Overseas Landlord and Tenant Negotiation
Advised an overseas landowner in relation to two substantial agricultural holdings on an estate in the United Kingdom where a sub-tenant asserted proprietary rights and refused to vacate the premises. Following strategic assessment of litigation risk, cost exposure, and timing implications, I advised my client against immediate legal proceedings and instead pursued a negotiated resolution. I was instructed to engage directly with the sub-tenant and conducted without-prejudice negotiations aimed at securing a full surrender of any claimed rights whilst keeping the client and their retained legal team appraised of progress.
I successfully negotiated a comprehensive settlement under which:
- The sub-tenant formally surrendered all claimed proprietary and occupational rights;
- Vacant possession was delivered in full;
- The entire farm and associated yard was cleared to a high standard; and
- The total settlement cost was significantly lower than the projected legal fees and enforcement costs associated with contested eviction proceedings.
The matter was resolved swiftly, commercially, and without recourse to court action, thereby protecting the client’s asset value and avoiding protracted disruption to agricultural operations and the sale of part of the estate.
Sporting Shoot Risk Management
Engaged by the leaseholder of a sporting shoot to conduct a full review of risk management and operational governance following the identification of inadequate and outdated management procedures.
Undertook a detailed assessment of existing practices and exposure, identifying key areas requiring immediate improvement to ensure legal compliance, operational safety, and reputational protection.
Key deliverables included:
- Preparing and implementing comprehensive Risk Assessments tailored to shoot operations;
- Drafting and negotiating a new Sporting Lease with the Landlord to clarify rights, responsibilities, and liability allocation;
- Producing a robust Emergency Plan and formalised operational procedures;
- Developing and implementing a Health and Safety Policy aligned with current regulatory standards;
- Delivering structured training and briefings to shoot staff, employees, and syndicate members to ensure full understanding and compliance.
The result was a professionally structured, legally compliant sporting operation with clear governance, improved safety standards, and reduced liability exposure for the leaseholder.
High Value Equestrian Property Project Management
Advised a high-net-worth individual on the design, specification, and installation of a bespoke equestrian grazing system at a newly acquired, high-value rural estate.
Following detailed consultation to understand the client’s long-term equestrian objectives, I provided strategic advice on optimal fencing configuration, land layout, and installation methodology to maximise functionality, horse welfare, and long-term durability.
Key aspects of the instruction included:
- Liaising with relevant utility providers to obtain detailed service plans identifying underground water, electricity, and other infrastructure across the estate to mitigate installation risk;
- Preparing accurate and transparent up-front costings covering the full scope of works;
- Designing and delivering a bespoke electric equestrian fencing system with a 25-year manufacturer’s guarantee;
- Installing a large-scale equestrian track grazing system across substantial acreage;
- Managing all elements of the works, including ground clearance, groundworks, drainage, mains water and electricity installation, and access track construction;
- Coordinating and project managing multiple contractors throughout.
The project was delivered on time over a number of months and within budget, while accommodating evolving client requirements and maintaining high standards of workmanship appropriate to a premium rural estate.
HNW Rural Property Asset Renovation
Retained by a long-standing high-net-worth client to plan and deliver the full renovation of a derelict 600-metre equestrian exercise track at their high value rural estate property.
Following detailed consultation to assess the intended use and performance requirements of the new track, I advised on optimal solutions for drainage, sub-base construction, landscaping, and riding surface composition. Provided fully costed bespoke options, together with clear analysis of the advantages and limitations of each approach, enabling informed decision-making aligned with the client’s long-term objectives.
Upon instruction, I:
- Project managed and undertook the works from inception to completion;
- Undertook and supervised the complete removal and environmentally responsible disposal of the existing riding surface and sub-base by myself and my team;
- Removed outdated drainage systems and installed a new comprehensive drainage solution;
- Installed new geotextile membranes, engineered sub-base, timber edging, and a high-performance riding surface tailored to the client’s requirements;
- Landscaped adjacent areas to improve long-term maintenance efficiency;
- Enhanced access routes to accommodate maintenance machinery and protect the integrity of the track.
The project was delivered under budget and exceeded the client’s performance and aesthetic expectations, significantly enhancing the value and usability of the estate’s equestrian infrastructure.