Law For Life

Law For Life from Franklins Solicitors LLP is your plain-speaking guide to the legal issues that matter most. Each episode features expert solicitors from Franklins breaking down the different areas of law that can affect you, your family, and your future. From everyday questions to life’s big decisions, our team will explain the law clearly, practically, and without jargon – giving you the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices.

  1. 4d ago

    Law For Life 20 | Business Property Relief: Protecting Your Business from Inheritance Tax

    If you own a business, inheritance tax is probably not something you think about every day. But planning ahead can make a huge difference to the future of your company and your family. In the latest episode of *Law for Life*, Chris is joined once again by Franklin Solicitors' Eddie Bell to explain Business Property Relief (BPR) and its agricultural equivalent, Agricultural Property Relief (APR). These valuable inheritance tax reliefs have been in the spotlight following recent government changes, and understanding how they work could save business owners and their families a significant amount of money. The discussion begins by explaining exactly what Business Property Relief is and why it exists. Introduced around 50 years ago, BPR was designed to stop successful family businesses being forced to close or sell simply because a large inheritance tax bill became payable when the owner died. Instead, qualifying business assets can receive either full or partial relief from inheritance tax, helping businesses continue trading for future generations. The episode explores the major changes introduced following the 2024 Budget and explains the current rules now in force. Eddie outlines how the level of relief available depends on the type of business asset involved and explains the new £2.5 million threshold for full relief, replacing the government's original proposal of £1 million. The conversation also looks at how married couples can transfer unused allowances between each other, providing potentially £5 million of fully relieved business assets. Chris and Eddie discuss who can actually benefit from Business Property Relief, whether you're a sole trader, partner or shareholder in a private limited company. They also explain why company directors who don't own shares may be missing out on valuable tax advantages and why the structure of your business can have a significant impact on inheritance tax planning. The podcast also tackles some of the more complex areas, including why property investment companies generally do not qualify, how excessive cash held within a business can affect relief, and the important distinction between property investment and property development. Listeners also learn why shares listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) no longer receive the same generous tax treatment they once did. One of the key messages throughout the episode is the importance of obtaining professional advice. Business Property Relief can be incredibly valuable, but the rules are detailed and often depend on individual circumstances. Eddie explains how accountants, financial advisers and solicitors frequently work together to ensure business owners make the most tax-efficient decisions while remaining fully compliant with HMRC requirements. The conversation also covers practical estate planning, including how wills, trusts and lifetime gifting can all play an important role in reducing inheritance tax. Eddie explains why simply leaving everything to a spouse may not always be the most tax-efficient solution and how carefully drafted trusts can preserve valuable reliefs while providing flexibility for future generations. Finally, the episode highlights the importance of succession planning. Beyond saving tax, every business owner should consider who will take over the business, how ownership will transfer and what arrangements should be in place to ensure the company continues to operate successfully if the unexpected happens. Whether you're a sole trader, company director, shareholder or planning for the future of a family business, this episode provides a clear introduction to one of the most valuable inheritance tax reliefs available. Listen now to discover how Business Property Relief could help protect both your business and your family's future.

    21 min
  2. Jun 3

    Law For Life Episode 18 | Harrassment Law

    Employment law is changing again, and for employers it can feel like the rules are constantly evolving. In this episode of Law for Life, the Franklin Solicitors podcast, employment law specialist Georgia Harris joins us to explain the latest developments surrounding workplace harassment and the impact of the Employment Rights Act. Georgia breaks down the legal definition of harassment under the Equality Act, including harassment related to protected characteristics, sexual harassment, and the protections available to employees when inappropriate conduct creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive working environment. The discussion explores the existing legal framework, the introduction of the preventative duty requiring employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, and the significant changes that are now arriving through the Employment Rights Act. These include new whistleblowing protections relating to sexual harassment, the enhanced requirement for employers to take all reasonable steps to prevent harassment, and the return of employer liability for harassment carried out by third parties such as customers, clients and members of the public. Georgia explains what these changes could mean in practice, why employers should start preparing now, and the practical measures businesses can take to reduce risk. Topics include workplace policies, staff training, reporting procedures, risk assessments and the importance of creating a safe and respectful working environment for employees. Whether you're a business owner, manager, HR professional or employee, this episode provides a valuable overview of an area of employment law that is becoming increasingly important for organisations of all sizes. For tailored legal advice relating to employment law, workplace policies, discrimination, harassment or HR matters, contact the Employment Law team at Franklin Solicitors. #EmploymentLaw #Harassment #WorkplaceHarassment #EmploymentRightsAct #HR #HumanResources #BusinessAdvice #LegalAdvice #FranklinSolicitors #SexualHarassment #Whistleblowing #EmploymentRights #WorkplacePolicies #EqualityAct #BusinessOwners #Management #HRCompliance #UKEmploymentLaw #LawForLife #WorkplaceCulture

    14 min
  3. May 20

    Law For Life 17 | Litigation: Neighbour Disputes, CCTV, Parking and Property Boundaries

    In this episode of Law for Life with Franklin Solicitors, Chris is joined by George Smith, Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution, for a practical discussion about neighbour disputes, nuisance issues, and common legal challenges homeowners and residents may face. The conversation covers a wide range of everyday litigation scenarios including barking dogs, nuisance pets, blocked driveways, rubbish disputes, CCTV privacy concerns, overhanging trees, easements, shared access issues, fencing and boundary disputes, trespass, and legal responsibilities between neighbours. George explains when informal communication should come first, when councils may become involved, where mediation can help, and when legal action such as injunctions or court orders may be necessary. The discussion also looks at property rights, nuisance law, privacy considerations under UK GDPR, land boundaries, adverse possession, tree preservation orders, and the duty of care landowners may owe to neighbouring properties. A useful and accessible look at how litigation law applies to everyday disputes and how problems can often be resolved before reaching court. #LawForLife #FranklinSolicitors #Litigation #DisputeResolution #NeighbourDisputes #PropertyLaw #BoundaryDisputes #CCTVPrivacy #ParkingDisputes #LegalAdvice #UKLaw #EnvironmentalProtectionAct #Solicitors #Homeowners #PropertyDisputes #LawPodcast #ChrisGregg #FranklinSolicitorsPodcast

    29 min
  4. Apr 8

    Law For Life Episode 14 | Can AI Really Write Your Contracts? The Risks Businesses Don’t See

    AI is transforming the way businesses operate—but when it comes to legal matters, how far can you really trust it? In this episode of Law for Life – The Franklin Solicitors Podcast, Chris is joined in the studio by Tya from the Corporate Services team to unpack the growing role of artificial intelligence in the legal world. From drafting contracts to preparing court cases, AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming increasingly common—but they come with serious risks. The conversation explores why legal work isn’t just a simple “input and output” process, the dangers of relying on templates or AI-generated agreements, and real-life examples where things have gone badly wrong—including fake case law appearing in court. Tya explains why legal documents require precision, experience, and human judgement, and why even small wording errors can leave businesses exposed. They also discuss where AI can be useful—such as helping to clarify ideas or summarise instructions—while reinforcing why it should never replace professional legal advice. If you run a business or are tempted to cut corners with legal paperwork, this is an essential listen. For advice or support, the Corporate Services team at Franklin Solicitors are on hand to help you protect what matters most. #LawForLife #FranklinSolicitors #BusinessLaw #AI #ChatGPT #LegalAdvice #SmallBusiness #Contracts #Entrepreneurship #UKBusiness #LegalPodcast #ArtificialIntelligence #RiskManagement #CorporateLaw

    15 min

About

Law For Life from Franklins Solicitors LLP is your plain-speaking guide to the legal issues that matter most. Each episode features expert solicitors from Franklins breaking down the different areas of law that can affect you, your family, and your future. From everyday questions to life’s big decisions, our team will explain the law clearly, practically, and without jargon – giving you the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices.

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