As a full‑service law firm proudly supporting this year’s Suffolk Show, we work closely with farmers, landowners and rural businesses across Suffolk and the UK. Our teams understand the realities of operating in a rural environment and the legal challenges that come with it. We asked specialists from across the firm to share one key issue they’re seeing for local farming businesses right now.
Property & Land
Q: What property issues are Suffolk farming businesses most commonly facing?
A: In Suffolk, we’re seeing more interest in land diversification — including development opportunities, renewable energy projects and alternative commercial uses alongside traditional farming – driven by increasing costs and the disappearance of key farming subsidies from central government. It’s essential that landowners take advice early to protect their core farming operations, manage planning and agricultural restrictions, and ensure that any agreements reflect long‑term objectives for the land.
James Southward is a Chartered Legal Executive in our Agricultural Property and Commercial Property team.
Trusts, Wills & Succession Planning
Q: Why is succession planning such a priority for farming families?
A: A farm business succession plan is crucial because it allows you to plan tax‑efficiently for the transfer of land and assets that may have built up significant value over generations. Recent changes to inheritance tax relief make forward planning even more important. Without planning, inheritance tax or capital gains tax can lead to expensive borrowing, force the sale of land or even the break‑up of the farm. A structured plan helps you pass assets at the right time and in the right way to minimise tax exposure. Just as importantly, it sets clear expectations across the family, reducing the risk of disputes. Overall, it safeguards the farm’s legacy and long-term sustainability.
Martine Swaep is a Partner in our Private Client team.
Employment Law
Q: What employment challenges are agricultural employers dealing with?
A: Agricultural employers face a distinctive mix of employment challenges. Many rely heavily on seasonal and migrant labour, which brings added complexity around right‑to‑work checks, accommodation arrangements and fluctuating workforce numbers. Tight labour markets also make it harder to recruit and retain skilled workers, particularly at peak times.
Day‑to‑day, employers must balance long and often irregular working hours with pay, holiday and working‑time rules, while also managing health and safety risks inherent in farming and rural work. At the same time, employment law continues to evolve, increasing the compliance burden for small and medium‑sized agricultural businesses.
Getting the fundamentals right (such as clear contracts, compliant pay and working arrangements, and robust people management) helps agricultural employers reduce legal risk, avoid disputes and maintain productive, long‑term working relationships in an increasingly competitive sector.
Greg Jones is a Partner in our Employment team.
Commercial & Business Law
Q: How can Suffolk farming businesses strengthen their commercial position?
A: We advise farming businesses and their owners on structure and, where appropriate, incorporation, working closely with colleagues across the firm and alongside clients’ other professional advisers. This work is commonly driven by succession planning and tax considerations, particularly when there are preparations for generational change.
This advice often goes hand in hand with diversification projects and joint ventures, as farmers and landowners look to develop new income streams and make more effective use of their assets. In these situations, robust commercial arrangements are key. We help clients manage and reduce risk, particularly where long‑term agreements or significant capital investment are involved, ensuring the structure and documentation support the long‑term objectives of both the business and the family.
Mark Daly is a Partner in our Corporate team.
Dispute Resolution
Q: What types of disputes arise most often in the rural sector?
A: Disputes often relate to land boundaries, rights of way and other easements, farm partnerships or contractual relationships and issues relating to agricultural tenancies. Many of these can be resolved early through negotiation or mediation, helping maintain important long‑standing relationships within the local rural community.
Annabel Mayer is a Senior Associate in out Disputes team.
From day‑to‑day operations to long‑term planning for the future, our lawyers have a deep understanding of the challenges facing Suffolk’s rural community and provide clear, practical advice tailored to the realities of the agricultural sector. Members of our team will be available to meet throughout the Suffolk Show, and further information about how we support farming and rural businesses can be found on our website.
This is only intended to be a summary and not specific legal advice.
