Monthly Archives: November 2025

Scott Bailey LLP named Financial and Professional Services Company of the Year

Posted on 26/11/2025 by Caroline Newton

We are delighted to share that Scott Bailey LLP has been awarded Financial and Professional Services Company of the Year at the Hampshire Business Awards 2025. The awards ceremony was held on Wednesday 20 November at the Old Thorns Hotel and Resort in Liphook, where businesses from across the county came together to recognise excellence, innovation and positive contributions to the local community. Being selected as the winner among such a strong field of finalists was a proud moment for all of us. This year, we were shortlisted in three categories, which in itself reflects the commitment and hard work of our teams across the firm. To receive these shortlistings, in addition to being named winner is an achievement we value highly, particularly given the strength of the Hampshire professional services sector. The judging panel highlighted our client service, professionalism … Continue reading →

Posted in Scott Bailey News | Leave a comment

What happens when the seller dies between exchange and completion of a property sale 

Posted on 25/11/2025 by Caroline Newton

When the seller of a property dies after the exchange of contracts but before completion, it can be highly stressful for all parties involved – the buyer, the estate of the deceased and any other co-owners.  While it’s reasonable to assume that the sale must automatically fall through if the seller passes away, that’s actually not the case. Instead, the obligations usually pass to the personal representatives of the deceased seller and with proper advice from conveyancing and private client solicitors, the sale can go ahead.  In this article, we outline how this works under our legal system, the practical steps involved, the risks this situation can pose, and how our expert lawyers at Scott Bailey help clients who face this scenario.  Once contracts are exchanged, the buyer and seller are bound to complete on the agreed date (or within the agreed terms), as the transaction … Continue reading →

Posted in Property, Wills, Trusts and Probate | Leave a comment

Renters Rights Bill update: what the Renters Rights Act 2025 means for landlords

Posted on 17/11/2025 by Caroline Newton

The Renters Rights Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, marking the start of a major transformation in the private rented sector. While many of the existing principles of rental agreements remain, the Act introduces wide-ranging reforms intended to strengthen tenant protections, modernise housing standards, and create a more structured regulatory framework for landlords. Although the Act is now law, most reforms will not apply immediately. The government has confirmed a phased implementation, giving landlords time to prepare for the changes ahead. Our property and litigation teams have reviewed the legislation and outlined the key developments below. Renters Rights Bill timeline The Secretary of State has the power to set commencement dates for each part of the Act. The current implementation schedule is set out as follows. 27 December 2025: Strengthened investigatory powers for local authorities Local authorities … Continue reading →

Posted in Landlord and Tenant, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Property | Leave a comment

Why you should include your digital assets in your will

Posted on 14/11/2025 by Caroline Newton

We now live in a time when a significant part of our wealth and personal lives exists online, which means the concept of “assets” extends far beyond property and bank balances when it comes to writing a will. Digital assets have become an important element of many modern estates. In England, the law has only just begun to recognise certain digital assets as property. The Property (Digital Assets etc.) Bill is currently underway to clarify this, so it’s important to set clear intentions and draft your will carefully.   For high-net-worth individuals and business owners, overlooking digital assets (including cryptocurrency, online business interests, digital art and extensive cloud-stored material) can create complex situations for their executors, and even the loss of considerable value.  In this article, we’ll explain what digital assets are, why they matter in wills, what the legal and … Continue reading →

Posted in Wills, Trusts and Probate | Leave a comment

Congratulations to our new Associate Partners – Daniel and Victoria

Posted on 05/11/2025 by Caroline Newton

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news from our Property team – Daniel Ratcliff and Victoria Smalley have both been promoted to Associate Partner. These well-deserved promotions are a fantastic reflection of their hard work, dedication, and the positive impact they’ve each made across the firm. They also highlight our continued focus on supporting career development and recognising talent from within. Both Daniel and Victoria play key roles in our busy conveyancing department, which is led by James Burford, Partner and Head of Property. Commenting on this latest news, James said: “These well-deserved promotions recognise Daniel and Victoria’s exceptional contribution to the firm. Their professionalism, commitment, and drive have been key to the continued growth and success of our property team in particular. It’s a privilege to work alongside them, both as colleagues and as friends.” Meet our new Associate … Continue reading →

Posted in Scott Bailey News | Leave a comment

What directors need to know about the new Companies House identity verification process

Posted on 04/11/2025 by Caroline Newton

From the 18th November 2025, identity verification will become a legal requirement for all company directors and people with significant control (PSC).   This change has been implemented with the intention of improving transparency and tackling fraudulent company activity, forming part of the UK government’s wider reforms under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.  What is changing?  Under the new rules, every director and PSC will need to verify their identity with Companies House. You can check your specific due dates on the Companies House register.   From the 18th November onwards, Companies House will not accept confirmation statements if the directors have not been verified, so it is important to act early to avoid delays or potential penalties.  How do you complete the identity verification process?  Directors and PSCs can complete verification in one of two ways:  Once you are verified, you will receive a personal code, which must then be used … Continue reading →

Posted in Corporate and Commercial | Leave a comment

Garden leave, reaffirmation agreements and employment settlement agreements explained

Posted on 03/11/2025 by Caroline Newton

When a senior employee leaves a business, employers often need to manage not just the departure itself, but also the risks and relationships that come with it. Two increasingly common tools used by employers to achieve this are garden leave and reaffirmation agreements.  At Scott Bailey LLP, our employment solicitors regularly advise both employers and employees on how and why these arrangements are used – and how to make sure they’re handled correctly.  What is garden leave?   Garden leave is when an employee remains employed during their notice period but is instructed not to work. The employee continues to receive their usual pay and benefits, but they do not attend work or carry out their usual duties.  This approach allows the employer to:  Essentially, garden leave keeps the employee “in the garden”, away from the business, while maintaining control and … Continue reading →

Posted in Corporate and Commercial, Employment Law | Leave a comment