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The Agenda

Issue 21: March 2026

The Agenda

Editor's note

Saul Sender
Saul Sender, Partner

In our March 2026 issue of the Corporate Agenda, we take stock of Companies House reform and highlight the Government's planned updates to the NSI Act's mandatory notification regime.

In the latest of our briefings on PISCES (the new framework for intermittent private company trading platforms), we discuss the first trades to have taken place so far.

In private wealth and private capital, we outline key tax considerations that apply in the context of family investment companies. We also set out what the recent changes to tax relief for employee ownership trusts (EOTs) might mean for those navigating business succession.

We discuss the implications of two recent cases. In the first, the High Court, in a significant development for corporate governance and minority shareholder rights, has confirmed that shareholders have an enforceable right to require the circulation of written resolutions under the Companies Act 2006. The second, involving a challenge to an expert determination, is a useful illustration of the pitfalls of share sale earnout provisions.

Our Fundraising Report 2025 details our activity in the venture capital market, and following the publication of the UK Jurisdiction Taskforce's draft Legal Statement on liability for AI harms under English law, we consider the extent to which the English legal system can address the novel issues arising from the use of AI.

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The advantages of family investment companies - but beware of getting stung

Family investment companies are popular succession planning vehicles, enabling clients to pass wealth to the next generation whilst ensuring they retain control. They are increasingly being considered as alternatives to trusts, however, using them could saddle you with higher overall tax rates compared to personal holdings, and multi-generational tax planning complications.

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Navigating business succession: Budget 2025 changes to EOT relief

Over the past decade, employee ownership trusts became a popular route for business ownership succession. However, the Autumn Budget 2025 heralded a significant shift: from 26 November 2025, the capital gains tax relief on qualifying disposals to EOTs was reduced from 100% to 50%.

Guide Featured
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Fundraising Report 2025

We are fortunate to work with a variety of innovative companies, VCs and investors. Our commitment is to nurture these relationships and provide support throughout their business journeys. Our yearly Fundraising Report is a comprehensive analysis of our involvement in the venture capital market.

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AI & liability - does English law need to change?

In January 2026, the UKJT (an "industry-led initiative, tasked with promoting the use of English law and UK's jurisdictions for technology and digital innovation") published a draft Legal Statement on "Liability for AI Harms Under English Private Law". This Legal Statement forms the basis for a public consultation on how English law can, and should, impose liability for losses caused by the use of AI.

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