A panel of leading legal, financial and rural affairs experts will join forces to help families navigate the complex and changing world of Inheritance Tax.
The free event, Inheritance Tax – The Devastating Cost of Doing Nothing, is aimed at people and families with estates of £1 million-plus.
Experts from Rachael Bell Wealth Management, Saint & Co, C&D Rural and Muckle LLP will discuss how those potentially affected can take steps to protect their estates.
Rachael Bell, practice principal of Rachael Bell Wealth Management, said: “We are blessed with industry-leading expertise in Cumbria when it comes to family and estate planning, and with significant inheritance tax changes on the horizon, there has never been a better time for that expertise to be embraced.
“The panel of experts assembled for this event have the collective knowledge to ensure all angles will be covered; we want people to leaving feeling informed, empowered and ready to take control of their financial futures.”
Rachael will be joined on the panel by Alex Dent, a tax specialist at Saint & Co Chartered Accountants, Louisa Thompson, the Managing Director of C&D Rural and Rachael Stephenson, a partner at legal firm Muckle LLP.
Seismic changes to the Government’s Inheritance Tax regime are on the near horizon – and they will impact families across the UK.
From 2027, any unused pension savings will be counted as part of an individual’s estate, meaning loved ones could face a hefty tax bill on money that had previously been protected.
At the same time, the generous tax breaks that help farms and businesses stay in the family – known as Agricultural Property Relief) (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) are being scaled back.
Currently, you can pass on these assets with full relief, but from April 2026, only the first £1 million per person will be fully protected, with anything above that taxed more heavily.
Alex Dent, head of tax at Saint & Co, said: “We get asked about inheritance tax all the time – and with good reason.
“It’s a complex area, but the fundamentals are simple: if you don’t plan, your family could lose a significant portion of what you’ve built. This event is about giving people the knowledge and confidence to take control of their legacy.”
Louisa Thomson, of C&D Rural, added: “Agricultural and business property reliefs are vital tools for farming families, but they’re under pressure.
“The number of conversations we are having with clients about the logistics of protecting their rural businesses for future generations is growing. But too many still have their heads in the sand. Now is the time for action.”
Rachael Stephenson, partner at Muckle LLP, completes the panel.
She said: “Many people assume that having a will is enough – but that’s just the start. We’ll be covering the legal essentials, from trusts to probate, and how to keep your affairs audit-ready. It’s about peace of mind for you and your loved ones.”
