stevensdrake solicitors

To all those who celebrate, we wish you a very Happy Diwali!

Rachel Reeves made history yesterday, delivering Labour’s first budget in 14 years and breaking new ground as the UK’s first female chancellor. In a bold debut, she announced plans to raise National Insurance, rebuild the NHS, and prioritise support for working people. Some of the headline changes included: Capital Gains Tax: Increased immediately to 18% (lower rate) and 24% (upper rate), with Business Asset Disposal and Investors' Relief rates rising in April 2025 and 2026. Stamp Duty: Landlords and second homeowners face a higher surcharge, rising from 3% to 5% as of 31 October 2024. Inheritance Tax: From April 2027, pension pots will no longer be exempt, with reforms to agricultural and business property reliefs also planned for 2026. Increase in minimum wage ( £12.21 per hour from next April) and employers NI contributions (rising to 15% from April 2025) We'll explore how these shifts may impact you and your business with more in -depth analysis to follow. #budget2024

Accessing legal advice doesn't have to be scary! At stevensdrake, we understand that navigating legal matters can feel daunting. But rest assured, our solicitors are approachable, friendly, and here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you need support with your business, family matters, a dispute or property issues, we’re committed to offering expert advice that’s clear and easy to understand—no tricks, just sound guidance. Don’t let legal concerns "haunt" you. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help: https://bit.ly/3Yqile9. #Halloween2024 #LegalSupport #ApproachableLawyers

Navigating Childcare Arrangements During Half-Term It's half-term for most schools in Sussex this coming week, a time that can sometimes raise important questions, especially for those navigating divorce or separation agreements. As you plan for the upcoming days off, it’s crucial to ensure that your childcare arrangements are in place and aligned with your legal agreements. Clear communication with your co-parent about who will take care of the children during this time can help prevent misunderstandings and provide stability for your children. Here are some key points to consider: Review Existing Agreements: Take a look at your divorce or separation agreement to ensure that your current childcare arrangements comply with what has been legally established. Flexibility is Key: If circumstances have changed since your agreement was made, be open to discussing adjustments that work for both parents and are in the best interest of the children. Maintain Open Communication: Regular communication with your co-parent about your childcare plans can help ease tensions and ensure that everyone is on the same page. Seek Professional Guidance: If you're unsure about how to approach these discussions or if conflicts arise, don’t hesitate to consult a family law solicitor for advice tailored to your situation. For more detailed information on making arrangements for children during separation or divorce, visit our FAQs here: https://bit.ly/4dOoipx or speak to one of our family law specialists - Kamal Vasdev and Alison Cole. #Childcare #Divorce #FamilyLaw #Sussex #CoParenting #HalfTerm

#meettheteam Nusrat Qureishi, our Head of Corporate & Commercial Law, brings over 20 years of expertise in corporate transactions and commercial law. Nusrat specialises in the sale and purchase of businesses, partnerships, and joint ventures, providing strategic advice to entrepreneurs, SMEs, and large corporations alike. Having honed her skills at a prominent City law firm, Nusrat joined stevensdrake 18 months ago. She has extensive experience handling high-value and complex transactions, including mergers, shareholder agreements, restructuring, and corporate governance. Her clients range from owner-managers to financial institutions, and her hands-on approach ensures that the process of buying or selling a business is seamless, cost-effective, and risk-averse. Her dedication to understanding her clients' needs aligns perfectly with the ethos of stevensdrake—delivering a high-quality, client-centric service that helps businesses achieve their growth objectives. You can read more about Nusrat here: https://bit.ly/4h3CMVn #CorporateAndCommercial #CorporateLaw #Businesses #SMEs

Navigating Employment Law for Your Business? Managing employee relations in 2024 can be complex, with new regulations and an evolving workforce. stevensdrake’s employment law experts are here to help your business stay compliant and avoid costly disputes. With a 9% rise in employment tribunal cases this year, it's more crucial than ever to have a robust HR and legal strategy in place. We offer tailored advice on contracts, dismissals, redundancy, and more—ensuring your business is protected. Contact us to discuss how we can support your employment needs. https://bit.ly/3BIDbwu #EmploymentLaw #Crawley #NewRegulation

Nusrat Qureishi and Adith Zafar from our corporate and commercial team had a great time attending the Connected Crawley event last week, hosted by Manor Royal and Crawley Town Centre BID, Freedom Works Ltd, and Gatwick Diamond Business. It was a brilliant opportunity to connect with local businesses, exchange ideas, and discuss the exciting opportunities in the region. Being part of such a thriving and collaborative business community is a privilege, and we’re proud to play our role in it. Networking events like this help us stay connected and up to date, allowing us to better support our clients. We’re already looking forward to the next one and to building on the relationships we made! #ConnectedCrawley #Networking #BusinessCommunity #Crawley #CorporateLaw #CommercialLaw #BusinessGrowth

At stevensdrake, we understand the importance of protecting your loved ones and your legacy. Without a will, your estate may not be distributed according to your wishes. Did you know that in 2024, 6 out of 10 adults in the UK still don’t have an up-to-date will? Whether you're looking to draft a new will, update an existing one, or navigate the complex probate process, our expert team can guide you through every step. We provide clear, compassionate advice on everything from tax planning to guardianship for young children. It's never too early to plan—ensure your estate is in safe hands and reduce the potential for disputes among loved ones. https://bit.ly/3dWDcew #Wills #Crawley #Lawyer #WillsTrustsandProbate

Being part of stevensdrake is an experience rooted in values that matter. Integrity: Being honest, trustworthy, respectful, and ethical in all our actions is non-negotiable. Client Focus: Understanding our client's requirements, challenges, objectives, and goals helps us provide maximum value in our services. Collaboration: We seek, share, and respect diverse perspectives, functioning as a cohesive team with colleagues, clients, and third-party providers. Diversity: By embracing diverse experiences, cultures, and backgrounds, we bring together ideas that make us stronger. Excellence: We relentlessly pursue outstanding results in everything we do. Do these sound like the values that matter to you? Take a look at our careers page for our latest opportunities : https://bit.ly/2S1yrIC

Big Changes Ahead: Government Publishes Draft Employment Rights Bill   Today, the Government publishes its draft Employment Rights Bill, with the Department for Business and Trade claiming it will "boost pay and productivity" through a "pro-business, pro-worker" approach.   Amongst 28 planned reforms, one of the headline reforms includes giving all employees the right to bring unfair dismissal claims from their first day of employment—compared to the current two-year requirement. However, the Bill also proposes new statutory probation periods, with employers potentially having greater freedom to dismiss during this time.   The probation period could last as long as 9 months, after employer concerns over an initial 6-month suggestion. The Bill’s changes are unlikely to come into force before Autumn 2026, allowing time for both businesses and employees to adjust.   For more details see https://lnkd.in/etUn_8T4 Or for further advice contact our employment specialist James Willis   #EmploymentLaw #HR #EmploymentReform