Latest Posts

Quastels Advises on Strategic Investment from Marlborough Group into First Wealth

Quastels is proud to announce that we have advised the founders of First Wealth on a significant strategic investment from Marlborough Group. The investment marks an important milestone for our client First Wealth, which is an award-winning Chartered Financial Planning Firm. Its investor is also a certified B Corp, serving 600 client families and managing approximately £500 million in assets and First Wealth expects this new investment to assist in its planned expansion of its modernised financial planning and associated services for its clients. 

Jason Greenberg and Adam Convisser led the transaction for Quastels, leveraging the firm’s extensive expertise in advising founders through complex growth investment deals. Their dedication to guiding clients through multifaceted transactions demonstrates Quastels’ commitment to delivering exceptional legal support during pivotal moments in a company’s journey.

We are also pleased to share the positive feedback from Anthony Villis, Managing Director of First Wealth, who said:

“Jason, Adam, and the whole team were outstanding from start to finish — calm, committed, and technically excellent. Their support was absolutely key to getting this deal over the line.”

We extend our congratulations to Anthony, Robert, and the entire team on this exciting new chapter. Quastels is honoured to have played a role in facilitating this transformative partnership, and we look forward to seeing the continued success and growth of First Wealth in the coming years.

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Navigating Property Ownership: Understanding Registered vs. Unregistered Land

Understanding the status of land is crucial when buying and selling property. One key distinction is whether the land is registered or unregistered. It is important that property owners are aware of the differences between registered and unregistered land, as it can largely impact the rights associated with the land and the ease with which the ownership can be transferred.

What is Registered Land?

Registered land refers to property that has been officially recorded at HM Land Registry. An individual title number and title register are allocated to each registered property, which contains information such as the property description, ownership details and any mortgages or restrictive covenants that are attached to the land.  This information is collectively referred to as ‘title information’ which can be accessed by anybody by downloading a title register from the Land Registry website, such as potential buyers, who may wish to check the details of the land they are interested in purchasing.  

Benefits of registering land:

1. Proof of Ownership

A title register provides clear evidence of ownership, eliminating uncertainty and any potential disputes regarding ownership. 

2. Protection Against Fraud

You can request that the Land Registry require identity verification before registering any changes to the land, making it significantly harder for someone to claim ownership of your property. You can also sign up to receive Land Registry Property Alerts, which will notify you of any activity in respect of the property’s title.  

3. Simplified Transactions

All necessary information is readily accessible through the Land Registry. Potential buyers and their conveyancers can quickly check the status and ownership of the land without having to review old deeds.  

4. Record Keeping

Land Registry records are maintained electronically, removing the risk of paper deeds becoming damaged or lost.

5. Protection against Adverse Possession

The Land Registry will notify the registered owner of an application claiming adverse possession, also known as ‘squatter’s rights,’ providing the opportunity for an objection to be lodged.  

What is Unregistered Land?

Unregistered land, in contrast, is land that has not been formally recorded at the Land Registry and ownership is often proved through historical title deeds. Given the rules on compulsory registration, unregistered land is becoming increasingly less common, and the majority of unregistered land is likely to be land that has remained in the same ownership or family for a long period of time. This distinction is particularly relevant to agricultural property, where land ownership may have been passed down through generations, resulting in a higher likelihood of unregistered land and complex historical title deeds. Only in circumstances where ownership of the land has been transferred or the property has been re-mortgaged, will the requirement for first registration arise. Until such event, the land can remain unregistered.  

If you wish to check whether a piece of land is registered or not, you can apply to the Land Registry for a search of the index map (SIM search) which will reveal whether the area of land is registered. If registered, you will be provided with the title numbers specific to that property from which you can obtain the relevant title registers to view ownership details, any rights that the property benefits from and whether the property is subject to any restrictions, leases or mortgages.  

Implications of unregistered land:

1. Difficulties Securing Financing

Some lenders are reluctant to finance unregistered land due to the complexities connected with verifying ownership. 

2. Boundary Disputes

Without clear and detailed plans, it can be hard to establish where the boundary lies between your property and neighbouring land. Registration can help you to discover whether yourself or your neighbours have been occupying land outside of your legal boundaries.  The complexities of unregistered land can be especially problematic for agricultural properties, where precise boundary definitions and land usage rights are crucial for farming operations and potential future development. 

3. Difficulties in Enforcing Property Rights

It may be difficult to enforce any rights you may have over neighbouring land, especially if ownership of the neighbouring property is transferred.

4. Inheritance Complications

Without official title documents, it may be difficult to prove an uninterrupted chain of ownership. This can lead to delays in transferring the property.

Land Registration

For owners of unregistered land, you do not need to wait for an event to trigger registration, such as a sale or re-mortgage, before applying to HM Land Registry. This is known as voluntary first registration. To apply for first registration, landowner must submit copies of the most up to date deed evidencing ownership alongside an application form. The Land Registry will also require a fee for each application lodged, which is calculated based on the value of the property, however the fee for a first registration application is reduced to encourage landowners to register their property.  

It is important to note that the Land Registry have provided an estimated turnaround of 14 months for first registration applications, therefore if you are considering selling unregistered land in the near future you may wish to instruct a solicitor early on to ensure that everything is in place before proceeding with the sale to avoid delaying the transaction. Please note that if you wish to dispose of your property whilst your application is still pending, you can request to expedite your application with the Land Registry. As long as you provide evidence of the intended disposal, this should be sufficient for the Land Registry to grant the expedite request.  

Once registration has completed, the Land Registry will allocate a unique title number and individual title register to your property. As part of the process, the Land Registry will also provide a title plan outlining the full extent of the land in question.  

Conclusion

The distinction between registered and unregistered land plays a vital role in property ownership and protection. If your land has not been registered at the Land Registry, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with unregistered land and what steps you can take to obtain greater security over your property.  

At Quastels, we are here to provide guidance and to protect your property interests. If you are unsure whether your land is registered at HM Land Registry, or wish to discuss property-related matters. If you would like to discuss the contents of this article, please contact our Commercial or Residential Real Estate teams.

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The Imperative of ESG Compliance: Safeguarding Brands in the Modern Legal Landscape

In an era where corporate responsibility is under intense scrutiny, brands are increasingly recognising the importance of aligning their practices with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. From a legal perspective, ensuring ESG compliance is not merely a moral or ethical obligation; it is a strategic imperative that safeguards brands against legal and reputational risks. This article explores the reasons why brands must prioritise ESG compliance to navigate the complex legal landscape effectively.

1. Mitigating Legal Risks

The legal landscape is evolving rapidly, with governments worldwide implementing stricter regulations to address environmental concerns, promote social justice, and enhance corporate governance. Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to severe legal consequences, ranging from fines and penalties to litigation. By prioritising ESG compliance, brands can proactively address these legal risks, ensuring that their operations align with evolving legal standards.

2. Protecting Reputation

A brand’s reputation is one of its most valuable assets, directly influencing consumer trust and loyalty. Non-compliance with ESG standards can lead to reputational damage, resulting in a loss of customer confidence and loyalty. Moreover, in the age of social media and instant communication, negative news about a brand’s environmental impact, social practices, or governance issues can spread rapidly, causing long-lasting harm. ESG compliance acts as a shield, helping brands not only meet societal expectations but also protect their reputation in an increasingly interconnected world.

3. Attracting Investment

Investors are becoming increasingly discerning about where they allocate their capital, and many are integrating ESG considerations into their decision-making processes. ESG compliance signals to investors that a brand is committed to sustainable and responsible business practices, reducing investment risk. Brands that prioritise ESG initiatives are more likely to attract socially conscious investors, leading to increased funding opportunities and a positive impact on shareholder value.

4. Enhancing Stakeholder Relationships

ESG compliance goes beyond regulatory obligations; it reflects a brand’s commitment to its stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and the communities in which it operates. Prioritising environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and strong governance practices fosters positive relationships with stakeholders. This can lead to increased employee satisfaction, customer loyalty, and improved supplier and community relations – all essential components of a thriving and sustainable business.

5. Future-Proofing Business Operations

As global concerns about climate change, social inequality, and ethical business practices intensify, ESG compliance is emerging as a fundamental aspect of future-proofing businesses. Brands that integrate sustainable and responsible practices into their operations are better positioned to adapt to changing regulatory landscapes and societal expectations. By staying ahead of the curve, these brands can navigate legal challenges more effectively and maintain a competitive edge in the market.

Conclusion

ESG compliance is not just a moral obligation; it is a strategic imperative for brands in today’s legal landscape. By prioritising environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and strong governance practices, brands can mitigate legal risks, protect their reputation, attract investment, enhance stakeholder relationships, and future-proof their business operations. As legal advisors, we recognise the importance of ESG compliance for clients, and work to guide them towards a sustainable and resilient future.

To discuss any of the points raised in this article, please contact Ann-Maree Blake or fill in the form below. 

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