30/07/2026

SJP Law Advises on Acquisition of New Headquarters

We are delighted to have advised our client on the acquisition of their new office premises, securing an exciting new headquarters to support the next stage of their business growth.

The transaction involved the purchase of a substantial commercial property and required close collaboration between the client’s professional team to achieve a smooth and successful completion.

This significant investment provides our client with the ideal space to strengthen their operations, support future expansion and build on their continued success.

Commercial property transactions of this scale require careful planning, attention to detail and effective communication throughout the process. We are proud to have supported our client in reaching this important milestone and helping bring their plans to fruition.

A huge thank you to everyone involved in the transaction, and congratulations to our client on this exciting new chapter.

If you are considering purchasing, selling or leasing commercial property, our experienced Commercial Property team would be delighted to help. Please feel free to contact Philip Lewis Ogden (PLO@sjplaw.co.uk), Mark Dixon (MRD@sjplaw.co.uk), Rory Gaydon (RWG@sjplaw.co.uk) or a member of the team on 01904 928720 to discuss your requirements.

The post Supporting business growth through strategic commercial property acquisitions. appeared first on SJP Law.

Key points at a glance

• Digital assets include everything from cryptocurrency to email and social media accounts
• Some assets have financial value, others hold sentimental importance
• Access can be lost without the correct login information or permissions
• Planning ahead helps reduce delays, costs, and stress for your loved ones
• Your Will should include clear instructions for both physical and digital assets

What are digital assets?

Digital assets are now a routine part of everyday life. They include:

• Cryptocurrency and online investment platforms
• Online bank accounts
• Email accounts and cloud storage
• Subscription services
• Social media profiles

While some assets may carry significant financial value others, such as photos or personal messages, can be deeply meaningful to loved ones.

Why are digital assets often overlooked?

Unlike physical possessions, digital assets can be easy to miss. There is often no tangible record, and in some cases, family members may not even be aware they exist.

Even when they are known, gaining access can present challenges. Many platforms have strict security protocols, and without the correct login details or permissions, accounts may remain inaccessible.

The risks of not planning ahead

One of the most significant issues is access to login credentials or security keys after death. This is particularly important for cryptocurrency: if a private key is lost, access to the asset may be gone permanently.

For social media and online platforms, some providers offer tools such as legacy contacts or account memorialisation. However, these features are not always widely used or understood.

How to protect your digital legacy

Taking time to organise your digital assets now can make a meaningful difference later. Practical steps include:

• Keeping an up-to-date record of accounts and access details
• Reducing unnecessary or unused accounts
• Ensuring your Will clearly covers digital as well as physical assets

This can help ensure your wishes are followed while making things simpler for those managing your estate.

For more information about how estates are handled, visit our Probate and Administration page. (Probate & Estate Administration – SJP Law) or our article DIY Probate in England – Understanding the Risks – SJP Law. You can also explore how our Private Client services support long-term planning (Family Business Succession Planning – SJP Law).

“Digital assets are increasingly forming a significant part of an individual’s estate, yet they are often overlooked in estate planning. Without clear instructions and access arrangements, these assets can be difficult, if not impossible, to recover.”
 Alice Reeson, Solicitor, SJP Law

Planning ahead brings peace of mind

Putting the right arrangements in place can help minimise delays, reduce unnecessary costs, and provide reassurance for both you and your loved ones.

If you would like to discuss managing your digital assets or reviewing your wider estate planning, you can contact our SJP Law team on 01482 324591 or info@sjplaw.co.uk for guidance.

The post 💎 Diamonds are forever… but what about your crypto? appeared first on SJP Law.

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 by verifying the identities of those involved in establishing, managing, owning, or controlling UK companies.

These obligations will become mandatory from 18 November 2025, and we strongly advise directors, shareholders with more than 25% voting rights, and other affected parties to prepare now to avoid delays and potential penalties. Failure to comply could lead to filing restrictions, fines, director disqualification, or even company strike-off. We view these as some of the most substantial shifts in company law since the Companies Act 2006.

In Summary

If you serve as a director or hold more than 25% of a company’s voting rights, prioritize completing the Companies House IDV process immediately. This will help sidestep anticipated bottlenecks when verification becomes compulsory in November 2025. Non-compliance may result in operational disruptions, penalties, and severe consequences for both individuals and companies.

Who Is Affected?

The IDV requirements impact various individuals and entities linked to UK companies, applying to both new and existing roles. Here’s a detailed overview:

• Directors (and Equivalents): All directors of UK companies, including LLP members, general partners, and managing officers, must verify their identity. Corporate directors (e.g., companies or LLPs acting as directors) are currently exempt but will be included in future phases.
• Persons with Significant Control (PSCs): These are individuals or entities with substantial influence over the company, such as those who:
  • Hold more than 25% of shares or voting rights.
  • Can appoint or remove the majority of the board.
  • Exercise significant influence or control through other means.

All PSCs, new or existing, must verify. Corporate PSCs (also known as Relevant Legal Entities or RLEs) and their officers will face IDV requirements later.

• Shareholders: Standard shareholders without PSC status are not required to verify. However, those with over 25% shares or voting rights (or qualifying as PSCs) must comply. We recommend reviewing your share register to spot any who may need to act, especially if holdings change.
• Other Relevant Parties: Future expansions will cover individuals filing company documents (e.g., secretaries or authorised filers), limited partnerships, and corporate entities as directors or PSCs. Companies using third-party filing agents may need them to register as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs). Overseas entities with UK establishments could see their directors affected.

Timelines and Transition Periods

Companies House has implemented a phased rollout to facilitate compliance:

• Voluntary Verification (Available Now): Since 8 April 2025, individuals can verify voluntarily. We urge early action to prevent delays.
• Mandatory for New Appointees (From 18 November 2025):
  • New directors must verify before appointment filings or company incorporations.
  • New PSCs have 14 days post-notification to Companies House.
• Transition for Existing Appointees (12-Month Window Starting 18 November 2025):
  • Existing directors must submit verification details (a unique personal code) in the next annual confirmation statement after this date.
  • Existing PSCs get a 14-day window starting from:
    • The company’s next confirmation statement (if also a director).
    • The first day of their birth month (as recorded) if not a director.

This provides up to 12 months for most to comply, based on filing cycles. Missing deadlines could block filings, incur civil penalties (up to £10,000 initially), or lead to criminal charges and director disqualification.

How to Verify Your Identity

IDV is typically a one-time process, yielding a unique “Companies House personal code” for ongoing use. Re-verification may be required in certain cases. Options include:

1. Direct Verification via GOV.UK One Login (Free):
   • Access the online service, which might involve an app, security questions, or a Post Office visit with photo ID (e.g., passport or driving licence).
   • Suitable for global users, though some methods require UK-based documents. For more, visit: GOV.UK One Login Identity Proofing.
2. Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP):
   • ACSPs like accountants, solicitors, or formation agents can manage verification. They must be AML-supervised and Companies House-registered (applications opened 18 March 2025).
   • This may involve fees but is ideal for convenience, especially internationally. As a trusted law firm, we can serve as your ACSP and handle the process efficiently.

Avoid sending originals to Companies House—everything is handled digitally or through approved methods.

Next Steps for Compliance

To stay ahead and reduce risks, consider these steps:

1. Review Your Records: Examine directors, PSCs, and shareholders using your share and PSC registers. Contact us if PSC status is unclear.
2. Plan Early Verification: Prompt affected parties to verify now via GOV.UK or an ACSP to beat the rush.
3. Update Confirmation Statements: Incorporate IDV into post-18 November 2025 filings. We can assist with preparation and submission.
4. Monitor Changes: For new directors or PSCs after the deadline, ensure prior verification.
5. Seek Expert Guidance: Non-compliance risks fines and disruptions. Our team at SJP Law offers:
   • ACSP services for seamless verification.
   • Corporate structure reviews for compliance.
   • Personalized ECCTA advice.

Contact your dedicated advisor at our firm, or reach us at 01482 324591 or info@sjplaw.co.uk to discuss support. We’re dedicated to guiding your business through these reforms smoothly.

The post Companies House Changes appeared first on SJP Law.

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 also newly ranked in Private Client – Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate.

The Legal 500 directory is an independently published guide that ranks law firm practices as well as individual solicitors through comprehensive research analysis including interviews with peers and clients.  We are thrilled to be recognised in the rankings again this year, which is a testament to our hard-working teams and their delivery of excellent client service.

We are proud to not only maintain, but improve our rankings, and we are thrilled with the wonderful feedback from our clients, network of experts and barristers.  Thank you to our clients and referees who took the time to participate in the interview process and provide feedback. We would also like to thank the research teams at The Legal 500 for conducting the process.

Team Feedback:

Agriculture and Estates

“The practice has provided excellent legal services, in a timely, proficient, friendly, and professional manner.” 

“Mark Dixon has provided excellent legal advice, with a high level of dedication and enthusiasm. His professionalism, commitment and knowledge has helped our company grow.”

Clinical Negligence

“SJP law are a proactive and diligent firm, that work closely with both claimants and experts. They communicate efficiently across all members of the team and are responsive and helpful.”

“The clinical negligence and personal injury department have exceptional knowledge of their industry and have built strong working relationships with experts and Counsel. They are well respected and deliver fantastic results for their client.”

Personal Injury

“Very approachable.”

“The team works very professionally and offers a holistic approach.”

Private Client Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate

“SJP Law sorted out my family’s probate perfectly and involved me whenever necessary.”

“Personal approach. Knowledgeable and skilled individuals.”

For more information on how our expert teams can help, please call us on 01482 324591 or email: info@sjplaw.co.uk

The post SJP Law ranks in Legal 500 UK 2026 appeared first on SJP Law.

• Private Client: Agriculture and Estates
• Personal Injury: Claimant

We are delighted to have moved to Tier 2 in the Clinical Negligence: Claimant category for Yorkshire and the Humber.

The Legal 500 directory is an independently published guide that ranks law firm practices as well as individual solicitors through comprehensive research analysis including interviews with peers and clients.

We are thrilled to be recognised in the rankings again this year, which is a testament to our hard-working teams and their delivery of excellent client service.

Agriculture and Estates

Our specialisms in corporate, commercial, and private client work, alongside the depth of experience in agriculture, means that we are able to offer a holistic service to our agricultural clients. 

SJP’s Agriculture and Estates team received some lovely feedback: “The practice has assisted us for a considerable time, and we have received excellent work and advice. The staff are very trustworthy on extremely complicated matters. We completely trust them.” 

Claire Charman, Director and Head of Commercial, was described as “always contactable, and her knowledge and expertise is remarkable”.

Clinical Negligence

Our experienced Clinical Negligence team are delighted to move up a tier in this year’s rankings, along with receiving this commentary “SJP Law has a proven track record in highly complex and maximum severity clinical negligence claims involving a range of matters such as mismanaged birth, neonatal injuries, brain injuries and psychological injury.”  

Our Clinical Negligence team’s service was described as: “Excellent client service, recovery of substantial damages for maximum severity injuries. Stand out firm in the area.”

Neil Holland, Director and Head of Division, was given a special mention “Neil Holland is the creme de la creme of maximum severity solicitors. He leads the team with aplomb. His calm manner and ‘nothing is too difficult’ attitude spreads across the team.” 

Personal Injury

Our Personal Injury team were delighted to be recognised again in this year’s rankings for their work in serious injuries, covering complex and high-value brain and spinal injury claims arising from road traffic accidents

The team were equally delighted with the great testimonials received:

“From the very first connection that I had with SJP Law, I have never been disappointed with their attention to detail, the promptness at which they make contact, and their ability to listen and communicate in a friendly, caring way.” 

“I am constantly amazed by Neil Holland and his depth of knowledge, even when first confronted with a complex case. He is caring and empathetic and listens with great interest to each case.”

We are really proud to not only maintain, but improve our rankings, this year and very grateful to receive such wonderful feedback from our clients, network of experts and barristers.

We wanted to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to our clients and referees who took the time to participate in the interview process and provide feedback. We would also like to thank the research teams at The Legal 500 for conducting the process.

And finally, a really big thank you to our staff. Our people are our most important asset and we are continually grateful for their hard work and dedication to our clients and providing them with such a high standard of legal service.  

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