Frank Smith & Co

08/06/2026

Having a will has never been more important! 📝

Recent data shows a growing awareness around estate planning - with searches for “how to write a will” rising sharply across the UK, including a 121% year-on-year increase in some areas.

Yet, despite this surge in interest, only 37% of UK adults currently have a valid will.

This gap highlights just how many families could be left facing uncertainty at an already difficult time. A professionally prepared will helps ensure your wishes are clear, your loved ones are protected, and your estate is managed exactly as you intend.

At Frank Smith & Co, we guide you through the process with clarity and care, giving you real peace of mind for the future.

Get in touch to find out more or start planning today! 👇
https://www.franksmithandco.com/services/private-client/wills/

Home 9 Our Services 9 Private Client 9 Wills Wills Everyone should make a Will but, for some, this may not be an easy topic of conversation. At Frank Smith & Co Solicitors we try to make this as easy as possible for our clients with our friendly and knowledgeable advice. Our lawyers specialise in wr...

05/06/2026

Happy World Environment Day! 🌍

Today, we’re celebrating the vital role our land, woodlands, and rural communities play in protecting the environment for future generations.

At Frank Smith & Co. Solicitors, sustainability underpins everything we do across our full range of professional services. Within our agricultural offering, we’re proud to support clients through:

🌳 Forestry & Woodlands – Supporting responsible woodland management, biodiversity, and long-term environmental resilience.

🌾 Diversification – Helping landowners explore sustainable, forward-thinking opportunities that balance profitability with environmental stewardship.

🐎 Equestrian – Delivering well-planned equestrian developments that respect the landscape while meeting modern rural demands.

Caring for the environment isn’t just a responsibility - it’s an opportunity to build a more sustainable, productive future for our countryside.

Let’s continue to protect, adapt, and grow 🌱

03/06/2026

New Blog: Ground Rules for Land Use in the UK! 🌱

Land in England is under increasing pressure – from housing demand and renewable energy projects to environmental protection and food security. But how can all of these priorities coexist?

In our latest blog, we explore the Government’s new Land Use Framework (LUF) and what it means for landowners, developers and businesses. From the “right use, right place” approach to the rise of multifunctional land, this strategic shift is set to influence how land development is planned and managed for years to come.

Whether you're a landowner or are involved in development, agriculture or land management, understanding these changes could unlock new opportunities and shape future decisions. 💡

👉 Read our full blog on this here: https://www.franksmithandco.com/blog/ground-rules-the-uks-new-approach-to-land-use-explaine

A New Way of Thinking About Land Land in England is under increasing pressure. Housing demand continues to rise, renewable energy projects are expanding, and there is a growing need to protect the environment and ensure food security. The Government’s new Land Use Framework (LUF) is designed to re...

02/06/2026

Have you considered this vital document when planning how to leave your legacy to those you love?

A Letter of Wishes is a document that sits alongside your Will or Trust, giving your executors additional guidance on how you would like your estate and personal belongings to be handled.

While it isn’t legally binding, it provides valuable clarity around your intentions, particularly when it comes to sentimental items or more personal or contentious decisions.

Unlike a Will, which becomes a public document during probate, a Letter of Wishes remains private and can be updated at any time. This flexibility allows you to reflect changes in your circumstances or relationships without needing to formally rewrite your Will – however, it is important not to include anything in this letter that contradicts your Will itself.

Ultimately, a Letter of Wishes adds the personal detail that a formal Will often cannot capture, helping to ensure that what matters most to you is handled with care and clarity.

If you’re reviewing your estate planning, it’s well worth considering whether a Letter of Wishes could provide that added reassurance.

Read more about the importance of Letters of Wishes in this recent article from The Telegraph 👇
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/wills/death-document-stops-possessions-falling-into-wrong-hands/

A letter of wishes can prevent your possessions falling into the wrong hands

29/05/2026

Have you seen us in the news? 📰

We’ve been sharing our expertise far and wide, with commentary from our Founder, Frank Smith featured in publications including This is Money , Cotswold Life Magazine, The Sun and The Telegraph.

From property law and inheritance tax planning to legislative updates and emerging trends, each feature has allowed us to provide practical, trusted insight on the issues shaping the market and affecting our clients every day. 💬

We’re proud to be part of the conversation, and even prouder to help make complex topics clearer.

27/05/2026

Savers are being warned to watch out for pension scams, as fraudsters are expected to exploit confusion around the changes to Inheritance Tax. 💸

Research by Standard Life has found that 54% of people are worried that their beneficiaries could face a higher inheritance tax bill, whilst 22% state that they feel less confident about their pensions because of the planned changes.

Experts have now warned that this period of uncertainty could increase the risk of scams, with victims already losing an average of £47,000.

While many people’s pension savings may not be large enough to fall within the Inheritance Tax thresholds, scammers may take advantage of this by creating unnecessary panic and offering a solution to reduce tax liability.

Pension scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, so be sure to check that any firm is authorised using the Financial Conduct Authority, and to seek additional guidance if anything feels off.

Find more about the report and further advice via this Daily Record article:
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/money/new-pension-warning-inheritance-tax-37112081

Savers are being urged to stay alert to fraudsters as upcoming Inheritance Tax changes could be used to target people worried about their retirement savings.

26/05/2026

Land Registration Services 🌿

Working closely with HM Land Registry, we provide a dedicated title registration service for residential property -accurate, efficient, and cost‑effective.

Our team has extensive experience registering land of all sizes, from small parcels to large farms and agricultural estates.

We understand the importance of precision and timeliness, particularly when dealing with matters related to your home and property.

If our land registration service could be of benefit to you, please get in touch with our experienced team:
📧[email protected]
📞 01242 801748

22/05/2026

We hope you have a wonderful Spring Bank Holiday, from all of us here at Frank Smith & Co. Solicitors! 🌸

Please note, our offices will be closed on Monday 25 May and will reopen on Tuesday 26 May at 9am for business as usual.

Whether you’re planning a classic bank holiday barbeque or you’re off on a well-earned break away, take time to relax and enjoy the brighter spring days ahead. ☀️

20/05/2026

Did you know?

71% of UK farms have now diversified their income! 🧑‍🌾

Farmers are increasingly looking beyond traditional agriculture to strengthen and futureproof their businesses.

Diversification can take many forms - from converting unused farm buildings into offices or industrial units, to letting land for equestrian use, installing telecoms masts, or removing agricultural ties from properties. 🏇

Want to know more? Our team of agricultural experts can help – visit:
https://www.franksmithandco.com/agricultural/

Home 9 Agricultural Agricultural TRENDINGAgricultural tenanciesRead More AuctionsRead More DiversificationRead More EquestrianRead More Estate sales and purchasesRead More Farm sales and purchasesRead More Forestry and woodlandsRead More Land registrationRead More Land sales and purchasesRead More O...

18/05/2026

Thinking about the Sporting Rights on your land? 🎣

Sporting rights, including shooting, fishing and deer stalking, do not always come with land ownership. In England and Wales, they can be legally separated from the land, held by third parties, and exercised even after a sale has complete

These rights can be highly valuable, but they can also significantly affect land use, privacy, safety and development plans. 🌲

If they exist, they may restrict how land is managed, rewilded, developed or even enjoyed as a home. Importantly, properly granted sporting rights are likely to be upheld, even where they cause inconvenience to the landowner.

Read more about sporting rights in this article by or get in touch with one of our team: 👇
https://ww3.rics.org/uk/en/journals/land-journal/sporting-rights-land-ownership.html

Buyers of country houses or rural estates ignore sporting rights at their peril. These rights can be separate from land ownership and may be difficult and expensive to resolve after completion