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Northern Farming Conference 2025 – Focus on what you can control in uncertain times

The 2025 Northern Farming Conference proved to be one of the most impactful yet, bringing together 230 farmers, industry experts and politicians at Hexham Auction Mart on 5th November. Under the theme 'People, Planning and Profit: Building a Resilient Future for Farming', the event could not have been more timely.

Are you at risk of losing Inheritance Tax relief on your farm?

There are some restrictions and pitfalls in Inheritance Tax (IHT) legislation which can mean not all of the value of your farm will qualify for Agricultural Property Relief (APR).

Key VAT considerations for expanding farming businesses

What are the Inheritance Tax traps when gifting farmhouses and land?

With the new Inheritance Tax (IHT) rules coming into effect on 6^th April 2026, many farmers and business owners are in the process of gifting assets to reduce the impact of the new rules. However, in some circumstances, an asset is treated as still owned, even though it has been given away, and IHT could still be due.

Employment Rights Bill - Planned delivery and progress through Parliament

The Employment Rights Bill is scheduled to receive its third reading in the House of Lords. Hailed as representing ‘the biggest upgrade in employment rights for a generation’ the Bill will introduce a string of significant reforms from as early as April 2026. In this article we look at the measures impacting an employers payroll obligations and costs.

Survey highlights challenges faced by farming sector

Armstrong Watson’s latest Family, Privately-Owned and Owner Managed Business Survey has revealed that farm businesses are being tested by economic volatility and digital transformation.

How can farmers use trusts to mitigate the impact of IHT changes?

In light of changes to Inheritance Tax reliefs, trusts have emerged as a viable strategy to manage and protect assets while potentially reducing tax liabilities.

Inheritance Tax: Business Property Relief Important Changes

There has been much media attention on the impact of proposed Inheritance Tax (IHT) changes on the farming community but it is important to emphasise that these changes will affect not only farmers, but all businesses including sole traders, partnerships and companies.

Farms focus on cashflow following SFI scheme closure

The sudden SFI scheme closure caused anger and frustration among the farming community in March. The Chancellor has since announced a better-than-expected DEFRA budget at the recent Spending Review, which brings some cautious optimism but there remains uncertainty about the future of environmental farming programmes.

Compulsory purchase of land and Capital Gains Tax

Farmers and landowners who lose land under a Compulsory Purchase Order for a new road scheme have many things to consider, including Capital Gains Tax, and legal or valuation issues.