Rural business solicitors

Running a rural business involves unique legal challenges and considerations that require specialised knowledge.

We are here to provide expert legal services to businesses in rural areas, including farmers, landowners, estates, and agricultural enterprises. Our team of rural business solicitors offers practical, tailored advice to help clients succeed in the rural sector while navigating the complexities of property law, inheritance issues, business structures, and more.

Understanding rural business needs

Rural businesses operate in an environment with issues related to land ownership, property management, and rural estate administration. The complexities can range from tenancy agreements to contractual obligations, inheritance planning, and navigating the intricacies of the Agricultural Holdings Act or the Agricultural Tenancies Act. If you’re managing a family farm, an equestrian business, or a larger landed estate, we can help you with comprehensive legal advice and representation across all areas of rural business law.

Our rural services are designed to support you at every stage of your business journey. Whether you’re looking to expand your operations, resolve property disputes, plan for succession, or address regulatory issues, we can provide the legal expertise to keep your business running smoothly and efficiently.

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• Secured agricultural lending

Why rural businesses need expert legal support

Rural businesses face a variety of unique challenges that demand specialised legal knowledge. These businesses are often subject to specific rules and regulations that differ significantly from urban or commercial enterprises. These can include:

Land use and zoning regulations: Rural land is often governed by specific zoning laws, land-use planning, and agricultural land management policies. Our solicitors guide you through these regulations and help make sure that your business is compliant with local and national laws.

Tenancy agreements and agricultural holdings: Agricultural land is frequently leased or tenanted, and understanding your rights and obligations as a landowner or tenant is crucial. Our team helps draft and negotiate farm business tenancy (FBTs) agreements under the Agricultural Tenancies Act and navigate the complexities of AHA tenancy agreements under the Agricultural Holdings Act and provides support on disputes related to tenancy arrangements.

Succession planning and estate management: Rural businesses are often family-owned, and the transfer of ownership and assets between generations requires careful planning. We assist in structuring your business and personal assets to minimise tax liabilities and ensure a smooth succession for future generations. Our team helps prepare wills, trusts, and inheritance tax planning strategies that align with your goals.

Agricultural finance: Accessing finance for rural businesses and securing grants can be a challenge, especially with the evolving landscape of agricultural policy. Our solicitors offer advice on agricultural secured lending, working with you and your Bank or private finance provider to document their requirements.

Our range of services for rural businesses

At Moore Barlow, we provide a full range of legal services specifically tailored to the needs of rural businesses. Some of our key services include:

Property and land services: We provide expert advice on the acquisition, sale, and leasing of rural land. We ensure your transactions are smooth and legally sound.

Planning and development: Securing the necessary planning permissions can be a challenge. Our team works with rural businesses to secure commercial planning permissions and advise on land use, environmental impact assessments, and compliance with planning laws.

Inheritance and succession planning: Planning for the future of your family business is critical. Our team works with farmers and rural landowners to create wills, trusts, and succession plans that ensure a smooth transition of assets to the next generation, minimising inheritance tax liabilities.

Agricultural tenancy agreements: Agricultural tenancy agreements can be very complex. We offer expert guidance on negotiating and drafting tenancies, including traditional Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies and Farm Business Tenancies (FBTs), as well as resolving disputes between landlords and tenants.

Dispute resolution and litigation: Disputes are an unfortunate reality of rural business life. Whether it’s a property dispute, disagreement over land management, or a conflict with a neighbour, our team is experienced in resolving conflicts through negotiation, mediation, or litigation when necessary.

Business structure and family business advice: Many rural businesses are family-run, and structuring these businesses effectively is key to long-term success. Our solicitors help families structure their rural business operations, advise on governance, and provide support with succession planning and tax advice.