Ian is a member of the firm's private capital group, with a particular interest in advising our landed estate and farming clients on their tax and estate planning matters. He is a member of the firm's Rural Business Practice group, which brings together experts from throughout the firm who regularly advise our clients on issues facing the rural community.
Ian has dealt with the Inland Revenue at the highest levels in relation to the application of agricultural property relief for inheritance tax in relation to farmhouses, and has negotiated with the Revenue, without going to court, at the time of the Antrobus case, a result that was better than that achieved on behalf of the tax payer in Antrobus. He advises on agricultural property relief and business property relief for inheritance tax, and on capital gains tax planning as well. Ian also advises on maintenance funds for historic houses.
Ian's practice also covers the drafting of wills, the creation of trusts and all matters relating to the passing on of wealth to succeeding generations in the most tax efficient and flexible way. He advises on matters relating to the elderly and has long experience of dealing with the Office of the Public Guardian.
"The private client team at Martineau has for a number of years been rated No 1 for advice on personal tax, trusts and probate, and agriculture and estates, and I am proud to have been a member of this team for almost 20 years, joining what was then Martineau Johnson in 1990."
Ian is a member of STEP and Solicitors for the Elderly. He is also a member of the Country Land and Business Association, and regularly given talks and write articles for the CLA in the West Midlands. With a Masters in Agricultural Law from De Montfort University, Ian is also a member of the Agricultural Law Association.
Ian is listed in Legal 500 as an expert in the field of agriculture and estates, and is described as “helpful and proactive”, “forward thinking and a real asset in meetings with clients” and as delivering “speedy response times”. He is singled out in Chambers for his experience in the field of agriculture and rural affairs.