From a practical point of view, the property is likely to have one of the following systems in place:

• Cesspit
• Sewage Treatment Plant
• Septic Tank

How do these systems work?

Cesspit 

A large underground holding tank that requires emptying approximately every 6-8 weeks depending on the size.

Cesspits are usually constructed of brick or blockwork, but modern ones can be made from glass, reinforced plastic, or similar materials.

Sewage Treatment Plant

This is a self-contained wastewater treatment system, usually located near the property in a purpose-built unit. They require a permanent electricity supply which, depending on the make and model, helps and encourages the growth of microorganisms that treat the wastewater.

The treatment of the water is achieved by the introduction of oxygen into the system, and once the water is treated, it allows for the effluent water to be discharged to the ground or a ditch/stream. As with all systems, it requires an annual service to ensure that it is working correctly.

Septic Tank

An underground tank that allows separated wastewater to discharge to the ground.

Septic tanks provide an environment for natural separation to take place. The dense material falls to the bottom of the tank to create a sludge layer, and oils, fat, grease etc rise to the top. The middle layer of water is then discharged to a drainage field, such as a soakaway.

What are the Rules for Private Drainage?

In January 2015, the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) released new regulations in England called “Small Sewage Discharge General Binding Rules”.

We’ve outlined some of the key points below:

• You cannot discharge from a septic tank into a watercourse or ditch
• You can only discharge from a septic tank into a secondary treatment system, such as a drainage field
• Surface water from the property (ground/gutters) cannot drain into a septic tank or sewage treatment plant
• Only sewage treatment plans can discharge straight to a watercourse or ditch
• A non-compliant system should be addressed within 12 months of its discovery
• A non-compliant system should be addressed as a condition of sale during a property transaction to ensure a buyer is purchasing with full knowledge of any possible associated costs

How Can We Help?

Whether you’re purchasing a property that has a private drainage system, or currently own one and are unsure about your rights and obligations, our experts are here to help.

Get your enquiry started today by calling us on 01743 248545, or send an email to mail@hatchers.co.uk. You can also use our Contact Us form.

The post Private Drainage Systems: What Property Buyers Need to Know first appeared on Hatchers Solicitors.

Our team attended the awards evening at Origins Restaurant to celebrate apprentices and the employers who support them, and it was a brilliant night recognising the power of apprenticeships and the impact they have on real careers.

This award is a reflection of the time, commitment and care we put into supporting our apprentices and fostering a culture of development and growth.

“We’re incredibly proud to receive this award. Apprenticeships are a vital part of our firm’s future, and we’re committed to creating an environment where people feel supported, challenged, and given real opportunities to grow their careers” – Emma Jones, Operation Director

The post Hatchers Receives Apprentice Employer Of The Year Award first appeared on Hatchers Solicitors.

We’re pleased to announce that Hatchers Solicitors LLP is now registered as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) with Companies House.

Background

New changes to Companies House procedures have been introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA). These form part of an effort to improve corporate transparency and help combat economic crime and money laundering.

As part of these changes, certain individuals will now need to verify their identity before they can be registered or continue to act. This applies to:

• Directors
• Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
• Relevant Officers of a Relevant Legal Entity (RLE)
• LLP members

Identity verification requirements took effect from 18 November 2025. New directors will need to verify their identity at Companies House if they wish to incorporate a new company or be appointed to an existing one.

As an ACSP, Hatchers can:

• Carry out identity verification in accordance with Companies House requirements
• Submit filings directly to Companies House, such as incorporations, confirmation statements, officer appointments and changes, and
• Manage filings accurately and promptly to help your business stay compliant and avoid penalties

By appointing Hatchers as your ACSP:

You will benefit from comprehensive and dedicated company secretarial support. We help reduce the risk of delays, rejected filings, and non-compliance, saving you time and providing peace of mind.

We offer a company secretarial retainer package, giving you ongoing access to support when you need it, while allowing you to spread costs to support your business.

At Hatchers we focus on our clients. We specialise in providing practical and tailored advice with a view to achieving a fast and smooth process that meet each client’s specific needs.

If you:

• Are a Director or PSC who needs to verify your identity with Companies House
• Are incorporating a new company at Companies House
• Are looking for assistance with company secretarial tasks
• Are unsure how the Companies House changes affect your business
• Have questions about any company or commercial matters, such as sale of your company or business

please don’t hesitate to contact our Business Law Team by email at business@hatchers.co.uk, by telephone on  01743 248545 or completing our Contact Us form, and we will get in touch as soon as possible.

The post We Are Now A Companies House Authorised Agent first appeared on Hatchers Solicitors.

What Is National Apprenticeship Week?

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is an annual, UK-wide celebration that brings together employers, apprentices, and training providers to highlight the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses, and the wider economy. It showcases apprenticeships as a valuable and respected route into skilled professions, including law.

Award Recognitions

We are extremely proud to have been awarded the Shrewsbury College Apprenticeship Award 2025 for a Medium-Sized Business. This recognition is a significant honour and reflects our longstanding commitment to supporting and developing talent and investing in our apprentices.

We have also recently achieved 25 years of continuous accreditation with Investors in People, showing our commitment to creating a positive culture and supporting our staff to reach their potential.

Interested in Becoming a Solicitor Apprentice?

We are currently seeking a motivated and ambitious individual to join our Personal Injury Team at our Shrewsbury office.

For the first six months, the successful candidate will provide administrative and paralegal support while becoming familiar with the firm, our systems, and our procedures. Following this initial period, the role will progress to the Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme, commencing in September 2026.

Find Out More

For further information about careers and apprenticeship opportunities at Hatchers, please visit: https://hatchers.co.uk/careers/

The post National Apprenticeship Week 9-15 Feb 2026 first appeared on Hatchers Solicitors.

When parents separate, emotions often run high, and in the cases where there are allegations of domestic abuse, this process can become even more complex and lengthy. Under the traditional system, it was common for families to attend multiple hearings before reaching a Final Hearing.

The traditional system only allowed CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service, the professional advisors of the court) to carry out initial safeguarding checks and prepare a brief safeguarding letter for the court. Due to this early information being limited, hearings were often adjourned to allow more time to gather and compile information. This contributed to increased delays and growing court backlogs.

Whereas now, the Pathfinder Scheme has addressed these issues head on. It has transformed the way cases are approached by bringing together key services involved in the Family Court such as CAFCASS, the Courts, and Local Authorities. By working collaboratively before the first hearing, professionals can identify safeguarding and welfare concerns earlier which is beneficial for all parties involved. The scheme has also reduced the number of court hearings by using pre-proceedings resources more effectively and directing more families toward out-of-court solutions, such as mediation. Crucially, it places far greater emphasis on listening to and prioritising the voice and needs of the children at the centre of every case.

After successful trials in selected courts across Wales, Dorset, Birmingham, and Solihull, the initiative is now being expanded. It was officially launch in Shropshire and surrounding courts on 11th November 2025. Pathfinder will apply to all new applications made under the Children Act in the following Courts: The Black Country & Shropshire, Herefordshire & Worcestershire and Stoke on Trent & Staffordshire.

Whilst in its early stages Pathfinder will be monitored and evaluated by ‘The Programme Board’. As with any new system it is vital that progress and progression is tracked so that any niggles or issues can be highlighted and improvements can be made. There may be teething problems and there may be some frustrations. However, there has been a successful pilot scheme, and the early indications are that service user satisfaction levels are improved and outcomes for children are better.

The Pathfinder model will continue to be rolled out to other areas over the coming months. Only time will tell if the changes incorporated will improve the experience of parents and their children.

A Breakdown of The Pathfinder Scheme – Step by Step

1. Information Gathering and Initial Assessment
Once an application is issued, a Judge or Legal Adviser will review it and decide whether it needs urgent attention; if not, directions are set for an initial hearing. If a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) has not been attended and no valid exemption is in place, the court may pause proceedings until it is completed. A MIAM is a key early step, helping parents explore whether mediation can resolve their dispute, saving time, stress, and costs while encouraging child-focused agreements outside the courtroom.

2. Child Impact Report – What it is and Why it is Important?
One the application has been received CAFCASS will be directed by the court to file a child impact report with 8 to 10 weeks. This will include safeguarding checks and may include contacting the police, local authorities, and in cases where there are concerns about risks within the school, the school will be contacted.

This report is key to the new Pathfinder Scheme. It provides the court with a clear overview of how the issues raised may affect the child or children. This includes risk assessments, background information from agencies (e.g. local authorities), and, where appropriate, the child’s wishes and feelings. If necessary, CAFCASS will speak directly to the child or children to understand their experiences and views before completing the report and submitting to the most appropriate professionals. This means that if further support is needed it can be offered to the family at the earliest opportunity.

3. Case Management Review – What it is?
The Child Impact Report will be reviewed by a Judge or legal to consider the next steps. If the Court has no concerns about the safety of the parties involved, including the child or children, then the Court may decide that matters can be resolved outside Court or at a hearing. If the Court has concerns about the safety of any parties involved, the Court may direct further work from CAFCASS or the local authority. This may include DNA testing, drugs and alcohol testing, written statements or for parents to attend courses and the matter will be listed for a hearing.

4. Interventions & Updating The Child Impact Report
Where a hearing is required, the court may ask CAFCASS to update the Child Impact Report to reflect any developments, such as the parties’ engagement with recommended interventions or any progress in resolving issues.

5. The Review & Next Steps
In more complex cases involving significant disputes or safeguarding issues, further hearings may be required. A review hearing allows the court to re-examine the progress of the case and determine whether any additional measures are required. Although, in some cases a hearing may not be needed which may result in a non-hearing review which will consider arrangements for the child or children. If difficulties have arisen during contact or care arrangements, the court may order a staged progression to ensure the child’s safety is protected.

Breakdown of the Main Aims of the Pathfinder Scheme
• To improve the Court experience of families and children, with a particular focus on parent victims of domestic abuse and their children.
• To adopt a multi-agency approach to improve communication between the family Court and other agencies such as the police, local authorities and in particular how allegations of domestic abuse are dealt with from the outset.
• To make the process more efficient, avoiding delays whilst ensuring all orders made are safe and appropriate to each case, to reduce the number of court hearings.
• To reduce re-traumatisation of domestic abuse survivors, including children, that may be experienced through the court process.
• To reduce the number of returning cases by providing a more sustainable order.

‘What if I have an existing Application?’
If you have an existing Children Act application in process, this will continue through the existing ‘Children Application Programme’ and will not be impacted. Pathfinder will apply to all new applications made under the Children Act in the following Courts: The Black Country & Shropshire, Herefordshire & Worcestershire and Stoke on Trent & Staffordshire from 11th November 2025.

How Hatchers Solicitors Can Help Assist You Through This Process?
Navigating relationship breakdowns, managing child arrangements, and understanding the legal process can feel overwhelming. We provide clear, practical advice to help make these challenges easier to manage, ensuring you do not have to face them alone. If you need any assistance with any family or matrimonial matters, speak with our team now on 01743 248545, or fill out a quick enquiry form.

The post Pathfinder: Your Essential Guide to the Family Courts New System first appeared on Hatchers Solicitors.

As ever, though, the full set of rules and subsequent HMRC guidance on its application made things much more complicated, and determining whether the higher rate is payable could turn into a minefield requiring expert advice – as the Deputy Prime Minister recently found out.

Whilst the basic situation does apply, many more purchases and property transfers can become liable to the higher rate. There are a wide range of factors to be taken into account, including whether:

• Your spouse or civil partner owns a property
• You and your partner are separated or divorced
• You own a share of a residential property
• You own a property anywhere else in the world
• You own a property you don’t live in
• You are buying your new main home before selling your current one
• You are the trustee or beneficiary of a trust including residential property
• The property is in England or Wales, as Land Transaction Tax is payable in Wales and has similar – but not identical – rules

How Can We Help?

As your conveyancers, we will submit your SDLT return and pay the tax to HMRC once your transaction completes.

As part of the purchase process, we will ask you for the full details of your property ownership. If there are any potential complications or grey areas, we will recommend that you take further advice from an accountant or tax advisor with SDLT expertise. Whilst more advice would mean an additional cost, this is a small amount compared to the additional tax, penalties & interest charged by HMRC if the rate paid is incorrect.

Note that SDLT is a personal tax return, and as such, the tax payable is tailored to your situation. This means that it’s essential that you disclose full details of your property ownership to your conveyancer so that the correct advice can be given and you don’t end up being chased by HMRC for underpaid tax.

If you’re thinking of buying a property or if you have any questions regarding the above, why not give our conveyancing experts a call? Call us on 01743 248545, or send an email to mail@hatchers.co.uk. We’re here to help.

The post SDLT On Second Properties: What You Need To Know first appeared on Hatchers Solicitors.

If you are part of a family farming business and you believe you may be impacted by the changes, you should consider professional advice on what the changes could mean for your own family and business, as no two farming businesses are the same.

Hannah Livsey, Head of Agricultural Property, explains:

“First and foremost, it is vital to make the decisions which are the best fit for your own situation. Now more than ever, it is vital to talk to your accountant, tax adviser and financial planner about your succession plans, sources of ongoing income, and likely tax consequences. I also strongly recommend that you review your partnership agreement with your solicitor and accountant (or make one, if you don’t currently have one), and review your wills.

You may or may not decide to make changes to your succession plan. Whilst tax consequences will inevitably play their part in your decision making, the first consideration should be who do you want to pass on the business to and if/when you wish to bring in the next generation. With the correct advice  – taking into account all of your assets, not just the farm – you can ensure that you make the most of any reliefs and allowances available to you”.

Early advice on the effects on your business and any action you may wish to take can help to put your mind at rest and enable you to plan for the future.

How Can We Help?

When you instruct Hatchers, our experienced solicitors will work closely with your other advisers to:

• Action any gifts or transfers necessitated by your succession strategy
• Review or draft your partnership agreement (including setting up and registering any trusts with the Trusts Registration Service)
• Review your will

Call our team today on 01743 248545 to get your enquiry started.

The post How Can Farming Businesses Adapt To Tax Changes? first appeared on Hatchers Solicitors.

Below are five common pitfalls we see across businesses of all sizes, along with practical tips to help you plan ahead.

1. Not Considering the Right Business Structure

Starting lean with a sole trader or informal partnership setup is common — and often practical in the early days. But as your business grows and you want to bring in new people, acquire property, or secure financing, that initial structure may no longer serve you.

Your legal structure affects your exposure to risk, tax position, funding options, and long-term sustainability.

For example, if your plans involve borrowing from banks or scaling up, a limited company is often the most appropriate structure. If you’re setting up a property management company, it’s common to use a company limited by guarantee. And if you’re running a charity, a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) offers charity status and a formal structure without the administrative burden of company law compliance.

Using a formal legal vehicle can also support tax and estate planning, such as facilitating wealth transfer to the next generation.

The law offers a range of business structures, each with its own pros and cons. That’s why it’s important to regularly review your setup as part of your strategic planning and seek professional advice — not only to manage risk, but to futureproof your business and reduce long-term costs.

2. Relying on Informal Business Arrangements

Many business relationships begin with trust and often just a handshake — and in the early stages, that may seem perfectly sufficient. However, as the business grows or circumstances change, the absence of formal agreements such as shareholders’ agreements, partnership agreements, or investment terms can leave the business exposed. Disagreements about contributions, decision-making, or exit strategies can quickly lead to disputes that are difficult — and costly — to resolve.

Having clear, well-drafted agreements in place from the outset helps establish a shared understanding of roles, responsibilities, and rights. These documents provide not only legal protection but also a practical framework for communication and dispute resolution. In our experience, setting these terms early on doesn’t just protect against risk — it also fosters trust, transparency, and stability, helping businesses build strong foundations for long-term relationships.

3. No Tailored Terms and Conditions (T&Cs)

We have come across business owners who rely on unchecked templates, adopt the other party’s terms without review, or operate without any formal T&Cs at all. While this may seem convenient at the outset, especially when time and resources are limited, it can create significant risks down the line.

Your T&Cs should do more than just exist — they should be tailored to your business model, aligned with how you operate, and fully compliant with current legal requirements. This is especially critical if you deal with consumers, where the legal landscape is evolving rapidly. Notably, the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 has strengthened consumer protection and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has significant enforcement powers, including fines of up to £300,000 or 10% of global turnover, whichever is higher.

Even when dealing with other businesses, it’s important to have properly drafted T&Cs that cover key issues like payment terms, liability, cancellation rights, product specifications, and service standards. Recording any bespoke commercial arrangements in writing not only helps manage expectations but also protects your position in the event of a dispute.

Well-drafted T&Cs aren’t just legal paperwork — they’re a crucial tool for risk management and building trust in your business relationships.

4. Mismanaging Employee and Contractor Relationships

We understand that in the early stages of a business, things need to stay flexible — especially when you’re working with family members or close friends. Formalities can feel unnecessary when there’s a strong foundation of trust. However, as soon as you have staff or contractors contributing to the business, it’s important to put clear, written contracts in place.

Having contracts that define roles and responsibilities, address ownership of intellectual property (IP), and ensure compliance with employment law is not just about ticking legal boxes — it’s about setting up your business for long-term objectives. These documents become even more critical as you scale, take on external investors, or consider a potential sale of the business. A buyer or investor will want to see that your team is properly engaged and that your business isn’t exposed to legal risks, especially relating to employment claims or IP ownership disputes.

Taking the time to formalise these relationships early can save significant cost, stress, and uncertainty later on — and will help build a stronger, more sustainable foundation for your business relationships.

5. Overlooking Intellectual Property

Many businesses underestimate the value of their IP or assume that they automatically own any work created by their employees or contractors. However, under English law, that’s not always the case — and failing to take the right steps early on can result in costly disputes or lost opportunities down the line.

Without appropriate legal documentation and protections in place, your business may not legally own key assets like branding, software code, website content, product designs, marketing materials, or other creative output. This can pose a serious risk, especially if you rely on those assets to deliver your services or attract investors or buyers.

Legal support isn’t just about compliance — it’s about laying the foundations for sustainable, positive business relationships. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, taking the time to understand and address legal risks early on can save you time, cost, and stress in the future.

How Can We Help?

If you need help setting up your business, or advice regarding any business-related matter, please don’t hesitate to contact our Business Law Team at business@hatchers.co.uk.

The post 5 Legal Pitfalls Business Owners Often Overlook first appeared on Hatchers Solicitors.

There are many benefits to registering your property, even if you do not intend to sell it in the near future.

Proof of Ownership

Once a property is registered, the proof of ownership is recorded electronically with the Land Registry, thereby reducing the risk of lost or damaged deeds. The Land Registry will also produce a title plan based on the current Ordnance Survey map showing the extent of the land in your ownership.

Simpler Conveyancing

For future transactions, a property that is registered with the Land Registry simplifies the conveyancing process, whether that may be a sale, gift, mortgage, or transfer. This is because all the relevant information regarding that property and its legal ownership is available from the Land Registry, which can reduce costs and help prevent delays.

Protection

Registering your property with the Land Registry provides a secure record of the ownership. This helps to protect you against fraudulent claims of ownership of your property as well as claims of adverse possession, whereby someone attempts to gain ownership of the land by occupying it for a certain period without the owner’s permission.

Reduced Land Registry Fees

Higher Land Registry fees apply when registration becomes required by law, such as after a sale is completed. This is because the Land Registry must establish a new title, which involves checking the deeds to gather more information on the history of the property.

On the other hand, if you submit an application for Voluntary Registration, the Land Registry will offer a reduced fee.

How Can We Help?

If you’re thinking of registering your property, or if you have any questions regarding the information above, our team are here to help. Our experts will guide you through each stage of the process, keeping you informed throughout. Call us now on 01743 248545 to get your enquiry started.

The post 4 Key Benefits Of Voluntary Registration first appeared on Hatchers Solicitors.

The majority of the reforms are contained within the Employment Rights Bill, which is expected to take effect in 2026.

We have set out the key changes that are expected below.

1. Day One Right Against Unfair Dismissal

Under the current legislation, employees are required to have worked 2 continuous years before they acquire the majority of employment rights, including the right not to be unfairly dismissed.

The proposals contained within the Bill are set to scrap the 2 years’ service requirement and make unfair dismissal a day one right.

This adds additional protection for employees, giving them the right not to be unfairly dismissed from day one. However, this is likely to result in employers carrying out enhanced due diligence before recruiting.

From an employer’s perspective, it is important that contractual terms and policies are reviewed ahead of this change to ensure that a robust system is in place to manage performance and conduct, where required, to minimise risk in respect of dismissal claims.

2. Tribunal Time Limits

Currently, an individual needs to bring a claim in the Employment Tribunal within 3 months for the majority of employment related claims.

As part of the reforms, we expect to see this time limit extended from three months to six months, which has been outlined in the draft Bill and the accompanying ‘Next Steps’ document.

This change is inevitably going to lead to an increase in claims brought in an already struggling Tribunal system.

3. Restrictions On Fire And Rehire

‘Fire and rehire’ is a term used in practice where an employer changes an employee’s terms and conditions by terminating their employment and re-engaging them on new terms.

In October 2024, the Government implemented a new Code of Practice on “fire and rehire” which encouraged employers to act fairly and responsibly. However, the Code did not introduce legally binding obligations to prohibit ‘fire and rehire’ from taking place.

The Bill is set to implement heightened measures to restrict employers from dismissing an employee for refusing a variation to their terms of employment.

This means there is going to be additional risk on employers  seeking to vary terms and conditions of employment. If you’re planning on varying an employees’ contract, we strongly recommend that you seek legal advice first.

4. Harassment

From 26 October 2024, a new duty on employers was introduced to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Employers must put in place steps to prevent sexual harassment which extends beyond employees to third parties, such as clients or suppliers.

If an individual raises a complaint of sexual harassment, it is to be treated as a proctected characteristic under the legislation surrounding whistleblowing.

If you are unsure on what reasonable steps you need to take to prevent sexual harassment, or if you feel your employer has not taken reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, please contact our Employment Team today.

5. Increase In Minimum Wage

The National Living and Minimum Wage rates have increased from 1 April 2025. The new rates are as follows:

• National Living Wage (21+) – increase from £11.44 to £12.21 per hour;
• 18 – 20-year-old – increase from £8.60 to £10.00 per hour;
• 16 – 17-year-old – increase from £6.40 to £7.55 per hour; and
• Apprentices – increase from £6.40 to £7.55 per hour.

How Can We Help?

If you have any questions as to how these changes may affect you as an individual or your business, please don’t hesitate to contact Hatchers Solicitors’ Employment Law Team on 01743 248545 or mail@hatchers.co.uk.

The post Employment Rights Bill – Key Changes Expected in 2026 first appeared on Hatchers Solicitors.