Navigating the future of rural estates: Expert legal insights for landowners & agricultural businesses
On 7 October 2025, Wight Rural Hub was proud to host a highly informative Inheritance Tax (IHT) Workshop in partnership with Moore Barlow, one of the South East’s leading law firms. Held at the welcoming Newclose County Cricket Ground, the event brought together rural landowners, farmers and professionals to explore the complexities of succession planning and tax-efficient strategies for rural estates.
A Well-Rounded Approach to IHT
The workshop featured expert presentations from Moore Barlow’s specialist team, offering practical guidance on how rural families can prepare for generational transitions, while protecting their assets.
Sonia Green, Partner in Private Wealth, opened with an overview of inheritance tax and succession planning. She highlighted the importance of discretionary wills, STEP-qualified advice (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) and strategic use of Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR). Using a real-world example of a Hampshire farm, Sonia illustrated how transferring land and structuring ownership can significantly reduce IHT liabilities.
Property Restructuring for Tax Efficiency
Sarah Jordan, Partner in Landed Estates & Farming, focused on the legal aspects of property restructuring. Her session covered:
- The role of declarations of trust, Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) and Will updates.
- Ensuring Land Registry compliance and verifying ownership structures.
- The importance of aligning legal documentation with tax planning goals.
Sarah emphasised that early action and collaboration with legal and financial advisers are key to securing reliefs and avoiding costly oversights.
Farming Partnerships & Incorporation
Mark Lucas, Partner in Corporate, provided a deep dive into farming partnerships and the growing trend of incorporation. He explained:
- Why formal partnership agreements are essential for managing family assets and business operations.
- The benefits of incorporating a farming partnership into a limited company, including liability protection, improved access to finance and flexibility in succession.
- The legal and tax implications of incorporation, including asset transfer agreements, TUPE regulations and shareholder arrangements.
Mark’s advice underscored the need for tailored legal support when considering structural changes to farming businesses.
Protecting Family Wealth
Natalie Dunn, Associate in Family Law, concluded the presentations with a session on pre and post-nuptial agreements. These agreements are increasingly relevant for farming families seeking to safeguard inherited wealth and ensure fair outcomes in the event of relationship breakdowns.
Key Takeaways
Attendees left with a clear action list:
- Engage trusted advisers early.
- Maintain open family communication.
- Organise valuations and legal documentation.
- Review and update Wills, LPAs, and partnership agreements.
- Consider protective measures like marital agreements.
Thank You to Our Partners
We extend our sincere thanks to Moore Barlow for their expert partnership and to Newclose County Cricket Ground for providing a wonderful brunch and venue. Together, they helped make this event a great success.
Moore Barlow Resources
Want a Copy of the Slides?
If you’d like a copy of the presentation slides, please get in touch at info@wightruralhub.co.uk.
What’s Next?
We’d love to hear from you!
- Who should we partner with next?
- What topics are you most interested in?
Let us know via email or social media — your feedback helps us shape future events.
Save the Date: IW Farming Conference
Thursday 12 February 2026
Barton Manor
Submit your farmland photos to info@wightruralhub.co.uk by 31 October for a chance to win local produce prizes!
To contact the Wight Rural Hub Team
Call: 01983 296244
Email: info@wightruralhub.co.uk
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