UK Wealth Planning
Our UK wealth team works with our clients to identify specific goals and aspirations for their wealth and their succession planning. We take care to ensure the right plan is in place for each individual.
The advice might include the effective use of making lifetime gifts or gifts by Will, or by using trusts, companies or LLPs. We also assist with implementing the client’s charitable initiatives. We advise on all relevant taxes and tax reliefs and exemptions.
Our clients include wealthy UK individuals and families, entrepreneurs, business owners, landowners and estates, investors, philanthropists, trustees, family offices and art collectors.
How we help
- Estate planning and succession – We organise will and estate planning for families and individuals, with a key focus on the long-term wealth preservation. We advise on all aspects of Wills, LPAs and trusts, having long-standing expertise in dealing with complex trusts. We have in-depth experience of alternative structures such as Family Investment Companies and other corporate group structures. We advise Private Equity executives on their partnership interests
- Family Governance – Many of our clients own businesses. Creating a clear blueprint for the successful succession and future governance of the business forms a key part of our advice. We are well versed in advising on the most appropriate structures and draft Family Charters and Shareholders Agreements to ensure the business remains in the family ownership and that robust decision-making protocols are established. Good communication ensures that the critical discussions take place at the right time
- Pre and post nuptial agreements – The possibility of the divorce of an individual or a key family member presents an ongoing risk to wealth preservation. We advise on protecting inherited, pre-marital, family business or trust assets in the event of divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership, through pre and post nuptial agreements
- Financial structuring – We have a wealth of experience in the structuring of tax-efficient acquisition, retention and sale of real estate, portfolio investments and trading or investment businesses
- Offshore structures – UK clients often wish to include offshore structures in their plans. We manage the creation, administration and use of offshore trusts, companies, partnerships, foundations and other entities
Our hallmark is that we are practical and solutions based. We listen and then advise. Our lawyers are technically excellent, coupled with a pragmatic approach and a passion for finding a workable solution for everyone. We are known for our teamwork – both within the firm and with the clients’ other professional teams.
Recommended reading
Private Wealth Partner, Julie Howard looks at how the the proposals to abolish the remittance basis of taxation with a residence-based regime will impact individuals relocating to the UK from Africa.
Read more 17 Apr 2024 The Lessons in Legacy Podcast: How is the Wealth Management Industry reacting to increased interest in philanthropy and sustainable investments?In our latest episode, Clare Stirzaker is joined by Lyn Tomlinson, Eleanor Sepanski and James Woods Davison to look at how the Wealth Management Industry is reacting to increased interest in philanthropy and sustainable investments.
Read more 15 Apr 2024 Are trusts an appropriate vehicle to hold shares in a family business?Using trusts as part of the ownership strategy for family businesses can enable succession planning while providing flexibility, asset protection and an ability to keep the voting block held together by trustees. In the Tax Journal, Partner, Hayden Bailey clarifies when and how trusts are likely to be appropriate for family businesses.
Read more 11 Apr 2024 The end of the current ‘non-dom’ tax regime – what has been proposed?Plans were announced at the Spring 2024 Budget on 6 March 2024 to abolish the current ‘non-dom’ tax regime and move to a residence-based system from 6 April 2025. These changes are very wide reaching and will present opportunities for some and create challenges for others.
Read more