Insights Archives

First time buyer: What you need to know before purchasing a home

Posted on 18 September 202426 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. Our Residential Conveyancing experts at Tees are here to provide you with practical advice and valuable insights to make your journey smoother.

Assess your financial position

Committing to a mortgage and home ownership is a significant step. Beyond your mortgage payments, consider additional costs like maintenance, insurance, council tax, and utilities. Use online mortgage calculators to estimate your expenses and create a sustainable long-term budget.

Understand your credit score

Your credit score plays a vital role in obtaining a mortgage offer at a competitive interest rate. You can check your credit score online for free. If your score needs improvement, consider steps like:

Paying bills on time
Reducing outstanding debt
Limiting the number of active credit cards

Save for a larger deposit

The bigger your deposit, the better your mortgage options will be. If you have a Help to Buy ISA or a Lifetime ISA, be mindful of their restrictions. Always check the terms and conditions before using these for your purchase.

Get a mortgage agreement in principle

Speak to a mortgage broker to understand how much you can borrow. They can advise on fixed-rate, tracker, or variable mortgages based on your financial circumstances. Factor in additional costs like:

Survey and mortgage application fees
Land Registry fees
Property searches
Stamp duty
Legal fees

At Tees, we can provide a transparent quote for legal services to help you budget accurately.

Choosing the right property type

Freehold

Full ownership of both the property and the land
Indefinite ownership period
Responsible for all maintenance and repairs

Leasehold

Ownership for a fixed term (typically 99 to 999 years)
After the lease expires, ownership returns to the landlord
Service charges and ground rent may apply
Properties with fewer than 80 years on the lease may be harder to mortgage

Shared ownership

Purchase a percentage of the property and pay rent on the remainder
Opportunity to buy more shares over time (staircasing)
Typically sold as leasehold

Finding the right property

Consider factors like proximity to schools, amenities, and transport links. Evaluate the property’s condition and budget for any necessary repairs or renovations.

Research local property prices: Use platforms like Rightmove and Zoopla to compare property prices.
Negotiate smartly: Make offers subject to survey results, and be prepared to renegotiate if issues arise.

Understanding the purchase process

Once you find a property, instruct a solicitor to ensure the legal title is clear and all necessary paperwork is in place. At Tees, our experienced solicitors conduct searches, investigate titles, and guide you through every step.

Your lender will conduct a valuation to confirm the property’s worth before issuing a formal mortgage offer. While not mandatory, we recommend a survey to uncover potential issues. Investing in a survey can save you money in the long run by identifying necessary repairs.

Why choose Tees?

At Tees, we specialise in helping first-time buyers navigate the complexities of purchasing a home. Our expert legal team provides clear, practical advice tailored to your needs, ensuring your experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Ready to take the next step? Contact Tees today for personalised legal support on your home-buying journey.

Key legal steps for parents: Relocating with children after divorce

Posted on 16 September 202422 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Amber Kennedy, an expert in parental legal rights, shares essential information for separated parents considering relocating with their child. Understanding the legal landscape is crucial to ensure a smooth transition and prevent future disputes.

What is relocation?

Relocation occurs when a separated or divorced parent wishes to move with their child to a different area, whether within the UK or abroad.

Common Reasons for Relocating with a Child After Divorce

Parents may seek to relocate for various reasons, including:

Job Opportunities: A parent receives a job offer or career advancement in another region or country.
Family Support: Moving closer to relatives for emotional and practical support post-separation.
New Relationships: Forming a new relationship with a partner who lives in another location.
Lifestyle Improvement: Belief that a new location offers a better quality of life for the child.

Understanding parental rights and legal considerations

How far can I move with my child?

There is no strict legal limit on how far a parent can move with their child. However, maintaining the child’s meaningful relationship with both parents is typically in their best interest. The further the relocation, the greater the potential impact on these relationships.

Moving abroad with your child

If no child arrangements order exists, you need written consent from all individuals with parental responsibility. Without consent, you must obtain court permission.

If a child arrangements order is in place:

Living with you: You cannot take your child abroad for more than 28 days without the consent of all individuals with parental responsibility or the court’s approval.
Spending time with you: Written consent or court approval is mandatory, regardless of whether the other parent has parental responsibility.

Failure to follow these procedures could lead to accusations of child abduction, resulting in legal action for the child’s return.

What if my ex-partner agrees to the relocation?

Consider obtaining a child arrangements order by consent. This order formalizes the agreement, reducing the risk of your ex-partner withdrawing consent unexpectedly.

What if my ex-partner refuses to agree?

You can apply to the court for permission to relocate. The court will assess whether the move is in your child’s best interests, evaluating factors like educational opportunities, emotional needs, and the impact on their relationship with the other parent.

Court Considerations in Relocation Cases

Key factors the court will assess include:

The child’s wishes (age-appropriate)
Emotional, physical, and educational needs
Impact of the relocation on family dynamics
Ability of each parent to meet the child’s needs
Potential harm from changes in circumstances

Costs and Timeframes for Relocation Applications

Legal Costs: Vary depending on whether the application is by consent or contested.
Time frame: Court applications may take 9 to 18 months or longer in complex cases.

How to approach relocation discussions with your ex-partner

Open communication is key. Mediation can be a helpful way to reach an agreement. Tees offers expert mediation services through qualified partners Helen Midgley and Clare Pilsworth.

Get Expert Legal Advice

Relocation cases are increasingly common. Seeking legal advice early can ensure you present a well-prepared case. Contact our specialist solicitors at 0800 0130 1165 for personalised guidance tailored to your circumstances.

Cyber stalking: How to combat the tech bullies

Posted on 10 September 202422 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Technology has enabled new ways for people to harass ex-partners by tracking their movements and spying on their digital platforms. Solicitor Harry Calder explains how you can protect yourself from cyber stalking.

A report on Violence Against Women and Girls found that 36% of women in the UK have experienced online abuse on social media or other platforms. Of these women and girls, one in six also experience tech abuse from a partner or ex-partner.

This form of harassment, known as cyber stalking, has been made easier through the widespread use of location services on smartphones and the availability of spyware. It causes distress and sometimes fear of violence and is difficult to ignore, given the extensive role that smartphones and other technology have in our lives. It can also lead to unwanted physical contact.

How can I protect myself from cyber-stalking?

Digital break up

When you part company with your partner, it’s important to break any digital links you may have, such as shared passwords or PINs, or accounts on services such as Spotify or Netflix.

If you don’t cut these ties, you’re potentially leaving yourself open to an ex-partner using that digital access to spy on you, or intimidate you in other ways.

Turn off location services

Location services on our smartphones allow our precise locations to be shared with others, for example via social media apps and ‘find my phone’ services. Sometimes you might not even realise these are activated, enabling someone to track your whereabouts without your knowledge. Review the location settings of every app on your phone. You can turn off location services completely when you don’t need them. Bear in mind that emergency services can still determine your location when location services are turned off.

Change your passwords

New passwords should be set up for your all your digital accounts, whether it be social media, email or your bank. Passwords should be strong and unique to avoid an ex-partner being able to guess them. Using the same password for several accounts should be avoided. It’s also recommended to set up two-factor authentication on your accounts. This means that a code is sent to your phone after you enter your password to complete the login process. It’s also possible to check whether your password has been compromised in a data breach. This information can often be found in your phone’s security settings.

Update cloud account settings

Many couples or families share cloud accounts which link connected devices together and allow for information to be shared between them. For example, a family member may be able to see where your phone is if it’s lost, using ‘find my phone’ services. On the breakdown of a relationship, you may forget entirely that your devices are linked in this way and your ex-partner may be able to track your movements without you being aware.

If you no longer wish to have your device connected to your ex-partner’s in this way, you can update your cloud settings, or create a new cloud account.

Changing device settings which your ex-partner may have set up

Many partners buy smartphones for their partners or children and change the settings to enable them to track the device’s location. On the breakdown of a relationship these settings may still be in place and an ex-partner can track your device, or that of your children, without you being aware. Be cautious of gifts made to children after the relationship breakdown, such as phones, iPods/iPads, smart watches or other devices. The settings of these devices could be set up to share their location, allowing the ex-partner to stalk not only your children’s movements but also yours indirectly.

Social media activity and stalking

On social media, posts or photos uploaded by you, friends or family, can reveal your location to an ex-partner. Many social media accounts are open to the public and can be followed by ex-partners disguising themselves with fake names. Review your friends or followers lists and remove any accounts which you don’t recognise or are suspicious of. Alternatively, you can change your social media account’s privacy settings, so that only people you approve can view your account activity.

Tracking devices used by stalkers

Tracking devices, normally used to avoid losing items, have increasingly been used to track ex-partners. Devices such as the Apple AirTag, which is about the size of a 10 pence piece and cheap to buy, will send precise location information to the user. If you’re concerned that you might be being tracked, the first step to search places where a tracker could be hidden. Common places include: inside bags, pockets, vehicles. However, as these are small devices, they can often be well hidden. There are apps available that can scan for nearby trackers and identify an unknown device nearby using Bluetooth.

Spyware

Your digital activity can also be monitored through spyware. Software is available that would allow an ex-partner to read your texts, look at your photos and even access the camera of your smart phone. They may even be able to view you changing your password to prevent them accessing your accounts.

You can sometimes remove spyware from your device by deleting any suspicious apps that you did not download or do not use. The most comprehensive way to remove any spyware would be to perform a factory reset of your device, which wipes all the saved information from it, returning it to its condition when first bought. Before you do this, save your photos and other data to a different device. There are companies who can remove spyware from electronic devices, but that comes at a cost. You can consider simply buying a new device.

If you’re concerned about covert recording devices in your home, there are companies who can conduct a ‘sweep’. If spyware is found you should seek professional advice immediately from a solicitor or the police.

Cyberstalking – how to get help

Cyberstalking is a criminal offence under The Protection from Harassment Act 1997. If you’re worried about cyberstalking from an ex-partner or anybody else, you should reach out for help at the earliest opportunity. A family solicitor can give you legal advice and support and point you in the direction of other support agencies. You can also call the police. Here are some suggestions for organisations that are there to help:

What next for equal pay?

Posted on 6 September 202422 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Landmark legal victory for next employees in equal pay case

Following a six-year legal battle, over 3,500 current and former Next employees have secured a major win in their Employment Tribunal complaints for equal pay. The ruling may result in Next paying up to £30 million in back pay. Despite the retailer’s intention to appeal, the decision could have wide-reaching consequences for other UK employers.

The wider impact on major retailers

This legal victory marks the first of its kind against a national UK retailer. Other major supermarkets, including J Sainsbury’s Plc, Tesco Plc, W Morrison Supermarkets Ltd, Asda Group Ltd, and Co-operative Group Ltd, face similar claims from 112,000 workers. If these claims succeed, the financial ramifications could amount to billions of pounds.

The basis of the claim: Pay disparity between shop and warehouse staff

The central issue in this case was the pay gap between predominantly male warehouse staff and mostly female shop staff. Next argued that wider market forces justified the disparity, maintaining that warehouse operators earned higher salaries due to industry standards. However, the Tribunal rejected this defense, stating that cost-saving measures did not justify the discriminatory effect.

Equal pay and the concept of equal value

A critical element in the case was the determination of whether shop and warehouse staff performed work of equal value. The Tribunal concluded that retail staff work was of comparable value to that of warehouse employees, leading to the decision that Next was required to provide equal pay.

Key factors in establishing equal value

Gender disparity: 77.5% of retail consultants were female, compared to 52% of warehouse employees being male.
Independent assessment: Equal value is determined through independent expert analysis, comparing the responsibilities, effort, and skill of both roles.
Tribunal’s role: Even minor differences in tasks can be disregarded if they are deemed insignificant in the overall comparison.

Lessons for employers: Mitigating equal pay risks

This ruling serves as a stark reminder for employers to assess their pay structures. Companies should ensure that roles of equal value receive equal pay, preventing the risk of costly litigation.

Practical steps for employers

Conduct regular pay audits: Review and compare salaries across different roles to identify disparities.
Ensure transparency: Maintain clear documentation on how pay decisions are made, using objective criteria.
Provide justifiable explanations: Base pay differences on legitimate factors such as experience, qualifications, and market rates.
Promote equal opportunities: Encourage career development for all employees, removing barriers to advancement.
Seek legal guidance: Consult legal professionals to ensure compliance with equal pay regulations.

The ongoing battle for Next employees

While the ruling is a significant milestone, the journey is far from over. With Next pursuing an appeal, employees face further delays and legal complexities. The case underscores the challenges of achieving equal pay justice and the importance of robust legal support.

Employers should view this ruling as a wake-up call to proactively address pay equality. Taking preventative measures now can mitigate legal exposure and foster a fairer, more equitable workplace.

For tailored legal advice on equal pay compliance, contact our team of experts today.

Navigating surrogacy: Current laws, challenges, and future reforms

Posted on 2 September 202422 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

What are the current laws governing surrogacy in the UK?

In the UK, surrogacy is primarily governed by the Surrogacy Arrangements Act 1985 and certain provisions within the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008. Under these laws, the surrogate mother is legally considered the child’s parent at birth. Legal parenthood can then be transferred through a Parental Order or Adoption after the child’s birth, typically taking anywhere from six months to a year. This process may take longer if the Court’s schedule is full.

To apply for a Parental Order, you or your partner must be genetically related to the child, the child must live with you, and you must permanently reside in the UK, Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man. If there is a dispute over who should be the child’s legal parents, the court will decide based on the best interests of the child. While surrogacy agreements can be made between the intended parents and the surrogate prior to birth, they are not legally enforceable in the UK, even if the intended parents and surrogate have signed an agreement and the intended parents have covered the surrogate’s expenses. It is also illegal for solicitors to advise on such agreements.

What Problems Does the Current Surrogacy Law Cause?

The current surrogacy laws in the UK are outdated. Most of these laws were established over 30 years ago, and have not kept up with changes in society and advancements in fertility treatments. These outdated laws do not fully support the diverse family structures that exist today, including same-sex couples, single parents, and blended families.

One of the main issues with the current system is the lengthy process to establish legal parenthood after the child is born. Since the surrogate mother is considered the legal parent, intended parents must wait until a Parental Order is granted, which can take months to a year. During this waiting period, intended parents have limited legal rights over the child, and in some cases, a surrogate could even decide to keep the child. This creates vulnerability for both the intended parents and surrogates and raises concerns about the best interests of the child.

What Does the New Surrogacy Bill Propose?

The Law Commission of England and Wales, in collaboration with the Scottish Law Commission, has proposed a new framework to modernize surrogacy laws. This proposal aims to better protect children, surrogates, and intended parents. Key features of the proposed reforms include:

Immediate parental rights for intended parents from the moment of birth, eliminating the need to wait for a Parental Order.
Introduction of safeguards and screening processes, including criminal and medical background checks, and independent legal advice and counseling.
Regulation of surrogacy arrangements by Regulated Surrogacy Organisations (RSOs), which would be monitored by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).
Reform of parental orders to allow courts to make decisions even if the surrogate does not consent, provided it is in the child’s best interest.
Enhanced rights for children born via surrogacy, better employment rights for intended parents, and more comprehensive guidance on nationality and immigration matters.

These reforms aim to ensure legal, physical, and emotional protection for all parties involved, bringing surrogacy laws in line with other areas of family law.

What Are the Prospects for Government Action on Surrogacy Law Reforms?

The final report and draft legislation were published on 29 March 2023. The Government is currently reviewing the report’s recommendations, but no formal action has been taken yet. Due to limited parliamentary time, changes are unlikely to be implemented immediately. However, surrogacy law reform is likely to become a priority for the new government in the future.

By modernizing surrogacy laws, the UK could create a more inclusive, supportive, and legally sound framework for all parties involved in surrogacy arrangements.

Bank of England cuts interest rate for first time in four years

Posted on 2 September 202425 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

The Bank of England has reduced Bank Rate for the first time in more than four years.

The rate is now 5%, having been held at 5.25% since August 2023, after 14 consecutive increases. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) marginally voted in favour of reducing Bank Rate, by 5 votes to 4. Many major mortgage lenders had already reduced their rates in anticipation of the cut and more are expected to follow suit. Despite this, the reduction is not expected to make a significant difference to mortgage affordability overall, however it is hoped to be the first of more cuts which should alleviate some of the financial pressures on homebuyers.

Matt Smith, Rightmove’s mortgage expert, commented, “While those looking to take out a mortgage soon shouldn’t expect to see drastically lower mortgage rates, we would expect the downward trend we’ve started to see continue.”

Renters’ Rights Bill – what’s in it

The government has released notes on what to expect in the Renters’ Rights Bill, which is due to introduced in the autumn.

As promised in Labour’s manifesto, the Bill will include the end of ‘no fault’ evictions but will have clear possession grounds for landlords needing to reclaim their properties. Renters will also have improved rights enabling them to challenge rent increases. Plus, the government plans to end ‘bidding wars’ on rental properties, although property experts Rightmove commented that this may be difficult as there are currently 15 prospective tenants for every rented property.

Tenants will gain the right to request a pet, which the landlord must consider and cannot unreasonably refuse, however they can request appropriate insurance is purchased to cover any accidental damage. A Decent Homes Standard is also expected to be applied to the Private Rented Sector to improve the quality of rental properties.

The UK’s fastest selling homes

Research by Zoopla has revealed the homes that sell the fastest in the UK.

In England and Wales, almost half (49%) of homes find a buyer within 30 days of going on the market. This figure increases to 75% in Scotland where properties are valued and surveyed upfront, thus speeding up the homebuying process.

In Q2 of this year, the fastest-selling property type on Zoopla was two-bed terraced houses, which took an average of 27 days to sell. It then usually takes another four months for the transaction to be completed. These properties appeal to a range of buyers, from first-time buyers to empty-nesters looking to downsize. Notably, there is also more competition for this kind of home due to limited supply, as they made up only 7% of new properties listed in the last three months.

Interestingly, the slowest-selling properties are detached homes with at least four bedrooms, taking an average of 40 days before a sale is agreed. This is probably due to associated higher mortgage costs combined with a spike in supply of larger homes.

All details are correct at the time of writing (19 August 2024)

It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this document is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice and the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. It does not provide individual tailored investment advice and is for guidance only. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK. We cannot assume legal liability for any errors or omissions it might contain. Levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation are those currently applying or proposed and are subject to change; their value depends on the individual circumstances of the investor. No part of this document may be reproduced in any manner without prior permission.

All details are correct at the time of writing (19 August 2024)

Divorce and your business: Steps to protect your assets

Posted on 12 August 202422 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Getting divorced is almost always a stressful experience. – Relationships end, arguments ensue, assets get divided up, and there can be the welfare of children to think about. Now add to that the thought that your livelihood is threatened too. This is the situation business owners can face when they consider divorce.

Will their ex-partner get half the business? Will the business have to be sold? What if you both work in the business? Will we all lose our livelihoods? What will be left as an inheritance for my children?

These are the kind of stressful questions we are here to answer – and help resolve for you.

Caroline Andrews, Senior Associate in the Tees Family law team, considers the challenges and sets out what can be done. As a business owner planning to divorce, you have options. It’s vital that you get specialist legal advice to make sure you choose the right route to go down.

How are assets divided in divorce?

In a divorce, the first challenge is establishing each party’s needs and how they can be met. Consideration is also given to the principle of sharing and dividing assets in an objectively fair way—but that does not necessarily mean equal.

The courts have a very wide discretion to reallocate assets within a marriage. If one of you owns a business, that business’s assets (or liabilities) will be considered when assessing the ‘pot’ that will be distributed between you.

The Impact of Divorce on Different Business Structures

The impact of divorce on a business can vary depending on its structure.

Limited companies vs. sole traders: If you are a sole trader, your business assets and liabilities are considered personal assets and may be subject to division during a divorce. This means that your spouse could potentially claim a share of your business. On the other hand, limited companies are separate legal entities, and your spouse is less likely to have a claim on the business itself. However, they may still be entitled to a share of any dividends or salary you receive from the company. So, is a limited company protected from divorce? The answer can be complex and depends on various factors. Tees specialist solicitors understand the complexities of business structures and can help protect your interests during a divorce.

Partnerships and family-owned businesses: Divorce can have significant implications for partnerships and family-owned businesses. In a partnership, your spouse may become entitled to a share of the business unless a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement specifically addresses the business. Family-owned businesses can also face challenges, as the division of assets may require valuing the business and negotiating how to divide its value.

In general, the court will try not to order the sale of a business if one of the parties is against this. Instead, the outcome is more likely to be that the business is retained by offsetting against other resources or there is a series of ongoing payments funded by the business profits. This arrangement tends to work well when one person is only interested in the business for the money it generates, not for the business itself. This has the benefit of keeping the business going for the future.

Call our specialist solicitors on 0808 231 1320

Divorce and business valuation

Valuing the business is often the first step which gives vital clarity. A valuation can also report on business debts and liabilities, as well as cash flow and liquidity. Take care to consult a legal team that has access to business legal expertise, as well as family law expertise.

It will of course help if you have kept accurate financial records and have avoided mixing business and family funds together, to understand the valuation of the business and how it operates. There are occasions of course where business and family funds are mixed – which potentially makes the task harder, but not impossible.

It’s important you don’t attempt to move money out of the business if you think you might be headed for divorce. The courts require full financial disclosure as they strive towards a fair resolution and if you’re caught having done this, it will not do you any good in the eyes of the court.

The valuation process should identify:

the business structure – a partnership, limited liability partnership or company, or are you a sole trader?
whether it’s possible to take funds out of the business without damaging its future prospects
information about the shareholdings arrangements: who has shares, to what value and what are the relative percentage shares that people own, and are they family members?
the tax liabilities – both for individuals and the tax that the business itself owes
Is there a parent company, with additional companies with value (or debts and liabilities) to consider?

The history of the business

It’s important to gather evidence to establish how and when the business began and who has contributed what to its development. This is because the respective roles of both parties in the development of the business over time will impact the negotiations when it comes to deciding who gets what.

When did it start trading? Has it been in the wider family for many years? Or was it built up by one or both of you during the marriage, or started by one of you before you married?

The people running the business

You need to establish the facts around the running of the business. This is also important if you don’t plan to sell the business, but it will provide income going forwards to the person who doesn’t keep the business. You need to clarify:

who is pivotal to the running of the business? Who are the other key players?
are any of them family members?
does the business employ your partner? This can be tempting for tax reasons, but it could allow them to claim a bigger share, claiming they have contributed more than they may have actually done
are there adult children involved in the business?
does anyone in the family live on the business premises?
is the business run from the family home?

The vision for the business

If the business has significant value and the plan is not to sell it, the two parties to the divorce may need to discuss whether there are sufficient other assets in the marriage (such as property or investments) to ‘offset’ the value of the business by giving one party more non-business assets to allow the other party to continue the business.

It might be intended that the business is sold at some point in the future, for example at the point of retirement, in which case a balance in a settlement could be finalised at a future date.

Succession planning

If you put in place clear plans for your children to inherit the business and be involved in its running, this can help sway the court that selling it to release funds, is not in the adult children’s interests.

Farming businesses

When the business is a farming business, things can be even more intertwined because the family home is often standing on the land and farming is an all-encompassing way of life. At Tees, our heritage and culture has been rooted in the local farming community in the East of England for well over one hundred years. Find out how we can help you protect your farming business from divorce.

Is going to court inevitable?

No. Going to court is the last resort and should be avoided where possible by engaging in non-court dispute resolution wherever possible. The courts are placing more and more emphasis on non-court dispute resolution as a means of solving disputes because of the significant delays and expense that come with court proceedings.

You should therefore first consider mediation, collaboration and arbitration as alternatives to court proceedings, to try and get matters resolved as efficiently, cost-effectively and amicably as possible.

Protect your business in advance

By taking professional advice and taking time to plan, you can put in place measures to create a structured settlement to protect the business. If you are thinking ahead you should consider a prenuptial agreement (or post-nuptial agreement if already married) as this is another effective legal device for protecting assets, such as businesses, for the long-term

Tees advises on sale of GTES Holdings to STS Aviation Group

Posted on 6 August 202429 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Tees has advised long-standing client Greg Macleod on the sale of GTES Holdings Limited to STS Aviation Services, part of the STS Aviation Group.

GTES Holdings Limited is the holding company of GT Engine Services Limited (GTES), a jet engine care business based at Stansted Airport. GTES offers a wealth of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services and is one of the world’s leading aircraft repair and engine maintenance companies. GTES works with some of the biggest names in global aviation and seeks to provide engine management services in accordance with current Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) quality standards.

STS Aviation Services (STS), part of the STS Aviation Group, provides aircraft MRO services globally. STS is now the largest independent MRO in the United Kingdom and has an expanding footprint in Europe. The acquisition of GTES by STS builds on its strategy of being a single point solution for MRO services and further promotes STS’ growth ambitions.

Greg Macleod, former CEO of GTES, said: “The team at Tees worked tirelessly to put this deal together, offering valuable advice and support, their communication was top class even when we were faced with dealing with parties across several time-zones. I am delighted with the result and would thoroughly recommend their services.”

Corporate Partners Lucy Folley and Baljeet Kaur led the transaction on behalf of Tees, overseeing a diverse team of experts who provided comprehensive support. The team included professionals from Tees commercial property team, led by Partner Daniel Fairs, who advised on the real estate elements for the various units occupied at Stansted Airport.

Lucy Folley said: “Working alongside Greg for many years, we have seen GT Engine Services achieve considerable growth. When Greg decided it was the right time to realise the value of his many years’ hard work and sell his shares in GT Engine Services, we were delighted to assist him. It was a pleasure to guide Greg through the legal process involved and we wish him and the STS team every success in the future.”

Mr Macleod will remain a key member of the senior leadership team at GTES in the role of Managing Director, Engine Services.

Tees worked closely with Rob Dukelow-Smith and Amie Goodlad of Forward Corporate Finance, who advised on the tax and financial components and assisted in constructing the deal. Peters Elworthy & Moore (PEM) advised on the tax and accounting aspects

Unexpected economic boost: UK growth outpaces forecasts

Posted on 6 August 202428 March 2025 by Sophie Soraf

Economic Review July 2024

Figures released last month by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the UK economy grew faster in May than had been predicted, while survey evidence points to a more recent post-election pick-up in business activity.

The latest gross domestic product (GDP) statistics revealed that economic output rose by 0.4% in May, twice the level forecast in a Reuters poll of economists. May’s figure also represented a strong rebound from the zero-growth rate recorded in April, with a broad-based increase in output as the services, manufacturing, and construction sectors all posted positive rates of growth.

ONS also noted that growth was relatively strong in the three months to May, with GDP rising by 0.9% in comparison to the previous three-month period. This represents the UK economy’s fastest growth rate for more than two years.

Evidence from a closely watched economic survey also suggests private sector output picked up last month following a lull in the run-up to July’s General Election. The preliminary headline growth indicator from the latest S&P Global/CIPS UK Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) stood at 52.7 in July, slightly ahead of analysts’ expectations and up from a six-month low of 52.3 in June. Manufacturing output was particularly strong, with this sector expanding at its fastest rate in almost two and a half years.

Commenting on the findings, S&P Global Market Intelligence’s Chief Business Economist Chris Williamson said, “The flash PMI survey data for July signal an encouraging start to the second half of the year, with output, order books and employment all growing at faster rates amid rebounding business confidence. The first post-election business survey paints a welcoming picture for the new government, with companies operating across manufacturing and services having gained optimism about the future and reporting a renewed surge in demand.”

Fresh signs of cooling jobs market

Last month’s release of labour market statistics revealed further signs of a softening in the UK jobs market with pay growth easing and another drop in the overall number of vacancies.

Recently released ONS figures showed that average weekly earnings, excluding bonuses, rose at an annual rate of 5.7% in the three months to May. Although this was in line with analysts’ expectations, it did represent a modest decline from the 6.0% recorded during the previous three-month period and was the slowest reported rate of pay growth since the summer of 2022.

ONS said the latest release suggested pay growth is now showing ‘signs of slowing again’ although it also pointed out that, in real terms, wage growth still stands at a two-and-a-half-year high. Indeed, after adjusting for inflation using the Consumer Prices Index including owner occupiers’ housing costs, regular pay rose by 2.5% in the three months to May.

The data also revealed a further fall in the number of job vacancies, with 30,000 fewer reported in the April–June period compared to the previous three months. While at 889,000, the total is still significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels, this latest fall was the 24th successive monthly decline in the overall level of vacancies.

ONS highlighted other signs of ‘cooling’ in the labour market as well, with growth in the number of employees on the payroll said to be ‘weakening over the medium term.’ Additionally, while the latest release did show the unemployment rate unchanged at 4.4%, ONS noted that the rate has been ‘gradually increasing.’

The statistics agency also provided an update on its plans to improve reliability of the labour market data. A switch to a new version of its Labour Force Survey, which had been due to take place in September, has now been delayed until next year.

Markets (Data compiled by TOMD)

On the last day of July, US equities were supported as investors contemplated the latest move from the Federal Reserve to retain rates, with indicators from Fed Chair Jerome Powell that a September cut “could be on the table.”

The tech-oriented NASDAQ responded positively after a challenging few days as initial earnings from some tech mega caps disappointed. The NASDAQ closed July down 0.75% on 17,599.40, while the Dow Jones closed the month up 4.41% on 40,842.79.

The UK’s blue-chip FTSE 100 had a boost on 31 July, with a series of strong headline earnings supporting, while traders await the Bank of England’s next interest rate decision. The index closed the month on 8,367.98, a gain of 2.50% during July, while the FTSE 250 closed the month 6.48% higher on 21,600.71. The FTSE AIM closed on 787.02, a gain of 2.96% in the month. The Euro Stoxx 50 closed July on 4,872.94, down 0.43%. The Japanese Nikkei 225 closed the month on 39,101.82, a monthly loss of 1.22%.

On the foreign exchanges, the euro closed the month at €1.18 against sterling. The US dollar closed at $1.28 against sterling and at $1.08 against the euro.

Brent crude closed July trading at $80.91 a barrel, a loss over the month of 4.56%. With Middle East conflicts escalating, crude prices were impacted as markets closely watch geopolitical developments. Gold closed the month trading at $2,426.30 a troy ounce, a monthly gain of 4.09%.

Index	Value (31/07/24)	Movement since 28/06/24
FTSE 100	8,367.98	+2.50%
FTSE 250	21,600.71	+6.48%
FTSE AIM	787.02	+2.96%
Euro Stoxx 50	4,872.94	-0.43%
NASDAQ Composite	17,599.40	-0.75%
Dow Jones	40,842.79	+4.41%
Nikkei 225	39,101.82	-1.22%

Headline inflation rate holds steady

Consumer price statistics published last month by ONS showed that the UK headline rate of inflation was unchanged in June defying analysts’ expectations of a slight fall.

According to the latest inflation figures, the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) 12-month rate – which compares prices in the current month with the same period a year earlier – remained at 2.0% in June. This was marginally above the 1.9% consensus forecast taken from a Reuters poll of economists.

The largest downward pressure on June’s CPI rate came from the clothing and footwear sector, which ONS said was due to a higher level of discounting in this year’s summer sales compared to 2023. Hotel prices, however, rose by a significantly greater extent this June than last year, while a comparatively smaller fall in the costs of second-hand cars also put upward pressure on the headline rate.

Just prior to release of June’s data, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that the UK was among a number of countries witnessing some ‘persistence’ in inflation, particularly in relation to services inflation. The IMF added that this was ‘complicating monetary policy normalisation’ with the ‘upside risks to inflation’ raising the prospects of interest rates staying ‘higher for even longer.’

Cooler weather hits retail sector

The latest official retail sales statistics revealed declining sales volumes after unseasonably cool weather deterred shoppers. At the same time, more recent survey data suggests the retail environment remains challenging.

ONS figures released last month showed that total retail sales volumes fell by 1.2% in June, following strong growth during May. ONS said June saw a decline across most sectors, particularly those sensitive to weather changes such as department stores and clothes shops. Retailers blamed poor weather and low footfall, as well as election uncertainty, for dampening sales.

Evidence from the latest CBI Distributive Trades Survey shows trading conditions have remained difficult, with its headline measure of sales volumes in the year to July dropping to -43% from -24% the previous month. The CBI described July as a ‘disappointing’ month for retailers, blaming a combination of ‘unfavourable weather conditions’ and ‘ongoing market uncertainty.’

The survey also found that the retail sector expects the weak outlook to continue this month, although August’s fall in sales volumes is forecast to be slower (-32%). The CBI also noted some glimmers of optimism, with several retailers expressing hopes for ‘an improvement in market conditions post-general election.’

All details are correct at the time of writing (1 August 2024)

It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this document is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice, and the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. It does not provide individually tailored investment advice and is for guidance only. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK. We cannot assume legal liability for any errors or omissions it might contain. Levels and bases of relief from taxation are currently applied or proposed and are subject to change; their value depends on the investor’s individual circumstances. No part of this document may be reproduced without prior permission.

This material is intended for information purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument. Tees is a trading name of Tees Financial Limited, which is regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered number 211314.

Tees Financial Limited is registered in England and Wales. Registered number 4342506.

Grandparents’ rights to see grandchildren

Posted on 1 August 202422 March 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

One of the common misconceptions surrounding family law is that grandparents have an inherent or automatic right to see or spend time with their grandchildren – in other words, have grandparents’ rights. There is nothing enshrined in law to grant grandparents automatic rights based on their biological connection alone. However, the happy fact is that a court would rarely deny grandparents access to their grandchildren unless there is a specific reason to do so.

Here, we outline the different legal avenues open to grandparents to get access to their grandchildren:

Child Arrangements Order to spend time with your grandchildren

If, for any reason, a person with parental responsibility were to object to or try to prevent you from seeing your grandchild, and you cannot reach an agreement with them, you will need to apply to the court for a court order.

Because there is no automatic legal right to contact grandparents, the Child Arrangements Order would be the document that enshrines your legal rights and responsibilities as a grandparent. The court application is a two-step process:

apply for permission to apply for a Child Arrangements Order
apply for a Child Arrangements Order.

What is a Child Arrangements Order?

A Child Arrangements Order (CAO) is an order regulating arrangements relating to either of the following:

with whom a child is to live, spend time or otherwise have contact, and
when a child is to live, spend time or otherwise have contact with any person.

Getting permission to apply for a Child Arrangements Order

The court will consider a number of factors before granting you permission to apply for a CAO, as follows:

your history of contact with your grandchild
what you are seeking by way of contact – times, locations, etc and
whether what you are seeking would be beneficial for your grandchild.

Applying for a Child Arrangements Order

The court recognises the value and importance of a child spending time with their grandparents. The court has to balance this with the wishes of the children and the wishes of the parents (which are not necessarily the same), and each case has its own unique facts. These situations can be fraught with difficulty and should be carefully navigated. A skilled family lawyer may be able to guide you to mediation services to help prevent hostilities from escalating and the involvement of the courts.

The court has several principles that it considers before making a CAO. However, the paramount consideration is always the welfare of the child. For example, the court will consider:

the existing arrangements that you have in place and that the parents have in place
whether the arrangements you seek would take away time from the parents in such a way that it would not be in the child’s best interests.

What is the ‘no order’ principle?

Another key principle is the ‘no order’ principle, whereby the court will not make an order if they do not think the order would further the welfare of that child.

An example of where a CAO might not be given (or perhaps not in the terms requested) would be where there was a history or allegations of domestic abuse surrounding the grandparent. If there were allegations of this nature, the court would determine on a balance of probabilities whether these allegations were true at a fact-finding hearing and then consider whether they should make a CAO and on what terms. Even in such circumstances, the court may still determine that the children can spend time with their grandparents, but only in such a way as to protect that child’s welfare (perhaps through contact taking place remotely or being supervised).

It would only be in extreme circumstances where the court would determine that no contact should be allowed with a grandparent.

What if a parent objects to a grandparent seeing their grandchild?

If a parent objects, they may raise their reasons with the court. The court will then consider what information they require to decide on the best arrangements for the child.

What if I have a Child Arrangements Order in place, but the parents are preventing me from seeing my grandchildren?

This is an upsetting and frustrating situation that, unfortunately, many people find themselves in. The court will consider why this has happened and what can be done to facilitate the arrangements without difficulty in the future.

The court has in place several mechanisms which it can apply to the parent to enforce your CAO, including:

parenting courses
compensation to be paid (e.g. you had travel tickets that were not used because contact was prevented)
compulsory unpaid work (otherwise known as community service)
a fine
imprisonment – this is an extreme enforcement mechanism, and one the court is unlikely to use, as it would result in depriving the children of their parents. However, if they continue to breach a CAO (which by its nature is in place because it supports the wellbeing of that child), then they risk harming their children’s welfare. Therefore, repeated breaches without reasonable excuse might sometimes result in imprisonment.

In the first instance, the court will look at trying to resolve the issues rather than move to enforcement.

Special guardianship order

This is usually intended for situations when the children cannot live with their birth parents and require secure accommodation. Often the court will look to blood relatives in such a situation and this includes grandparents. A Special Guardianship Order confers parental responsibility for the child subject to the application to the applicant, for example to the grandparent.

The SGO, therefore, allows the special guardian to make day-to-day arrangements for the child and decisions about the child’s upbringing, such as schooling.

To apply for a Special Guardianship Order, as a grandparent, you need to have one of the following:

have in place a CAO
have lived with the child for 3 out of the last 5 years, or because you are a relative of the child, have had the child live with you for the year immediately before application
have consent of the local authority (if the child is in care)
have consent of those with parental responsibility (usually the birth parents but also anyone else with a CAO)
have permission of the court.

Unlike adoption (see below), a Special Guardianship Order does not cut the legal tie of automatic parental responsibility between a child and their birth parents. However, the parental responsibility of the special guardian can be exercised to the exclusion of others with parental responsibility, effectively overriding the parental responsibility of the birth parents. However, there are limits to an SGO which are:

you cannot change the child’s surname or
remove them from the jurisdiction (of England and Wales) for three months or more without the consent of all those with parental responsibility.

Adoption of grandchildren by grandparents

Adoption is a draconian but sometimes necessary measure that will completely sever the legal link between a child and their parents. If the child is not in care and both of their parents are alive, an adoption order will rarely be appropriate. However, it can happen, and an example of where adoption by a grandparent might be appropriate would be where a single mother decides that she does not want to raise her child.

Parents can consent to their child being adopted or generally placed for adoption. The child will need to be six weeks old or older for parents to give such consent. If a child is placed into adoption, the courts will prefer adoption by a blood relative over a stranger.

However, every situation is different, and the starting point is taking specialist legal advice. At Tees, we are here to help you navigate your options and decide which avenue is right for you.