Companies House Changes

IMPORTANT UPDATE: UPCOMING CHANGES TO IDENTITY VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AT COMPANIES HOUSE Significant changes to identity verification (IDV) requirements at Companies House are on the horizon, introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA). These reforms are designed to boost corporate transparency, combat economic crime, and maintain the integrity of the public register … Read more

SJP Law ranks in Legal 500 UK 2026

We are pleased to announce our Legal 500 2026 rankings for Yorkshire and the Humber: We are delighted to have moved to Tier 2 in the Private Client – Agriculture and Estates category as well as maintain our rankings in Clinical Negligence: Claimant – Tier 2 and Personal Injury: Claimant – Tier 3.  We are … Read more

Cohabiting couples face legal blind spots as reform drags on

With cohabiting couples now the fastest-growing family type in the UK, many believe they have similar legal protections to married couples – especially after long relationships or where there are children involved. But the reality can come as a shock when those relationships end. Despite ongoing pressure from legal and policy bodies, meaningful reform still … Read more

Don’t go breaking my art…

When Elton John accuses the government of “committing theft”, it’s clear the battle over artificial intelligence and copyright has hit a high note. He’s among a growing number of prominent artists calling for greater transparency over how AI companies are using copyrighted material, and the controversy has peers and ministers locked in legislative “ping-pong” over … Read more

Succession planning for agricultural estates

Succession planning for agricultural estates has become more challenging due to provisions announced in the UK 2024 Budget. The key change is the capping of Agricultural and Business property relief. What is agricultural and business property relief? Agricultural and business property relief applies to qualifying assets eligible for 100% agricultural property relief and 100% business … Read more

A ‘To Do’ list for making your will

Deciding to make your will might be one of the best things you ever do. But where do you start? This short guide to making your will provides you with a ‘To Do’ list to help you prepare for drawing up your will. List Your Assets Before creating your will, you must consider what makes … Read more

Devil in the detail with new identity checks for directors 

Company directors are being urged to prepare for a major change, as Companies House introduces new identity checks for those setting up, running or owning UK businesses. The new identity verification requirements, introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, are being rolled out in stages and will soon become compulsory.  Companies are … Read more