Moorcrofts Means Business

Welcome to Series 3, Episode 7 of the Moorcrofts Means Business podcast.

In this episode, Corporate Partners Will Pearce and Barry Maytum explore the key considerations when approaching business growth through mergers, acquisitions, or purchasing another company.

They cover:

• The legal process involved in acquisitions and mergers
• Understanding your starting point and objectives — are you looking for a product, service, IP, key people, or a balance sheet opportunity?
• The benefits of engaging advisers early and assembling the right professional team
• The different types of acquisitions and what they mean in practice
• Funding options available and how they work in real-world scenarios
• Practicalities — assessing whether your business is ready, and how to manage the business post-acquisition to ensure smooth integration, cultural alignment, and long-term success

Whether you're actively exploring growth opportunities or just starting to consider the possibilities, this episode provides a practical overview of what to expect and how to get started the right way.

Welcome to Series 3, Episode 6 of the Moorcrofts Means Business Podcast!

In this episode, Lindsey Abbott, Employment Partner at Moorcrofts, is joined by Colin Barnett, Founder of CB Talent Consulting, to explore the ever-evolving world of talent, from recruitment and retention to AI’s growing role in the workplace.

Topics covered include:

• Current recruitment market trends post-COVID
• The impact of flexible and hybrid working on talent strategies
• Redundancies and employer responsibilities
• Key challenges facing employers in 2025
• AI in recruitment — what’s hype vs. what’s helpful
• The importance of employer branding
• Diversity, equity and inclusion in hiring and retention
• Enhancing the candidate experience and onboarding process
• Why the first 100 days of employment matter
• How SMEs can compete with larger companies for top talent

Whether you're a business owner, HR professional, or manager involved in hiring, this episode offers actionable takeaways to help you build stronger, more resilient teams in the age of digital transformation and shifting employee expectations.

Further Resources:

Moorcrofts

https://moorcrofts.com/blog/

CB Talent Consulting

https://cbtalentconsulting.co.uk/

Welcome to Series 3, Episode 5 of the Moorcrofts Means Business Podcast!

In this episode, Heather Stewart and Jai Nathwani from Moorcrofts’ Corporate Team explore Employee Share Schemes - what they are, why they matter, and how they can benefit your business. 

The discussion focuses on aligning employee interests with company performance, attracting and retaining talent, and the strategic value of share ownership in boosting productivity and engagement.

Topics covered include:

• What is an employee share scheme?
• Benefits of implementing a share scheme
• Why these schemes are becoming more popular
• Tax-advantaged vs. non-tax-advantaged schemes
• Key considerations before setting up a scheme
• Overview of:
  • EMI (Enterprise Management Incentive) Schemes
  • Company Share Option Plans (CSOPs)
  • Save As You Earn (SAYE) Schemes
  • Share Incentive Plans (SIPs)
• Why a non-tax-advantaged scheme might still be right for your business

Whether you're a startup, scale-up, or established business, this episode provides essential insights into the different types of employee share schemes available in the UK and the key considerations before implementing one.

Welcome to Series 3, Episode 4 of the Moorcrofts Means Business Podcast!

In this episode, Julia Ferguson, Partner and Head of Commercial Property at Moorcrofts, is joined by Steve Page, Head of GreenFiT at Savills, to discuss the pressing topic of environmental performance in commercial real estate, with a particular focus on the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). 

As climate change takes centre stage, businesses are under growing pressure to demonstrate strong ESG credentials - especially across their supply chains. With around 20% of the UK’s carbon emissions coming from the built environment, and 70% of UK office space currently below the likely required EPC rating of B by 2030, it's clear the real estate sector has a pivotal role to play in achieving net zero.

But while many businesses are taking steps to reduce operational emissions, the challenge of decarbonising commercial buildings - especially around who pays and how improvements are delivered - remains complex.

Julia and Steve discuss:

• The current EPC regime and what reforms may be coming
• The action needed to address anticipated increases in EPC rating requirements
• Funding challenges and cost-sharing issues
• Why collaboration is essential for meaningful energy improvements

Whether you're a landlord, tenant, investor, or advisor, this episode offers clear insights into navigating sustainability in real estate.

Further Resources:

Moorcrofts

Blog - MEES Update 2025: Stricter Rules, Higher Standards and Key Deadlines

Savills

Offices EPC Factsheet

EPC Portfolio Summary

Welcome to Series 3, Episode 2 of the Moorcrofts Means Business Podcast!

In this episode, Senior Associate Adam Forder from Moorcrofts' Corporate Team is joined by Tom Biggs and Jordan Wood from Wellers Accountants to explore the world of SEIS and EIS investment schemes.

Together, they discuss:

• What is SEIS/EIS?
• Key differences between SEIS and EIS
• Investment criteria:
  • For companies: Eligibility requirements and conditions throughout the minimum holding period
  • For investors: Who qualifies and what restrictions apply
• Ways to reduce risk and whether a shareholders’ agreement or bespoke articles can help
• Tax relief rules and how to maximise benefits
• What happens if you sell your shares too early?
• Common pitfalls and key considerations for SEIS/EIS investments

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate SEIS/EIS successfully.

In this episode of the Moorcrofts Means Business podcast, Commercial and Technology Partner Tim Astley is joined by Senior Associate, Usha Guness to discuss some of the key risks of using generative AI and some potential mitigations and solutions. 

They cover:

• Intellectual Property risks from using existing IP used and IP ownership issues of AI produced work
• Confidentiality and data security
• Privacy and data protection
• Bias in training data
• Summary of AI regulation and what businesses need to know

This episode is packed with practical advice and insights to help businesses navigate risks and mitigations of using generative AI.

Welcome to the first episode of Series 3 of the Moorcrofts Means Business Podcast! 

In this episode, Corporate Partner Will Pearce is joined by Senior Corporate Solicitor Adam Forder, as they break down the essentials of investment agreements. Whether you're a company founder or an investor, this episode provides a clear, concise overview of key topics, including investment structures, governance rights, and the critical elements every investment agreement should contain.

Will and Adam explore the various investment structures, such as ordinary and preferred shares, loan notes, and convertible securities, and discuss how each works. 

They explain why an investment agreement is essential for protecting the interests of both investors and company founders, offering insights on how to negotiate the best terms for both parties, while emphasising how a well-crafted agreement can reduce risks, prevent disputes, and lay the groundwork for a successful partnership.

If you’re involved in or considering investment opportunities, this episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to understand the legal landscape and make informed decisions about your investment agreement.

Welcome to another episode of the Moorcrofts Means Business Podcast! 

In this episode of the Moorcrofts Means Business podcast, Corporate Partner Will Pearce is joined by Commercial Property Julia Ferguson to discuss the topic of due diligence in the commercial property space. 

Key questions addressed:

• What are the essential elements of due diligence when evaluating commercial property?
• How should a company prepare its property documentation for a due diligence review?
• How do you assess the legal and regulatory compliance of a commercial property?
• What role does the property's physical condition and maintenance history play in due diligence?

This episode is packed with practical advice and insights to help businesses navigate due diligence confidently, whether buying, selling, or managing commercial property.

Welcome to another episode of the Moorcrofts Means Business Podcast!

In this episode of the Moorcrofts Means Business podcast, Corporate Partner Will Pearce is joined by Employment Partner Lindsey Abbott to discuss due diligence in employment when buying or selling a company. They explore the key considerations and practical steps businesses should take when reviewing employment practices as part of a business acquisition or sale.

Key discussion points include:

• What is employment due diligence? Key areas to scrutinise during the due diligence process when buying or selling a company.
• Assessing compliance: How to evaluate a company’s compliance with employment laws and regulations and identify common compliance issues.
• Employee contracts and agreements: Key clauses and terms to review in employee contracts to avoid legal surprises.
• Workplace culture: How to assess a company’s workplace culture and employee satisfaction during due diligence, and why it matters for a successful transaction.
• Employee benefits and compensation: Key factors to examine regarding employee benefits and compensation structures, and how discrepancies can impact a transaction.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion: Why reviewing diversity, equity, and inclusion practices is crucial in the due diligence process, and how to ensure alignment with company values.
• Past disputes and legal actions: Key considerations for reviewing past employment disputes and how they can affect the due diligence process.
• Recruitment and retention strategies: Evaluating a company’s recruitment and retention strategies and their importance during due diligence.
• Preparing documentation: Best practices for preparing and presenting employment documentation for due diligence reviews.
• Proactive compliance and risk management: Steps companies can take to ensure robust employment practices and mitigate risks before a sale or acquisition.

Tune in to this episode for expert guidance on employment due diligence during the buying and selling process. Whether you're preparing for an acquisition, sale, or simply looking to ensure your employment practices are in top shape, this episode offers key insights to help you navigate potential risks and ensure a smooth transaction.

Welcome to another episode of the Moorcrofts Means Business Podcast!

In this episode of the Moorcrofts Means Business podcast, Corporate Partner Will Pearce is joined by Tech and Commercial Partner Tim Astley to discuss the topic of due diligence in the commercial and tech space.

Key discussion points include:

• Mitigating risks and uncovering potential issues: How due diligence plays a pivotal role in protecting businesses by identifying risks before they escalate.
• Technology-specific due diligence: The unique considerations when dealing with technology contracts and transactions, and why having tech specialists on board is essential.
• Commercial contracts: What to look for in customer and supplier contracts, and how tech contracts differ.
• Data protection in contracts: How data protection works in practice, what the risks are if it’s overlooked, and the implications of a breach.
• Red flags in due diligence: Identifying early warning signs and understanding when to explore contract details further to avoid potential pitfalls.
• Practical steps: Practical steps you can do to prepare for a sale.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into how due diligence protects companies in the tech and commercial landscape, and practical steps to ensure your business is fully prepared for both sale and purchase.