changes of use or structural alterations are permitted.

2. Tax implications and financial planning

Diversification can significantly affect your tax position. In a changing tax landscape, advice tailored to your plans is crucial. Key considerations include:

Agricultural Property Relief (APR): This may no longer apply if land is no longer used for farming (e.g. converting barns into hospitality venues).
Business Property Relief (BPR): This depends on whether the activity is classed as trading or investment.
Low-management activities: (e.g. passive campsite income) may not qualify for BPR.

3. Employment responsibilities

New business ventures often require more staff, creating local jobs but also introducing employer responsibilities. Proper preparation helps avoid legal pitfalls. You’ll need to consider:

recruitment and staffing
employment contracts and rights
health and safety obligations
payroll and pension requirements.

Planning for long-term success

Farm diversification presents real opportunities for landowners — but it’s not without risk. To succeed, you’ll need:

a clear commercial strategy
legal and financial due diligence
a realistic understanding of the regulatory environment.

How Tees can help

At Tees, our agriculture and commercial law experts work alongside landowners to navigate every stage of the diversification process — from land use planning to tax structuring, employment, and compliance.

Whether you’re exploring a single project or a full-scale transformation, we’ll help you make informed decisions to unlock your land’s potential and secure a stronger future for your business.

Farming divorce: Protecting your family farm

Posted on 21 July 202522 July 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

A farm is usually a family business, but it’s more than simply an income. It’s an all-consuming occupation and a way of life. Divorce has become part of everyday life, and farming families are as susceptible as any other to a marriage failing. However, farming divorces are more complex, so it’s vital that you seek expert legal advice.

James Scarborough, Senior Associate in the Family Law team at Tees, outlines the challenges faced in a farming family divorce and identifies steps that can be taken to ensure that the farming business is protected from the outset.

If the worst were to happen and your marriage hits troubled times, we will provide you with the expert legal guidance and support you need.

What factors are considered in a farming divorce?

The primary aim in a divorce separation is to establish what the needs of each party are and how these needs may be met.

The courts have very wide discretion to reallocate assets within a marriage to ensure that both parties’ needs are met for the future. This could mean being forced to sell off land or property in order to raise cash, which will raise some important issues for your farming business.

The first step is to define the assets and decide how to share assets built up during the marriage. The Courts will then seek to ensure each party receives a ‘fair share’. A fair share, however, does not necessarily mean equal, and farming cases merit special consideration, including:

Inherited assets which are not subject to the sharing principle in the same way
A farm owned by the wider family, for example, with siblings, parents or both, will require careful thought as Courts are reluctant to damage the livelihoods of other third parties.
Provided there are sufficient liquid assets, the Courts can disregard equality in favour of protecting any inherited element

Whilst for non-farming divorces, an equal division of assets and wealth accumulated during marriage could be considered a fair divorce outcome, this may not always be achievable for farming families because of the need to preserve assets that were owned long before the marriage.

‘Fairness’, however, still requires financial needs to be met.

What about family members living on the farm?

You may have passed certain farming properties to your adult children or have allowed them to live in them to ensure that the needs of the farm can be met.

Where an adult child has received financial support or housing from a parent during the marriage which is then subject to divorce the Court can make an order against the child effectively forcing them to prevail upon parents or the extended family, to provide support in relation to financial settlement.

It is therefore important to be aware of the potential implication of deciding to financially assist children during their marriages. This is particularly relevant where a family’s wealth has been built through the farming generations, and the family want to prevent the farming business being broken up during divorce proceedings.

Do I need to go to court?

Contesting financial matters in Court within a divorce can be very costly and is not the only option open to you. The Courts are, therefore, placing more and more emphasis on non-court dispute resolution as a means of solving disputes because of the significant delays and expenses that come with court proceedings.

Non-court dispute resolution options, such as mediation, collaboration, and arbitration, are alternatives to court proceedings that seek to resolve matters as efficiently, cost-effectively, and amicably as possible.

How can I protect my farm?

Careful planning in advance is extremely important. By doing so, you can structure your arrangements taking full account of the specifics of your farming business and individual family circumstances.

There are several ways you can seek to protect your farming business along with future income streams:

Partnership Agreements

Partnerships are the most common business structure within the farming industry – they are relatively simple and a flexible way to run a farming business. By drawing up a partnership agreement, you will be able to ensure that it is made clear in writing exactly which assets belong to the partnership and which are owned by each partner as individuals.

Family Trusts

One way to protect the family farm is through a family or discretionary trust. This trust not only protects family assets but can also divide farm income to minimise tax.

A trust “owns” your family assets, such as the farm, investments, home, shares, or business, while you, your family members, or others might be beneficiaries under the trust.

Trusts can play a key role in protecting family wealth on divorce and can provide a means to assist adult children without risking farm assets. However, trusts should always be considered as part of a long-term strategy to protect family wealth, as a trust set up when a marriage is on the verge of breakdown is unlikely to withstand the scrutiny of the courts.

What about a prenuptial agreement?

Prenuptial agreements are an effective way of legally protecting your farming business, together with property and money acquired before a marriage. Entering into such an agreement before marriage allows you and your future spouse to plan how you will divide current and future assets should you divorce in the future.

However, there is something to be said for ensuring that the spouse marrying into the farming family does not feel excluded through entering a prenuptial agreement and, through the marriage, feels invested in the future success of the farm and business.

If a prenuptial agreement might be considered, it should be done so in light of the joint commitment of the marriage. It is that commitment which will make the farm succeed as well.

It is important to take expert legal advice from a family lawyer who specialises in dealing with farming assets on divorce to ensure that the terms of the prenuptial agreement are sufficiently robust to be upheld by a court.

Certain criteria must be fulfilled for the agreement to be upheld and it is important for both parties to receive independent legal advice.

Expert legal advice for over a century

Tees’ heritage and culture has been rooted in the local farming community in and around East Anglia for well over a century, and its legal experts, many of whom are from farming families themselves, have decades of experience in dealing with all aspects of legal farming matters.

Why do I need legal advice for my fertility treatment?

Posted on 21 July 202521 July 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Fertility treatment can be a stressful time for all involved and therefore it is important to ensure that you are fully aware of your legal position as parents in the future.

Speaking to a solicitor may be the last thing on your mind when undergoing fertility treatment, however it is becoming increasingly necessary to ensure that you take independent legal advice.

Caroline Andrews and Bethany Lodge, family law specialists at Tees, have many years of experience specialising in modern family law. They have extensive experience in leading case law on the issue of legal parenthood, as well as an understanding of fertility-related conditions such as PCOS. In this article, Caroline outlines the various legal implications that must be considered by all parties when a child is born through fertility treatment.

Family law judges recommend that “any person considering fertility treatment should ensure that they are familiar with the legal steps around the treatment, given the significant impact it could have both in the short and long term”.

If you are thinking about undergoing fertility treatment, it is important to consider the legal issues. The law can be complex so if you are starting a family, there are some key factors to consider:

Who will be your child’s legal parents?

How does the nature of the treatment and any donors, or forms completed at the clinic, impact on the legal parenthood?

If you are conceiving at a clinic, it is important to understand how the law governs your fertility treatment and affects your rights to information

If you are not using an at home conception, does this change how the law looks at the status of any intended parent?

In addition, if you are conceiving with, or as a known donor or co-parent, being aware of how to manage relationships and expectations to avoid problems later on and knowing where you would stand if there was a dispute between you, are also important considerations that are worth taking the time to discuss with a legal expert ahead of time.

Should I use a fertility clinic?

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) regulates all UK licensed fertility clinics. You must give informed consent to fertility treatment at a UK licensed fertility clinic and this requires a clear understanding of English law and its implications in practice for you, your future child and your donor if you use donor sperm or eggs.

If you don’t have treatment with a licensed clinic the situation is more complicated. There’s a risk that your donor will be considered a parent by law – with all the rights and responsibilities that brings.

What are my options if I am separated from my partner but wish to have a baby?

If you are separated from your spouse or civil partner and you intend to artificially conceive a child as a single parent, you should first obtain expert legal advice. English law states that if you carry the pregnancy then you are your child’s legal mother.

Your spouse or civil partner will be the legal second parent of your child for English legal purposes unless it can be shown your spouse did not consent to your treatment and artificial conception. There will be difficulties with the forms ahead of treatment and presumptions in law after treatment so advice is essential.

What is co-parenting?

Co-parenting is when two people wish to be parents but who are not in a relationship together. This is a rising trend in America and becoming more common here in the UK.

If you carry the pregnancy, you will be your child’s legal parent under English law and your co-parent may acquire legal rights and responsibilities for your child which may or may not accord with your wishes and expectations. Therefore in this situation is extremely important to have a legal expert draft a co-parenting agreement, to ensure that the childcare arrangements are established and agreed on from the start.

A bespoke co-parenting agreement will also be an important tool if a dispute arises with your co-parent or if there is a change in either of your personal circumstances.

Will a known male donor have any legal rights in relation to my baby?

Yes, he may do. Artificial conception with a known donor creates complex legal issues under English law. Your known donor will be the biological father of your child. Irrespective of your wishes, he may also acquire legal status in respect of your child, to the detriment of your legal parental autonomy. He may also acquire unintended financial responsibility for your child.

If you are considering known donation it is strongly advisable to put in place a known donor agreement before conception.

Can I seek fertility treatment abroad?

You may be considering fertility treatment abroad. The HFEA does not regulate the practices of overseas fertility clinics. You should obtain expert legal advice in your destination country because the law may be different from law in the UK. There are a number of concerns as to treatment abroad in relation to medical health and legal impact such as immigration issues for any child.

Can I take time off work for IVF treatment?

There is no specific statutory right to time off work for fertility treatment which can often be time consuming and stressful. However, your employer should treat your medical appointments for IVF treatment like any other medical appointment. Similarly, if you are written off sick by your GP due to the side effects of IVF, your employer should treat your absence as no different to any other sick leave taken not in conjunction with IVF.

If you are at a medical appointment or off sick, you must make sure you follow your employer’s usual sick policy requirements. There are specific rules for surrogates in respect of employment rights. The Tees employment team can advise you fully on your legal employment rights whilst undergoing fertility treatment.

Storage of frozen embryos, egg and sperm

The Department for Health has extended the time limit for frozen embryo, egg and sperm storage for a period of 55 years as long as consent is gained every 10 years. This is to protect people who were finding the previous limit of 10 years was not sufficient.

Fertility organisations had been lobbying the government on this point of law for some time so this extension to the time limit is very welcome.

Other considerations

If you are going through a pregnancy involving a surrogate, there are different interpretations as well as concerns around whether the intended parents can be present for the birth. To combat past lockdown measures, the Family Court has put in place systems to facilitate hearings involving parental orders via telephone and video conferencing to enable matters to progress in spite of disruption due to Covid.

The importance of a well drafted Will

Whether undergoing fertility treatment or conceiving naturally, any prospective parent should think about having a Will drawn up. Your Will should appoint legal guardians for your child in the event of your death and appoint trustees to manage your finances on behalf of your child until your child is old enough to manage these assets. Given the complexities of who is deemed a legal parent, this can impact on who is considered a child under a Will. Therefore, tailored legal advice for your family is essential to protect them.

At Tees, our specialist Wills, Tax and Trusts team can help you prepare a carefully-worded Will to ensure that your child’s interests are fully considered.

Whatever your situation, our legal specialists are here to help guide you. We at Tees understand that undergoing fertility treatment can be an emotional time for you not to mention one that involves considerable cost. The approach of our fertility law specialists is highly empathetic having been involved in the fertility sector at many levels, whilst ensuring that you receive clear advice across the full range of family law issues that you might encounter on your journey to parenthood.

We offer a fixed fee service at competitive rates and can discuss funding options for court cases if an order of the Court is required.

The cost of hindsight: What retirees wish they’d known about their financial future

Posted on 18 July 202530 July 2025 by Sophie Soraf

As a financial adviser, I often sit down with clients who are already retired. Many are referred to us by friends or family who’ve had a better experience — one that included professional advice, clear planning, and a real strategy for later life. These conversations often highlight what retirees wish they’d known about their financial future — and what a difference it could have made.

All too often, what I hear from new clients is a variation of the same theme:

“I wish I’d known I could have retired earlier.”
“I wish I’d realised I couldn’t afford to retire when I did.”
“I wish someone had told me what I needed to save.”
“This isn’t the retirement I thought I was working toward.”

These aren’t just regrets. They’re missed opportunities. Opportunities that could have been addressed with the right guidance at the right time to better shape that retiree’s financial future.

Reactive vs. proactive: the real financial divide

Most of these people didn’t lack the means to make better decisions. What they lacked was insight. They took a reactive approach to retirement, often relying on outdated assumptions, guesswork, or vague hopes about “having enough.”

The truth is that financial security in retirement doesn’t come from luck, it comes from preparation.

Today, retiring in your mid-60s could mean living another 20–30 years without a salary. That’s the equivalent of another working life, but without a guaranteed income. So, the earlier you understand what that reality might look like for you, the more choices you’ll have.

So, ask yourself:

What will your finances look like the day after you stop working?
What challenges might come up if you’ve not planned ahead?
What will the implications be for your lifestyle, your family, and your peace of mind?
And perhaps most importantly: are you ready to act now?

Because if the answer to that final question is yes, there’s still time.

We’ve helped many clients retire earlier than expected, or with more confidence than they thought possible. But what makes the difference isn’t how much you’ve saved — it’s how soon you start looking at the full picture.

If you’d like to understand your retirement readiness — and get a clear, realistic view of your options — we’re here to help.

All financial services provided by Tees Wealth are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument. It is not intended as accounting, legal, tax, or investment advice.

Tees is a trading name of Tees Financial Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Registered number 211314, and registered in England and Wales (Company number 4342506).

A pattern of concern: Lessons from the GMC’s findings on Dr Olanrewaju Atiba at Lister Hospital

Posted on 18 July 202525 July 2025 by Sophie Soraf

In April 2025, the General Medical Council (GMC) imposed restrictions on the medical practice of Dr Olanrewaju Emmanuel Atiba, an obstetrician at the Lister Hospital in Stevenage. This followed a prolonged period of concern regarding his clinical decision-making and care of patients during childbirth.

The concerns were not isolated. According to the GMC, there was a discernible pattern over time. Deficiencies were noted particularly in Dr Atiba’s choice of intervention—specifically, the use of rotational forceps instead of opting for caesarean sections where appropriate. The GMC also raised concerns about poor record-keeping, inadequate consent procedures, and a failure to seek guidance in complex clinical situations.

Such concerns are not merely administrative or procedural, they strike at the heart of patient safety and trust in the healthcare system. When childbirth is already an emotionally and physically intense experience, the decisions made by clinicians can have life-altering consequences. The GMC’s decision to impose undertakings, rather than remove Dr Atiba from the register, was based on his willingness to engage with the process and accept shortcomings. Still, the impact on those who may have been affected remains.

The language of regulatory findings can often feel abstract, but for families living with the consequences of avoidable harm during childbirth, these reports carry deep, personal significance. They raise questions about how long patterns of questionable practice can persist before intervention occurs, and how systems of oversight both at hospital and national level, should function to protect patients before harm happens, not just respond afterwards.

Moreover, the concerns underline a broader issue in maternity care: the use of forceps and the protocols around consent and risk communication. It is a timely reminder of the need for consistent training, transparent communication, and accountability in obstetrics, a field where decisions are often made under intense pressure and with lifelong consequences.

For those treated by Dr Atiba, particularly where forceps were used and complications followed, this moment offers an opportunity for reflection, review, and potentially redress. But it also signals the need for systemic improvement. Ensuring that patterns of concern are identified early, families are heard when they raise concerns, and care is delivered in a way that prioritises safety, dignity, and informed choice.

While the GMC’s report has brought this clinician under scrutiny, it also serves as a wider call to strengthen the mechanisms that underpin trust in maternity services—so that no family is left wondering whether their experience was part of a preventable pattern.

The sanction details are publicly available on the GMC website.

How Tees can help

Our specialist medical negligence lawyers are already supporting families affected by this situation and forceps use during deliveries. We are ideally placed to assist mothers and babies who may have been affected. If Dr Atiba was involved in your labour, and you feel some of the issues raised by the GMC apply to you, we can help assess whether you have a valid claim for compensation and secure the compensation you deserve.

You may have a claim if:

You were treated by Dr Atiba and/or at the Lister Hospital
Your baby was delivered by rotational forceps
You or your child are now experiencing ongoing medical issues or distress following treatment

Childhood vaccinations and parental responsibility: What are your legal rights?

Posted on 17 July 202517 July 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Vaccinating children is a topic that continues to spark debate, especially among separated parents who may hold differing views. With childhood vaccination rates declining across the UK, questions about parental rights and responsibilities are becoming increasingly common. In this article, we examine the legal framework surrounding childhood vaccinations, the consequences of parental disagreement, and the approach courts have taken to these sensitive issues.

Are parents becoming more hesitant about childhood vaccinations?

Recent headlines reveal a growing trend: more parents are choosing not to vaccinate their children against common childhood illnesses such as measles. This has raised concerns among healthcare professionals, especially as vaccination rates continue to fall.

Who decides whether a child should be vaccinated?

For children aged 16 or 17, the decision to receive a vaccine is generally theirs to make. However, when it comes to children under the age of 16, the decision rests with those who have parental responsibility.

In legal terms, parental responsibility means having “all the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authority which by law a parent has in relation to their child and the child’s property.”

What happens when separated parents disagree about vaccinations?

Vaccination decisions can become particularly difficult when separated parents have conflicting views. Disagreements over the perceived risks and benefits of vaccines may result in legal disputes, and we anticipate that such disagreements will increasingly lead to court applications.

What do the courts say about vaccinations?

In several recent cases, the courts have reinforced the view that a child’s best interests must be the primary concern when deciding on vaccination.

Example: Religious objection overruled by the court

In one High Court case, a mother objected to her child being vaccinated due to her Muslim faith. The child was in the care of the local authority, and the court ruled in favour of vaccination. The judge concluded that there was no strong medical or welfare reason to prevent the child from receiving routine vaccines, stating:

“Given my conclusion that the welfare reasons the mother has put forward do not outweigh [the child’s] interests in receiving the vaccines, the fact of her objection, even on well-founded religious grounds and however strongly expressed, takes the matter no further.”

Example: Covid-19 vaccinations and NHS schedule

In the case of M v H and Others, the father applied for a Specific Issue Order under Section 8 of the Children Act 1989 to allow his children to be vaccinated according to the NHS vaccination schedule, including future vaccines such as those for travel or Covid-19. The court ruled in his favour, again citing the children’s best interests as the decisive factor.

Do I have to go to court if I disagree with my ex-partner about vaccinating our child?

Court proceedings should be a last resort. If you and your ex-partner cannot agree, consider alternative dispute resolution methods such as:

- Family counselling
- Mediation
- Collaborative law

These options are usually more cost-effective, less stressful, and more likely to result in a resolution that puts the child’s welfare first.

Need legal advice about childhood vaccinations or parental responsibility disputes?
Our experienced family law solicitors can help. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.

Shifting priorities in the patient safety landscape: Policy insights paper

Posted on 16 July 202521 July 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Dr Penny Dash’s comprehensive review of patient safety in healthcare has generated significant discussion among medical professionals. Released in July 2025, this key assessment examines the various organisations responsible for ensuring safety within the NHS, particularly as medical negligence cases continue to highlight systemic issues. This analysis explores the review’s main findings and recommendations for improving care quality.

The review evaluates six major organisations, including the Care Quality Commission (CQC), Health Services Safety Investigation Body (HSSIB), and the Patient Safety Commissioner, noting concerning overlaps in their roles. Despite investing over £160 million in safety initiatives over 10 years, improvements have been limited.

Current patient safety

The NHS safety framework has evolved in response to major care failures, typically leading to new oversight bodies after public inquiries. This has created a fragmented system with multiple organisations focusing on safety and quality.
The NHS handles about 3,000 safety investigations from 600 million patient interactions yearly. Research shows that matching top OECD countries’ standards could prevent 780 deaths annually from unsafe care. In 2022, preventable conditions caused 65% of roughly 82,000 avoidable deaths in England and Wales.

Key findings from the Dash Review

The review identified 10 critical issues within the current safety approach. Despite significant investment, improvements have been minimal, with life expectancy below pre-COVID levels and rising obesity rates.
Patient experience remains a key concern. Most NHS boards lack dedicated user experience directors, unlike other consumer-focused sectors. The complaints system is often confusing and slow to respond, hindering timely solutions for patients.

Key organisations like HSSIB, Patient Safety Commissioner, and CQC have expanded beyond their original roles, adding complexity to the system. The National Guardian’s Office often duplicates providers’ work, affecting whistleblowing efficiency.

While the NHS has extensive data, it’s not fully utilised for improvements. Social care lacks a national quality strategy, with gaps in outcome tracking and quality metrics.

Core recommendations for transformation

The review suggests nine key changes:

1. Revive the National Quality Board
2. Rebuild and refocus the CQC
3. Maintain HSSIB’s investigation excellence
4. Move Patient Safety Commissioner to Healthcare Regulatory Agency
5. Merge Local Healthwatch into ICBs
6. Streamline whistleblowing processes
7. Strengthen safety accountability
8. Use data and AI for safety insights
9. Create a social care quality strategy

Industry response to the Dash Review

The NHS Confederation’s Chief Executive Matthew Taylor welcomed the review’s focus on patient empowerment and local accountability, emphasising the importance of patient feedback channels.
While supporting efforts to reduce duplication, Taylor stressed the importance of maintaining oversight bodies’ core functions and ensuring proper support for local systems, particularly after Healthwatch closures.
David Hare from the Independent Healthcare Providers Network welcomed the recommendations, particularly highlighting the National Quality Board’s revival as a key driver for system-wide improvements.

Implications for Medical Negligence prevention

The Dash Review’s recommendations could significantly impact medical negligence prevention in the NHS. Streamlined oversight and clearer accountability could help identify safety issues earlier and implement solutions faster.
Better data use could help spot potential safety concerns before harm occurs. Improved complaint handling and provider accountability could prevent issues from escalating to negligence claims.
Patient engagement, known to reduce preventable harm, is strengthened through consolidated patient voice functions informing service design.

The Dash review outlines a transformation plan for NHS patient safety, addressing current system fragmentation. The government’s adoption of these recommendations within the 10-Year Health Plan marks a significant shift in safety approach.

Success will depend on effective implementation, measured through reduced preventable harm and improved patient outcomes.

Magic meets law: The employment and education framework behind The Harry Potter Mini School

Posted on 16 July 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

The wizarding world is returning, not just to our screens, but in a landmark move, to the classroom. Warner Bros.’ £1 billion redevelopment of Leavesden Studios for HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series includes more than just sets and special effects; it now houses a full educational campus, a “mini school” built to educate the child actors cast in leading roles.

While the initiative might seem whimsical at first glance, it brings to the forefront serious legal considerations for both employment and education professionals.

From an employment law perspective, this represents a textbook case of what it means to balance the commercial priorities of a high-pressure production schedule with the legal and ethical obligations owed to working children.

The employment spellbook

Child performers in the UK are protected by a robust statutory framework. The Children and Young Persons Act 1933 and associated regulations strictly limit the number of hours a child may work, mandate rest breaks, and crucially require that their education must not suffer. Local authority-issued child performance licences, chaperone supervision, and adherence to working time restrictions all form part of this framework.

Productions like this one must therefore operate within tight parameters. For the Leavesden mini school, this means providing a minimum of 15 hours of education per week during the production period, in a form approved by the local authority, and ensuring that tutors are suitably qualified and DBS-checked. But it’s not just about ticking boxes. There is also a positive obligation to safeguard the welfare of young workers and ensure that work does not adversely impact their development, health, or educational attainment.

The presence of a dedicated head teacher, subject tutors, and a timetabled curriculum signals serious compliance and a growing industry trend: treating child performers not simply as working assets but as dual-status individuals, children first, professionals second. In employment law terms, this shift reflects the evolving duties of employers in safeguarding and promoting equality, particularly under the Children Act 1989 and the Equality Act 2010. Employers must avoid any form of indirect discrimination, including through unreasonable scheduling or failure to accommodate learning needs.

More practically, the emergence of long-term, full-scale onsite schools may raise future questions around employment status, continuity of work, and even how such arrangements sit alongside existing employment protections, including those relating to rest breaks, notice periods, and pay, especially for children represented through agencies or working under fixed-term performance contracts.

So, while the idea of learning spell craft between takes may be enchanting, the real magic lies in structuring these opportunities lawfully, ethically, and sustainably.

These employment law considerations underpin an equally vital issue: how we ensure the educational rights of child performers are upheld in a non-traditional setting. As this production creates what is arguably the UK’s most visible alternative provision school, several questions arise in education law.

From statutory duty to school design: An education law perspective

Behind the magic of film and television, especially in large productions like the Harry Potter series, is a carefully balanced system ensuring young actors receive a proper education while working. In England, this balance is protected by law, with clear responsibilities placed on production companies, parents, schools, tutors, and local authorities.

The education of child actors is governed by the Children (Performances and Activities) (England) Regulations 2014, which aim to protect young performers’ rights to learning and development – whether they’re playing a student at Hogwarts or starring in a commercial.

Lessons beyond Hogwarts: Ensuring continued education

Though Harry Potter portrays a magical boarding school, the real life cast still must complete their actual schooling behind the scenes. Any child actor working during school time must be issued a Child Performance Licence, which includes detailed plans for their education.

If a child misses more than five days of school for a role, they must receive suitable, structured learning – often delivered by a private or on-set tutor. The goal is to ensure that, even amid spells and stunts, the child continues to learn maths, English, science, and other core subjects.

Production duties: Creating a classroom on Set

In major productions like the Harry Potter film series tutors were employed full time to teach the child case during filming. Generally, producers must hire a tutor if filming interferes with school time, provide a quiet and appropriate space for lessons – sometimes just off set, schedule at least 3 hours of education per working day, up to 5 hours maximum, and adhere to licence conditions and maintain records of attendance and progress. This can often mean rotating between filming and studying, with child actors taught in trailers or quiet rooms designed to feel like a regular classroom – minus the wands. The introduction of a full educational campus housing a mini school for the Harry Potter series is intended to meet these requirements.

Tutors: The real professors behind the magic

On-set tutors during large scale productions play a critical role in helping young actors maintain their academic standing. The law requires these tutors to be qualified teachers (holding QTS or equivalent), teaching in small groups (no more than six) and ensuring that the education provided matches the child’s age, needs, and school curriculum.

These tutors helped Emma Watson achieve top GCSEs and A-levels during the franchise – proof that academic success and acting aren’t mutually exclusive.

Parents and guardians: Keeping the balance

Parents or legal guardians have a duty to protect their child’s education and welfare, not just their career. These responsibilities include ensuring that if a child remains on roll at their former school, that the child’s absences are authorised and fully licensed, approving educational arrangements in the performance licence, and staying engaged with tutors and schools to track their progress.

Local authority oversight

Local Authorities can issue performance licences and are responsible for inspecting educational and welfare arrangements. They can review tutoring qualifications and lesson plans, visit the set or location to ensure compliance, and revoke licences if a child’s education is being compromised.

Real-world education in a magical setting

The creation of a mini school for the child actors of the Harry Potter series shows the world how large productions can balance artistry with responsibility. While young actors deliver magical performances on screen, a structured, legally compliant educational system will work behind the scenes to keep them grounded and growing.

Educating child actors in England requires thoughtful coordination and legal diligence. When done correctly, young performers can achieve both academic and professional success – proving the real magic happens when education and creativity work together.

Need advice on child performer compliance, employment law, or education provision for your production?
Our team of employment and education law specialists can help. Contact us to learn more.

Advantages and disadvantages of loan notes

Posted on 11 July 202518 July 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Loan notes are a common way for businesses to raise money. Companies use them to support growth, bridge funding gaps, or refinance existing debt. Loan notes bring in investment without giving up equity or control. But like any financial tool, they come with risks.

This guide explains the key advantages and disadvantages of loan notes. It will help you decide whether they suit your business goals.

Advantages of loan notes

Raise capital without losing control

Loan notes let businesses raise funds without diluting ownership. This is vital for owners who want to keep decision-making power.

Flexible terms

Loan notes can be tailored to suit both businesses and investors. You can set the interest rate, repayment schedule, and even allow for conversion into equity.

Attractive to investors

Investors often find loan notes appealing. They offer steady income and predictable returns. Secured loan notes, in particular, present lower-risk investment opportunities.

Simpler process

Loan notes involve less complex documentation than issuing equity. This makes them a faster and more straightforward way to raise funds.

Risks and drawbacks of loan notes

Loan notes also carry risks. Both businesses and investors must understand these before proceeding.

1. Credit risk: The risk of default

The biggest risk is that the business may default. If the company can’t repay the loan or meet interest payments, investors could lose money.

Unsecured loan notes are especially risky as they lack collateral. Even secured notes are not risk-free. In liquidation, asset sales may not cover the debt.

2. Interest rate risk: Fixed or variable uncertainty

Loan notes may offer fixed or variable rates. If market interest rates rise, fixed-rate notes can lose value. If the rates are too low, returns may be less attractive.

For variable-rate notes, rising rates can increase costs for the business, while falling rates can reduce returns for investors.

3. Liquidity risk: Difficulty selling early

Loan notes are not as liquid as public shares or bonds. Investors may struggle to sell before maturity, especially in private placements. This can tie up funds longer than expected.

4. Risks of conversion: Convertible loan notes

Convertible loan notes allow debt to be turned into equity. This feature has its own risks:

Valuation risk: If the company’s value is lower than expected, converted shares may be worth less.
Dilution risk: Conversion can reduce existing shareholders’ control.
Financial risk: If the debt isn’t converted, the company still needs to repay it.
Future impact: Generous terms for early investors may deter future investment.

5. Covenant risk: Restrictive conditions

Many loan notes include covenants—rules the business must follow. These may limit taking on more debt, require financial ratios to be maintained, or restrict dividends.

For companies, these can reduce flexibility. For investors, breaches can signal financial trouble.

Should you use loan notes?

Loan notes can be a powerful funding tool. They offer flexibility and control but come with risks that need careful management. Before using loan notes, businesses and investors should seek professional advice to ensure they align with financial goals.