Napthens confirmed as NFU panel firm

Napthens solicitors has been reappointed as a Legal Panel firm by the NFU, the representative body for the rural sector in England and Wales.

The law firm has been selected by the NFU as one of just two panel firms for the North West, meaning it will continue to work with members across Lancashire and Cumbria, who require legal advice.

The news comes after a six-month review by the organisation of its panel firms, looking at factors including services, fee structures, commitment to NFU members and feedback.

This year is a landmark one for the NFU panel, which was originally established in its current format 10 years ago, with Napthens as one of its founding firms. Napthens will remain a panel firm for a further three years.

As a panel firm Napthens will offer advice to NFU members on a range of legal issues affecting individuals, businesses and organisations operating in the rural sector, from succession planning to renewable energy, family and conveyancing.

Napthens will continue to offer members access to its specialist Farm Future service, which delivers fixed cost succession planning for the sector.

Andrew Holden, head of the Rural team at Napthens, said: “As one of the original panel firms we are delighted to continue our relationship with the NFU and its members by being reappointed to the Legal Panel.

“Our Farm Future service in particular has been a popular tool for many, offering an innovative way to tackle the practical challenges faced when running a rural business, and planning to hand it over to the next generation.

“We understand the challenges faced by the sector when planning, sometimes decades in advance, for succession and look forward to working with NFU members in the region for a further three years.”

Ken Sutherland, NFU director of finance and business services, said: “The Legal Panel is a vital part of the services offered to NFU members, and following a rigorous and robust review process I am delighted to confirm that fifteen firms have been reappointed.

“The firms have built upon and strengthened their agricultural and rural teams, and their professionalism and depth of knowledge is second-to-none.”

Trevor Foss, chairman of the NFU Legal Board, added: “The increase in regulation in the industry over the past few years has put the Legal Panel in high demand and we are committed to delivering a high-quality service for all.

“The reappointments will serve to strengthen the bond between the NFU, the LAS and the panel solicitors, which together delivers tangible benefits for all NFU members and LAS subscribers.”

NFU North West regional director David Hall said the firm offered a sound and professional service to farmer and grower members. He said: “Our members are facing an ever-increasing regulatory burden so it’s essential we have the right firms in place on our Legal Panel, with strong agricultural and rural teams, to provide the support they need.

“Napthens has strength and depth of expertise in both farming and non-agricultural issues and it’s excellent that they are on hand to offer such a service. NFU members also get a serious discount if they use a panel firm. “Any farmer or grower can pick up the phone and call their local Napthens office with the reassurance that their case will be in safe hands. I’d like to congratulate them on their reappointment.”