by johnireland | Articles
You Are Not Retiring from a Job — You Are Retiring from an Identity When an employee retires, they leave a role. When a business owner retires, they leave an identity. For decades, the answer to “what do you do?” has been inseparable from “who are...
by johnireland | Business Builder
A management buyout lets you sell your business to the people who already know it best — your management team. In 2026, MBOs represent a growing share of UK SME exits as a generation of founders approaches retirement. The advantages are significant: continuity...
by johnireland | Articles
The Exit Nobody Talks About When business owners think about selling, they typically imagine two scenarios: a trade sale to a competitor or a sale to a private equity firm. But there is a third option that many overlook — selling to the management team who already run...
by johnireland | Legal Spotlight
On 13 July 2026, probate fees in England and Wales rose from £300 to £526 — a 75 per cent increase. The fee is only part of the cost. Processing delays, HMRC requirements, and incomplete applications can stretch the timeline from weeks to months. Current average...
by johnireland | Articles
A 75% Increase Overnight On 13 July 2026, the cost of applying for a grant of probate in England and Wales rose from £300 to £526 — a 75 per cent increase. For many families, the fee itself is manageable. But combined with processing delays, HMRC requirements, and the...
